2023 GMC Yukon XL electrical problems

Engine loses all power and propulsion without warning while driving at highway speeds (typically 60–65 mph). Vehicle becomes immobilized mid-traffic with loss of steering assist, braking assist, and all electronics/dashboard illumination. Occurs with no prior warning lights or diagnostic codes. Related to internal engine defects in 6.2L L87 engines.

When: Between 21,720–61,000 miles; happens during active highway driving

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of engine power at highway speed; Complete electrical system shutdown; Dashboard goes completely dark; No warning lights or check engine lights before failure; Vehicle becomes immobilized on roadway; Loss of power steering and power braking assistance

Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement under warranty (GM Safety Recall N252494002 / NHTSA Campaign 25V274000). Repair timelines reported as 4+ months with no ETA provided by dealers.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Safety Recall N252494002 / NHTSA Campaign 25V274000 issued for internal engine defects in 6.2L L87 engines causing loss of propulsion. GM replacing engine, extending warranty, and providing loaner vehicles.

Braking system activates suddenly and abruptly with no collision, obstacles, or vehicles nearby to trigger the Forward Collision Avoidance system. Occurs at various speeds including highway and parking situations. Brakes lock up with extreme force, causing occupants to be thrust forward and backward against seat belts.

When: Occurs during normal driving and parking; one rental vehicle had 7–8 occurrences over two days including 3 post-car wash

Symptoms owners cite: Sudden, unexpected hard braking with no obstacles or collision threats; Brakes lock up with extreme force; Occupant thrust forward and backward against seat belts; No vehicles or objects nearby to justify activation; Doors may lock and unlock simultaneously during event; No warning before activation

Repairs/costs cited: Rental company (Sixt/Annex Automotive) advised washing vehicle to clean sensors; issue persisted. Annex Automotive evaluation dated 1/29/25 confirmed mechanical concern. Vehicle towed after continued failures.

Vehicle unexpectedly shifts into neutral or becomes unresponsive to drivetrain engagement while driving. Engine may remain running but propulsion is lost. Dashboard displays warning 'condition not correct for shift.' Vehicle becomes immobilized on roadway, sometimes on curves or in traffic, with no ability to manually shift for towing.

When: Occurred at 11,300 miles and during highway driving at 30 mph in traffic

Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected shift into neutral while driving; Loss of propulsion despite engine running; Dashboard warning 'condition not correct for shift'; Vehicle unresponsive to restart attempts; Cannot be manually shifted into neutral for towing; May be preceded by delayed acceleration or lurching forward days before

Repairs/costs cited: Towing damage: rear tires destroyed, front tires severely damaged during recovery from interstate curve. No repair details provided by dealer; vehicle status not specified.

Battery fully depletes while vehicle is parked with all lights and accessories turned off. Occurs repeatedly (three separate occasions documented). Safety concern in cold weather areas. Module failure was identified and repaired on one visit, but battery drain recurred, suggesting underlying parasitic drain or additional root causes.

When: Occurs during extended parking periods; three separate incidents reported

Symptoms owners cite: Complete battery drain while parked; Occurs with all lights and accessories off; Vehicle unable to start; Recurs even after module repair; Safety concern in cold weather

Repairs/costs cited: Module failure identified and repaired at dealership during one service visit. Battery tested and confirmed in good condition. Battery terminals inspected, no corrosion found, connections secure.

Driver and passenger side rear-view mirrors fail to retain programmed memory positions and auto-adjust settings. Mirrors randomly reposition after vehicle shutdown or during short drives. Passenger mirror fails to fully retract from reverse position. Software update attempted but did not resolve issue. Dealership unable to reproduce despite witnessing event.

When: Occurs within 5 miles of driving after reprogramming; happens repeatedly across multiple dealership visits

Symptoms owners cite: Mirrors do not retain memory settings after shutdown; Random mirror repositioning during drives; Passenger mirror stays down (curb-view position) when returning to drive mode; Mirror malfunction occurs approximately 5 miles after reprogramming; Affects both driver and passenger mirrors intermittently

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership visited five times; unable to repair issue. Software update applied but did not fix problem. Dealership acknowledged inability to reproduce despite service writer witnessing failure. Vehicle scheduled for extended dealership service (3/26–4/1/2025).

