What 46 owners told NHTSA about the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500

I'm reaching out because I've encountered a really concerning issue with my 2025 GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate. There's a really loud popping noise randomly coming from the speakers that's honestly quite startling and dangerous while driving. Most recently, it scared me so much that I swerved off the road and nearly crashed. If you review online forums, you will find that this has been experienced by other owners as well. I've tried to resolve this through your usual service channels, but my concerns have been dismissed without any recommended action to ensure my family's safety. After scheduling with my local GMC dealership they couldn't replicate the noise and sent me on my way. I also brought it up with GMC Customer Care, and they suggested I try to record the sound, or keep bringing it in for service if it happens again. The problem is if I tell them it keeps happening again, what good will it do? It's a loud pop coming from the back speaker area. Even if they had 7 technicians hearing it at the same time, how will that make a difference. I need them to start testing components and replacing them one by one until its resolved.

NHTSA ODI 11698075

Driving through the intersection of N. Scottsdale Road and E. Bell Road in Scottsdale AZ my collision warning red light flashed on the screen and the engine turned off. This caused me to lose forward propulsion and forced me to navigate to the side of the road to avoid being hit by another car. At Van’s GMC, the service manager told me that we experienced a catastrophic engine failure and that the engine seized. Vehicle has been inspected, but I have not received an official diagnostic even though I have requested. There were no warnings or indications that the vehicle was compromised prior to the engine turning off.

NHTSA ODI 11698039

The wireless charging pad in the vehicle below the climate control system. Yes, it is. The charging component malfunctioned and overheated the back of my phone when it was set in the console while driving. I had no intention of charging my phone, but instead place my phone down while driving. When I picked up my phone at a stop light, I laid it in my inner thigh when the light changed. The burning was so intense and unexpected I swerved into oncoming traffic and lost control, momentarily of the vehicle. I have recreated the incident in a controlled environment myself and the issue is still active. I am happy to have the issue confirmed independently. I gave notice to the dealership after it happened with no concern or further investigation. No, the vehicle has not. No, no warning at all. In fact this is my 3rd GMC Yukon since 2016 and all 3 have had the wireless charging pad, I have had the same phone as my last one. I never had an issue or experienced anything like this.

NHTSA ODI 11697315

PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT:

NHTSA ODI 11697331

My vehicle, with only 2,400 miles on the odometer, has been diagnosed as requiring a full engine replacement. While driving on the interstate, a warning message appeared indicating reduced acceleration. I was able to exit the freeway safely, but the vehicle could no longer maintain adequate speed to match traffic flow. Prior to this, the check engine light came on, but no issues were reported in the vehicle’s status system. I contacted OnStar, and they advised me to take the vehicle to a dealership within seven business days. It has since been at the dealership awaiting parts. Upon further research, I discovered that this issue appears to be widespread. General Motors has issued a technical bulletin addressing the problem, which involves complete engine replacement. Additionally, the audio system intermittently emits a loud crashing noise that is startling and potentially dangerous—it has caused me to veer off the road due to its intensity. This issue also seems to affect other 2025–2026 Yukon and Tahoe models.

NHTSA ODI 11697262

While traveling on the interstate at 10:30p, 6 hours into a highway trip, the vehicle shuttered violently and lost propulsion and powered systems control. We were traveling at 75 mph on cruise control and immediately had to take evasive action to avoid other vehicles traveling at highway speed as our vehicle rapidly decelerated to a stop. We were barely able to get to the shoulder of the highway before the vehicle came to a complete stop and all dashboard lights illuminated. There was no warning or indication of immanent failure or engine issue. The catastrophic engine failure did not allow for the attempted restart. After opening the engine bay we noted that the coolant reservoir was empty but there was no indication of any leaking fluid in the engine bay or on the ground. The coolant levels were normal at the trip start. We were stranded on the side of the busy interstate for approximately 2 hours awaiting OnStar assistance and were forced to exit the vehicle due to its proximity to the edge of an active lane, leaving us exposed and without any protection for 2 hours, in the middle of the night, until assistance arrived. It was a harrowing experience and we are lucky that we were not injured or killed. The vehicle could not be disengaged from park and had to be dragged onto the flatbed. It was taken to the local GMC dealership and left for diagnosis. It was determined that the #2 piston rod broke, smashed valves and sent metal into all engine systems. Bothe the engine and coolant system were replaced. In addition, the torque converter locked up and had to be removed during servicing. All parts were retained by GM.

NHTSA ODI 11695085

After less than 2000 miles, the OnStar module failed, which removed the capability for emergency assistance, GPS, advanced cruise control, etc. The part is on back order with no ETA, and it appears, based on my research, that this is a common problem with GM vehicles for the past several years. Not having the emergency assistance phone system available is an extreme safety issue, as there are many areas of the US that do not have adequate cell coverage to get assistance in an emergency. It seems as though GMC does not care.

NHTSA ODI 11692360

The 6.2 engine in our 2025 Yukon Denali with 3,200 miles just locked up. It needs to be replaced. They said they fixed the problem and it was only affecting 2021 to 2024, but it is carrying over into 2025. They should just buy this vehicle back.

NHTSA ODI 11692029

While engaged, Super Cruise failed to detect lines on road on a bend and launched the vehicle in the opposite lane without warning. This has occurred two separate times. First time was in late June 2025 on the PA Turnpike. Traveling at 70 mph. It was a left hand bend in the road where it failed to detect lines on road and thrust vehicle into the right hand lane. Happened so fast there was no time to react. In addition Lane Keep Assist was active as well. Also note lines were present on the left and right side of vehicle. Luckily no one was beside me. Second time was one a two lane road going 45 mph. Same scenario as first. Vehicle DIC stated it had lost road lines and threw me into the left lane without warning. Luckily no car was coming or it would have been a head on collision. Same message o display vehicle lost lines on road.

