GMC Yukon Engine Problems
Owners have filed 888 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the GMC Yukon across 28 model years. The 2021 model year has the most (186). The words owners use most often: “engine failed” (7% of reports).
- 888engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 7mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- $6,450typical repair cost reported by owners
- 66%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine failed: mentioned in 61 of 888 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the GMC Yukon at $6,450, and half of them between $1,800 and $10,000.
Based on 29 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2013–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 188 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 888 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 6 an injury.
GMC Yukon engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Yukon | 32 | 78% | 4,244 |
| 2025 Yukon | 38 | 67% | 5,919 |
| 2024 Yukon | 74 | 70% | 22,000 |
| 2023 Yukon | 159 | 65% | 38,118 |
| 2022 Yukon | 111 | 60% | 44,500 |
| 2021 Yukon | 186 | 55% | 74,425 |
| 2020 Yukon | 12 | 33% | — |
| 2019 Yukon | 28 | 51% | 82,000 |
| 2018 Yukon | 27 | 39% | 104,000 |
| 2017 Yukon | 33 | 17% | 50,000 |
| 2016 Yukon | 34 | 13% | 56,000 |
| 2015 Yukon | 33 | 6% | 64,407 |
| 2014 Yukon | 8 | 14% | 91,500 |
| 2013 Yukon | 10 | 9% | 137,500 |
| 2012 Yukon | 3 | 5% | 68,500 |
| 2011 Yukon | 13 | 8% | 125,000 |
| 2010 Yukon | 8 | 8% | 67,258 |
| 2009 Yukon | 4 | 4% | 122,000 |
| 2008 Yukon | 13 | 7% | 108,730 |
| 2007 Yukon | 23 | 5% | 135,200 |
| 2006 Yukon | 2 | 7% | 160,302 |
| 2005 Yukon | 7 | 8% | 114,000 |
| 2004 Yukon | 12 | 8% | 141,000 |
| 2003 Yukon | 12 | 6% | 120,000 |
| 2002 Yukon | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2001 Yukon | 3 | 2% | 120,500 |
| 2000 Yukon | 1 | 1% | 190,000 |
| 1995 Yukon | 1 | 1% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system
Model years: 2015
Problem: General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or 5.3L engine.
Risk: The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number for this recall is 14008.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2001
Problem: On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the ses light may illuminate and the vehicle may run rough. The engine may stall, and if so, may re-start immediately or after a cool down period.
Risk: If the sensor becomes completely inoperative, the engine will quit running and will not re-start. Either of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the crankshaft position sensor free of charge. The recall began on december 18, 2007. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
While driving my vehicle, i noticed no sound coming from infotainment, signaling or lights being able to turn on. After pulling over at the nearest gas station, i parked and turned the vehicle off and waited for 30 minutes. Soon after that time, i turned the vehicle on and sound came back. However…
In late February / early March 2026, at approximately 139,000 miles, my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L V8 (L87) engine developed a loud knocking/rattling noise that sounded like a loose part inside the engine. The vehicle kept running, but the noise persisted. I took the vehicle to a GMC…
2024 GMC Yukon, L87 6.2L V8 VIN: [XXX] This complaint concerns the L87 6.2L engine and NHTSA Engineering Analysis EA26005 regarding engine failure following the remedy for Recall 25V-274. My vehicle underwent the GM recall inspection, including the Pico test, and passed the inspection. The engine…
While traveling on a state route in Pennsylvania the engine unexpectedly locked up. This was confirmed by the dealer once it was towed to their lot and they were able to inspect it. To date, a replacement engine has not been able to be located yet, its been four weeks and no updates have been…
On September 20, 2026 around noon while traveling in the left lane on interstate 40W in North Carolina the engine of my 2023 Yukon Denali seized up with no warning. The screens shut off, then turned back on, and as I attempted to avoid hitting anyone or causing an accident on the road, I tried to…
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Yukons have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 888 owner complaints about engine for the GMC Yukon. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Yukon engine?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the GMC Yukon?
Owners report a typical cost of $6,450 (half paid between $1,800 and $10,000), from 29 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the GMC Yukon?
The most frequent phrase is “engine failed”, in 61 of 888 complaints.
Other GMC Yukon problems
- Air Bags problems (663)
- Electrical System problems (608)
- Power Train problems (487)
- Exterior Lighting problems (460)
- Service Brakes problems (402)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (361)
- Structure problems (299)
- Steering problems (245)
See all GMC Yukon problems.