2019 GMC Yukon Complaint Log

Complete engine failure. The dealership kept the engine. This happened at a low rate of speed but it would have been much worse if on the highway. Yes the engine was completely replaced. The check engine light came on and their was a loud ticking noise coming from the engine.

2019 GMC Youkon with 94,659 miles. I am the second owner of this vehicle. I purchased it used in February 2025. Check engine light came on in route to work on March 5, 2026. Immediately took vehicle to Auto Zone to scan for codes. Multiple codes were returned. I drove it directly to a repair shop for further diagnostics. Return Results were massive lifter failure and cam shaft damage. Why would the check engine light not come on sooner to prevent TOTAL FAILURE. Vehicle was towed to a GMC certified mechanic where it was confirmed that all Lifters and cam shaft were damaged beyond repair and must all be replaced. Estimated Cost of repairs so far: $8,596.80 Labor: Remove & Replace Left And Right Valve Lifter (Both Sides) Coolant Service Oil Change Labor Parts: Engine Camshaft 1 , Genuine GM Engine Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Gasket 1 , Genuine GM Fuel Pump Gasket 1 Engine Timing Cover Gasket Set 1 Engine Valve Lifter Guide 1 Engine Valve Lifter Guide 1 Coolant/Antifreeze Orange Dex-Cool 1 Gal 3 Engine Push Rod 8 Engine Oil Filter 1 0W-20 Full Syn 8 Engine Cylinder Head Bolt Set 1 Engine Valve Lifter Guide 1 Engine Valve Lifter Guide 1 Stock Engine Valve Lifter 4 Stock Engine Valve Lifter 4 Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Kit 1 Engine Cylinder Head Bolt 10 APPROVED Subtotal $8,422.71 + est. Tax $174.09 $8,596.80 Estimated time for repair: going on three weeks

Automatic emergency braking system deployed unexpectedly on acceleration from a traffic light stop. Vehicle was about 10-15 MPH and system operated with no brake pedal input. A vehicle behind had to do a panic stop to avoid collision. Deployment disengaged when accelerator pedal was released. My wife, principal driver, was in the car. She advised this had occurred two times before. No recalls are presently listed for the vehicle.

Check engine light came on. Went off a little later and then came back on. Took it to the dealership where they ran codes. They changed the fuel injector and spark plugs based on the codes listed. They heard a noise coming from under the engine and felt like it was the same failure that it happened in the 2021 to 2024 Yukon models those engines had been recalled. Was quoted $15,000 for a new engine was also charged $1000 for the fuel injector and spark plugs.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds in a parking lot, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that when the gear shift lever was shifted to drive(D), the vehicle failed to function as designed. The contact was unable to drive the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the oil and the transmission needed to be replaced. The warranty had expired, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialty shop, where it was confirmed that metal shavings were found in the oil and that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle back to the private dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,870.

Engine lifter spring failure followed by bent valve push rod experienced on or about 11/6/2025. Engine repaired/re-built at independent auto mechanic for a total of $6,450. Parts not available but have pictures. Depending on where this incident could have occurred (freeway, long trips, while towing (boat, horses), etc.) safety concerns include being stranded in traffic or remote areas. Engine lost significant power and wouldn't have been able to tow. Engine knock warning light.

Driving out a town 400 miles away, with a young passenger in my car on [XXX] in rush hour traffic, i started hearing a slight ticking sound then moved into a full blown knock on my drivers side ( I recorded it). within minutes, my oil light came on and my dash notification reading "engine overheating idle" with the knocking really load. I had to cross 3 lanes to traffic quickly to get to the shoulder of the road, which was NOT a safe place. I smelled smoke and cut the the engine off. I popped the hood to see that there was now no coolant (that is all I knew to look for). I immediately called OnStar Roadside assistance. 2 hours later, I was towed to a local hotel room. Car completely dead. not lights, couldn't lock it, nothing. I had to pay a large fee (almost $2k) to have my car towed back to NC from AL not to mention having rent a rental car to get us home. the car is now at a GMC dealership in Monroe NC. of course the Powertrain extended warranty doesn't cover the Battery replacement, belt replacement and water pump replacement so now I'm out of pocket $1300 just to get those install to be able to try and start the engine to further diagnose if my I have complete engine failure AND without transportation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

