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 engine problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What stands out
Engine accounts for 49% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2025 GMC Yukon models—both 6.2L gasoline and 3.0L Duramax diesel engines—are reporting catastrophic internal engine failures at shockingly low mileage, typically under 5,000 miles. The common thread across narratives is bearing failure (thrust bearings or connecting rod bearings) that generates metal debris contaminating the oil. Some owners report loud knocking or grinding before shutdown; others experience abrupt failure with no warning lights or prior symptoms. Failure modes include sudden seizure while driving, loss of power on the highway triggering limp mode, and complete refusal to restart. One owner reports the engine locking up at 500 miles during highway operation. GM issued memo #25-NA-307 acknowledging a thrust bearing issue and has authorized complete engine replacements across the board. However, owners express serious concern that replacement engines are not redesigned to address the root cause—GM engineers are requiring full engine teardowns before approving replacements, and dealers report significant backorders. At least one narrative references the same failure affecting 2021–2024 models, suggesting the 2025 problem is a carryover issue. One owner notes losing power at 15 mph on busy roads due to limp mode, creating genuine traffic safety hazards.
Same GMC Yukon engine reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Thrust Bearing Failure
Thrust bearing fails, allowing metal debris to circulate through the engine oil and cause secondary damage. GM issued memo #25-NA-307 acknowledging the issue. Reported on both gasoline (6.2L) and diesel (3.0L Duramax) variants.
When: 500 miles to 5,700 miles; one case at 3,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Metal shavings in oil pan; Engine seizure; Loud knocking sounds; Reduced acceleration; Limp mode activation; Check engine light (may flash); Vibration and shimmy; Grinding noise prior to shutdown
Codes mentioned: P06D
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement; oil cooler and turbocharger also replaced in at least one case. New engines on backorder at dealers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM memo #25-NA-307 issued acknowledging thrust bearing issue. Complete engine replacement authorized. Owners report GM engineers requiring full teardown before approving replacement engine; no confirmation of root-cause redesign in replacement units.
Connecting Rod Bearing Damage
Connecting rod bearings sustain damage early in vehicle life, causing loss of power and engine failure. Damage discovered during dealer diagnostic teardown.
When: Approximately 500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shutter and misfire at highway speeds (60–70 mph); Loss of power on highway; Flashing check engine light; Vehicle vibration
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required. GM engineers aware and required full engine teardown to point of failure before authorizing replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM engineers involved; required complete teardown before authorizing new engine.
Crank Shaft Defect
Crank shaft defect generates metal debris that contaminates engine oil and leads to catastrophic engine failure.
When: Approximately 5,117 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking sound; Limp mode engagement; Check engine light illumination; Metal debris in oil
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required.
Catastrophic Engine Failure (Unspecified Root Cause)
Engine fails suddenly without prior warning or diagnostic codes, often while vehicle is in motion. Failure mode not always clearly identified by dealership at time of report, but consistently requires complete engine replacement.
When: 2,000 miles to 9,600 miles; most commonly before 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown while driving; Vehicle entered limp mode; Reduced speed capability (15–45 mph maximum); Inability to restart; Check engine light may or may not illuminate prior to failure; No warning before failure in some cases; Loud grinding or knocking shortly before shutdown
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement. Backorders reported at multiple GM dealerships; at least two other new diesel SUVs at one dealership awaiting replacement engines.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer awareness noted in some cases; no recalled redesign or TSB identified in narratives.
Low Oil Warning System Failure
Engine oil level drops significantly without triggering low-oil warning sensors. Smoke visible from oil dipstick, yet no warning lights activated prior to engine failure.
When: Approximately 3,957 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Limp mode activation; Check engine light delayed or absent; Smoke billowing from dipstick area; Oil level appears low on dipstick, then reappears after vehicle sits
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
My 2025 GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate experienced reduced acceleration, and I immediately took it to the dealer. The dealer concluded it was a thrust bearing failure, and GM has authorized a complete engine replacement. I wanted to report this issue, as I believe it represents a potential safety concern. I would like to clarify whether GM has identified the root cause of this problem and redesigned the…
On November 5, 2025, this 2025 diesel GMC Yukon Denali brand new vehicle went into "limp mode" 75 days after purchase with 3,957 miles on the odometer. Vehicle began to decelerate on a busy road. Warning lights went on to indicate that accelerating was no longer possible. Other fast-moving vehicles on the road came very near to the Yukon and quickly passed it/weaved around it, jeopardizing the…
On October 21, 2025, with only 4,197 miles on my Yukon, the vehicle suddenly died while in drive in a parking lot. The vehicle would not restart or shift into neutral. I contacted OnStar, who arranged for the vehicle to be towed to the nearest GMC dealership. Since that date, the vehicle has remained at the dealership and has been diagnosed as needing a complete engine replacement due to metal…
Please see attachment:
The 6.2 engine in our 2025 Yukon Denali with 3,200 miles just locked up. It needs to be replaced. They said they fixed the problem and it was only affecting 2021 to 2024, but it is carrying over into 2025. They should just buy this vehicle back.
I just bought this 2025 GMC Yukon a little over a month ago, and the 6.2 engine has seized up. This vehicle started making grinding noises and shut down going 60 miles an hour. I traded in my previous Yukon and the dealer has sold it, so now I have nothing to drive. These engines are dangerous, and GM knows this and they don't seem to be doing anything about it
While driving on the highway, my SUV lost speed and went into what I believe was limp mode and the check engine light came on. I was unable to accelerate quickly which was very dangerous on the highway as I was only able to very slowly go about 45 MPH on a 65 MPH highway. After the dealer inspected it, I was told I needed a new engine, oil cooler, and turbo. They said it had metal in the oil. My…
Had engine trouble with your 2025 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 2025 GMC Yukon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 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 22 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 5,919 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.
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/2025/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.