NHTSA ODI 11690275

The console screen that control many vehicle functions will often not boot up when the vehicle is started. Screen crashes have also happened while underway. The screen will be unresponsive to both touch and physical controls. Systems unable to be controlled include safety cameras and sensors, climate control, navigation, gauges, infotainment and others. I have attached a diary of specific issues and work arounds attempted. The dealership and GM do not appear to have methods of fixing the issue at this time.

NHTSA ODI 11688642

Our panoramic sunroof exploded while driving down the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11686933

In heads up display i was driving down at 74 mph in cruise control with nobody around or in front to cause the vehicle to suddenly come to a complete stop by its self, I had to hit the accelerator so we wouldn't get rear ended. Then when we got home I was backing in my driveway and the automatic brakes locked up stopping me from backing up.

NHTSA ODI 11684807

I just bought this 2025 GMC Yukon a little over a month ago, and the 6.2 engine has seized up. This vehicle started making grinding noises and shut down going 60 miles an hour. I traded in my previous Yukon and the dealer has sold it, so now I have nothing to drive. These engines are dangerous, and GM knows this and they don't seem to be doing anything about it

NHTSA ODI 11684385

While driving on the highway, my SUV lost speed and went into what I believe was limp mode and the check engine light came on. I was unable to accelerate quickly which was very dangerous on the highway as I was only able to very slowly go about 45 MPH on a 65 MPH highway. After the dealer inspected it, I was told I needed a new engine, oil cooler, and turbo. They said it had metal in the oil. My SUV only had 2138 miles at the time of incident.

NHTSA ODI 11681587

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Yukon. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake failure warning light was illuminated. The contact’s husband depressed the brake pedal and noticed that the brake pedal was firm and difficult to depress. The contact stated that an error message indicated that the vehicle was decelerating. The contact's husband depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle decelerated to 40 MPH. While the contact’s husband was slowly driving into the driveway at the residence, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact’s husband immediately shifted the gear shifter into park(P) to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while on the way home from a family trip. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed brake master cylinder assembly, a failed brake control module, and a failed brake plunger. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder assembly, the brake control module, and the brake plunger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were on back-order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,150.

NHTSA ODI 11681592

We purchased a brand new 2025 GMC Yukon on 5/19 and on 5/22, the vehicle would not release the parking brake. Multiple sensors / alerts were displayed, brake assist failure, press hard to brake, speed limited, service ESC, service traction control, check engine light, brake park, service ABS brakes. Vehicle was not drivable. Towed to Marhofer GMC, problem was replicated next day. Was informed that brake booster and master cylinder were bad, however on a national back order. We are now 3 weeks out, without a repair completed or parts. Was also informed by dealer that there is a service bulletin out on this vehicle. Vehicle has 170 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11666430

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally, and the engine seized. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings in the oil pan, causing engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.

NHTSA ODI 11662329

At approximately 500 miles, the vehicle started to shutter and misfire at highway speeds (60-70 mph). The check-engine -light began to flash at the same time. We have a video and this happened 3 times before taking it to the dealer. This is a safety concern because it began to lose power on the highway. The issue was confirmed by the dealer and found to be damaged connecting rod bearings.Gm engineers are aware of the vehicle and would not approve the ordering of a new engine by the dealer until the engine was completely torn down to the point of failure.

NHTSA ODI 11662039

I would like to express my frustration and concern regarding a serious issue with our brand-new 2025 Yukon Denali truck. The vehicle, which has only 934 miles, has experienced a transmission failure. We picked the vehicle up on [XXX] and since February 27th, it has been at the dealership for repairs—now more than a full month. Initially, the torque converter was replaced, but that did not resolve the issue. After only a mile or two of driving, we returned the truck back to the dealer for further evaluation. Subsequently, after consulting with technical assistance, the dealership confirmed that the valve body needs replacement. As I'm sure you're well aware, this part is backordered nationwide, adding significant delays to an already troubling situation. It is hard to comprehend how a brand-new truck can fail virtually right off the assembly line. I am disappointed that we have had to deal with such a significant defect and even more disheartened by the extensive wait for repairs. This experience has left us questioning the safety and reliability of our vehicle. Given the circumstances, I believe more should be done to resolve this matter quickly and effectively for us. GM has been well aware of this transmission for years. The most recent recall dated December 13, 2024 for the same issue on the 2021 – 2022 model years of most of GM’s product line suggest this problem has not only been a known issue for many years but with the failure of my new vehicle for the same issue proves that they have not done anything about it. This leads me to believe that my safety is just as at risk as anybody else in the earlier named recall and therefore this recall should be extended to include all current models. GM should be forced to resolve this issue for existing vehicles before they build any new defective vehicles and sell them to unsuspecting customers like myself. Thank you for hearing me out, I look forward to your guidance. Jason FYI there is an interesting article o INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11652012

The digital instrument cluster blacks out randomly at times going down the highway. This is a safety concern because you can't see how fast you are going. The problem has been inspected by and confirmed by a dealer service center. The failure began without warning and seemed to occur after the car went through a GM software update. The service manager for the GMC dealership said this is likely a bug that GM will have to solve through future updates. The car's electronic system was reset but the problem persists.

NHTSA ODI 11646204

I had Three 2024 6.2L engines in my GMC Sierra BLOW UP.....

NHTSA ODI 11640164