MEMORANDUM To: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Subject: Safety Defect Report – 2019 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2L V8 (L87) with AFM/DFM I am reporting a serious and recurring safety defect involving my 2019 GMC Yukon Denali equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine and GM’s AFM/DFM system. In the past twelve months, I have experienced two separate engine failures, both occurring at highway speeds and both involving valve-train/VLOM failures on the same side of the engine. In each incident, the vehicle suddenly lost power, misfired violently, and became unable to maintain speed. This created an extremely dangerous situation for my family. One failure occurred while my wife was driving; the other occurred while my [XXX] son was driving. Both were forced to maneuver across high-speed traffic with a failing engine to reach the shoulder. These events posed a clear risk of a high-speed crash, injury or even a fatality. There are hundreds—possibly thousands—of documented complaints from owners of GM vehicles with AFM/DFM-equipped engines reporting the same issues: collapsed lifters, valve failures, VLOM malfunctions, and sudden loss of propulsion. These failures often occur without warning and show a consistent pattern across multiple model years and engine variants, including the L87. The sudden loss of power at highway speeds represents a significant safety hazard. The frequency of similar reports suggests a systemic mechanical defect rather than isolated incidents. I respectfully request that NHTSA open a formal investigation into AFM/DFM-related failures in GM’s L87 and related V8 engines, with a focus on lifter, valve, and VLOM failures that lead to abrupt engine shutdown. Appropriate safety action, including a mandatory recall, should be done immediately to prevent potential injuries or fatalities. I will provide repair documentation, service reports, and other additional information. [XXX] , Esq. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Four of the eight oil lifters in my 6.2L engine in my 2019 GMC Yukon failed. The car has around 53,000 miles. The issue was confirmed by an independent service center. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the issue. Zero. The service center even ran diagnostics with no result and could not confirm the issue until after it partially took apart the engine. I noticed a noise similar to a card flapping in the wind and took it to the service center that same day. The car had been properly serviced with oil changes and still had 44% oil life that same day. Repairs are currently being made and estimated at $4,000.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jerked before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 111,000.

My name is [XXX] I have a 2019 GMC Yukon Denali with 226,000 miles my engine has went out do to the same issues that's going on with the GM motors right now. I have brought it in to Courtsey GMC and they told me my engine needed to be replace do to oil pressure problem cylinder 8 was bad. After taking the engine apart they notice the problem. my phone number [XXX] email [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I was driving on RT80 in NJ and my 2019 GMC Yukon lost power. I took it to my local Chevy dealer. The scan code was p0300 engine misfire. They removed right side valve cover and found no bent pushrods. Inspected camshaft and found damage from failed lifter. I had to get a new engine and pay out of pocket $14,435.44

Engine failure at 114k miles required replacement.

I JUST PURCHASED THIS 2019 GMC YUKON DENALI. ABOUT 3 WEEKS AFTER; THE MESSAGE "SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM" STARTED BEEPING...DIDN'T REALLY PAY BOTHER ME AT 1ST SINCE I WEREN'T PLANNING TO PULL ANYTHING. THEN IT STARTED DOING IT MORE FREQUENTLY. NOW IT IS CONSTANTLY DOING IT EVERY FEW DAYS. CAN'T SEEM TO GET IT TO STOP. VERY ANNOYING... ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Engine lights and all other warning lights came on, and lost total power in engine while driving. Engine knocked bad and had to limp to a repair center to check out engine problem. Service department says total engine failure at 72k miles, no warning. Apparently this 2019 GMC Yukon is not within the recall for engine replacement that appears it needs to be covered as well.

Driving home from work, with no signs my oil pressure guage dropped to zero and RPMs went to zero and I had to pull over in full on traffic going 70mph with my boat hooked to my 2019 gmc yukon denal almost causing me to wreck. Towed vehicle and boat to closest towing service and then took vehicle to mechanic and the engine was seized up

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the cam shaft. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 170,000. The VIN was not available.

