What 208 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Xl

I took my SUV (Yukon SLT 2023) to the GMC Dealership 4/5 months ago because of 2 recalls, Failed Brake Fluid Leak Detection and Serial Data Gateway Model. The car was repaired according to the dealership. About 2 weeks ago, I entered my garage to auto start my vehicle and my SUV would not auto start. I waited a few minutes and tried to start it again from inside the vehicle and it started. When it started, the engine light was on and on the dashboard, brake system failure was displaying. It was very strange. So, I let my vehicle idle for a couple of minutes and tried to move the car in the garage. The car started jerking when I put it in drive and a message displayed on the dashboard telling me not to drive my SUV over 40 mph. The brake system failure and engine light were still on. It was very strange. I parked my SUV and let it sit. I'm taking my SUV back to the dealership on Thursday. I'm thankful I wasn't on the highway traveling to work, who knows what could have happened. There are massive problems with these vehicles, brakes, engine, computer systems, etc. I do not feel safe driving my SUV. I drive 41 miles each way for work and I don't feel safe driving this vehicle now with all the recalls, including the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11638837

The engine started making a rattling sound while on an interstate. The vehicle was able to make it to the next exit before it immediately lost power leaving it on the shoulder of a narrow road just past the exit ramp of the interstate. The vehicle was towed to a local GM dealership where technicians confirmed the engine was no good. This is the second engine that this vehicle has had replaced one at 18000 miles and one at 20000 miles. The engine failed with no clear warning signs, no check engine light, and no obvious causes like low oil.

NHTSA ODI 11638852

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that there were metal fragments inside the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.

NHTSA ODI 11638270

Complete engine failure while driving. Resulting in GM replacing the entire engine after only 15K miles (new vehicle).

NHTSA ODI 11638399

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that it might take approximately 6 months to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,118.

NHTSA ODI 11638075

The complete engine on this vehicle was replaced by GM on 04/05/2024 at 24,069 miles. This was due to the known engine failures GM is having with the 6.2L engine. This is a well known and documented safety issue that GM is refusing to properly address. Vehicles with the 6.2L L87 engine are having complete engine failures while driving at highway speeds, which is a huge safety issue. I live in north Georgia where the roads are steep with sharp blind curves. I frequently cross steep mountains with high elevations that require frequent brake usage and constant steering through the sharp curves. I also drive on the interstate in Atlanta, GA where the posted speed limit is 70MPH. An engine failure in any of my driving circumstances is life threatening. As you know, when the engine fails you're braking and steering capabilities are greatly reduced. For example, if I was to experience an engine failure while driving across the mountain I would be unable to stop or get the vehicle off the road. Without being able to move, I could be stranded in a blind curve where I could be struck by another vehicle. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle and I'm in constant fear that it will have another engine failure like so many other 6.2L owners are experiencing. I'm morally unable to sell this vehicle to someone else due to the known engine failures. GM will not take responsibility and fix the issue or buy it back. So, I'm stuck with a $90,000 SUV that is unsafe to drive. Please continue to investigate this safety issue! You are saving lives by doing so. Thank you for everything you have done and are continuing to do. Please let me know if you need additional information or I can be of assistance.

NHTSA ODI 11637626

Bought the truck back in January of 2023. Within 3 weeks of owning it an only 900 miles it spun a thrust bearing. Told me 9 months for a new motor. Offered to rebuild it an try to fix. They tried an fail miserably. During the final road test after rebuild had massive lifter failure. Replace cam ran the truck for about 4-6 months an lost all tolerance on main bearings an thrust bearings again.

NHTSA ODI 11637820

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.

NHTSA ODI 11637226

L87 Engine suddenly, withoiut warning started having a severe engine rod knock. Safety put at risk because the engine could blowup and lock vehicle up. Dealer confirmed rod knock and will replace engine under warranty. ZERO prior indication (No SES or other warning lights).

NHTSA ODI 11637469

The engine turned off while driving TWICE with NO WARNING. The first time the engine turned off without warning doing around 60MPH but was able to be restarted and ran normally for about a week or so. The second and final time that the engine turned off without warning was about a week after the first incident. The engine would not restart, in fact, it would not even crank. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where it was determined to be a crankshaft bearing failure causing a bottom end engine failure. Metal shavings were found in the oil pan. Vehicle is only 14 months old and has 22,754 miles. All service was done by dealer at manufacturers suggested intervals.

