What 164 owners told NHTSA about the 2022 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500

Vehicle is a 2022 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L L87 V8, covered by NHTSA Recall 25V-274 (GM N252494001). The recall remedy was performed. The engine passed the dealer inspection and was given the higher-viscosity 0W-40 oil remedy rather than an engine replacement. On 05/26/2026, at approximately 43,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a sudden engine knock while being driven by my wife. At the same time, the dash displayed Service ESC and Service Traction Control warnings, the vehicle's speed fluctuated on its own without driver input, and the air suspension cycled up and down while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed a failed lifter with resulting camshaft damage and repaired it under the powertrain warranty. The vehicle was out of service approximately fifteen days. Shortly after the vehicle was returned, it began displaying a "Theft Attempted" message on the dash every day. I reported this to the dealer in writing on 06/15/2026 with a photograph at 43,898 miles. The dealer stated it was unlikely to be related and did not scan or diagnose it. On 07/14/2026, approximately 560 miles after the repair, the vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed to the dealer a second time. It is currently at the dealer and has not yet been diagnosed. The unexpected loss of power, speed fluctuation, and stability-control failure at road speed present a serious crash risk. This vehicle passed the 25V-274 inspection remedy and then experienced a valvetrain failure regardless, which is directly relevant to Recall Query RQ26001 into the adequacy of that remedy.

NHTSA ODI 11750311

with no warning ,the GMC 6.2L engine failed on my family trip to Colorado. The engine seized at HWY speeds, stopped running, failed to restart and had to be towed to local dealer. This issue is a known GMC defect with numerous reports and a safety recall issue. I was fortunate to be able to move offer in hwy traffic and get to the shoulder where my situation took 8 hours travel time to continue my family trip.

NHTSA ODI 11745593

the full audio system went out on the vehicle at 40,000 - the amp and safety warnings that come through the car audio failed and took 2 days to replace at my expense for the amp to have the features active

NHTSA ODI 11745601

OnStar telemetry module failed. Needs replaced. These modules are on back order. Safety features and emergency calling are disabled due to failed telemetry modules. Over the air updates cannot be completed due to the failure of the telemetry system. Important module updates from the manufacturer are not happening.

NHTSA ODI 11745249

OnStar module failure. No communication with vehicle in the event of emergencies. Safety systems disabled. No remote access to unlock/ lock doors. No remote start. No speed limit notification. All built in apps and wi-fi no longer functioning.

NHTSA ODI 11743132

We were driving on 95S when the Yukon Denali automatically shifted itself from D to N. On the dash it had a warning message to press start again. When my husband did that we could smell a smoke smell. Meanwhile, we are in the middle lane of the highway while trying to safely get off the middle of the interstate without being rear ended by the semi that was behind us. We finally made it to the side of the interstate where my husband was able to put the Yukon in park. He was never able to get the vehicle back in Drive. The car would never click back over to start up again. We had to have the vehicle towed to the nearest GMC dealership where it has now been for almost 3 weeks with no timeline for a date of a new engine. I was told it needed a new engine and radiator. Said the alternator was trying to catch fire when he was trying to start the vehicle. This is the SECOND time the Yukon has been in the dealership in 4 months for this recall issue. This time it is 2hrs away from my home.

NHTSA ODI 11734258

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V617000 (SEAT BELTS), 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), and 22V903000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). The vehicle was serviced under Customer Satisfaction Program: N242436631. However, the failure occurred. The contact stated that after the serial data gateway module was updated, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart with the key fob, and the doors failed to unlock with the key fob. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the dealer refused to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 177,000.

NHTSA ODI 11721500

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the computer system malfunctioned, causing the instrument cluster to turn off unintendedly. Additionally, the doors failed to immediately unlock, and the driver’s side mirror could not be adjusted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 22,000.

NHTSA ODI 11718407

In 2023, the vehicle began exhibiting erratic transmission shifting behavior, including harsh and unpredictable shifts while driving. The vehicle was taken to a GMC dealer for diagnosis and repair. Recently, the vehicle developed additional drivetrain and engine control issues related to the crankshaft position sensor circuit. The vehicle stalled while driving on a highway mountain overpass with multiple vehicles traveling behind me. When the stall occurred, the vehicle shifted into park and would not restart for several minutes. This created a hazardous situation due to loss of propulsion in active traffic at highway speed and limited shoulder space. Following diagnosis, the servicing dealer determined that the engine wiring harness requires full replacement due to internal wiring integrity issues affecting critical engine control signals. The crankshaft position sensor and related wiring are essential for engine timing and propulsion. Loss or corruption of this signal can result in reduced engine power, erratic transmission behavior, stalling, or no-start conditions. The earlier erratic shifting behavior appears consistent with conditions described in GM Technical Service Bulletin 21-NA-149, which identifies engine harness-related causes for drivetrain and shifting concerns. This issue appears to involve degradation or defect within the engine wiring harness affecting engine management and transmission operation. Given that this condition resulted in a highway stall and temporary inability to restart, I am reporting this for investigation as a potential safety-related defect involving loss of propulsion.