Power steering going in and out while driving

Was driving home at highway speeds and my 2019 yukon denalis engine just shut off in traffic and had to come to a stop in the middle of traffic and it wouldn't restart, had to have it towed to dealer and they told me the engine was siezed.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and lifters and cam phaser failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

Transmission failed at 90,100 miles. Left me stranded in middle of a busy intersection as I was making a left turn, it was like it was in neutral no matter how much I tried to accelerate. Very dangerous situation, scary and helpless feeling as cars approaching and I could not get out of their way. Near miss accident. This should not be happening at this low mileage

The car was clicking when it was first started up, a short time later it started to shake terribly which forced my [XXX] son who was driving the vehicle at the time to pull over, on a major toll-way in heavy traffic. Engine light started to blink and traction control light came on. I immediately took the car into the dealer and was told I need new lifters ($3800 + Tax) and most likely a new engine (they quoted me $15,865). From what I am reading this issue is common place with the 6.2L engine...frightening and very lucky my son was not injured. I have filed a case with GMC - Case #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

We received an alert/warning that is nearly constantly beeping and servicing the trailer brake system. We have never used the wiring or towed anything, and the trailer brake system is unused. The beeping is near constant, even after we “dismiss” the alert and is very distracting when driving.

The seatbelt on the second row driver side captain chair no longer works. It started not retracting about a year ago and now it won’t retract or pull out so it is stuck and cannot be used. The $85k Yukon is only five years old, seat belts should last longer than that. GMC wants us to pay $500 to fix a safety concern seat belt. I would understand if the vehicle was 10+ years old but we are still less than 100k miles and we just hit 5 years.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and jolted while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 25 MPH independently while the RPMS were significantly high. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved. The vehicle jolted and accelerated to 65 MPH; however, the failure recurred. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle resumed speed, then the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the emergency lane. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to drive into a parking lot, where the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to restart with the check engine warning light illuminated. The messages "Transmission Hot - Idle Engine" and "Action Required" were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

The engine continues to slip and slows down when driving. The following codes are returned back from the onstar diagnostics, Transmission Control Module Requested Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illumination. The DTC is an informational DTC. The DTC indicates an emission related DTC set in the Transmission Control Module. The vehicle has only 132,000 miles, and I have maitain the vehicle in excellent shape. With maitainance, the transmission should last at least 300,000 miles. The Engine and Transmission System is not performing as expected. An issue has been detected in the Transmission System that transfers power from the engine to the drive wheels.

-Automatic transmission failed. Slipped, skipped, and bucked while driving. -Taking a left turn into traffic transmission hesitated and just started slipping almost causing an accident. -Dealer confirmed torque converter failed and transmission needed replacement. -No warnings. No towing. Just 89,000 highway miles commuting to work. No heavy loads or abuse. -Had to replace the transmission, not covered under warranty due to mileage. Not available for inspection.

Engine Lifters failing and vehicle making a squeaking type noise. Check engine light came on briefly 2 weeks ago and went off. Problem confirmed by GMC dealer whom also reports they have multiple vehicles at shop right now with lifters and cam shaft problems

Transmission failed while driving down the road. Trasmission reved up while driving and would not go faster then the car started slowing down. Thank goodness this was not on an interstate or it could have caused an accident. Check engine light came on as I was getting to the shoulder of the road.

the steering gear box became disassemble, steering wheel when to twelve o'clock, gears in steering gear box jump gear insurance inspector said a bolt back out,there was 439 recall for steering box recall in 2019 the part number changed several times with multiple bullets for same part.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service trailer brake system warning light illuminated and alerted the contact. The contact stated that there was no trailer brake. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the engine failed to run. The message "Shut off Vehicle - Service at Local Dealer" was displayed; however, no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the lifters, cam shaft, and push rods were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,300.

Rear shocks are frozen (seized) Makes the vehicle hard to control on bumpy surfaces.

Tailights are not working as per the dealer (Thompsons GMC of Placerville, CA). Unable to drive the car at night or near sunset.

Received a message on driver information system that states service trailer brake system. When towing a trailer, the trailer brakes are inoperable and pose a safety risk in the event of a sudden brake event. GM apparently has a service bulletin published for this message which indicated a replacement of the connector in the wire harness should be performed. Although I don't tow trailers often, I should be able to rely on this feature in my vehicle. My vehicle only has 70,000 miles and this is too soon for such a part to become faulty.

