Driving the vehicle on the highway when I started to hear a ticking sound from the engine. After a few minutes, the check engine light came on and started flashing, traction control shut off and some system related to the rear end shut off. After inspection, it appears to have dropped a lifter.
2021 GMC Yukon engine problems
moderate 136 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
136
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What stands out
Of the 21 model years of GMC Yukon we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 136.
Engine accounts for 48% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2021 GMC Yukon with the 6.2L L87 engine has a documented pattern of catastrophic engine failure—rod bearing seizure, lifter failure, and sudden loss of power—often without warning and across a wide mileage range. Repair costs exceed $5,000–$30,000, engines are on permanent backorder, and many affected VINs are excluded from the active recall, leaving owners stranded with unsafe, unrepairable vehicles while still making payments.
Owners describe sudden, catastrophic engine failures in 2021 GMC Yukons, often with little or no warning. The most common scenario: drivers experience unusual noises—knocking, ticking, clacking, or grinding sounds from the engine compartment—then the engine shuts down mid-drive, frequently on highways at highway speeds. Some report the check engine light appearing just before failure; many report no warning lights at all until the engine dies.
Mechanics diagnose spun rod bearings, crankshaft bearing failures, lifter failures, and seized engines. Owners note metal debris or shavings in the engine oil pan during service. Several owners report that dealers found metal particles during routine oil changes, followed immediately by engine failure.
A major grievance: many owner VINs are not included in the open recall (25V-274), despite matching the year, make, model, and engine type of recalled vehicles. Multiple owners report their vehicles sit at dealers for months waiting for replacement engines that are on permanent backorder. One owner's engine failed just 3 hours after purchase; another had three separate lifter failures, with prior repairs undisclosed at time of sale.
Owners also report excessive oil consumption—as much as a quart per 1,000 miles—and repeated component failures even after warranty repairs. One owner required multiple lifter replacements, then camshaft replacement, then oil pump replacement, then full engine rebuilds, with the same failures recurring. Without reliable diagnostics or recalls covering all affected vehicles, owners face $6,000–$30,000 out-of-pocket repair costs or being stranded with unsafe, unpaired vehicles.
Same GMC Yukon engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Rod Bearing and Crankshaft Failure
Spun or seized crankshaft and connecting rod bearings causing catastrophic engine seizure or loss of power.
When: 10,000–148,000 miles; most commonly 40,000–100,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking, ticking, or grinding sounds from engine before failure; Sudden loss of power and engine shutdown without warning or check engine light; Metal debris visible in engine oil or oil pan; Engine seizes and will not restart; Low oil pressure warning light immediately before shutdown
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (illuminated after failure in most cases; not always present before), No codes in many cases despite catastrophic failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; multiple cases report motors on permanent backorder. One owner quoted $30,000 for engine + radiator + cooler lines + fuse array. Another paid $5,576.48 for lifter, housing, and camshaft replacement at 94,841 miles after warranty denial.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V-274 (Engine and Engine Cooling) issued but parts unavailable. Many affected VINs not included in recall despite matching year/model/engine. GM case numbers opened for out-of-warranty failures; owner reports $1,000 goodwill discounts offered in some cases, extended 2-year engine warranties offered post-failure. Dealers report 'no parts available' and vehicles sitting for 3–6+ months.
Lifter Failure and Camshaft Damage
Engine lifters (valve lifters or AFM lifters) fail, often triggering camshaft damage and loss of engine performance.
When: 14,000–120,000 miles; one case shows repeated failures at ~10,500 miles and ~25,500 miles on same vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Fluttering or abnormal noise from engine during acceleration or idling; Check engine light with misfire codes (e.g., cylinder misfire); Loss of power and hesitation during acceleration; Engine knocking sound intermittently or under load; Slow cranking or difficulty starting; Oil sitting on top of piston head (visible during diagnosis)
Codes mentioned: Cylinder misfire codes (e.g., P0300, P0302), Check Engine Light (intermittent or steady)
Repairs/costs cited: Lifter replacement alone insufficient in most cases; repairs escalate to full lifter, housing, and camshaft replacement (~$6,000–$10,000 range). Owners report parts being high-cost and repair taking weeks. One owner paid full out-of-pocket after warranty denial; multiple failures on same vehicle indicate warranty repairs did not resolve root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Limited recall scope; lifter failures in non-recalled VINs reported to NHTSA without remedy. GM extended 2-year engine warranty offered to some owners after social media complaint. One owner told by dealer mechanic that if one lifter failed, all lifters, housing, and camshafts should be replaced—contradicting the repair actually performed.
