2023 GMC YUKON XL Recalls, Complaints & Safety

The panoramic sunroof on my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate XL spontaneously exploded while driving westbound on I-20 on March 13. There was no impact from road debris, no vehicles ahead, no overpass, and no external cause. The failure sounded like an explosion or gunshot. Tempered glass shattered with the sunroof in the closed position, showering the interior with glass fragments. Five occupants were in the vehicle at the time. No injuries occurred, but the sudden explosive noise and shower of glass created an extreme distraction and safety hazard while operating the vehicle at highway speed. The incident could easily have caused a loss of vehicle control on the interstate. The component that failed is the factory-installed panoramic power sunroof glass, standard equipment on the Denali Ultimate trim. The vehicle was taken to Lugoff Chevrolet for inspection. The dealer confirmed the glass failure and submitted a request to GM for warranty or goodwill coverage. GM offered to cover only 10% of the repair cost, characterizing the failure as an out-of-warranty wear issue despite the spontaneous nature of the defect. There were no warning signs, cracks, chips, warning lamps, or any indication of a problem prior to the failure. The sunroof was closed at the time. The vehicle has been dealer-maintained with no modifications to the sunroof or roof structure. This is a known industry-wide defect. NHTSA has previously investigated spontaneous sunroof shattering and documented over 4,000 complaints. GM has acknowledged awareness of this issue in other GM vehicles and previously issued corrective actions for sunroof glass on the Buick Regal and Chevrolet Cruze. Other GMC Yukon owners have filed NHTSA complaints describing identical failures. The failed sunroof glass and vehicle are available for inspection upon request.

The vehicle has the L87 GM engine. It lost complete power and the engine seized up and would not start again. Fortunately I was able to roll into a neighborhood and get off the main road with no issues. The dealer has confirmed the seized engine and a replacement engine has been ordered with no ETA. There was no prior warning of the failure, besides a shuddering, like I was running out of gas, and then a lose of complete power.

The onstar module of my 2023 GMC Yukon has failed. This is a wide spread issue with recent model GMC's. There are thousands of reports of the same thing happenings. When an onstar module fails, the vehicle loses its safety features. No lane departure, no collision detection or pre-collision braking, no critical system checks. Even the gas and mileage components stop working correctly.

The vehicle has the L87 GM engine. It lost complete power and the engine seized up and would not start again. Fortunately I was able to roll into a neighborhood and get off the main road with no issues. The dealer has confirmed the seized engine and a replacement engine has been ordered with no ETA. There was no prior warning of the failure, besides a shuddering, like I was running out of gas, and then a lose of complete power.

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing oil, and the engine was running rough. There was an abnormal burning odor after driving the vehicle. The vehicle received an oil change; however, two weeks later, the oil warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined the oil level was approximately 2 quarts low, and another oil change was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

2023 Yukon XL Denali passed the pico scope changed to 0W40 and 3 months later stopped working in the middle of driving just completely shut down. Engine started to smoke had it towed to dealership and they removed my oil filter and found crankshaft bearings in the filter. Needs a new engine now. Bought it brand new only has 45,000 miles on it currently.

2023 GMC Yukon XL 6.2L V8 experienced progressive engine defects starting in first year. At 7,445 mi (Jan 2023), first dealer visit for engine issues. At 10,315 mi (Apr 2023), Cyl 2 fuel injector failed (internally open), vehicle TOWED to dealer, replaced under warranty. At 14,982 mi (Aug 2023), identical Cyl 7 injector failure (internally open), replaced under warranty. Two identical failures on different cylinders within 15,000 mi indicates systemic defect. By 30,409 mi (Aug 2024), dealer performed engine decarbonization due to carbon buildup from fuel injection issues. Dealer recommended additional decarbs at 38,077 mi and 42,577 mi. At 56,028 mi (Mar 2026), engine suffered catastrophic failure: piston ring failure causing excessive oil consumption and engine destruction, requiring full engine replacement. This matches GM's known 5.3L/6.2L V8 piston ring defect (subject of $150M class action settlement). Defective injectors caused incomplete combustion, carbon buildup on piston rings, ring tension loss, and catastrophic engine failure. Vehicle also has unfixed suspension defect (camber bolt/alignment). Vehicle visited dealer 8+ times. Engine failure poses serious safety risk from sudden power loss at highway speeds. Vehicle available for inspection.

