My 2022 GMC Yukon with the 6.2L V8 engine is covered under recall 25V274000 for connecting rod and crankshaft defects that can cause engine failure. Approximately three months ago, Wiesner GMC dealership performed the recall inspection and stated the vehicle passed. Recently, the engine suddenly began misfiring on cylinder 6. The failure was sudden and severe—the vehicle started shaking…
2022 GMC Yukon powertrain problems
moderate 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2022 Yukon powertrain can fail suddenly with no warning at highway speeds; engine replacements and transmission valve bodies are severely backordered, leaving owners stranded for months. Pass on this model year until parts availability improves and warranty coverage becomes clearer.
2022 GMC Yukon owners report three clusters of catastrophic powertrain failures across 22 complaints. Engine failures dominate: sudden bearing seizures, collapsed lifters, and wiring harness degradation cause complete loss of power at highway speeds with zero warning—no sounds, no lights, just shutdown. Owners have been hit with 2–3 month parts backlogs and engine replacement costs around $9,450. Valve body failures in the 10-speed transmission trigger limp mode, loss of reverse, or loss of drive at interstate speeds; these parts are on indefinite national backorder, and dealers are reportedly replacing them with identical units known to fail again. Multiple owners passed GM's recall inspection or oil-change service just weeks before catastrophic failure, raising questions about inspection adequacy. A few owners report erratic shifting, transmission messages paired with brake loss or stalling over bumps, and a radiator fan that runs constantly even in cold conditions. Throughout, service delays—waiting one to three months just to get on a parts list—have left owners without vehicles for extended periods and without clear communication from dealerships or GM about timelines.
Same GMC Yukon powertrain reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021 · 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission valve body failure
Transmission valve body fails suddenly, causing loss of certain gears, limp mode, inability to shift into drive or reverse, and erratic transmission behavior. Multiple owners report the part is on national backorder and dealers are replacing it with the same part known to fail again.
When: 30,000–49,000 miles; some failures occur months after initial service
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts into limp mode without warning at highway speed; Loss of reverse gear capability; Erratic shifting between specific speeds (e.g., 49–57 mph, 19–24 mph); Harsh jerking and loud noise when shifting; Message 'Service Transmission' or 'Conditions Not Correct for Shift' displayed; Reduced acceleration or inability to accelerate above certain speeds
Codes mentioned: Transmission valve body failure
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replacement; parts reported on indefinite national backorder with lead times of 3+ months. One owner reports dealer replaced valve body with same part known to fail.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM offers software upgrade as partial solution to prevent rear tire lockup during limp mode. No expedited parts supply program noted in narratives.
Engine bearing failure / complete engine failure
Crankshaft bearings or connecting rod bearings fail suddenly during normal driving, causing loss of all engine power with no warning. Owners report sudden complete engine shutdown and inability to restart while on highways at speed.
When: 30,000–150,000 miles; one failure at 3 months post-recall inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of engine power while driving at highway speed; No warning lights or noises before failure; Engine will not restart after shutdown; Vehicle coasts to shoulder; loss of propulsion in active traffic creates hazard
Codes mentioned: Bearing spun out, Crankshaft bearing failure, Connecting rod bearing failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required at cost ~$9,450 or higher. Replacement engines reported on backorder for 2+ months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V274000 addresses connecting rod and crankshaft defects; owners report recall inspection 'passed' just weeks or months before catastrophic failure. Extended coverage program Special Coverage N252494003 (10 years/150,000 miles) available if diagnosed as recall-related, but dealerships initially deny coverage.
Engine lifter/camshaft failure
Collapsed valve lifters and camshaft damage cause sudden rough running, tapping or grinding sounds, and engine failure. Owners report dealer says this is a common problem related to fuel management system issues.
When: Approximately 150,000 miles in one case; early in ownership in another
Symptoms owners cite: Engine tapping or rattling sound from engine bay; Engine running rough or rough idle; Severe engine shaking; Check engine light illumination; Vehicle must be towed; engine unusable
Codes mentioned: Collapsed lifter, Camshaft damage
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required, cost ~$9,450. Dealer indicates this is common problem with lifters and fuel management system. Replacement engines on backorder.
Engine wiring harness degradation / crankshaft position sensor circuit failure
Engine wiring harness suffers internal degradation or defect affecting crankshaft position sensor circuit and other critical engine control signals. Results in erratic transmission behavior, stalling, loss of propulsion, and temporary inability to restart.
When: Onset in 2023; stall occurred on highway overpass
Symptoms owners cite: Erratic transmission shifting, harsh and unpredictable shifts; Vehicle stalls without warning while driving on highway at speed; Vehicle shifts into park and will not restart for several minutes; Loss of propulsion in active traffic with limited shoulder space
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft position sensor circuit issue
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine wiring harness replacement required. Condition appears consistent with GM Technical Service Bulletin 21-NA-149 for harness-related drivetrain and shifting concerns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Relevant TSB: 21-NA-149 (engine harness-related causes for drivetrain and shifting concerns)
Transmission loss of function with stalling and electrical anomalies
Transmission shifts out of drive into neutral unexpectedly at highway speed, vehicle stalls, and electrical anomalies occur (alternator malfunction, smoke smell). Vehicle cannot be restarted and requires engine replacement.
When: Second occurrence in same vehicle within 4 months
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic shift from Drive to Neutral while on highway; Dash warning to 'press start again'; Smoke smell from engine bay; Alternator attempting to catch fire; Vehicle will not shift back into Drive or restart; Loss of power in middle lane of highway creates collision hazard
Repairs/costs cited: New engine and radiator required. Alternator replacement needed. Parts on backorder; vehicle awaiting repair for extended period.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 25V274000 addressed; vehicle had passed recall inspection months prior
Engine seizure after recall inspection
Engine seizes suddenly during highway driving shortly after passing recall inspection and oil change per recall procedure.
When: 2 weeks after recall service completion; ~30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seizes while driving on interstate; Complete loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required. Replacement engine availability delayed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall inspection and oil change performed per recall procedure; vehicle passed PICO test
Radiator fan control malfunction with engine temperature sensor error
Radiator fan runs at high speed continuously even when engine is cold or at normal operating temperature, suggesting software or sensor error. Also triggers reduced acceleration condition that hampers highway merging.
When: Early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Radiator fan runs at high speed with normal or cold engine temperature; Reduced acceleration condition triggered via software; Inability to accelerate as needed during interstate interchange navigation
Repairs/costs cited: Software adjustment expected; dealer advised no tow necessary
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer indicated software triggered reduced acceleration condition
Transmission shifting anomalies with electrical / brake system interaction
Vehicle stalls when going over bumps at low speed; after restart, transmission-related messages appear and brakes become inoperable. Turn signal audible feedback fails.
When: ~25,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while reversing into parking spot over bump; Vehicle stalls while driving 25 mph over bumpy road; Brakes become inoperable after stall; Message 'Park' displayed after stall; Message 'Service Transmission' displayed; Turn signal audible sound fails
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle sent to dealer for diagnosis; repair status unknown from narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer agreed to tow vehicle to dealer
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2022 GMC Yukon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 23 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 25,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2022/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.