YearToAvoid

2023 GMC Yukon XL Engine Problems

Engine problems account for 157 of 216 complaints (73%) filed on the 2023 GMC Yukon XL, the most reported issue for this model year. A related recall (25V274000) covers the 6.2L V8 engine, and the median mileage at failure was 44,000.

Engine complaints
157
73% of 216
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
7
Median mileage
44,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Engine shuts off completely at highway speeds, sometimes multiple times in one drive, leaving the vehicle without power steering or working brakes.
  • Vehicle unexpectedly shifts into neutral while driving at speed, with the dash showing a message that the vehicle condition is not met or not safe for shift, and the transmission becomes stuck.
  • Engine knocking noise develops at low mileage, later diagnosed as metal shavings in the oil requiring engine replacement.
  • Complete engine failure reported at low mileage, sometimes described as connecting rod failure, requiring full engine replacement.
  • Engine freezes or stalls unexpectedly, refusing to restart, sometimes accompanied by transmission and DEF warning lights.

When 2023 GMC Yukon XL engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 8, 2024, latest Sep 23, 2026.

2023 GMC Yukon XL engine complaints: complaints filed per month19Jan 2024Aug 2024Feb 2025Jun 2025Nov 2025Mar 2026Jul 2026
157 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2024 to Sep 2026; peak Feb 2025 (19).

Engine recalls for the 2023 GMC Yukon XL

  1. NHTSA 25V274000Apr 24, 2025Engine597,571 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

    Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

Engine complaints by Yukon XL model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20105 (8%)
  2. 20117 (5%)
  3. 20124 (10%)
  4. 20132 (6%)
  5. 20141 (6%)
  6. 201537 (10%)
  7. 201632 (14%)
  8. 201730 (20%)
  9. 201816 (29%)
  10. 201939 (58%)
  11. 202026 (55%)
  12. 2021157 (70%)
  13. 2022123 (74%)
  14. 2023157 (73%)
  15. 202459 (84%)
  16. 202517 (63%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2023 GMC Yukon XL?
NHTSA lists 157 engine-related complaints for the 2023 Yukon XL, which is 73% of all 216 complaints filed for this model year.
Is there a recall for the 2023 GMC Yukon XL engine?
Yes. Recall 25V274000, reported April 24, 2025, covers the 6.2L V8 engine in certain 2021-2024 GM SUVs and trucks including the 2023 Yukon XL. Dealers inspect the engine and repair or replace it as needed.
At what mileage do engine failures typically happen on the 2023 Yukon XL?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 44,000 miles, though several owners reported issues well before that.
Do the engine failures cause crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data for the 2023 Yukon XL engine complaints lists 1 crash and 7 injuries, with no fires reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.