Problems · by component

2026 GMC Yukon engine problems

34 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2026 GMC Yukon cite engine, 77% of all 44 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
34
77% 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
“My 2026 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate has had the vadar chrome peel in the first 7000 miles. After that a wiring pinch made the 4 wheel drive unusable during the winter months that I needed it to get into my driveway During summer months the infotainment center completely failed to a black screen and since does not function having the dealership tell me that it will need to be replaced. The 6.2 motor started ticking at 25000 miles, I took it to the dealership yesterday 10/14, the dealership is keeping the vehicle for an estimated 6 weeks to tear the motor apart. The motor is making the noise where it is reported to shut down at high speeds had I not got it in when I did. The vehicle has had no warning to indicate problems.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026Electrical system, Structure, EngineODI 11772626
“While traveling on a state route in Pennsylvania the engine unexpectedly locked up. This was confirmed by the dealer once it was towed to their lot and they were able to inspect it. To date, a replacement engine has not been able to be located yet, its been four weeks and no updates have been received.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026EngineODI 11770520
“This engine failed while I was driving. You need to speed up the process and make GM know that their 6.2 engines are failing still to this day . People can get in accidents due to this happening. GM needs to be held accountable for their mistakes. I was lucky my vehicle engine failed near my home and not on the interstate. Please get to the bottom of this . There is no reason that these engines are failing in 2026.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2026EngineODI 11768184
“On 7/25/26 (a Saturday), we started to hear a noise in my vehicle and shortly thereafter, were sent a service alert through the GMC app and the check engine light came on. We immediately parked the vehicle and took it to the dealership when they opened on 7/27/2026 (Monday). Later that day, we were informed that my Yukon Denali, with 9,226 miles on it, has metal fragments in the oil caused by some sort of failure in the bottom half of the engine and the engine needs to be replaced. The engine was replaced and I picked up my car on 8/17/2026. The check engine light came on again on 8/20/2026 and after three trips to the dealership, my catalytic converter was replaced. Since purchasing my car on December 4, 2025, I have taken it back to the dealership 5 times for non-routine services (and once for a routine oil change). Since purchasing a BRAND NEW 2026 GMC Denali (a car that cost over $100,000) less than 10 months ago, I have been without my car for 33 days for manufacturing related issues that are all under warranty. I still don't think the engine issues are fixed (or I have another bad engine). My vehicle sounds metallic at start up (different than it sounded…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 29, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11767753
“Engine failed on this 2026 GMC Yukon Denali.. It had only 18000 miles on it, it failed in middle of hwy in Indiana. Got it towed to dealership.. they haven’t touched it since last 2 days.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 12, 2026EngineODI 11763830
“While traveling at highway speeds of approximately 82 mph in a 2026 GMC Yukon Denali (6.2L V8 L87 engine), the engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure and completely seized without warning. This resulted in an immediate, total loss of motive power, power steering assist, and power braking assist while surrounded by high-speed traffic. The sudden deceleration and lack of vehicle control created an extreme, life-threatening safety hazard, forcing an emergency maneuver across multiple lanes to reach the shoulder. Stranded on shoulder at night(pitch black) with lots of 18 wheelers passing.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 2, 2026EngineODI 11761517

Showing 6 of 34 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 31, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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