High pressure fuel pump housing failed and filled the cabin with fumes. Rendered the the Yukon unsafe to drive with fuel flooding the engine compartment. Took the dealer 57 days to repair the car. No warning lights, only indication was the fumes in the cabin.

Transfercase was casuing the Yukon to serge when in auto mode. No codes warning lights were presented. The dealer did not find any codes but when the transfer case was removed the oil was drained to which metal shavings were found in the oil. After getting the Yukon back the transmission began to exibit the same type of issues. Currently the Yukon is back in the shop.

High pressure fuel pump housing failed and filled the cabin with fumes. Rendered the the Yukon unsafe to drive with fuel flooding the engine compartment. Took the dealer 57 days to repair the car. No warning lights, only indication was the fumes in the cabin.

1.The driver side mirror tilts up or down every time the vehicle is started requiring readjustment before driving. My wife was almost hit by oncoming traffic when she did not remember to readjust the mirror before merging with traffic. 2. The driver seat bolster inflates every time the vehicle is started. The vehicle cannot be driven without deflating the bolster. These have been reported to the dealer 3 months ago with no resolution from them or GMC.

Complete engine failure on highway at speeds of 70+. The vehicle was inspected per the recall on this engine and it passed inspection prior to purchasing. The vehicle now needs a complete engine replaced per local GMC dealer.

Drove vehicle to town and back, 20 mile round trip. When entering my property, the Engine stalled while pulling into driveway. Upon cranking, was very hard to start. When taking the next trip after engine stall, vehicle died in motion at 60mph approaching a traffic intersection with no warning, leaving very little time to navigate to the shoulder and off the roadway. Engine will not crank over, suspect Engine has failed again, currently at dealer awaiting diagnostics. No lights, warnings, noises or indications of Engine failure were observed during the drive cycle.

driving 70mph on highway when engine suddenly failed. engine turned off and kicked into neutral. had to pull over on busy highway in a powerless car and have car towed. it is now getting a full engine replacement at 42k miles.

My vehicle was one of the vehicles that was subject to the engine failure recall by GM. I took it to the dealership for the “repair“ where I was told the oil was changed to a different weight. Last night, I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my car just stopped. It still had power, but the engine had stopped. I tried to restart was unable to.

Rear wheel lock up It took two Dealership is going through it's diagnosis but says it needs new valve body upgrade. Been sitting in the shop for 2 months

1 injured

i had taken care of the recall items in regards to the failing 6.2L engine. I was driving on the highway (going ~70mph) when all of a sudden the car kicked into neutral and the engine shut off. I was able to pull over, but the engine would not turn on. Electronics worked, but I think i had a total engine failure at 42k miles.

