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2026 GMC Yukon Xl

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 3 of 32 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

32 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2026
Engine

2026 GMC Yukon XL Denali, VIN [XXX] , 6.2L V8 L87 engine. At 3,168 miles, vehicle developed rough idle and knocking noise. Delivered to Sewell Buick GMC Dallas on 3/2/26. Dealer diagnosed crankshaft thrust bearing spun. Tech pinpointed bottom-end noise via stethoscope, found excessive metal debris in oil and oil filter. Engine t…

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2026 GMC Yukon XL Denali, VIN [XXX] , 6.2L V8 L87 engine. At 3,168 miles, vehicle developed rough idle and knocking noise. Delivered to Sewell Buick GMC Dallas on 3/2/26. Dealer diagnosed crankshaft thrust bearing spun. Tech pinpointed bottom-end noise via stethoscope, found excessive metal debris in oil and oil filter. Engine teardown confirmed thrust bearing failure. Required complete engine replacement (GM #xxx), plus oil cooler/radiator, oil cooler lines, torque converter bolts, and all one-time-use parts due to metal contamination. Old engine serial [XXX] , new engine [XXX] . Repaired under warranty 3/9/26, RO #XXX. This is the identical failure mode that caused NHTSA Recall 25V-274 covering ~597,630 L87-equipped vehicles (MY 2021-2024). GM stated manufacturing improvements were completed by 6/1/24 and 2025+ models were not affected. My 2026 model year failure directly contradicts this claim and suggests the defect persists in current production. SAFETY CONCERN: Bearing failure causes sudden complete loss of propulsion at any speed. NHTSA investigation PE25001 notes most failures occur without warning. Loss of power at highway speed creates serious crash risk due to loss of ability to accelerate and reduced power braking/steering. Had this failure progressed further while driving with my family, consequences could have been severe. No crash or injury occurred in this instance. This 2026 model year failure indicates NHTSA's investigation scope should expand to include current production vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11725564

Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2026
Engine

Engine lost power, making noises that sounded like an exhaust leak. Had vehicle towed to dealership. Advised the next day the main bearing had failed and engine needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11723472

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2026
Wheels

I am submitting supplemental information regarding Complaint #11716907 involving a 2026 GMC Yukon XL AT4 equipped with the Brembo brake package. Following my original submission, GM's Executive Resolution Office provided written clarification of its disclosure position. GM states that the spare tire compatibility limitation asso…

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I am submitting supplemental information regarding Complaint #11716907 involving a 2026 GMC Yukon XL AT4 equipped with the Brembo brake package. Following my original submission, GM's Executive Resolution Office provided written clarification of its disclosure position. GM states that the spare tire compatibility limitation associated with the Performance Brake Upgrade is disclosed through a hang tag affixed to the spare tire/wheel assembly mounted beneath the vehicle; and the owner’s manual. GM has not indicated that this limitation appears on the Monroney label, buyer’s order, or delivery documentation. The hang tag provided to me as an example states that the original spare tire/wheel does not fit the front axle when the performance brakes are installed. It instructs that, in the event of a front-axle flat, the consumer must install the spare on a rear wheel position & move a rear wheel to the front axle; and stow the flat tire. The spare tire is mounted underneath the vehicle. The tag is attached to the spare assembly and exposed to road conditions. In my case, when the spare was accessed following a roadside flat tire event, only a small piece of yellow plastic remained. Additionally, no printed owner’s manual is provided at delivery. During my roadside event, the dispatched service provider was unaware of any two-wheel rotation procedure and attempted to install the spare directly on the affected axle. The incompatibility rendered the spare unusable at that time. My concern is that current owners of vehicles equipped with the Performance Brake Upgrade may reasonably assume that a “full-size spare” is compatible with all wheel positions. Unless the undercarriage hang tag remains intact and is specifically read at the time of a flat tire, the incompatibility and required rotation procedure is not apparent. GM has not indicated it intends to notify new or existing owners regarding the spare tire limitation and required rotation procedure.