NHTSA ODI 11637045

Blown motor on 2023 Yukon (after owning the SUV exactly 1 month). 3600 miles on it. Picked it up January 9, 2023, motor blown on Feb 9th, 2023. From my dealer: Tech found perform tear down on the engine- remove lower oil pan and discovery metal inside the oil pan. perform inspect on the bottom engine and found rod bearings spun- causing internal premature engine failure. Final ticket write up included: engine appeared to be “starving for oil” cylinders #5 & 6 piston rod bearings seized. Major internal engine failure. I went through the full engine replacement at a local dealer then dealt with GM for 2 months and eventually they did fully replace this vehicle with a new 2023 GMC YUKON. Luckily expedited the build as the first one took 9 months to receive. we took deliver of new vehicle in June of 2023. Can provide the new VIN if necessary. Current 6.2L has about 30k miles on it .

NHTSA ODI 11637153

Yukon with 6.2 V8 suffered crankshaft bearing failure. Vehicle had only 9800 miles on it. No warning. Vehicle shifted itself into neutral and engine shut off. Engine replaced under warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11636873

Passing a semi up a hill going 75 and the motor shuts off. As the Yukon slowed, the semi slowed down as well. It was difficult trying to get the Yukon to the right shoulder. There was no warnings or anything on the dash. The vehicle just quit running. Tried restarting and it was like the battery was dead. Got it towed to a dealership and they said the engine was ruined from 6 of the 8 rod bearings disintegrating. Took almost a month to replace with the problem being so common and no engines available.

NHTSA ODI 11636966

I’ve had the engine blown and replaced twice. The first time it failed in the middle of an intersection. We could not put it in neutral to move it. We had to call a tow truck. No check engine lights just a noise. The engine had failed bc the bearings couldn’t get oil. The second time it blew I was driving down the interstate and same thing only a noise so I pulled over and the car died. Also had to call a tow truck. It was the same as the first time the engine had blew because of the bearings not getting any oil. So now I’m on my third engine in a 2023, hoping that it doesn’t do it again.

NHTSA ODI 11636779

While passing on a two-lane road at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled and acted as if the engine wasn't running. Pulled over to the side of the road and was able to restart the engine after shifting to park. Engine was harder to start than usual and cranked slowly. After restarting, the engine ran fine for the remainder of the trip, but would occasionally have difficulty cranking. After this incident, the engine developed a knock that would vary with engine RPM, and sounded like a defective connecting rod bearing. Pulled the dipstick and noticed metal shavings in the oil. Took the vehicle to local dealership who confirmed the engine was defective and would require replacement. Vehicle has been at the dealership since December 5th waiting for a backordered engine.

NHTSA ODI 11636784

1. The authorized dealer repair center stated my engine has failed and needs to be replaced. It is currently at the dealer so it's unknown if it is available for inspection. I'm sure if the inspector would go to the dealer I can make that process happen. 2. The point of complete engine failure has not occurred as of yet to me so It is unknown how this would effect my safety. One would have to assume that engine failure could always be a safety problem if driving when it occurred. 3. The problem I reported has been confirmed by the authorized dealer. 4. The vehicle has been inspected by the authorized dealer repair center but I am not aware of any other people that performed same inspection. 5. There was a knocking noise come from the engine when I accelerated and loss of power when accelerating. The noise was first detected 12/24/24 and I made an appointment with the authorized dealer repair center online. My vehicle was dropped off the first available day on 12/26/24. I have time & date video of the engine issue if wanted.

NHTSA ODI 11636815

I have been told the MODULE ASM-COMN INTERFAC Part #86581706 has failed and is on back order, with no anticipated in stock date, and not available to be repaired. This controls the vehicles communication with Onstar which is currently not working. Onstar is sold as a safety feature of the vehicle. In addition I do not have access to the location services of the vehicle, also sold as a safety feature of the vehicle. The vehicle is available to inspection. The problem has been inspected by a GMC Dealer. There were no warning lamps, messages or promts when the module failed. I had to have the failure diagnosed by the dealer to locate the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11635229

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission shifter failed to shift from park. The contact stated that the "Braking System", Brake Pad Monitor, and Traction Control messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 44,871.

NHTSA ODI 11627169

Serious Safety Issue: While driving in the Rain, with the wipers on (actively working), randomly they will stop working. They will not work again until 10-15 minutes of time has passed. Any alternative setting makes no difference. During the 10-15 minutes of non-working wipers, there is nothing the driver can do…. Except wait. Depending where and when this occurs, this could be a deadly safety issue. I’ve checked the fuse; Turned off the rain auto-sensing feature – yet the vehicle is scary to drive in the rain, not knowing if / when the wipers may stop working again. During my ownership of this vehicle, this has happened three times; of course you must be driving during rain for the issue to occur.