NHTSA ODI 11717445

I am writing to report a failure of the telematics module in our vehicle. The module stopped functioning without any warning or notification on the dashboard. Our vehicle has only 64,000 miles and has never been involved in an accident, so this failure is unexpected. This issue has resulted in the complete loss of OnStar connectivity, meaning that automatic crash notification would not occur in the event of an accident. Additionally, we are no longer able to remotely unlock or access the vehicle through the app, as all communication capabilities are currently disabled.

NHTSA ODI 11714994

I’m filing this complaint regarding my 2022 GMC Yukon Denali (VIN: [XXX] , MSRP ~$76,805) with an unresolved L87 engine recall. I made an appointment at my local GMC dealership on 5/8/25 specifically for the L87 recall. Upon arrival, staff only documented the Serial Data Gateway Module recall, which I hadn’t even known about. When I mentioned the 6.2L engine, I was asked if I was “sure.” I believe I was treated dismissively because I’m a woman. After pushing back, staff pulled up the bulletin, confirmed my engine needed replacement, and told me to “drive it until it blows up or there’s a fix, whichever comes first.” The L87 was only added to my receipt after I insisted—it was falsely listed as an “added operation,” though it was the reason I came in. I sent a certified letter to GM on 5/12/25 (signed for on 5/15/25) confirming the date I tendered the vehicle. Both GM and the dealer were fully aware the 60-day federal repair window had begun. It is now well past that deadline, and the L87 recall remains unresolved. Compounding the issue, the AC failed on [XXX], and the vehicle has been parked since early June due to extreme KY heat, making it unsafe to drive my children. I rely on this vehicle for daily commuting—driving ~100 miles/day for work—and it is also the only vehicle we own capable of towing our family boat, which has now sat unused all summer. I am currently paying $1,000/mo for the Yukon, $600/mo for the boat, and $200/mo for insurance—$1,800/month in preventable financial losses caused by GM’s failure to act. No repair has been offered. No loaner vehicle has been provided. No response has been received. I believe I was misled and discriminated against at the dealership, and I am now financially burdened and without a safe, reliable vehicle. This situation qualifies under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act for repurchase, compensation, or forced resolution. I am requesting a formal investigation and full remedy. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11674666

The on star module no longer working. This is a safety feature included in the manufacturing of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11673051

While driving 75 on the highway the vehicle shut off completely, shifted to neutral and a message flashed on the dashboard to "press start again". This has happened previously when my 16 y/o was driving but we chalked it up to user error. Scheduled appointment with dealership. There were no warning lamps, no lights illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle just cut off and I have not been able to reproduce the issue.

NHTSA ODI 11658436

We were driving down the interstate at around 70mph and without warning - the vehicle shut off. The engine stopped running and the vehicle put itself in Neutral. The headlights and electrical all shut off and the only message on the display was to push start to restart the vehicle. Luckily, we were able to safely maneuverer out of traffic without being hit by other vehicles. Our vehicle was able to be restarted once we came to a complete stop and put the car in park. We are having he vehicle towed to our local GMC dealer to have it evaluated. The issue only happened one time.

NHTSA ODI 11644535

My transmission began having problems the day it was delivered to me. After the oil change which they delivered to me at low percentage was completed the motor was ticking. It has had a burning smell and has been in and out of the shop and going back soon. I was on the expressway and the speed declined with error messages on the dash almost resulting in an accident. No one is listening to my concerns and now the motor has a metal clinking noise

NHTSA ODI 11639217

When vehicle is turned on OR during normal driving, audio volume randomly goes to full high mode (all the way up) to a deafening level that makes it difficult to drive. The knob, steering wheel controls and any connected devices (like the phone) do not control the audio. Audio setting is completely unresponsive and will not turn down. It is not possible to drive in this condition. I had to pull over and turn my car off. I turned it on and off several times before the audio did not come on full blast and I could safely drive my car. This is the third time this has happened to me. Two out of 3 times I had a young child in the car.