ON 2/22/2026 WE WERE DRIVING BACK FROM WEST, TEXAS ON FM 2311 WE WERE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 60 MPH POSTED SPEED LIMIT WHILE WE WERE ENTERING TH ECONSTURCTION ZONE THE VEHICLE SAID START THE CAR WE WERE DRIVING IN THEN I NOTICED WE LOST PROPULSION AND STEERING AND BRAKES WERE VERY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE MY WIFE AND 10 YEAR CHILD WERE IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. THIS ROAD HAD NO SHOULDERS AND A VERY STEEP DEEP EMBANKMENT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WE WERE TRAPPED BETWEEN TWO HILLS WITH NO WAY TO STAY SAFE OR GET THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE SPOT TO KEEP TRAFFIC FROM HITTING US OR THE CAR WE HAD TO GO STAND DOWN THE BOTTOM OF THE EMBANKMENT TO TRY AND STAY SAFE AS BEST AS WE COULD. THE LEROY TEXAS VOLUENTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME UP ON US AND WAS ABLE TO BLOCK TRAFFIC UNTIL THE CAR WAS TOWED TO OUR HOME THEN TO FREEDOM CHEVROLET IN FAITFIELD TEXAS ON2/23/2026 ON 2/23/2026 WE MADE A CLAIM WITH GM CLAIM#89328131 AND HAVE BEEN IGNORED BY THEM TOLD THEM A ENGONE REPLACEMENT DOES NOT FIX THE SAFTEY ISSUE PERMANTLY SO I AM REPSPECTFULLY REJECTING THE REPAIR TOLD DEALER NOT TO FIX. WE HAD A RECALL DONE ON 11/17/2025 FOR THIS ISSUE AND IT FAILED US WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR SEROIOUSLY INJURED. THIS IS A MASSIVE SAFTEY ISSUE WE EVEN ASKED GM FOR A BUY BACK OR A SWAP AND WE CALLED TODAY ON 2/27/2026 AND GM TOLD US JOHN WHOEVER THAT IS WOULD CALL US BACK NEVER CALLED US. GM EVEN ACTED LIKE THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CLAIM NUMBER WHEN I HAVE AN EMAIL ABOUT IT. i AM NOW VERY WORRIED THAT GM WILL TRY TO ERASE ALL THE DATA FROM THE VEHICLE RECORDING DEVICE AKA BLACK BOX. GM MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE I OWN 3 GM VEHICLES WORTH A TOTAL OF ALMOST 300K ALL HAVE A MAJOR SAFTEY RECALL .

Engine issue crankshaft problem

my engine was part of L87 engine GMC Yukon Xl 2023 recall, they checked the car at 41,000Miles in aug-sept 2025, then they suggested different oil to be used, they changed the oil and thats it, 5000 miles later my engine died on the high way, it shut off and car seized and shut off on the highway and did not move. I towed it to the GMC dealership, they confirmed the engine is seized, but they have been very secretive, they did not tell me whats wrong, they been some what ignoring me, I dont have a car its been few days, no one reached out to tell me whats happening, no offer to give me a loaner, when I kept bugging me they said we're opening the enigne to send the broken part inside to the GMC headquarters, I asked to know what's the issue what's happening but I'm worried they will do another short cut, I need your help on what to do next

Transmission surging. Transmission stays in one gear.

Onstar connectivity module failed after dealer updates. The onstar module controls super cruise hands free driving. Module can fail during use causing accident. Vehicle did not display any warning on display screen. Vehicle is available for inspection. GMC dealer confirmed onstar module failure and is waiting on part delivery for replacement. Several searches in online forums confirm this is an issue for thousands of GMC vehicles.

2023 Yukon Denali XL 6.2l: GM oil change recall performed (October 2025) and GMC dealership noted no issues. Prior to recall oil change, at aprox 5k miles interval (45K total miles), check engine oil light on dash and was over 1 quart low. Next oil change at aprox 50K miles, no check engine light came on, but certified mechanic drained and measure oil level, 1.5 quarts low. Engine often sounds odd at cold start, ticking sound. Now an oil change is $100 more, due to special oil, but not compensated for extra cost. Brake calibers failed. February 2026, engine light on, then off, then hood latch dash light warning now on and off. Huge safety concerns with the 2023 GMC Yukon 6.2L.

I was on the interstate and when I was passing a vehicle in the middle lane the engine lost power, shifted to N. I tried going back to drive it would not shift. Stopped the suv and tried restarting it. When I pushed on the brake and tried to start it the whole vehicle would loose power to all my screens. I had this vehicle towed in back in September 2025 due to not cranking over when starting. They did the recall for the engine at that time. The engine light would randomly turn on but would go back off within the same day.