NHTSA ODI 11615109

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the automatic door locks inadvertently engaged when the contact was exiting the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was running, and the key fob was in the ignition. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to unlock the vehicle with the spare key fob. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,965.

NHTSA ODI 11607021

Problem Synopsis: Camera Issues in 2023 Yukon Denali Vehicle Information: Model: 2023 Yukon Denali Issue Description: The vehicle's camera system exhibits malfunctioning behavior after the vehicle gets wet, such as following intense rain. Problem Details: Initial Trigger: The problem begins when the vehicle is put into reverse after being exposed to water, particularly following heavy rainfall. Observed Malfunctions: The driver's side camera ceases to function immediately upon engaging reverse. Abrupt braking while in reverse leads to additional failures: The passenger side and forward-facing cameras also go black. Temporary Recovery: The cameras intermittently resume operation based on the vehicle's movement: Stepping on the brakes causes all cameras to go black. The cameras come back online one by one when the car rocks back, likely indicating water displacement around electrical connectors or modules. Hypothesis: The issues are likely caused by water affecting the electrical connections or modules associated with the camera system. This hypothesis is supported by the cameras' behavior correlating with changes in the vehicle's position and the presence of water. Recommendation: A thorough inspection of the camera system's connectors and modules is recommended, with particular attention to waterproofing and potential areas where water might collect and impact electrical components. Attached Evidence: The attached document contains pictures illustrating the camera issues as observed during the malfunction. These images were taken immediately after the intense rain when the vehicle was put into reverse and during the subsequent camera failures. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Solon, Ohio [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11598356

Faulty Sunroof flooded interior while driving. Dealers and mechanics say it is a known problem. Dangerous to drive while water is running down the driver and passengers. No warnings prior.

NHTSA ODI 11590238

On March 15, while driving on a busy road our vehicle STOPPED from catastrophic engine failure without warning which put my family and I instantly in danger and nearly got us killed. Due to the high traffic where it stopped we were scared to stay in the vehicle and also scared to exit it .. so we contacted the police before calling a tow truck. When the police arrived, they parked a car in front and behind us and put their flashers on to make us somewhat more safer... we had the vehicle towed to the local dealership and contacted the actual dealership where we purchased this brand new vehicle with zero miles that was about an hour away and they sent soneone to get the SUV . Once they ran a diagnostic they discovered metal shavings in the oil and said it needed a new engine! What's alarming is that after hearing this we started googling terms like "Denali engine failure" "Cadillac ecalade engine failure" and discovered a huge amount of consumer complaints from other GMC customers on forums with their brand new GMC vehicles with little to no mileage and ALL had the metal shavings in the oil and shockingly needed new engines! FYSA- All complaints are on the 6.2 engines specifically. This is a huge safety issue as these vehicles are stopping in the road without warning. If someone doesn't do something I'm afraid someone is going to get killed. Please look into this and help us. We paid over $100k for a vehicle we no longer can trust. We were not given a police report but I'm sure the information about this incident is available by FPD since they were called and remained on scene with us for nearly an hour waiting on the tow truck. The dealership was great by the way, we do not blame them as we feel they are victims too. This is a GMC problem who are knowingly building and selling unsafe SUVs with the 6.2 defective engine that's literally stopping without warning while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11579144

Dealer install illuminated sill plates GM Part No.: 84667517 causing dangerous distracted driving since they do now turn off when the doors are shut and driving as advertised. Dealer double checked installation, but I feel GM installation need to be revised. See product description below from GM website: Product Information Help give your vehicle a customized appearance Water, UV and chemical resistant Designed for a precision fit Protect your door sills from scratches and scrapes Kit includes four hardwired door sill plates for the front and rear doors Features the Denali script Make your GMC shine with stylish soft lighting that creates a more upscale appearance Automatically illuminate when door is opened and turn off when door closes

NHTSA ODI 11577128

Vehicle shuts off and goes into neutral at highway speeds I am reaching out because it has happened to me three times in a seven month old vehicle and also five family members with Yukon Tahoe, Escalade same issue is very very dangerous please, I beg you take this very seriously and contact me so I could verify to you the other owners that I’ve had the same issue, but have not went far enough to make a complaint. I will prove it to you with other owners, same problem, where the vehicle just shuts off.

NHTSA ODI 11576457