What 211 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500

My name is [XXX] , and I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a serious safety defect in my 2023 GMC Yukon with a 3.0 Duramax diesel engine. The issue involves the transmission valve body, which has caused rear wheel lockup at highway speeds. I experienced this issue at 34,000 miles on my vehicle, and it has been in the shop for over 5 weeks with no estimated time on parts availability. Despite opening a case with GM support, as detailed in the attached email transcript, I have not received a resolution. GM has refused to replace the complete transmission on the vehicle and only offered to replace the valve body. This is unacceptable as the defective valve body has already caused damage to the transmission. I also opened a BBB Auto Line case, which was closed immediately after I denied the offer from the GM support representative. This raises concerns about a potential conflict of interest, as the BBB Auto Line seemed aware of my interactions with GM support. I am seeking a complete transmission replacement with a valve body upgrade kit from NextGen transmission, which I believe would resolve the issue. However, GM has not accepted this offer. I request that the NHTSA investigate this matter promptly to ensure the safety of my vehicle and others that may be affected by this defect. If this issue is not resolved, I will have no choice but to pursue legal action. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11664367

I was driving on the highway going about 50 mph and the engine just stopped. It was very dangerous, and I couldn't get to a completely safe spot. I was stuck for 45 minutes there until police could get to my Yukon and help provide safety. I had 2 other passengers in the car. All of us were put at great risk and the surrounding traffic was also at risk. The Triple A towing took over an hour to get the vehicle on a flatbed because they couldn't get the Yukon in Neutral. There were absolutely no warning lights or any weird noises, the car shifted out of drive and would not go back into any gear. I am waiting for the dealership to decide what to do. My main reason for writing this complaint is this is a BIG HAZARD, not only for people who drive/ride in these vehicles but for every vehicle on the roads around them. When they stop with no warning, accidents and I'm sure some with fatalities will happen. This is a critical situation, and these vehicles should all be off the road. My Yukon was in my dealership service for an oil change about 1 week prior to this incident and I had a long conversation about the recall. They said my Yukon looked great and nothing was needed unless I had any problems. Since there have been so many others with the failed engine, ALL vehicles with this recall should be off the road to prevent totally innocent people from being in these dangerous situations. This is preventable if these cars are forbidden on the roads!!! GM must take responsibility before lives are lost due to this negligent reaction of issuing a recall but saying it is safe to keep driving unless there is a problem. If the first sign of a problem is failure with resulting catastrophic outcomes, then just issuing a recall is not enough. This must be addressed, PLEASE. This was a terrifying experience for me and my riders. I have no idea if the police filed the report but they spent alot of time trying to keep everything safe due to this issue.

NHTSA ODI 11664433

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11663805

While traveling away from home with my son my vehicle said push to start. I was able to coast over to the side of the two lane highway and attempted several times to restart my vehicle. After several phone calls between two dealerships, I was told “If you can get it here we can help you”. So I had to file a claim with my insurance to have my vehicle towed to a dealership with only having service while the WiFi was operating. The tow truck kept getting pushed further and further back. Over 2 and a half hours later, keeping my son restrained inside the vehicle for safety, luckily an officer stopped and took myself and my son out of the 97 deg heat all the way to our destination another 2 hours away. From July to September my vehicle was in the dealership service dept waiting on a galactic back ordered 6.2 engine and main fuse repair.

NHTSA ODI 11663293

The front windshield wipers suddenly stopped working and will not turn on.

NHTSA ODI 11662617

Recall for engine propulsion. Say that there is no remedy yet. I have read the warnings about what may happen and I am terrified to drive the vehicle. GM says to contact the dealer, dealer says to contact GM. No one wants to take initiative. If they cannot fix the car, they should buy the car go back so I can get something different. I have been driving an old car around because I’m am afraid of this one. Please help me.

NHTSA ODI 11661977

I own a 2023 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L V8 engine. A safety recall was recently issued for this vehicle due to a potential engine defect that could result in sudden and severe failure. However, GM has not provided a remedy, and dealerships are unable to offer any repair or trade-in options while the recall remains open and unresolved. I live in a rural area with limited cell service and long distances between towns. This makes the potential for sudden engine failure even more dangerous. Out of serious concern for my family’s safety, I no longer feel comfortable allowing my wife or our [XXX] child to ride in or use the vehicle. The risk of being stranded—or worse, getting into an accident due to engine failure—is too great given our location and the nature of this defect. I attempted to trade in the vehicle at a GMC dealership to get into a safer and unaffected vehicle, but the dealer refused to accept it because of the recall. This leaves me stuck with a vehicle that has a known safety issue and no solution in sight, limiting both my transportation options and peace of mind. There were no warning lights or prior symptoms before the recall. The issue was disclosed by the manufacturer. A dealer has confirmed the recall is active, but no fix exists. This situation is unacceptable and has real-world safety and financial consequences for families like mine. I urge the NHTSA to hold GM accountable and ensure a remedy is made available immediately to protect consumers who are left in limbo by this unresolved and serious safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11660576

