2022 GMC Yukon XL Problems

What owners report

Owners of the 2022 Yukon XL most often describe a sudden loss of engine power while driving — many at highway speed, with the vehicle dropping into neutral — and a large share of those complaints end with a dealer diagnosing engine failure and replacing the engine. A second, related theme is unusually high oil consumption and low-oil warnings in the 6.2L V8, sometimes preceding the failure. A smaller but consistent group describes transmission symptoms such as harsh shifting, reduced power mode and loss of reverse, traced by dealers to the transmission valve body.

1. 1
   Engine

   Sudden engine shutdown and engine failure

   • 65 complaints (37%)
   • median 60,000 mi at 3.6 yrs old (10 state mileage)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2023–2026

   Complaints describe the engine losing power without warning while driving, often at highway speed, with the vehicle shifting itself into neutral and the dash showing messages such as 'Press Start Again' or 'Vehicle in Neutral'. Owners report the vehicle would not restart and was towed, and that dealers diagnosed seized engines, failed main or connecting rod bearings, or metal debris in the oil, then replaced the engine. Several owners say the failure recurred after a replacement engine, and some report long waits for a new engine because of backorder. Mostly reported between roughly 40,000 and 75,000 miles, frequently during highway driving.

   Recall 25V274000

   What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the engine was replaced or inspected under recall 25V274000, and whether the oil was checked for metal debris. Have a mechanic look for unusual engine noise at start-up and confirm the current oil level and viscosity used.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “ENGINE FAILURE We were stranded on the side of the road on a trip back from Florida Vehicle had to be towed the a dealership back in Houston no warnings This is the second engine failure (original engine and the 1st replacement engine) basically we are on the 3rd engine in this vehicle.”

   NHTSA complaint #11656402, filed 2025-04

   “Engine failure occurred while transferring passengers in a busy road. The vehicle started making noises at first I thought it was a belt that might have been going bad. I looked at all the gages which did not indicate any issues with the battery or oil pressure or any vital issues that might show and merged to the right lane. Less than 2 miles down the road engine shut off and I was able to coast into a parking lot. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11718726, filed 2026-02
2. 2
   Engine

   High oil consumption and low-oil warnings

   • 19 complaints (11%)
   • median 60,995 mi at 3.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2025–2026

   Owners report repeated 'Engine Oil Low — Add Oil' or 'Check Oil' messages and having to top up oil frequently, with no visible leak. Some say the dealer found no problem or measured consumption as within the manufacturer's stated allowance, while independent shops confirmed the engine was using oil. In several complaints the oil consumption appeared alongside engine damage or came back after a recall-related inspection and oil change. Reported across a wide mileage range, with many between about 30,000 and 65,000 miles.

   Recall 25V274000

   What to check: Check the oil level and condition before purchase and ask for records of how much oil was added between changes. Ask whether the vehicle has been inspected under recall 25V274000 and what oil specification the dealer is using.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Nothing has yet failed, but my engine has consumed oil but is apparently within the GM standard of less than 1 quart in 2,000 miles. My vehicle is also involved in the GM loss of engine propulsion recall that I was notified of on 4/24, but a remedy for my vin is still not available. How can something that could lead to loss of engine function take this long to remedy?”

   NHTSA complaint #11680065, filed 2025-08

   “No warning the car made a loud clunk that shook the car. The engine began a severe knock with almost compete loss of power. The dealer confirmed the entire engine had to be replaced. I was told my car passed the PICO test recall and only required an oil viscosity change. There is something very wrong here. These engines are not right. I have handicapped twins and have zero confidence it won't leave my family stranded.”

   NHTSA complaint #11758654, filed 2026-08
3. 3
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transmission valve body failure and limp mode

   • 19 complaints (11%)
   • median 77,500 mi at 4.4 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2025–2026

   Complaints describe jerking or harsh shifts, the vehicle entering reduced-power mode, refusing to shift beyond lower gears, or losing reverse, often with a 'Service Transmission' or 'Reduced Acceleration' message. Owners report dealers diagnosing a failed transmission valve body or recommending a valve body overhaul, and some say they paid for the repair themselves because their vehicle was not included in a related campaign. Often reported from about 60,000 to 90,000 miles, sometimes at lower mileage.

   Recall 26V085000

   What to check: During a test drive, note any jerking or delayed shifts, and confirm reverse engages properly. Ask whether the vehicle has had transmission work or a valve body replacement, and whether it is covered by recall 26V085000.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I noticed vehicle jerked a couple times when it shifted gears while driving. Shortly after, reduced power mode light came on. Vehicle did not shift past lower gears and had no reverse. Took to local dealership, they said it needed a transmission valve body overhaul. This is a known problem with 2022 gmc yukon xl, however, they said it was not associated with my vin. This cost me almost $2,000 out of pocket to repair.”

   NHTSA complaint #11721894, filed 2026-03

   “My car lost all power on a bridge and started jerking me forwards and backwards. High RPMS and eventually lost reverse. Code number p0777. Seems aligned with the newest transmission recall, but my vin is not listed.”

   NHTSA complaint #11730242, filed 2026-04

Buying note. These complaints center on engine durability and sudden power loss, so service records showing engine work, oil consumption history, and completion of recall 25V274000 matter more than cosmetics on this model year. A pre-purchase inspection that includes a cold start, highway test drive and transmission check is worth the cost.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.