POST-RECALL 25V274 ( & EA25007, EA25001) EXHAUST INTRUSION WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING HAZARD Following the complete engine replacement under GM recall N252494000, my vehicle has developed a severe and persistent exhaust intrusion that allows toxic exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide (CO), to enter the passenger cabin. CO levels have measured a peak of 83 PPM and consistent reading between 20-37 over multiple tests. PATTERN OF POST-RECALL EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURES Vehicle has been in for service 6 times, over 100 days, as part of the engine replacement plus (metal found in the oil pan). Since recall, the vehicle has had an exhaust smell and noise rattle issue with the following exhaust system components deemed failed and been replaced: 1. Radiator cap (leaking onto exhaust) 2. Exhaust muffler (replaced TWICE - June 2025 and August 2025) 3. Exhaust clamps (leaking) 4. Left exhaust manifold (warped) Critical Finding: Despite replacement of virtually the entire exhaust system, the defect persists. This suggests a fundamental design or installation defect related to the engine replacement procedure, NOT isolated component failures. Documented Carbon Monoxide Levels: Between January 30 and February 3, 2026, I conducted 15+ tests using a professional-grade Klein Tools ET180 Carbon Monoxide Meter. Results: • Peak reading: 83 PPM • Multiple readings: 40-72 PPM sustained for 6+ minutes directly at my [XXX] daughter's car seat position • Testing method: Vehicle started via remote start, CO meter placed in cabin, readings recorded over 10-15 minute periods Health Impacts to Family: • Wife and [XXX] daughter consistently experience dizziness, headaches, and nausea when riding in vehicle • Daughter now refuses to ride in vehicle because it makes her feel sick • Symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning Independent service station verification on January 30th confirmed "vehicle is dangerous to operate with children inside and needs immediate service." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA

6 injured

POST-RECALL 25V274 ( & EA25007, EA25001) EXHAUST INTRUSION WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING HAZARD Following the complete engine replacement under GM recall N252494000, my vehicle has developed a severe and persistent exhaust intrusion that allows toxic exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide (CO), to enter the passenger cabin. CO levels have measured a peak of 83 PPM and consistent reading between 20-37 over multiple tests. PATTERN OF POST-RECALL EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURES Vehicle has been in for service 6 times, over 100 days, as part of the engine replacement plus (metal found in the oil pan). Since recall, the vehicle has had an exhaust smell and noise rattle issue with the following exhaust system components deemed failed and been replaced: 1. Radiator cap (leaking onto exhaust) 2. Exhaust muffler (replaced TWICE - June 2025 and August 2025) 3. Exhaust clamps (leaking) 4. Left exhaust manifold (warped) Critical Finding: Despite replacement of virtually the entire exhaust system, the defect persists. This suggests a fundamental design or installation defect related to the engine replacement procedure, NOT isolated component failures. Documented Carbon Monoxide Levels: Between January 30 and February 3, 2026, I conducted 15+ tests using a professional-grade Klein Tools ET180 Carbon Monoxide Meter. Results: • Peak reading: 83 PPM • Multiple readings: 40-72 PPM sustained for 6+ minutes directly at my [XXX] daughter's car seat position • Testing method: Vehicle started via remote start, CO meter placed in cabin, readings recorded over 10-15 minute periods Health Impacts to Family: • Wife and [XXX] daughter consistently experience dizziness, headaches, and nausea when riding in vehicle • Daughter now refuses to ride in vehicle because it makes her feel sick • Symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning Independent service station verification on January 30th confirmed "vehicle is dangerous to operate with children inside and needs immediate service." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA

6 injured

On 12/22/2025 I took my 2023 GMC Yukon in for the L87 recall. After receiving information that my vehicle passed the recall they told me that the oil would be change to from OW-20 to OW-40 and that my oil changes would go up in price (double the price) due to the oil being a high performance oil. On 01/05/26 exactly two weeks and 616 miles later our engine and lights completely stopped working while driving it on the road!!! The vehicle would not start or switch into neutral so we could get the vehicle off the road due to blocking traffic! The vehicle was towed the GMC dealership and had to have a new engine replacement. We were out of our vehicle for 31 days. Now our vehicle rear view camera guidelines have stopped working and now have to put that under warranty claim.