My wife was driving in the vehicle with our two (2) infants on Dixie Hwy in Boca Raton, FL when the breaks suddenly stopped working. Fortunately, there was not a lot of traffic on the road at this time and eventually the vehicle slowed down and no one was injured. No warning lights came on. Once the car came to a complete stop my wife turned off the vehicle and started it back up; still no warning lights or anything. My wife drove a little further to get to a safer location (not in the middle of the road), unfortunately the car then completely stopped working and my wife was still stuck in the middle of the road...eventually a police officer (crash inspector) came to the scene and the car was towed to the dealership for repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11660704

I am experiencing ongoing issues with the infotainment system in my vehicle, which has remained unresolved despite multiple service visits. The system frequently blacks out, reboots while driving, and fails to function entirely at times, for days at a time. This is more than an inconvenience — it presents several serious safety concerns, including: •Loss of the rearview camera and parking assist features, making reversing hazardous. •Inability to access hands-free calling and navigation, increasing the risk of driver distraction and noncompliance with hands-free driving laws. •Disruption of access to climate controls and safety alerts that are routed through the infotainment system. •Frequent system crashes while driving, which divert my attention from the road. These issues compromise both the safety and usability of the vehicle, and I am requesting immediate action to resolve the problem under warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11660485

Vehicle has 32,000 miles and the valve body has gone out and now parts for possibly months. My vehicle has been in the shop over these first 2 years over 2 months. Now this issue with the valve body it has been in over two weeks and they claim it will be months before they can get parts. This issue puts the vehicle in limp mode and most likely is damaging the clutrch packs as they go out. People all over the forums are having issues with these 10 speed transmissions. Something needs to be done to help out those affected.

NHTSA ODI 11660555

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle was jerking and driving roughly. The contact stated that the odor of burning metal was present inside the cabin of the vehicle, and the messages "Service ESC and Traction Control" were displayed. The contact was able the slowly drive the vehicle back to the residence, and later the vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who discovered metal shavings inside the engine oil. The contact stated that the fuel injectors and carburetor were replaced, but the failure was not resolved. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 25,734.

NHTSA ODI 11659876

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and passing another vehicle, the vehicle stalled. The contact noticed that the vehicle had unexpectedly shifted into neutral. The vehicle was coasted to the nearest parking lot and stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11659692

When i get in my truck to leave after my truck is parked for awhile, and take off after i stop i get a rattling which sounds like its coming from the engine. I brought my truck into the dealship when i noticed the probelm but of course the techs " couldnt hear it". I hear it everyday since!

NHTSA ODI 11659209

Driving on freeway, engine shut down and transmission shifted to neutral. Contacted onstar and remote diagnostics showed no issue. Truck would not start. Towed to dealership. After a week could not diagnose problem. Dealer had GM specialist diagnose vehicle who said required new engine. Claimed metal shavings in oil system but did not specify cause. Engine replaced at manufacturer expense. Did not receive reimbursement for rental car as promised. Dissatisfied with vehicle, traded out after owning for only a year.

NHTSA ODI 11658066

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. In addition, the contact attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to immediately restart. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that previously, the failure had occurred, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer updated an unknown software. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 16,855. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11658260

My engine failed while I was driving & I had no warning. It was very scary & dangerous. Luckily I was in an area where I could get off the road quickly. It started skipping then lost power. I basically coasted off the road & had to call for help. It was making a bad knocking noise. This happened 2 weeks ago on April 16. It has been sitting at Glynn Smith.GMC dealership since. I was told by the service manager that the engine failed & I will need a new engine. the engines are on back order now. I fear they will replace it with the same problem. I see the recall this week but will changing the oil viscosity really fix it?? Doubtful. Someone is going to get killed or hurt from this problem. I do not want the same issue to happen with a new engine.

NHTSA ODI 11657726

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to reverse as needed. The contact stated that the transmission was stuck in neutral. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the transmission was slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve body needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA ODI 11657461

On March 28, my 2023 Yukon Denali stalled on a 4 lane road forcing me to make an emergency stop on the side of the road in a right hand turn lane. The vehicle required towing to a local GMC dealership. They could not restart the vehicle and upon evaluation found metal shavings in the oil. They have recommended an engine replacement. There was no warning, it just stalled and would not restart. My Yukon remains at the dealership and we are still waiting for an engine.

NHTSA ODI 11657331

Liftgate Opening without pushing the button, it just randomly opens.

