While traveling at highway speeds of approximately 82 mph in a 2026 GMC Yukon Denali (6.2L V8 L87 engine), the engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure and completely seized without warning. This resulted in an immediate, total loss of motive power, power steering assist, and power braking assist while surrounded by high-speed traffic. The sudden deceleration and lack of vehicle control created an extreme, life-threatening safety hazard, forcing an emergency maneuver across multiple lanes to reach the shoulder. Stranded on shoulder at night(pitch black) with lots of 18 wheelers passing.
GMC Yukon power steering loss problems
44 of the 5,036 owner complaints about the GMC Yukon describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2015 model year.
- owner complaints
- 44
- worst model year
- 2015
- typical mileage
- 72,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Loss of power 20Engine failure 7Stalling 4Steering lock-up 3Check engine light 2ABS 2Transmission failure 1
What owners say
The progressive failure of the factory steering wheel adhesive on my 2025 GMC Yukon creates an immediate, active safety hazard during vehicle operation. The material failure and sticky glue are localized directly around the integrated heating element of the steering wheel. This failure severely impacts driving maneuvers as well as a potential electrical fire hazard. The liquefied glue residue is incredibly sticky and continually transfers to the driver’s hands, resulting in a compromised, slippery grip on the steering wheel. During active driving maneuvers, such as hand-over-hand turning, navigating sharp curves, the loose edges of the peeling leather and separating trim physically catch on the driver's palms. This restricts smooth wheel rotation, disrupts natural hand movement, and threatens a sudden, temporary loss of steering control. This manufacturing defect introduces severe driver distraction and physical interference with critical steering components while driving, compounded by a potential thermal or electrical defect in the steering wheel heating assembly.
The power steering went out. The dealership said it's the rack and pinion. This part is not available anywhere in the United States. I have been waiting over 3 weeks. I feel the part is unavailable as there is an issue with the rack and pinion and others who have the same vehicle ran into the same problem.
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and metal shavings were found in the engine oil. The dealer replaced the camshaft and lifters; however, the failure worsened. The contact stated while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost power steering functionality. The contact's husband was able to pull over to the side of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then picked up and diagnosed by the dealer. The dealer determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The contact had opened a case with the manufacturer for buyback assistance due to safety concerns. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
Vehicle lost steering and brakes suddenly. Many errors on screen such as: Brake System Failure, ABS Failure, ESC Failure, Traction Control Failure, Maximum Vehicle Speed 43mph. Was able to slowly get home with no power assisted brakes. Did not drive it any more until it was taken to dealer 2 days later and the dealer could not replicate the errors. Dealer was able to see stored error codes; however, they could not verify any errors in any of the modules or computer. Dealer wants us to take it back and wife is scared to drive it due to no fixes or repairs. Loss of brakes and steering is NOT a situation to ask an owner to 'bring back when it happens again"
I’m not happy with just a change in oil viscosity because the car has already been on the road for 70000 miles before we were aware of the recall on the engine. Changing the oil viscosity doesn’t help when there is a underlying engine problem it should be replaced not just change your oil and send you on your way because now I’m always wondering and worried if the engine will still fail when my kids and wife are in the car. Furthermore I just had it inspected and the oil changed to new viscosity a week ago and the oil level is already half way on the dipstick so I’m taking back to the dealership to express my concern. If I would have known this was going to be an issue with this suv I would have purchased something else. I’d just like the engine replaced so that I don’t have to worry every time I pull out of the driveway with my family. My power steering assist still whines and there is no open recall on it. I think GMC should be responsible for replacing engines and power steering assembly and power steering motors on 2021 GMC YUKON DENALIS because of the wear and tear they have endured before the recall was taken care of by adding a different viscosity oil because the damage has already been done.
I was driving on I75 North, just North of Chattanooga. I was in the Center Lane. I lost all power to the vehicle. The engine stopped. I had no power steering, no power brakes, and was in heavy traffic. I managed to shift lanes and get it to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed in. Diaganostics were completed by a certified mechanic. The engine had seized. GM has several recalls on this issue. 2018 is not included. However, this is the exact same issue that is happening with 2019 and up. That were recalled. I urge you to order an extended recall to include 2018 vehicles as well before someone gets killed.
The contact owned a 2021 GMC Denali. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering. The vehicle failed to turn and crashed into a tree. There were no reported injuries. There were no warning lights. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V455000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to his residence. There was no police report filed, airbag deployment, or fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company deemed the vehicle to be a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Brand new 2023 Yukon with 800 miles, 1 week into ownership, engine died while driving on 4 lane highway with no shoulder. Died, lost power steering and power brakes shortly after trying to maneuver to side of road. Vehicle was towed to dealer and they found a spun rod bearing resulting in catastrophic engine failure and had to have engine replaced.
[XXX] while driving on [XXX] myself and my family in our 2022 yukon 6 lane highway 65 mph the engine lost power with no warning at all and left us with no power steering ,or brakes. This was in heavy traffic with other vehicles on our right and left side. I was able to put 4 way on and carefully move to the right lane and then barely to the burm. Vehicle would not restart and the sound of it was of rattle and groan. yukon was towed to the nearest dealer and we were told it was a bad engine of either bearings or rods. We were very lucky to not having an accident and harm my family or other persons on the highway. When a new engine was installed it ran for ony 15 minutes and also was defective for the same issue. Vehicle was returned to us on 12/14/24 and we were denied any additional warranty. At this point i have no confidence in the vehicle or General Motors. We took a financial loss when we traded the vehicle because of the major problems thru no fault of ours. The dealer would offer nothing as far as extending the warranty nor would GMC customer service that we filed a formal complaint # [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Related recalls
Steering: steering control module
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
- Risk
- Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020; Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006; or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.
Recall number 21V455000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
- Risk
- If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 and GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 18289.
Recall number 18V586000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL vehicles, equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist during vehicle operation.
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering assist motor kit, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), or 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14743.
Recall number 14V719000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages
- What is wrong
- Gm is recalling certain model year 2011cadillac escalade, escalade esv; chevrolet silverado hd, silverado ld, suburban, tahoe; and gmc sierra hd, sierra ld, yukon, and yukon xl vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have been tightened to the proper specification.
- Risk
- This could allow the joints to separate, and the driver could experience loss of steering increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Gm dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 13, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑800‑458‑8006, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 11V339000 · Recall details
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- What is wrong
- Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.
- Risk
- If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on october 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727, or hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493.
Recall number 05V455000 · Recall details
Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty extended-cab pickup trucks and 4-door utility trucks. The lower steering shaft to steering gear pinch bolt is "finger loose" or missing allowing the bolt to loosen and fall out. The steering shaft yoke can wear causing an off center steering wheel.
- Risk
- Relative movement between the chassis and cab can cause the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear. This condition can result in a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers are arranging to have the vehicles involved towed to the dealership and alternate transportation is being arranged for owners. Dealers will then inspect the vehicle for the presence of a pinch bolt and torque this bolt to proper specifications.
Recall number 97V142000 · Recall details
Questions about the GMC Yukon power steering loss
Which GMC Yukon years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2015 (7 complaints), 1997 (5 complaints) and 2021 (4 complaints).
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