2019 GMC Yukon Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

ENGINE

13 complaints

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)

Dec 18, 2025

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)(6)

Nov 18, 2025

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.

Nov 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine, and the engine failed to run. The message "Shut off Vehicle - Service at Local Dealer" was displayed; however, no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the lifters, cam shaft, and push rods were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,300.

Aug 15, 2025

Engine lights and all other warning lights came on, and lost total power in engine while driving. Engine knocked bad and had to limp to a repair center to check out engine problem. Service department says total engine failure at 72k miles, no warning. Apparently this 2019 GMC Yukon is not within the recall for engine replacement that appears it needs to be covered as well.

May 27, 2025

+ 8 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

4 complaints

Power steering going in and out while driving

Apr 08, 2025

Transmission failed at 90,100 miles. Left me stranded in middle of a busy intersection as I was making a left turn, it was like it was in neutral no matter how much I tried to accelerate. Very dangerous situation, scary and helpless feeling as cars approaching and I could not get out of their way. Near miss accident. This should not be happening at this low mileage

Feb 14, 2025

-Automatic transmission failed. Slipped, skipped, and bucked while driving. -Taking a left turn into traffic transmission hesitated and just started slipping almost causing an accident. -Dealer confirmed torque converter failed and transmission needed replacement. -No warnings. No towing. Just 89,000 highway miles commuting to work. No heavy loads or abuse. -Had to replace the transmission, not covered under warranty due to mileage. Not available for inspection.

Mar 20, 2024

Transmission failed while driving down the road. Trasmission reved up while driving and would not go faster then the car started slowing down. Thank goodness this was not on an interstate or it could have caused an accident. Check engine light came on as I was getting to the shoulder of the road.

May 04, 2023

STEERING

3 complaints

the steering gear box became disassemble, steering wheel when to twelve o'clock, gears in steering gear box jump gear insurance inspector said a bolt back out,there was 439 recall for steering box recall in 2019 the part number changed several times with multiple bullets for same part.

Mar 13, 2023

STEERING WHEEL SURGES DURING TRAVEL ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING AT SPEEDS.

Aug 20, 2019

2019 GMC YUKON DENALI. 6408 MILES. DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL SPEED A WARNING APPEARS THAT SAYS SERVICE POWER STEERING. IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING ON THE VEHICLE AND BY THE TIME WE GOT IT TO THE OFF RAMP THE STEERING WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED IN THE STRAIGHT POSITION. VERY FORTUNATE THAT THIS DID NOT HAPPEN ON ONE OF THE MANY CURVED ROADS WHERE WE LIVE. WE HAD NO WARNING.

Jul 29, 2019

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaints

I JUST PURCHASED THIS 2019 GMC YUKON DENALI. ABOUT 3 WEEKS AFTER; THE MESSAGE "SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM" STARTED BEEPING...DIDN'T REALLY PAY BOTHER ME AT 1ST SINCE I WEREN'T PLANNING TO PULL ANYTHING. THEN IT STARTED DOING IT MORE FREQUENTLY. NOW IT IS CONSTANTLY DOING IT EVERY FEW DAYS. CAN'T SEEM TO GET IT TO STOP. VERY ANNOYING... ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Aug 26, 2025

BRAKE LIGHTS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. CAR IS 1 YEAR OLD.

Jul 16, 2020

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

2 complaints

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jerked before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 111,000.

Aug 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and jolted while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 25 MPH independently while the RPMS were significantly high. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved. The vehicle jolted and accelerated to 65 MPH; however, the failure recurred. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle resumed speed, then the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the emergency lane. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to drive into a parking lot, where the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to restart with the check engine warning light illuminated. The messages "Transmission Hot - Idle Engine" and "Action Required" were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

May 28, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

We received an alert/warning that is nearly constantly beeping and servicing the trailer brake system. We have never used the wiring or towed anything, and the trailer brake system is unused. The beeping is near constant, even after we “dismiss” the alert and is very distracting when driving.

Jan 11, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service trailer brake system warning light illuminated and alerted the contact. The contact stated that there was no trailer brake. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Jan 10, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

Engine failure at 114k miles required replacement.

Dec 10, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

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)

Nov 07, 2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and lifters and cam phaser failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

Jun 03, 2025

SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

The seatbelt on the second row driver side captain chair no longer works. It started not retracting about a year ago and now it won’t retract or pull out so it is stuck and cannot be used. The $85k Yukon is only five years old, seat belts should last longer than that. GMC wants us to pay $500 to fix a safety concern seat belt. I would understand if the vehicle was 10+ years old but we are still less than 100k miles and we just hit 5 years.