Sudden Loss of Propulsion / Power Loss While Driving
Engine loses power mid-drive, vehicle shifts to neutral or Park involuntarily, electronics may fail to respond. Vehicle becomes immobilized and difficult or impossible to tow.
When: 5,400–143,000 miles; many cases between 40,000–90,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of motive power while accelerating or on highway (often at 50–75 mph); Engine dies or shuts down abruptly with no engine noise warning beforehand; Vehicle shifts to Neutral without driver input, or locks in Park and will not shift; Message on dash: 'Press Start Again' or 'Press Start Button'; Electronics remain on (no complete power loss); hazard lights, air conditioning may turn off; Engine will not restart after multiple attempts
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (may illuminate after failure or not at all), Multiple unknown warning lights in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Requires engine replacement or major repair (crankshaft, bearings, oil pump). One case required replacement of engine, radiator, cooler lines, and fuse array. Parts on backorder; repair timelines 3–7+ weeks. Owners report cost of replacement engines unavailable but one owner paid $5,576.48 for partial repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V-274 issued for affected VINs; parts unavailable. Owners not in recall scope reported to GM via NHTSA Hotline. Extended powertrain warranty referenced in some cases. Owners report lack of loaner vehicle support; one owner received $44/day rental reimbursement (insufficient to rent comparable vehicle). GM Roadside Assistance reported as ineffective—unable to arrange proper tow trucks or support.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine consumes oil at abnormally high rate, requiring frequent top-ups between scheduled oil changes.
When: Ongoing; owners report issue appears as early as 2,500 miles if checking dipstick before scheduled 5,000-mile service.
Symptoms owners cite: Dipstick dry or oil low at 2,500–3,000 miles (halfway through 5,000-mile service interval); Low oil warning light illuminating prematurely; Engine consuming 1–3.5 quarts per 1,000 miles of driving; No visible oil leaks underneath vehicle; No smoke from exhaust
Codes mentioned: Low Oil Light (illuminates prematurely)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair identified; dealers advise more frequent oil changes or higher viscosity oil. One owner required oil consumption test submission to warranty company with uncertain outcome.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM states excessive oil consumption is 'normal' for the 6.2L engine per multiple owner reports. Extended 2-year engine warranty offered in some cases. Owners report risk that extended warranty will expire before diagnosis or remedy is available.
Engine Stalling During Idle or Low-Speed Driving
Engine shuts down while vehicle is idling, coasting, or moving at low speed; vehicle difficult or impossible to restart.
When: Early mileage (5,400 miles noted) to higher mileage; intermittent across 2–3 year period in some cases.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls suddenly while in Drive or at Drive-through without acceleration; Engine sounds fine when cranking but will not catch or start; Strange metallic rubbing noises from engine before stall (in one case); Burning smell with no visible smoke; Electronics stay on; shift lock activates (vehicle stuck in Park); No warning lights in most cases
Codes mentioned: No codes or check engine light in many cases, In some cases, message to 'Press Start Button' appears after stall
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as fuel pump control module failure (one case, $400 repair at independent shop after failed dealer diagnosis), power control module replacement (covered under warranty initially, then recurred), or engine replacement in severe cases. One owner had same stall occur three times with different diagnosed causes (FPCM, PCM, then engine replaced).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Power Control Module replaced under warranty in one case, but failure recurred. Owners report dealers unable to replicate issue during test drives. Engine replacement quoted when previous repairs fail. Recall 25V-274 applies to some vehicles; others referred to NHTSA Hotline.
Exhaust Fumes Entering Cabin
Exhaust fumes leak into vehicle cabin through heating and air conditioning system, exposing occupants to toxic emissions.
When: Early in ownership (reported weeks after purchase in one case).
