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

My 2022 GMC Yukon (6.2L L87 V8, VIN [XXX]) is covered by recall 25V-274 / GM N252494000, "L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion." In May 2025, at about 65,800 miles, the engine lost power and shut down while I was driving, then developed a loud knocking noise and an intermittent low-oil-pressure warning. The dealer (The Faricy Boys Automotive, Salida, CO) found excessive metal in the oil sample and replaced the entire engine under this recall in June 2025. The original engine serial was [XXX]; the replacement serial is [XXX]. On XXX, at about 93,000 miles — roughly 27,000 miles after the recall repair — the REPLACEMENT engine GM installed began making the same knocking noise. A dealer (Turner Automotive, Montrose, CO) has confirmed the engine is failing and has ordered a second replacement engine. The recall remedy GM performed did not fix the defect; the engine GM installed to cure the recall is now exhibiting the same failure mode (knocking / loss of propulsion). When the engine failed on XXX, GM Roadside Assistance refused to cover towing despite the engine's replacement coverage, and I had to pay roughly $484 out of pocket to tow the vehicle about 74 miles to the nearest dealer. This is a safety issue: the defect causes loss of motive power, and in my first failure the vehicle shut down while I was driving. I am reporting this because the recall remedy itself appears defective, consistent with NHTSA Recall Query RQ26001 regarding the adequacy of the remedy for campaign 25V-274. Please associate this report with that recall and that investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11747403

With no warning, my engine 6.2 L stopped running at highway speeds and failed to restart. The power train completely failed for a second time after having a previous engine replaced for the same failure in 2024. I had the car inspected per the recall along with changes in the oil viscosity as recommended along with service inspection. The car left me stranded again on rural highway for over 5 hours in temps that exceeded 98 degrees. The car would not start and went into a power save shutdown and had to be towed to the dealer. I was fortunate to have avoided any traffic on the highway enough to get the car off the road. This is not safe to drive on the highway and GMC has known defect and safety concern with this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11745589

The engine began making a metallic knocking noise while at idle and very soon after began to make the same noise under acceleration. This noise sounded very much like the onset of rod bearing failure. The vehicle was driven straight home and parked. We called the dealership the next day and made a service appointment. As I drove the vehicle to the dealership, the engine noise became worse and was clattering very loudly as I pulled into the dealership parking lot. I pulled into a parking spot and let the engine idle with the transmission in Park while I was collecting some personal items when the engine stalled. I tried several times to start the engine but it would not crank. The dealership engine tech later confirmed that the engine was seized

NHTSA ODI 11742839

The engine had a sudden loss of propulsion on the highway traveling at 70mph. It went into netural and I had to coast to the side. Power cycled and it started back up for 15 more miles, then did it again and would not go out of park. Towed to dealer. PICO L87 recall was completed prior to purchasing the vehicle. 300 miles after purchase, the engine locked up. Dealer confirmed its an L87 recall failure. Vehicle was inspected on 4/21/2026. I have been waiting on a motor for 7 weeks with no movement.

NHTSA ODI 11742068

Experiencing a stuck lifter in the DFM module. After doing some research, it appears there are a bunch of other people that are dealing with the same issue. The only recall was for the 6.2L engine but not the 5.3L. It appears that both engines are experiencing the exact same issue and GM hasn’t done anything to help with it.

NHTSA ODI 11741114

Vehicle has 58,800 miles on it driving down highway started smoking and motor making a clanking noise.

NHTSA ODI 11740120

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 stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The hazard lights, collision, road traction, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam lobe and cylinder #6 lifter had failed, and the lifter and camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ODI 11733420

Good afternoon, I am submitting this complaint to report a serious and potentially life-threatening safety issue involving my 2022 GMC Yukon Denali. While traveling northbound on State Road 417 (toll road) in Florida, approaching Exit 45, I was driving approximately 75 mph when, without any warning, the vehicle suddenly shifted itself into neutral. A message immediately appeared on the dashboard instructing me to press the start button, and the vehicle rapidly lost power and began to decelerate in the middle lane of a high-speed highway. This sudden loss of power created an extremely dangerous situation that could have easily resulted in a major collision. Vehicles behind me were traveling at highway speeds, and I had no ability to safely maintain speed or predict the failure. The lack of warning makes this issue especially concerning, as there was no opportunity to take preventive action. After the incident, I contacted OnStar for assistance. The vehicle was towed to Carl Black GMC, where the service advisor confirmed that the engine requires a full replacement. A complete engine failure occurring suddenly at highway speeds, without warning, is not just a mechanical issue—it is a critical safety hazard. This type of failure puts not only the driver but also passengers and surrounding motorists at serious risk of injury or death. It is deeply concerning that a vehicle of this age and caliber would experience such a catastrophic failure. Issues like this must be addressed immediately, as they have the potential to cause severe accidents if they continue to occur without warning. I strongly urge that this matter be investigated thoroughly and that appropriate action be taken to ensure that other drivers are not placed in similar dangerous situations. I was fortunate that my children were not in the vehicle at the time of this incident. The outcome could have been far worse. Please let me know if additional information is required.