NHTSA ODI 11620791

The servicing dealer identified a faulty injector wiring harness. A national backorder caused a delay in repair. I do not have the part. The dealer retained. I was driving at highway speeds on the interstate and every possible warning light came on the dash. "Service ESC" "Service Traction Control", Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care", "Forward Collision System Unavailable", "Service Emmision System" At this point, I experienced a loss of power and acceleration, and the vehicle would shake violently when I applied the accelerator pedal. There was no indication of any failure prior to the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11614244

The dealer claims it was a faulty battery. Said it had a short in it. I have the battery and it can be inspected. I firmly believe it was software related. I was driving and the vehicle completely shut off while driving. I was unable to steer, restart, use the power assisted brakes, or navigate to a safe area. I was unable to restart the vehicle and it had to be towed. The problem was never reproduced and has not occurred again. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer. All possible warning lights came on the dash and display. The radio and Bluetooth still worked.

NHTSA ODI 11614248

Vehicle lifters failed early February 2024 while driving. Lifters were replaced and returned to us. One week later the entire engine seized while at 75 mph freeway. Vehicle currently in for repairs for 30+ days and still not fixed. Have had the Yukon in the shop 8 times for electrical, engine, computer failures all previously identified in complaints listed on this website. Family was put at risk on a known chronic engine failure as told by the service department and technician.

NHTSA ODI 11577851

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while her daughter was occupying the second-row passenger's side seat, the seat inadvertently folded. The contact stated that the failure recurred on the second-row driver’s side seat while the seat was vacant. Additionally, the contact stated that the horn was inoperable. The contact stated that she was concerned for her safety and the safety of her children. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown diagnostic test was performed, and the parts were ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by the dealer, and the contact was informed that a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 10,444.

NHTSA ODI 11541873

This complaint is an addendum to a complaint I filed last week regarding the suspension of my same vehicle. 1. Battery: battery died several times without warning and the cause was never found. Took 4 trips to the dealer to get a new battery placed. Dealer blamed various “modules” each time. I believe that electrical system is faulty because the windshield wiper sprayer also stopped working, and the heads up display flickered at times. Issue 2: “low engine oil pressure warning. Turn vehicle off immediately” warning at 17,800 miles while driving on the highway. Had to immediately pull over and per GMC, the vehicle was not able to be driven and had to be towed to the dealership, leaving me stranded at night in a vehicle that I couldn’t turn on while I waited to be picked up.

NHTSA ODI 11532890

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that since owning the vehicle, the parking sensors failed to operate as needed. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the chip needed to activate the sensor was not installed in the vehicle. The contact called several dealers in his area and was informed that due to a chip shortage, the chip needed to repair the vehicle was not yet available. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 100.

NHTSA ODI 11521323

Complete shutdown of electronic controls: Driving (pulled out of parking lot) Both remotes in vehicle SiriusXM on w/music Turned audio volume down from steering wheel Music volume immediately jumped to highest level Volume would not respond to steering wheel, radio knob or screen controls Could not turn off or change volume via radio knob (pulled over) Engine shut-off but immediately restarted, multiplt attempts on Park-foot on brake, with audio at full volume and no response to any controls (wheel, infotainment, radio knob) Tried to use remote: lock/unlock/stop, but no response. Changed source from SiriusXM to Android Auto via steering wheel controls and was able to reduce volume and all controls returned to normal function.

NHTSA ODI 11512527

Illuminated Emblem failed due to apparent water intrusion. It caused drivers side head lamp to operate improperly. At first it caused headlamp to flicker, as if a short. Then it caused headlamp to remain on when it shouldn't. It would NOT cut off. Therefore, risk of battery going dead and being stranded. It could also cause trouble driving, therefore causing a wreck. My vehicle is currently in the shop for this and no recall has been issued by GM. It's a known issue, had been a known issue for over 7 months, and still NO resolution!! I had to pay extra for this Emblem, and they're NOT offering a refund for an added OEM accessory that will NOT operate! They have issued a temporary "fix" until resolution is found, again, 7 months and still no resolution!

NHTSA ODI 11506131

While stopped at a stop sign the vehicles start/stop activated and turned off the engine. When I released the break to hit the gas the engine would not turn back on. I was stuck in the middle of the road and unable to restart my vehicle. After several minutes of trying to turn the vehicle off/on it started back up. The second incident happened when using the remote start. Once I entered the vehicle and put my foot on the brake and hit the start button the engine completely died. Radio and heat stayed on but the engine wouldn't turn over. After letting it be for a half hour everything was still on inside the vehicle but the engine still wouldn't turn over. I disconnected the battery and reconnect it. Once that was done the vehicle started back up. Vehicle was brought to the dealership, but was told there is no fix and to not use the automatic start or auto start/stop on the vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11502273