2026 GMC Yukon

Do not drive

Owners filed 37 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine24
000
Power Train5
000
Electrical System2
000
Wheels1
000
Visibility/Wiper1
001
Unknown or Other1
000
Structure › Body1
000
Seats1
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Wheels › Hub26V304000
Filed May 14, 20262,457 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)26V289000Do not drive
Filed May 7, 202666 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual26V114000
Filed Feb 26, 20265,861 vehiclesGeneral Motors, Llc

Defect. 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.”

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Sep 14, 2026MI

Engine stopped. Would not restart. I had it towed to dealership. They told me the engine is blown. There is only 7700 miles on the truck.

Engine
Filed Sep 12, 2026IN

Engine failed on this 2026 GMC Yukon Denali.. It had only 18000 miles on it, it failed in middle of hwy in Indiana. Got it towed to dealership.. they haven’t touched it since last 2 days.

Engine
Filed Sep 2, 2026TX

While traveling at highway speeds of approximately 82 mph in a 2026 GMC Yukon Denali (6.2L V8 L87 engine), the engine experienced a sudden, catastrophic internal failure and completely seized without warning. This resulted in an immediate, total loss of motive power, power steering assist, and power braking assist while surrounded by high-speed traffic. The sudden deceleration and lack of vehicle control created an extreme, life-threatening safety hazard, forcing an emergency maneuver across multiple lanes to reach the shoulder. Stranded on shoulder at night(pitch black) with lots of 18 wheelers passing.

Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2026AL

-Transmission started to slip when shifting above 2000rpms -Engine light came on and took to dealership -Error code confirmed for valve body, valve #3 failure -New valve body installed after order but also failed as I left the dealership -New valve body currently on order

Engine
Filed Aug 30, 2026TX

The engine issue was caused by a misfire in cylinder #5, which resulted in white smoke coming from the vehicle’s exhaust. While driving on the highway, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly, creating a serious safety hazard due to the inability to maintain speed and safely respond to traffic conditions.

Engine
Filed Aug 30, 2026TX

The engine issue was caused by a misfire in cylinder #5, which resulted in white smoke coming from the vehicle’s exhaust. While driving on the highway, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly, creating a serious safety hazard due to the inability to maintain speed and safely respond to traffic conditions.

Engine
Filed Aug 30, 2026TX

The engine issue was caused by a misfire in cylinder #5, which resulted in white smoke coming from the vehicle’s exhaust. While driving on the highway, the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly, creating a serious safety hazard due to the inability to maintain speed and safely respond to traffic conditions.

Engine
Filed Aug 29, 2026TN

The engine failed at 5383 miles while driving on remote highway in Nebraska.

Engine
Filed Aug 28, 2026NE

Driving down highway the engine made a squeeling noise. The engine shuttered and kept making noise then said to reduce speed. Then quit running all together.

Engine
Filed Aug 26, 20264,700 milesNE

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15-20 MPH and approaching a stop in Nebraska, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The contact called the local dealer, and an appointment was scheduled. The failures persisted while waiting for the appointment. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The driver alerted OnStar about the failure. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact no longer wanted the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case and escalated the concerns. The failure mileage was approximately 4,700.

Engine
Filed Aug 23, 2026PA

While we were visiting Canada, our GMC Yukon had fewer than 5,000 miles when its engine seized on the highway. The vehicle was taken to a GMC dealership in Canada. The dealer advised that the engine needed to be replaced, and it has now been replaced. We need to back to Canada to pick up the vehicle.

Power Train
Filed Aug 22, 2026TX

While traveling on [XXX] from Houston back to San Antonio, my truck engine just blew up without any warning whatsoever. We purchased the truck with 3 miles on it, and we have only put 5,000 miles on it. New cars that cost early $100K shouldn’t be having engine failures like this. I’m lost for words now! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Aug 21, 2026PA

My yukon denali ultimate had only 3,788 miles on it and on 7/27 while merging onto a highway my vehicle made a sound like it was trying to shift into gear but couldn't and then while I'm pressing the accelerator pedal it's slowing down. There were tractor trailer and vehicles speeding up behind me but I couldn't speed up and I was able to pull over on the shoulder luckily and I'm thankful it did not cause an accident. My yukon would not start no matter what I tried and I ended calling a tow truck and had it towed to my local GMC delearship where I was informed that the engine had seized and they would order a new replacement engine. My yukon is still sitting at the dealership waiting for the repair.

