2019 GMC YUKON Engine Problems

Engine lifter spring failure followed by bent valve push rod experienced on or about 11/6/2025. Engine repaired/re-built at independent auto mechanic for a total of $6,450. Parts not available but have pictures. Depending on where this incident could have occurred (freeway, long trips, while towing (boat, horses), etc.) safety concerns include being stranded in traffic or remote areas. Engine lost significant power and wouldn't have been able to tow. Engine knock warning light.

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)

Engine failure at 114k miles required replacement.

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

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.

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)

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.

Mileage: 111,000

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.

Mileage: 76,300

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.

Driving home from work, with no signs my oil pressure guage dropped to zero and RPMs went to zero and I had to pull over in full on traffic going 70mph with my boat hooked to my 2019 gmc yukon denal almost causing me to wreck. Towed vehicle and boat to closest towing service and then took vehicle to mechanic and the engine was seized up

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, her husband noticed an abnormal tapping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who determined that the drive belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Gerry Lane Buick GMC (6615 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806) to be diagnosed and it was determined that the lifters had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a partial reimbursement for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Mileage: 73,000

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the cam shaft. The vehicle was repaired. 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 170,000. The VIN was not available.

Mileage: 170,000

Was driving home at highway speeds and my 2019 yukon denalis engine just shut off in traffic and had to come to a stop in the middle of traffic and it wouldn't restart, had to have it towed to dealer and they told me the engine was siezed.

The car was clicking when it was first started up, a short time later it started to shake terribly which forced my [XXX] son who was driving the vehicle at the time to pull over, on a major toll-way in heavy traffic. Engine light started to blink and traction control light came on. I immediately took the car into the dealer and was told I need new lifters ($3800 + Tax) and most likely a new engine (they quoted me $15,865). From what I am reading this issue is common place with the 6.2L engine...frightening and very lucky my son was not injured. I have filed a case with GMC - Case #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

Mileage: 82,000

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.

Engine Lifters failing and vehicle making a squeaking type noise. Check engine light came on briefly 2 weeks ago and went off. Problem confirmed by GMC dealer whom also reports they have multiple vehicles at shop right now with lifters and cam shaft problems

The intake valve spring broke and destroyed the cylinder and engine. The damage was verified by a certified GMC dealer and submitted to GMC who said they would replace the engine under the warranty. No warnings or symptoms occurred prior to the total engine failure. The vehicle is under the 60000 warranty and has been at the dealer for going on 7 months.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE FRONT SEAT DRIVER AND PASSENGER HAD BECOME ILL AND SUFFERED DIZZINESS AND LIGHT HEADINESS AND THE PASSENGER ALSO SUFFER BREATHING PROBLEMS WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER RIVERTOWN BUICK/GMC (1661 WHITTLESEY RD. COLUMBUS GA) WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE BUT WOULD REPLACED THE EVAPORATOR COIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

Mileage: 2,000