2019 GMC YUKON Complaints

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.

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)

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a misfire in the engine, with a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance with having the VIN linked to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 104,389.

Engine began knocking noise at around 150k miles, noise became faster with throttle speed. Brought in to repair shop, mechanic confirmed connecting rod failure, suggested replacing engine. Replaced engine as suggested.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 68 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally, with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that lifter #7 had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that all the lifters were replaced. The contact stated that approximately 5 days later, on October 2, 2025, while reversing, there was a burning odor with black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the warranty only provided the replacement of 2 head gaskets. After 7 days of having the vehicle, while driving approximately 68 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was also idling roughly. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic and was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The fuel pump was replaced; however, the vehicle was idling roughly, and there was an intermittent misfire in cylinders #1 and #6. The dealer was unable to identify which cylinders needed to be replaced. The contact discovered information of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

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

The vehicle experienced a lifter and valve train failure within the warranty period, as addressed in GM TSM MC-10209953. This failure can cause sudden engine noise, loss of power, and potential engine seizure while driving, creating a serious safety hazard for the driver, passengers, and others on the road. The component failure is reproducible and has been confirmed by a repair shop; it is available for inspection upon request. An engine rebuild was completed just after the warranty expired, and the manufacturer has denied warranty coverage and refused to address the issue. Prior to failure, no warning lights or messages indicated a problem, meaning drivers have little to no warning before a potentially catastrophic malfunction. Because this is a documented issue affecting multiple vehicles and the manufacturer is refusing corrective action, this defect presents a clear risk to public safety. I urge NHTSA to investigate this matter, determine whether a safety recall is warranted, and require the manufacturer to address this known defect to prevent accidents and injuries.

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.

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)

The engine had catastrophic failure McCluskey Chevrolet Kings Auto Mall said it needs an engine replacement that has a blown engine. There is currently a recall on this particular 6.2 l87 engine from 2019 to 2024 but my vehicle for some reason isn't included but it's got the same problems as all the other ones