NHTSA ODI 11732581

Monday, March 30, 2026 my GMC Yukon Denali had already had the recall pico test and was told it passed on September 2025 six months later March 30, 2026, driving to pick up my wife from work a tapping sound coming from the engine started and about a mile down the road from when I first heard the tapping the engine started juttering and the noise got louder like a clunking sound. I had to pull off the road into a gas station and use the OnStar to get assistance the vehicle was towed to a local San Antonio dealership Cavender Buick West they gave me a loaner vehicle the next morning and the day after that Wednesday I was informed that yes they confirmed the engine will have to get replaced so now I am waiting for that. I was told by the dealer it could take up to two months for them to receive a replacement engine and once they receive the engine, it can take roughly for maybe five days for turnaround. I inquired whether the replacement engine isn’t upgraded engine or is it the same engine that has all the problems I haven’t received an answer for that yet. I am awaiting that answer from my service advisor. He said he is looking into that.

NHTSA ODI 11729008

While driving on the interstate at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration and stalled. I was forced to pull over. After stopping, the vehicle displayed a message to restart, but it would not start. All electronic accessories (lights, dash, etc.) remained functional, but the vehicle would not shift into drive or neutral. The message “Conditions Not Correct for Shift” appeared. Nearly rear ended, this created a dangerous situation due to loss of power in active traffic and inability to move the vehicle on a 250,000 vehicle per day very busy tollway.

NHTSA ODI 11727819

6.2 Liter Engine failed at 34,000 miles. The engine failure was confirmed by Luther Brookdale GMC in Brooklyn Center Minnesota. They said the engine failed and replaced it with a new 6.2L engine as part of the recall. No warning lights, or indication of failure, some very minor noises were coming from the engine. It did not fail on the highway, but at the dealer but could have killed my family if it happened on the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11726981

While driving my 2022 GMC Yukon Denali at interstate highway speed, the engine suddenly failed without any prior warning. At the time of the incident, the vehicle had approximately 65,000 miles. There were no warning lights illuminated before or during the failure. The engine immediately began running rough, produced abnormal knocking/ticking noise, and then completely lost power. This created a dangerous situation, as I was traveling at highway speed and suddenly could not maintain speed with surrounding traffic. I had to quickly maneuver out of traffic and safely reach the shoulder to avoid a potential accident. Due to the complete loss of engine power, the vehicle was inoperable and had to be towed from the scene. The vehicle has been properly maintained and has not had any prior mechanical issues. I contacted a dealership, but as of now, the vehicle has not yet been inspected or diagnosed. Based on the symptoms, the failure appears consistent with a lifter-related engine issue reported in similar vehicles. The sudden and complete loss of power without warning presents a serious safety concern.

NHTSA ODI 11726561

The engine (6.2L L87 V8) failed at approximately 85,000 miles. The failure was diagnosed as internal engine damage and the engine assembly was replaced. The failed engine is available to the manufacturer through the dealer as part of the repair process. The failure resulted in a complete loss of propulsion at highway speeds on the interstate, requiring immediate deceleration and maneuvering to a safe location, which created a safety risk to occupants and surrounding traffic. The condition was confirmed by a GM dealer using diagnostic procedures, including a Pico scope test, which verified internal engine failure. The engine was replaced under GM safety recall / special coverage related to L87 engine failure. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by an authorized GM dealership as part of the recall remedy. Prior to failure, there were no warning lights or messages. The only symptom was increasing engine noise and knocking from the lower end shortly before the loss of power. Failure occurred during normal driving conditions with proper maintenance. No crash, fire, or injury occurred.

NHTSA ODI 11726038

While driving my 2022 GMC Yukon with approximately 150,000 miles, the engine suddenly began running rough and I immediately pulled over. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership. The dealer diagnosed a collapsed lifter and camshaft damage and recommended full engine replacement at a cost of about 9,450. The vehicle had no prior engine issues and most miles are highway miles. Sudden engine failure while driving creates a potential safety hazard due to loss of power. I am reporting this because I understand there are ongoing investigations into GM V8 engine failures and I believe this failure may be related.

NHTSA ODI 11724636

At 27, 000 miles while on vacation, over 1000 miles from home, the lifters and bearings grenaded the motor. The vehicle sat at the dealership for a month waiting for a motor replacement. This could have been much worse as we had just driven through mountains the day before. Had this happened in the mountains this could have been deadly. The engine was replaced, but we have no faith in the new engine as these are failing also. This is unacceptable for any vehicle, let alone an $85,000 Yukon. We have also had several issues with water leaking in from the sunroof also. Gm's solution to me basically missing 3 and a half days of a 7 day vacation was to give me enough gm points to get a free oil change. The dealership was great to deal with, the people I dealt with at GM were not very helpful at all.

