Problems · by component

2026 GMC Yukon XL engine problems

26 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2026 GMC Yukon XL cite engine, 65% of all 40 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
26
65% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“We own 2026 GMC Yukon XL Denali with 6.2L V8 engine with just under 4600 miles. On Monday October 19, 2026 while driving the engine seized up. It is at dealer and the are replacing the engine, radiator and about 65 other parts under hood. We do have a very short phone video of the noise it made right as it seized up!! We heard about investigation ongoing and wanted to help.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 22, 2026EngineODI 11773018
“Truck has shuttered, rough idle since May 2026 after purchased new March 2026. We have been to two different GMC dealers who cannot duplicate the problem. Last week the truck started to shutter regularly after highway travel. When coming to a stop in traffic, the truck shutters to kill, loses power, RPMs drop below 500 and then recovers to a rough idle. Last evening Oct 20,2026 while driving the engine light came on, vehicle computer stated “ Issue with Engine / Transmission System Schedule service now.” This is the third time the vehicle will be at the GM dealer for diagnosis. Two times previous, dealer stated “unable to duplicate customer’s complaint.” We have owned this 2026 GMC truck for 8 months, purchased new and have nothing but issues which no GM dealer seems to be aware of nor can duplicate. This vehicle is unreliable and now has sat out of service awaiting a diagnosis for over 15 days at two different dealers. We have opened our second case with GMC Customer Care’s with zero assistance. It is the duty of a manufacturer to provide consumers with a safe and reliable vehicle. My 2026 GMC Yukon Denali is not safe and puts me and my family at risk of…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11772521
“While driving there was a noise that started in the engine area. The vehicle was going 55-60 mph at the time it started. It became more and more frequent. The check engine light came on just before the engine completely seized up and lost all power. Dealership is saying there is definitely internal engine noise and engine failure.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026EngineODI 11770535
“Total Engine failure. This is the second time. The vehicle had under 2000 miles when the first engine failure happened and left us sitting on the Turnpike. Very unsafe!! We were assured we received a new "upgraded" engine only to find out GM decided to roll the dice with our lives and the lives of our family (grandchildren) and put another bad engine in our vehicle. I will never feel safe with this vehicle or that they are putting in "new" parts.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026EngineODI 11768288
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? ""6.2L Engine Failed with 4,785 miles"" How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? ""Engine Failed in active highway jug handle and required police assistance and vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer."" Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ""The dealer has confirmed that the engine failed and needs to be replaced."" Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? ""At this point only the dealer."" Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?"" No just started sputtering and shout down.""”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 26, 2026EngineODI 11767078
“The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon XL Denali. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the engine seized. There was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on a busy highway in the middle lane. The local Police arrived and assisted with directing traffic. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted by email and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2026EngineODI 11765285

Showing 6 of 26 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.