On two separate occasions, while driving at approximately 60 mph on New York parkways, my vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral and lost power without warning. During the first incident, a message appeared instructing me to “press start to continue.” I was able to restart the vehicle and drive home. Two days later, the same failure occurred again under similar conditions. This time, after pulling over and pressing the start button, the vehicle shut off completely and became totally inoperable. The vehicle had no power and would not restart. At the time of this second incident: - I had my [XXX] child in the vehicle - The outside temperature was approximately 20 degrees - Recent snow made it difficult to pull fully off the parkway - Police assistance was required to ensure our safety - We waited nearly two hours for a tow truck due to the hazardous roadside conditions This situation was frightening, dangerous, and completely unacceptable in a modern vehicle with approximately 24,000 miles. When GMC evaluated the vehicle the following day, I was informed that it requires a full engine replacement. A catastrophic engine failure at this mileage — combined with repeated, sudden loss of power at highway speeds — represents a serious safety defect that substantially impairs the use, value, and safety of the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Following a catastrophic engine failure in my 2023 GMC Yukon XL Denali, I discovered that the vehicle could not be shifted into neutral once the engine failed. This prevented the vehicle from being moved out of traffic if it had stopped in an active lane. The inability to place the vehicle into neutral after a loss-of-power event creates a serious safety hazard, particularly on high-speed roadways. In the event of a failure occurring in traffic, occupants may be left stranded in a travel lane with no ability to push or reposition the vehicle, significantly increasing the risk of a rear-end or multi-vehicle collision. This condition occurred immediately following the engine failure and was not accompanied by any prior warning or instructions to allow safe vehicle repositioning. I am unaware of any manual or mechanical override that would allow the vehicle to be shifted into neutral under these conditions. This design behavior represents a safety defect because it compounds the danger of a propulsion loss by preventing drivers from removing the vehicle from harm’s way.

I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure involving my 2023 GMC Yukon XL Denali, which was subject to a GM-issued recall related to engine failure. On January 10, 2026, at approximately 1:00 a.m., while traveling at highway speed (approximately 65+ mph) on a multi-lane highway, the engine suddenly failed without warning, resulting in a complete loss of power. I was forced to make immediate evasive maneuvers to reach the shoulder while avoiding semi-trucks and other vehicles. The sudden loss of power created an extremely dangerous situation for myself, my passengers, and surrounding traffic. After the engine failure, the vehicle could not be placed into neutral, preventing it from being moved out of traffic if it had stopped in an active lane. This design issue significantly increased the risk of a collision. I was stranded on the roadside for several hours in cold conditions awaiting a tow. The failure was later confirmed by an authorized GMC dealer, who diagnosed the engine as failed and replaced the entire engine assembly. The vehicle and replaced components should be available for inspection through the dealership. The manufacturer had previously issued a recall for this vehicle related to engine failure, and I had requested a buyback prior to this incident due to safety concerns. That request was denied unless the vehicle experienced a failure. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. The only warning message appeared after the engine failed, indicating an engine overheating or “engine hot” condition, which occurred after power was already lost. This incident represents a serious safety defect that resulted in loss of propulsion at highway speed with no advance warning.

Following a catastrophic engine failure in my 2023 GMC Yukon XL Denali, I discovered that the vehicle could not be shifted into neutral once the engine failed. This prevented the vehicle from being moved out of traffic if it had stopped in an active lane. The inability to place the vehicle into neutral after a loss-of-power event creates a serious safety hazard, particularly on high-speed roadways. In the event of a failure occurring in traffic, occupants may be left stranded in a travel lane with no ability to push or reposition the vehicle, significantly increasing the risk of a rear-end or multi-vehicle collision. This condition occurred immediately following the engine failure and was not accompanied by any prior warning or instructions to allow safe vehicle repositioning. I am unaware of any manual or mechanical override that would allow the vehicle to be shifted into neutral under these conditions. This design behavior represents a safety defect because it compounds the danger of a propulsion loss by preventing drivers from removing the vehicle from harm’s way.