Jul 31, 2024

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

The engine continues to slip and slows down when driving. The following codes are returned back from the onstar diagnostics, Transmission Control Module Requested Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illumination. The DTC is an informational DTC. The DTC indicates an emission related DTC set in the Transmission Control Module. The vehicle has only 132,000 miles, and I have maitain the vehicle in excellent shape. With maitainance, the transmission should last at least 300,000 miles. The Engine and Transmission System is not performing as expected. An issue has been detected in the Transmission System that transfers power from the engine to the drive wheels.

Apr 08, 2024

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the third-row seats electrically controlled failed to function as needed. The contact stated that that the seats failed to move forward or backwards. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the third-row seat unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure TSB: PIT5550C (Left Side Third Row Seat will not Power Fold/Unfold Seats, Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

Sep 08, 2023

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

Rear shocks are frozen (seized) Makes the vehicle hard to control on bumpy surfaces.

Dec 08, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

Tailights are not working as per the dealer (Thompsons GMC of Placerville, CA). Unable to drive the car at night or near sunset.

Jul 02, 2022

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

Received a message on driver information system that states service trailer brake system. When towing a trailer, the trailer brakes are inoperable and pose a safety risk in the event of a sudden brake event. GM apparently has a service bulletin published for this message which indicated a replacement of the connector in the wire harness should be performed. Although I don't tow trailers often, I should be able to rely on this feature in my vehicle. My vehicle only has 70,000 miles and this is too soon for such a part to become faulty.

May 11, 2022

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN MY DRIVEWAY AND BURNED TO THE GROUND. MY WIFE AND I DROVE TO DINNER AND CAME HOME AROUND 830PM ON FRIDAY NIGHT (03/26/2021). THE NEXT MORNING (SATURDAY, 03/27/2021), I WAS WALKING PAST THE FRONT DOOR AROUND 8AM AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING OUT OF THE GRILLE (UNDER THE HOOD) WHEN I LOOKED OUTSIDE. TOLD MY WIFE TO CALL 911 AND I RAN OUTSIDE AND TRIED TO PUT IT OUT WITH THE FIRE HOUSE, BUT IT WAS TOO LATE AND THE FIRE TOOK OVER. THE FIRE MARSHALL STATED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE THAT CAUSED THE FIRE.

Mar 29, 2021

Fire: 1

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

AIR CONDITIONER BLOWING OUT HOT AIR.

Jul 16, 2020

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

LOSS OF POWER STEERING, LOSS OF ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, LOSS OF ALL TRANSMISSION GEARS FORWARD AND REVERSE, LOSS OF AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT CONTROL, LOSS OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GAUGES INCLUDING TACHOMETER, ENGINE OIL PRESSURE, AND ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE, LOSS OF HEATED SEAT FUNCTIONALITY, LOSS OF HEATING, VENTILATION, AIR CONDITIONING, AND LOSS OF INFOTAINMENT/STEREO SYSTEM. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS NOW, THE FIRST ON 01/13/2020 AND THEN AGAIN ON 02/20/2020. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED IN TO THE DEALER ON 01/13/2020 AND WAS ALSO TRANSPORTED TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AGAIN ON 02/20/2020. A TSB WAS PERFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT WAS TOWED IN THE FIRST TIME THAT OBVIOUSLY DID NOT FIX THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. NORMALLY THE PROBLEM WILL GO AWAY AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS THAT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE CUSTOMER'S COMPLAINT. I DO HAVE VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE ISSUES I EXPERIENCED ON TWO OCCASION AS PROOF.

Feb 23, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

VEHICLE STATIONARY IN CAR WASH AND WHILE MANUALLY USING HANDHELD AT FRONT OF VEHICLE TOWARDS VEHICLE GRILL, BACK OF VEHICLE OPENED/LIFTED. HAS NOW HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AND DEALER HAS MADE NO REPAIR, BUT DISCONNECTED EXTERIOR SENSOR AT GATE (WHERE YOU KICK UNDER VEHICLE TO RELEASE GATE FOR LIFT/OPEN) IN EFFORT TO ELIMINATE THAT IF INSTANCE RECURS. CONCERN IS FOR SAFETY IF DRIVING IN RAIN AND BACK OPENS/LIFTS WHILE OPERATING ON HIGHWAYS/ROADS. OWNER IS FORMER SHERIFF'S DEPUTY KN KANKAKEE COUNTY.

Oct 10, 2019

4.8/5.0

35 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2019 GMC Yukon have?

The 2019 GMC Yukon currently has 39 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2019 GMC Yukon?

The most common problems reported for the 2019 GMC Yukon are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2019 GMC Yukon problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2019 GMC Yukon comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.