NHTSA ODI 11656001

While driving on the mass pike with my fiancé and 4 kids our motor suddenly died. We were using cruise control going 75mph and the vehicle shifted into neutral itself and the car died. I managed to make it to a break down lane and we had to sit there for 2.5 hours before a tow showed up to help. The dealership said the motor seized and we were under the 60K for warranty and it was covered. They got us a rental the next day and then on the 3rd day they called and said it was lack of oil changes that caused it and they asked if i had records of service history. We bought the vehicle used and only had the vehicle long enough to perform 1 oil change. We did our oil change on time and I'm trying to locate service records from the dealership we bought it from. However there were no signs of dark and contaminated oil when i did the oil change at my shop and also no sounds or warnings coming from the vehicle prior to the motor seizing up. I think they are trying to get out of paying for the motor when its clearly a known problem with these 6.2l engines.

NHTSA ODI 11655358

The evening of Tuesday [XXX] driving from College Station, TX to Pasadena TX my GMC 2023 GMC Yukon starting making a clicking noise but no warning lights. For about an hour the noise persisted louder and softer and the check engine light would flash 3 times then stop, for a while then flash again. I did notice that when applying gas I didn't get the normal increase in acceleration but I couldn't tell if it was a power issue or a transmission issue. I was traveling about 60mph on a freeway thankfully in the right lane the vehicle suddenly shut off with no warning. I had no power, brakes did work and I could steer and I was able to make it to the area between the main lanes of the freeway and the lane of an onramp. Once stopped I attempted to restart the vehicle and nothing happened. We were stuck. Onstar was contacted and a tow to a dealership was arranged. A sheriff deputy stationed his vehicle behind us to provide protection until the tow truck arrived. The vehicle is now at a GCM dealer and I have been told the engine has locked up and needs a complete replacement. I have no other information in those regards. There is a long back order for new engines and the estimate is at 4 weeks. I did see the check engine light flash 3 times and then go off for a while then start again, but we were no where close to home and it was somewhat late at night. I also had coworkers in the vehicle taking them back to our office. At this point this is as much as I know but thankfully i was already in the right lane or this might have been a much more difficult situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11655444

I was driving approximately 45 MPH and my 2023 Yukon STOPPED completely and it would not move at all, it stopped just into where the intersection starts. After 2 hours it was towed to the GMC dealership. I am now told that it needs a new engine at just 15,000 miles. Apparently this is a “thing” I had no warning whatsoever. The dealership has it now and it is waiting on a new engine. Extremes scary and now they said they will put a new one in and it “shouldn’t happen again”. Ridiculous Engines are on back order for at least 60 days because of this problem I’m told.

NHTSA ODI 11655218

Engine shut off twice driving down the highway at 70 mph. Electronics completely shut down then started back up, engine shifted to neutral and wouldn't let me shift out of it. Pulled over to shoulder and restarted engine. Took to Ewing GMC and no issue was found, vehicle was returned. A week later, exact same thing, but this time engine would not restart. Had to be towed to dealership. Engine is blown and have been waiting on a replacement for 3 weeks currently. This is an extremely dangerous issue, people will die from this if it is not corrected. Even once I get the vehicle back, I'm concerned about my family's safety while driving it.

NHTSA ODI 11655229

I was sitting at a stop light and my vehicle completely failed without any warning. Was not able to start, etc. it was completely dead. There was no notice of issues or problems; no messages, no lights, etc. The vehicle had to be towed to a dealer and has been sitting for over 5 weeks waiting for a new motor. I was told that there is no timeline for when a new motor will be available and that it could be months! I travel with my vehicle for work so it is really needed!

NHTSA ODI 11655277

Approximately 14’000 miles we were told a rod went through the engine. Our vehicle failed at a high rate of speed leaving myself, wife, and 2 young children to pull off a major highway and call for police to help slow traffic. This happened while driving 70 mph on the highway. The only warning we received was when the car went from “D” drive to “N” neutral on the highway. Fortunately, we had enough time to pull to the side of the road before complete engine failure. GMC road side was not helpful. We were told we would have to find a ride home over an hour away, and when our ride arrived, so did the tow truck. Then, they had to drag the vehicle onto the flatbed because the tow truck company did not have the unlocking device for the wheels. Upon getting it to our house, the tow truck company had to rock our vehicle off the bed! We were not able to tow it where we purchased it. We either had to tow it to the nearest GM dealer or our house. We chose our house because the nearest GM dealer from where we broke down would've been over an hour away from our house. Our second engine failed 2200 miles later while my wife was sitting at a light in a busy intersection. The car again went from “D” to “N,” and it was immovable. The cops had to be called because the tow company couldn’t come fast enough. We were towed out of the intersection, but I waited over 5 hours with several dropped tows for a tow company. That occurred on my birthday. We are now on our third engine, and GMC wouldn’t warranty the engine. Our brand new tires went at 32,000 miles because GMC could not confirm or deny that rocking our vehicle on and off the flatbed three times didn’t affect the alignment. The front two tires inside tread was worn. I was told the tires from the factory are 50+ thousand mile tires. We barely got 32,000 miles. We’ve had multiple issues with electronics, back up camera, and media package. The Lemon Law won’t cover us because our first engine did not fail before 12,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11655327