GMC Complaints

I previously opened NHTSA Complaint Number11637208 on January 20, 2025 regarding the internal engine failure of my 2021 Yukon Denial XL on January 3, 2025. After filing that Complaint, the engine in my Yukon was replaced by GMC in February 2025. After replacement, the engine was allegedly tested, given an oil cap change, and OK'd by the GMC dealership. On Sunday, April 12, 2026, the replacement engine in my Yukon failed without warning and left me (and my family members, who were also in the Yukon) stranded in the lane of traffic on the westbound College Drive exit of I-10. We had it towed to the GMC dealership (Royal Buick GMC) the same day, they diagnosed it, and according to text communications I received from them on April 14, 2026, the Yukon's engine needs to be replaced again because the engine internally failed - likely due to the failure of the engine's internal rod bearing. No one in my family feels safe in the Yukon anymore. GMC should not be allowed to replace these engines with more faulty engines. If something more is not done soon, people are going to die because of the wrecks caused by these faulty engines.

The vehicle experienced a major engine failure involving the 6.2L engine. The failure appeared sudden and premature and is not consistent with normal wear and tear for a vehicle of this type. Prior to the failure, there were intermittent performance concerns and warning indicators suggesting potential engine or drivetrain issues. The vehicle had previously undergone repair related to similar concerns, indicating a possible recurring problem. The failure created a potential safety risk due to the possibility of loss of power while driving, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. The issue has been confirmed by a service provider, and the vehicle requires significant repair. General Motors has been notified but has declined repair assistance, classifying the issue as wear and tear. While no active recall is currently associated with this specific vehicle, similar vehicles with the same engine platform have documented issues, raising concerns about reliability and safety. The failed components are available for inspection upon request.

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that there was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the front driver’s side suspension while driving over bumps in the roadway, and while braking and turning the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where a test drive was performed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14.

4/02/26 Truck bug jumped hard and shifted down causing me to fishtail and almost hit a car. Scared the crap out of me and the driver of the other car. Low power mode. 20 mph. No reverse. Towed to dealership. Diagnosis valve body spacer. This is our first GMC. Barely had it over a year. 78k miles. No warning lamps prior to failure.

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made abnormal knocking sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who discovered metal shavings inside the engine oil and determined that the crankshaft bearings had failed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,634.

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, the message "Engine Power Reduced" was displayed, and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle stalled on three separate occasions. The vehicle was able to restart each time after approximately 15 minutes of waiting, but the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and DTC: P228C, P0089, and P006C were retrieved, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump and fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered. The contact stated that upon pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pushed into a parking space with assistance. Additionally, the contact stated that while her husband was test-driving the vehicle in the driveway by driving forward and reversing several times, the transmission locked up while depressing the brake pedal the thirteenth time. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

I got into my car to leave, I placed my phone on the wireless charging pad. When I got to my location about 10 minutes later, I grabbed my phone and went to put the wrist band attached to my phone around my wrist. The wrist band is a metal chain and it burned me on the side of my wrist and top of hand. I took the wrist band off as fast as I could, then touched it with my fingers to make sure that is where the sting was coming form, and it was. The passenger in the car also confirmed that the wrist band was dangerously hot. I took pictures of the burn marks it left on my wrist and hand.

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Sierra 3500 used for hauling a 2026 Aluminum Trailer equipped with a DeeMaxx: DBI-7K-MAXX-SS-KIT brake kit. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake caliper bracket detached due to insufficient generic quality bolts included in the brake kit. The contact pulled over and had the trailer towed to an RV park. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the failure was caused by improper installation. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

The contact owned a 2024 GMC Terrain. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving 5 MPH on an intersection, another vehicle driving 40 MPH crashed into the driver's side of the vehicle, by the driver's side door. The driver's side curtain air bag deployed. The contact stated that the three holes on the air bag propelled burning air, which melted and burned through the three layers of clothing of the driver. The driver sustained second-degree burns and blisters on the hip. The contact picked up and transported the driver to Urgent Care, where medical assistance was provided. A police report was filed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the police officer. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, pending assessment from the insurance company. The dealer and the manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.