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update was recommended by dealership but did not resolve issue.

Parking sensors fail to function. Dashboard displays unavailable messages for parking assist, rear braking, and auto park assist. Diagnostic reveals disconnected module controlling parking sensors; module was never connected during manufacturing. Requires front fascia removal to reconnect module. Quality control issue at manufacturing.

When: Discovered immediately after purchase during first family trips

Symptoms owners cite: Parking sensors not functional; Dashboard message: 'Parking assist unavailable'; Dashboard message: 'Rear braking unavailable'; Dashboard message: 'Auto park assist unavailable'; Safety features completely non-functional from delivery

Repairs/costs cited: Penske GMC of Cerritos (4/17) determined module was never connected during manufacturing. Required front fascia removal to reconnect module. Repair completed but represents manufacturing quality control failure.

Window curtain and middle console airbags deploy without any collision or impact. Vehicle deployed airbags in gravel driveway with no external cause. Police and fire inspected scene; officer confirmed nothing in driveway could cause deployment. OnStar had automatically called emergency services detecting false 'collision.'

When: Occurred in stationary vehicle in gravel driveway; no movement or impact

Symptoms owners cite: Window curtain airbags deploy; Middle console airbags deploy throughout vehicle; No collision or impact; No warning or error messages; OnStar false-positive collision detection; Potential injury to occupants, especially children

Repairs/costs cited: Incident inspected by police and fire; officer confirmed no physical cause in driveway location. No repair details provided.

Vehicle experiences complete loss of electrical power and engine shutdown while driving. All systems go dead: engine, electronics, braking, hazard lights, door locks, and electric windows. No gradual degradation; sudden and complete failure. Vehicle cannot restart, cannot be placed into neutral, and requires police-assisted towing from middle of roadway.

When: Occurs without warning at various highway speeds; two incidents at 65 mph, one at highway speeds without specific speed noted

Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown; All electrical systems dead; No hazard lights available; Doors will not open (except driver door via manual unlock); Vehicle cannot be placed into neutral; No warning lights before failure; Vehicle completely unresponsive; Brakes non-functional

Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle (Jim Curly GMC, Keyport, NJ) held at dealership for extended period with dealership claiming no knowledge of cause. Another vehicle at different dealer had engine replacement initiated under warranty with 4+ month ETA.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine replacement initiated under warranty at some dealerships; others unable to diagnose root cause.

OnStar connectivity module fails, disabling hands-free super cruise driving capability and emergency SOS functionality. Module can fail during active use, creating accident risk. No warning displayed on dashboard. Multiple 2022–2024 Yukon models affected; GM has not issued recall and lacks replacement parts inventory.

When: Occurs after dealer software updates (one case); timing varies across vehicles

Symptoms owners cite: OnStar system non-functional; SOS emergency notification system non-functional; Super Cruise hands-free driving disabled; No data communication with network; WiFi connectivity lost; No warning message on dashboard before failure; Module can fail during active use

Repairs/costs cited: GMC dealers (Crenwelge Motors in Kerrville, TX confirmed) identified module failure. Waiting on parts delivery; parts unavailable in GM inventory for repair.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. GM lacks replacement parts to repair systems. Online forums indicate this is widespread issue affecting thousands of 2022–2024 Yukon vehicles.

Running boards deploy and retract on their own while driving and while parked, or become stuck in halfway position. Issue persists even when running board function is turned off. Occurs repeatedly across multiple service visits. Electrical control failure prevents manual override.

When: Occurs during driving and while parked; happens repeatedly

Symptoms owners cite: Running boards deploy and retract without command; Running boards get stuck in halfway position; Malfunction occurs while driving; Malfunction occurs while parked; Issue persists even when system is turned off; Occurs both when system is on and when system is off

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle serviced twice for running board electrical issue at dealership. Issue remains unresolved after multiple service visits.

Engine consumes excessive oil between service intervals (1–1.5 quarts per change interval). Cold starts produce abnormal ticking sound. Issue continues after GM oil change recall performed in October 2025. Dealer noted no issues before recall; problem became apparent after recall service.