Vehicle was taken to dealership and test was run. Service manager notified me it passed and told us about change of oil. Then recently engine stopped on us twice on the interstate with no power. We finally got it to the dealer and while they were test driving it lost power and they had to have it towed. Now we have been told we are needing a new engine and have not been given any time line. We have also read that many time the solution even on the new engine is not fixing all issues. We just want a safe vehicle returned to us.

Catastrophic brake system failure. When leaving my home in Baltimore County, MD, at approx. 10:00am on February 3rd, my vehicle started up normally. As I descended down a hill in our neighborhood the brake system failed and the vehicle would not stop. By standing on the brake pedal I slowed enough to put the vehicle in park as I entered an intersection with the main road. I have since learned this is the 3rd GMC Yukon (years 2023-2024) that has had the same brake failure in 24 hours in our community.

On January 19, 2026, Recall 25V274 was performed on my vehicle, and this was not disclosed to me when I picked up the vehicle from the dealership, Courtesy Buick GMC in Louisville, KY. I only found out when I got home and read through all the service notes. I contacted the dealer on January 19 after I got home, asking for explanation and have not heard back. The Recall Remedy failed. Since the service, symptoms of hesitation, lack of propulsion and low MPG persisted. As of Feb 1, the vehicle has suffered a transmission failure and is unsafe. The dealer told me verbally everything was fine, and in the service notes from Jan 19, they noted vehicle as 'Operating as Designed and Within Spec' despite performing safety recall work."

We had the L87 engine recall completed at 14,318 miles on Nov 20, 2025 on our 2023 Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L engine. Engine passed all tests by dealer and we were sent on our way with 0W-40 and a new oil cap. Fast forward to Jan 21, 2026.... My wife pulled the vehicle out of driveway and noticed a deep pitched, knocking sound. She slowly started to drive down the street a bit and then the vehicle shut off and displayed a warning message on the dash (this was on a cold engine, not due to the absurd auto start/stop feature). She was able to restart and get vehicle back to the garage. We had just rolled 15,000 miles on the odometer the day before. Immediately called our dealer and had an appointment set for the next day. We were able to drive vehicle to dealer with knocking and reduced power during the drive. Dealer confirmed next day that an excessive amount of metal was found in oil and on oil filter element then supplied us with video evidence. A complete teardown has been ordered but no cause has yet been identified as of Jan 29, 2026. Service tech stated as we walked back into the dealer that "you are getting a new engine based on the amount of metal found in the oil sample". I asked about timeline for engine replacement and was told that we are looking at a month if not longer until we will get the vehicle back. We know that we are VERY fortunate to not have had the engine shutdown happen on a highway as my wife would have most certainly panicked in the situation possibly leading to a catastrophic event.

The vehicle was running perfectly fine. We pulled into a service station to fill up the gas tank, and suddenly it wouldn’t start at all. We had no choice but to have it towed to McKenzie GMC in Milton, Florida. After several days of waiting, we were told we now “need another engine.” Yes—another engine. This is completely unacceptable. This same vehicle already had its engine replaced in 2025 under recall 25V274000. It passed the PICO test, and the oil was changed to the updated 0W‑40 viscosity exactly as required. There is absolutely no reason a vehicle with a recently replaced, recall‑compliant engine should be failing like this. Something is seriously wrong with this vehicle, and it needs to be addressed immediately. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

There have been several issues for which I had to take my vehicle to the dealer. I did the engine oil recall. Then 4 months later my engine was destroyed. I’ve had several issues with oil leaks. I had an issue with my running boards a few times. And I’ve had an ongoing issue that the dealer hasn’t been able to fix - a water leak (I believe stemming from the moonroof), water gets into my vehicle, on my floorboard, and behind the dash. I’ve called to record these incidents with the dealer and taken it in several times, but they are never able to duplicate it, but they have witnessed the water leakage after the incidents (which happens during heavy downpours, and isn’t all the time because my vehicle is in the garage when I’m not at work).