NHTSA ODI 11722705

Vehicle: GMC Yukon Denali Model Year: (insert) Engine: 6.2L L87 Mileage at Failure: 44,000 Failure Date: February 18, 2026 Recall: GM 6.2L Engine Failure Recall (crankshaft/bearing defect leading to propulsion loss) Complaint Summary: Complete engine failure and total loss of propulsion on a high-speed highway on-ramp with my family inside, causing extreme danger and emotional trauma. Full Description: On February 18, 2026, my GMC Yukon Denali experienced a sudden and complete loss of propulsion while we were on the on-ramp to a high-speed, heavy-traffic expressway. The engine failed without warning as traffic was accelerating rapidly around us. My husband, my [XXX] son, and I were all in the vehicle on our way to celebrate my son’s birthday. Instead, the vehicle died in one of the most dangerous locations possible — the merge zone of a busy highway — leaving us stranded with cars coming at full speed. Traffic immediately began backing up for a long stretch behind us. Drivers were honking, yelling, and aggressively swerving because the lane was blocked by our stalled vehicle. The situation felt chaotic and frightening. I genuinely believed we were at risk of being rear-ended at highway speed. We felt helpless waiting for police to arrive to protect us. The emotional distress, panic, and fear for my family’s safety were overwhelming. My son was shaking and visibly upset on what was supposed to be his birthday celebration. None of us felt safe until law enforcement was able to block traffic. After the incident, the dealership confirmed that the failure was caused by the GM L87 engine defect currently under recall and stated that the engine needed to be completely replaced. This sudden stall created a severe safety hazard that could have easily resulted in a catastrophic crash, injury, or worse. It has had a lasting emotional impact on me and my family. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11719332

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

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.

NHTSA ODI 11716959

Driving normally. Stopped at a red light when the car started to touch idle and proceeded to shut off. Tried to restart the car and when ignition button was pressed the screen and all electronics shut off and there was smoke coming from the engine bay. Police were called and the car was towed to the nearest gmc dealer. Was called today 2/10/2026 with the update that it was going to require a new motor.

NHTSA ODI 11717135

The engine threw a rod on January 23, 2026. The vehicle stranded me on the side of the road. We called the dealership which they came and towed back to the dealership. No dashboard warnings at all. Oil pressure was good. I heard a low tick to begin with then a slight squeaking noise. After the engine locked it was an abrupt halt with the wheels locking up but didn't come to a complete stop. The noise was very loud after that and that's when I pulled off the highway. The dealership checked it out and did find that the motor needed to be replaced. We just had the SUV in the dealership on October 2025 and they found no need for a new motor, just a change in the oil viscosity.

NHTSA ODI 11715538

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was a dripping sound coming from the vehicle, and the low oil warning light was illuminated. The low oil warning light was illuminated approximately every 1,500 miles after an oil change. After each oil change, the level on the oil dipstick was low. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where an oil consumption test was performed. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was consuming approximately 25 percent of the engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact was referred to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that an additional oil consumption test was needed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 87,000.

NHTSA ODI 11715224

On 15-Jan-26 (approximately 5 weeks after the vehicle was serviced for the NHTSA #25V274) while doing highway speeds the vehicle suddenly started huffing and loosing propulsion. After the dealership did their initial inspection found that lifters in at least one bank were damaged. The suddenness, the randomness and severity of this unprovoked failure (I wasn’t towing anything or going uphill) combined by the fact that the dealership previously gave this vehicle a clean bill of health makes me have no confidence in the road worthiness of this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11714833

2022 GMC Yukon AT4 was brought into the dealership for the service recall on the engine. No issues and received the 0W40 "fix". Approximately 4-6 weeks later, I was traveling on the interstate at approx. 75MPH when the truck completely shut down mid-passing with a code stating "conditions for not for shifting" and I was lucky enough to get the truck to the shoulder of the road without being struck by another vehicle as the truck "shifted" to neutral and would not do anything. Once the truck was in park, it shut off and I was unable to get it started again. Received multiple codes (key fob battery needs replacing, battery low, etc.) while stuck on the side of the interstate for several hours until I was able to get it towed (at a charge of $500) to my dealership. It then sat in the parking lot for 3 days for diagnosis pending TAC deciding whether to tear the engine down or replace it. It was determined to meet the recall qualifications and the dealership has ordered a replacement engine and was told they would start at a estimated 4 week repair time but would probably take closer to 6-8 weeks. Dealership has provided a rental at no cost to me but did not refund my towing costs associated with the repair.

NHTSA ODI 11713920