This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2025 GMC Yukon XL engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2025 GMC Yukon XL have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 Yukon XL | 116 |
| 2022 Yukon XL | 93 |
| 2023 Yukon XL | 107 |
| 2025 Yukon XL (this page) | 13 |
When does it fail?
Of the 13 engine complaints filed for the 2025 GMC Yukon XL, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main cause of an engine failure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
I purchased this vehicle in May of 2025. It currently has 9840 miles on it. While driving in October the vehicle shut down and locked up. After getting it towed to a dealer I was told the diesel motor and the fuel system were blow and seized and need to be replace. The vehicle is still currently in North Carolina while I live in Virginia. Supposedly parts are in for repair for 3 weeks now…
Reduced engine power warning light came on at approximately 7600 miles on our new 2025 Yukon xl. Dealer inspected and ultimately decided the engine needs to be replaced due to crankshaft end play out of spec. This is a know GM issue. Incorrect thrust bearing was installed from the factory. Gm did not inform us of this issue. This could have resulted in catastrophic engine failure and cause to be…
DuraMAX 3.0L LZ0 engine with defective crankshaft thrust bearing caused catastrophic engine failure requiring engine replacement. The event occurred at about 1,000 miles. There is a GM TSB that addresses this issue. This failure displayed all of the symptoms as described in the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-NA-307. The engine has been replaced by GM. There was only one cryptic dashboard…
The engine needed to be replaced with just over 2,000 miles.
Engine (L87) blew up on I-80 in passing lane with no warning 14,635 miles. Almost got hit by several cars trying to get off the interstate. Sat alongside the road for 1 1/2 hours until tow truck arrived in 101 degree weather. GM provided no roadside assistance since it was a Sunday. They were incorrect with their information which caused us to walk to nearest Walmart several miles. We were 5 1/2…
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was a catastrophic engine failure caused by the thrust bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be…
During first oil change at 1200 miles, found a lot of metal flex in the oil filter element after cutting the oil filter open.
On May 6, 2026 while driving on the interstate, the vehicle automatically shifted into Neutral, and lost all engine power. The vehicle would not shift back into drive or even 4x4 neutral to be towed. The vehicle was towed to Sam Boswell GMC in Mt Dora, FL. The engine had seized up, and there were metal shavings in the oil filter which indicated a catastrophic mechanical engine failure.
We purchased the 2025 GMC Yukon XL on February 26, 2025. While I was heading out on March 24, 2025 I had a total engine failure. No warning sign or warning lamps were present. We had the vehicle towed to Hurd Auto Mall in Johnston Rhode Island where we purchased it. We were told that the engine had seized with only 1,488 miles on it. We saw that over 870,000 GMC engines from 2021-2024 had…
Driving 79 mph total engine seizure. Check engine light came on and seconds later a low oil pressure light and turn off engine. Engine died and went into neutral and had to coast to side of highway in middle of nowhere at 11pm at night.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2025 GMC Yukon XL?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 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?
Based on the 13 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 16,184 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 $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.