When: Noted at 45,000 miles (1 quart low) and 50,000 miles (1.5 quarts low); cold-start ticking ongoing

Symptoms owners cite: Check engine oil light comes on between scheduled services; Oil level 1–1.5 quarts low at service intervals; Abnormal ticking sound at cold start; Issue persists after GM oil change recall (October 2025)

Repairs/costs cited: GM oil change recall performed October 2025; dealership noted no issues. Problem detected at subsequent maintenance. Special oil required now costs $100 more per change with no manufacturer compensation.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued oil change recall (October 2025) but issue not resolved; appears to be separate from recall scope.

Brake calipers fail, requiring replacement. No details on symptoms or timing of failure, only that repair was needed.

When: February 2026

Symptoms owners cite: Brake caliper failure requiring replacement

Repairs/costs cited: Brake calipers required replacement February 2026.

Transmission exhibits erratic behavior including stuck speed control that must be manually overridden with brakes, loss of shifting engagement while driving, and transmission revving unexpectedly on downhills when downshift is needed. Combined with dashboard warning lights and complete engine shutdowns, this represents systemic powertrain electrical control failure.

When: Ongoing; multiple incidents during normal driving

Symptoms owners cite: Speed control becomes stuck; requires brake intervention; Vehicle stops shifting while driving on road periodically; Transmission revs up on hills instead of downshifting; Warning lights: collision warning lights come on randomly; Warning lights: traction control lights come on randomly; No objects or obstacles near vehicle when warnings appear

Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports all warning lights illuminated including traction control and check engine. Vehicle exhibited periods of complete immobility despite engine revving; owner had to restart engine multiple times to restore movement.

Vehicle develops power and electrical system issues immediately after GM recall service. Battery drained; vehicle exhibits clicking noise on startup. Serpentine belt replaced as suggested by GM. Clicking persisted and vehicle subsequently lost all power and power steering while driving on highway.

When: Day after recall service (2/24/25); issues continued through 2/27/25

Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely dead morning after recall service; Clicking noise on engine cranking; Power issues when cranking after serpentine belt replacement; Sudden loss of all power while driving on highway; Loss of power steering while driving; Screen goes black; instrument cluster displays 'press start to restart'; No warning lights or check engine lights before failure

Repairs/costs cited: 2/24/25: recall service performed. 2/26/25: serpentine belt replaced per GM recommendation. 2/27/25: complete power loss on highway. GMC has vehicle with no ETA for engine replacement.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued recall service on 2/24/25. Advised serpentine belt replacement on 2/26/25.

Water leaks into vehicle interior, accumulating on floorboard and behind dashboard. Believed to originate from moonroof area. Occurs during heavy downpours. Dealership unable to locate or reproduce leak despite witnessing water intrusion during heavy rain events.

When: Occurs intermittently during heavy rainstorms; vehicle stored in garage when not in use

Symptoms owners cite: Water accumulates on vehicle floorboard; Water accumulates behind dashboard; Occurs during heavy downpours; Appears to originate from moonroof area; Occurs intermittently

Repairs/costs cited: Dealership visited multiple times; unable to locate or fix source of leak. Dealership has witnessed water intrusion occurring during heavy rain events but cannot reproduce leak on demand.

Dashboard warning lights illuminate randomly with no actual fault conditions. Engine check lights come on and off intermittently. Hood latch warning light comes on and off. Traction control and collision warning lights activate with no objects nearby.

When: Ongoing; multiple random illuminations

Symptoms owners cite: Engine check light comes on, then off randomly; Hood latch warning light comes on and off; Traction control light randomly illuminates; Collision warning lights come on with nothing in front of vehicle

Rear entertainment system screen blacks out when powered on and requires repeated power cycles to display. No warning or error messages. Intermittent nature makes diagnosis difficult.

When: Occurs intermittently

Symptoms owners cite: Rear entertainment system screen goes black when turned on; Screen requires repeated power on/off cycles to display; No warning or error messages before or during failure

Safety camera system fails, disabling cruise control and all safety features dependent on camera input. Vehicle out of service for extended period. Repaired by dealer under warranty.

When: At 9,900 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Safety camera system failure; Cruise control disabled; All camera-dependent safety features disabled

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle out of service for nearly two weeks. Repaired by dealer under warranty at no cost.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty; no cost to owner.