Engine
Filed Aug 10, 2026TX

GMC should be haulted from selling trucks with the 6.2L engine. My brand new 2026 GMC Yukon Denali engine imploded on the Interstate going 75mph that nearly killed my entire family. No warning, just out of no where died on the highway, with 4K miles on it. This is sadly going to get someone critically injured and when is enough going to be enough? GMC has some explaining to do, when they charge $85K-$100K for trucks that blow up as soon as you buy them.

Engine
Filed Aug 10, 2026TX

GMC should be haulted from selling trucks with the 6.2L engine. My brand new 2026 GMC Yukon Denali engine imploded on the Interstate going 75mph that nearly killed my entire family. No warning, just out of no where died on the highway, with 4K miles on it. This is sadly going to get someone critically injured and when is enough going to be enough? GMC has some explaining to do, when they charge $85K-$100K for trucks that blow up as soon as you buy them.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Aug 10, 202660 milesMO

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while walking alongside the rear end of the parked vehicle, the hands free function of the lift gate opened up unintentionally, no warning lights were illuminated. The contact was not injured, however expressed concern for safety as the lift gate will open without user consent while walking along the rear end of the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted however the vehicle was not diagnosed as the contact was advised that the vehicle was manufactured with the feature. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60.

Engine
Filed Aug 4, 20263,788 milesPA

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was a wait for the replacement engine. The approximate failure mileage was 3,788.

Engine
Filed Aug 4, 2026AZ

On July 30th 2026, I was Driving on the highway at about 75 miles per hour and the engine shut down. We were fortunate that we could pull over to the side of the highway. We had the truck towed to Oxendale gmc. Today 8/4/26 I was informed that in fact the engine needs to be replace. No warnings no symptoms, the truck just shut down while driving.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 8, 2026UT

The vehicle was parked and turned off for approximately 45 minutes on a residential street along the curb in front of a house when the rear window suddenly shattered. I was inside a nearby house at the time. A landscaper working in the area reported hearing a single loud pop and then my vehicle’s alarm sounding. He stated he was not close to the vehicle and did not see any object strike it. When I inspected the Yukon, the entire rear window had exploded outward and inward, leaving no glass remaining in place. Glass was scattered both inside the cargo area and outside behind the vehicle. The upper liftgate section had also popped open, which is consistent with the sudden pressure release that occurs during spontaneous tempered‑glass failure. There are no impact marks, dents, or paint damage that would indicate a rock strike or external force. Given the circumstances, the debris pattern, and the absence of an impact point, this appears to be a spontaneous failure of the tempered liftgate glass, likely due to internal stress or a manufacturing defect. I am requesting that the dealership inspect the liftgate assembly, confirm the cause, and consider warranty coverage for the glass replacement and any related components.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 28, 2026SC

The center screen (infotainment), which shows controls for cabin climate (A/C, heat) and many more functions of the vehicle fails to turn on at random times. It is available for inspection. The external air temperature is in the upper 90s; temperature inside the car’s cabin is easily 115 or higher. This makes safe operation of the car not possible. Additionally passengers cannot occupy the vehicle safely at these extreme temperatures. The problem has been reproduced by dealers. UNKNOWN whether the components have been inspected by the manufacturer. No warning lamps or lights.

20 of 37 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2015
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2026 — this page37300Do not drive
202552200Routine
2024103300Routine
2023236400Above average
2022179500Routine
20213271300Above average
202036400Do not drive
201954210Do not drive
201869300Routine
2017196310Routine
2016267500Do not drive
20155281040Above average
201456310Routine
2013117400Routine
201263300Routine
2011158502Fatalities reported
2010105420Routine
200994500Routine
2008187450Routine
2007428452Fatalities reported
200627300Routine
200585530Routine
2004158410Routine
2003204620Above average
2002158530Routine
2001197801Fatalities reported
2000166901Fatalities reported
1999204200Above average
199880313Fatalities reported
1997133130Routine
199670410Routine
199590730Routine
199458400Routine
199317100Routine
199219201Fatalities reported

Compare every Yukon year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 14, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.