Symptoms owners cite: Strong odor of exhaust fumes in cabin when A/C or Heater is running; Fume smell present whether or not vehicle is moving; Headaches and dizziness reported by drivers after exposure; No check engine light or warning dashboard indicators; Odor dissipates after extended exposure but indicates ongoing leak
Codes mentioned: No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Crack in exhaust system allowing fumes to enter ventilation identified by dealer. Repair cost not specified; not covered under manufacture or extended 'bumper to bumper' warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed exhaust defect but denied warranty coverage as vehicle was out of manufacture warranty window. Extended warranty also did not cover 'manufacturer's defect.' No recall identified.
Air Suspension Failure with Subsequent Engine Damage
Air suspension system failure preceded by or coinciding with rod and crankshaft engine component failures.
When: Timing of air suspension vs. engine failure not clearly stated; both present at same service visit.
Symptoms owners cite: Air suspension system malfunction; Engine warning lights and reduced propulsion; Vehicle declared unsafe to drive by dealership; Multiple warning dashboard signals
Codes mentioned: Engine warning lights, Reduced propulsion warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to identify exact cause of reduced propulsion despite multiple service attempts. Vehicle remains at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed air suspension failure and engine damage; recall 25V-274 mentioned but vehicle VIN not included. Dealership states vehicle not safe to drive. Owner suspects systemic issue and requests NHTSA expand recall scope.
Check Engine Light and Intermittent Performance Issues
Check engine light appears intermittently; vehicle exhibits intermittent loss of power, hesitation, or abnormal sounds.
When: 2–3 year ownership period; issues intermittent over extended periods before diagnosis.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on intermittently; Hesitation or reduced acceleration at 1,500–2,500 RPM; Vehicle unable to exceed 20–25 mph without excessive lag; Abnormal whining or knocking sounds from engine; Loss of motive power that resolves temporarily before recurring
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (intermittent), Misfire codes in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis challenging; dealers report engine testing 'passed' despite symptoms. One owner underwent Engine Control Module update with temporary symptom relief, then engine failure recurred. Higher viscosity oil, oil filter, and oil filler tube replacement did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine Control Module software update provided in one case (covered under recall campaign). Recall 25V-274 applies to some affected vehicles; others with same symptoms not included in recall scope. VINs outside recall window referred to NHTSA.
Synthesized from 136 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Freedom, tire and automotive Inc. advised my 6.2LV8 engine has failed due to metal debris found in the new oil, indicating a mechanical failure of an internal engine component. I called GMC and they referred me to you.
Engine failure
While accelerating the vehicle began to make an audible liquid grinding sound and three error codes popped up, one after another. The engine light began to flash, however the vehicle kept moving. I limped roughly .5 mile to the closest service station where I subsequently had my vehicle towed to the dealership where it was purchased. Later notified the lifter and CAM failed. Mind you, this…
On Monday, November 20, 2023, I was operating my vehicle on Interstate 80 in western Nebraska when suddenly and without any notice, apparently an engine lifter in cylinder 8 failed causing the vehicle to lose power while in heavy semi-truck traffic, while operating at approximately 80 mph, forcing me to avoid a collision. Since the incident, I have become aware that this is a known problem with…
I got 3 messages on the dash going off simultaneously 1. Service Traction Control System 2. Forward Collision System unavailable 3. Service ESC I could feel the truck bogging and shaking a little at this point Then soon after the check engine light was flashing and it was noticeably misfiring and rough idling. I pulled some codes at Oreillys and got back 1. P0300 misfire 2. P050D cold start…
I was driving 55 mph and the engine failed without any prior warning. I was partially blocking traffic while waiting for a tow truck. The car was taken to a repair facility and diagnosed. Spun rod bearings on cylinders 1 and 2 damaged the crankshaft. I purchased this car $49,000 45 days ago and have made one payment on a car that is not drivable and parts are not readily available. There is a GM…
While traveling on the interstate at 70 mph with husband and child inside, the vehicle started shaking and stalled. Had to glide off onto an exit ramp where the vehicle stopped and would not restart. Onstar ran diagnostics and came back with code P129F.
Had engine trouble with your 2021 GMC Yukon?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2021 GMC Yukon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 136 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 42,000 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 81,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 110,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/GMC/Yukon.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.