NHTSA ODI #11721069

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2026
Engine

On [XXX], I was driving on the highway with my family in the vehicle and the check engine light came on, then it started running roughly. I headed off the highway on an exit ramp and the engine died about halfway down the ramp. It wouldn't restart after that. This happened about an hour away from my house in Painesville, OH. …

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On [XXX], I was driving on the highway with my family in the vehicle and the check engine light came on, then it started running roughly. I headed off the highway on an exit ramp and the engine died about halfway down the ramp. It wouldn't restart after that. This happened about an hour away from my house in Painesville, OH. I live in Erie, PA. I had to tow it to the nearest GMC dealer. They've since concluded that the engine failed and have ordered a replacement engine from GMC. The yukon only had about 4,900 miles on it. GMC has claimed that their engine problems were fixed for the 2025 and 2026 model years, or else I would not have purchased this vehicle. Obviously there are still major issues and the 2026 6.2L engines need to be recalled. I understand that there is an ongoing investigation into these issues: RQ26001. Please see that the investigators are made aware of this incident. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11716917

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2026
Unknown Or Other

I am submitting this complaint to report a safety defect involving a 2026 GMC Yukon XL AT4 equipped with the GM Brembo brake upgrade. The vehicle is sold as equipped with a full-size spare tire; however, the spare tire/wheel supplied cannot be mounted due to interference from the brake calipers. This incompatibility was discove…

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I am submitting this complaint to report a safety defect involving a 2026 GMC Yukon XL AT4 equipped with the GM Brembo brake upgrade. The vehicle is sold as equipped with a full-size spare tire; however, the spare tire/wheel supplied cannot be mounted due to interference from the brake calipers. This incompatibility was discovered only after a flat tire event on [XXX], during which the vehicle could not be safely returned to service. The Brembo brake upgrade is a GM-designed option that is installed by the dealer in all cases. Despite this, the vehicle was delivered with emergency equipment that is unusable in the event of a flat tire. GM has acknowledged the incompatibility and relies on a warning label placed beneath the vehicle, rather than providing a compatible spare or disclosure at the point of sale. This defect resulted in a prolonged roadside emergency involving an elderly passenger and a failure of manufacturer-provided roadside assistance. I believe this condition affects all vehicles equipped with the Brembo brake upgrade and represents a systemic safety issue involving emergency preparedness and disclosure. Supporting documentation and a detailed incident narrative are available upon request. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11716907

Mileage unknown · Feb 9, 2026
Engine

Purchased brand new vehicle 2026 XL Denali, hadn’t even had my first oil change, and had a complete engine failure in the middle of the road. Prior to engine failure, car ran fine without an issue - so failure came out of nowhere. Towed, where GMC and dealer determined entire engine needed to be replaced. GMC did cover and deale…

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Purchased brand new vehicle 2026 XL Denali, hadn’t even had my first oil change, and had a complete engine failure in the middle of the road. Prior to engine failure, car ran fine without an issue - so failure came out of nowhere. Towed, where GMC and dealer determined entire engine needed to be replaced. GMC did cover and dealer did install a new engine. However: 1. I was out of a vehicle for almost a month. 2. I have incurred a depreciation cost of 10-15% on my vehicle due to this problem. 3. I have lost confidence in my brand new vehicle, as GMC has not fixed the reoccurring engine problems from previous years - despite promises to the contrary.

NHTSA ODI #11716813

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2026
Seats

Seat emblem (Denali) pulls and rips out hair while sitting in seat.

NHTSA ODI #11716144

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion System

Vehicle has 2200 miles, equipped with the Diesel engine and failed at a red light. GM has to install a new engine.

NHTSA ODI #11714632

Mileage unknown · Jan 7, 2026
Engine

Vehicle engine stopped working at 5200 miles. Was driving on highway and immediately stopped. Vehicle would not start. Towed to dealership and next day dealer confirmed that the engine needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11709542

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2025
Electrical System

The Infotainment screen which controls the A/C, heating, defrost, cameras and all other info for the vehicle does not come on in th vehicle. This began happening after owning the vehicle for 3 days. After taking to the dealer, Delray GMC, we were informed by the service personnel on our second trip in for the recurring problem t…

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The Infotainment screen which controls the A/C, heating, defrost, cameras and all other info for the vehicle does not come on in th vehicle. This began happening after owning the vehicle for 3 days. After taking to the dealer, Delray GMC, we were informed by the service personnel on our second trip in for the recurring problem that General Motors knows this is a problem and are selling the vehicles with this factory engineering design defect and currently there is no repair. Living in Florida this is a problem in the extreme heat with no A/C, being from Illinois, when we return this will be a serious problem, Not knowing if we will or will not have access to heat, cannot control the temperature or the defrost on the vehicle and having a infotainment center that is non functional. We consider this a hazard to our safety and feel that GM is fraudulently selling consumers defective vehicles knowing this may be a safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI #11707388

Official recalls

3

26V304000 · Wheels:hub

May 14, 2026

General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front left and right wheel hub bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262554630. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 14, 2026.

26V289000 · Power Train:transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)

May 7, 2026

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.

26V114000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Feb 26, 2026

General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 26, 2026.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA26005 · Loss Of Motive Power Due To Engine Failure Post Recall Remedy

Opened Aug 20, 2026 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V-274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.