The intake valve spring broke and destroyed the cylinder and engine. The damage was verified by a certified GMC dealer and submitted to GMC who said they would replace the engine under the warranty. No warnings or symptoms occurred prior to the total engine failure. The vehicle is under the 60000 warranty and has been at the dealer for going on 7 months.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the third-row seats electrically controlled failed to function as needed. The contact stated that that the seats failed to move forward or backwards. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the third-row seat unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure TSB: PIT5550C (Left Side Third Row Seat will not Power Fold/Unfold Seats, Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. MY WIFE AND I DROVE TO DINNER AND CAME HOME AROUND 830PM ON FRIDAY NIGHT (03/26/2021). THE NEXT MORNING (SATURDAY, 03/27/2021), I WAS WALKING PAST THE FRONT DOOR AROUND 8AM AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE GRILLE (UNDER THE HOOD) WHEN I LOOKED OUTSIDE. TOLD MY WIFE TO CALL 911 AND I RAN OUTSIDE AND TRIED TO PUT IT OUT WITH THE FIRE HOUSE, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE AND THE FIRE TOOK OVER. THE FIRE MARSHALL STATED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE FIRE.

BRAKE LIGHTS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. CAR IS 1 YEAR OLD.

AIR CONDITIONER BLOWING OUT HOT AIR.

LOSS OF POWER STEERING, LOSS OF ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, LOSS OF ALL TRANSMISSION GEARS FORWARD AND REVERSE, LOSS OF AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT CONTROL, LOSS OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES INCLUDING TACHOMETER, ENGINE OIL PRESSURE, AND ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE, LOSS OF HEATED SEAT FUNCTIONALITY, LOSS OF HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING, AND LOSS OF INFOTAINMENT/STEREO SYSTEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS NOW, THE FIRST ON 01/13/2020 AND THEN AGAIN ON 02/20/2020. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED IN TO THE DEALER ON 01/13/2020 AND WAS ALSO TRANSPORTED TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AGAIN ON 02/20/2020. A TSB WAS PERFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT WAS TOWED IN THE FIRST TIME THAT OBVIOUSLY DID NOT FIX THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. NORMALLY THE PROBLEM WILL GO AWAY AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE CUSTOMER'S COMPLAINT. I DO HAVE VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE ISSUES I EXPERIENCED ON TWO OCCASION AS PROOF.

VEHICLE STATIONARY IN CAR WASH AND WHILE MANUALLY USING HANDHELD AT FRONT OF VEHICLE TOWARDS VEHICLE GRILL, BACK OF VEHICLE OPENED/LIFTED. HAS NOW HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND DEALER HAS MADE NO REPAIR, BUT DISCONNECTED EXTERIOR SENSOR AT GATE (WHERE YOU KICK UNDER VEHICLE TO RELEASE GATE FOR LIFT/OPEN) IN EFFORT TO ELIMINATE THAT IF INSTANCE RECURS. CONCERN IS FOR SAFETY IF DRIVING IN RAIN AND BACK OPENS/LIFTS WHILE OPERATING ON HIGHWAYS/ROADS. OWNER IS FORMER SHERIFF'S DEPUTY KN KANKAKEE COUNTY.

STEERING WHEEL SURGES DURING TRAVEL ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING AT SPEEDS.

2019 GMC YUKON DENALI. 6408 MILES. DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL SPEED A WARNING APPEARS THAT SAYS SERVICE POWER STEERING. IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING ON THE VEHICLE AND BY THE TIME WE GOT IT TO THE OFF RAMP THE STEERING WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED IN THE STRAIGHT POSITION. VERY FORTUNATE THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON ONE OF THE MANY CURVED ROADS WHERE WE LIVE. WE HAD NO WARNING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE FRONT SEAT DRIVER AND PASSENGER HAD BECOME ILL AND SUFFERED DIZZINESS AND LIGHT HEADINESS AND THE PASSENGER ALSO SUFFER BREATHING PROBLEMS WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER RIVERTOWN BUICK/GMC (1661 WHITTLESEY RD. COLUMBUS GA) WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE BUT WOULD REPLACED THE EVAPORATOR COIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, her husband noticed an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who determined that the drive belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Gerry Lane Buick GMC (6615 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806) to be diagnosed and it was determined that the lifters had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a partial reimbursement for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.