2025 GMC Yukon Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often report engine failures, such as seizures, bearing damage, and metal debris in the oil, and many of these vehicles needed a replacement engine. Some describe warning signs first, such as knocking or reduced acceleration, while others say the failure was sudden. Other common reports are sudden power loss or limp mode while driving, and center screens that go black, with most complaints filed in 2025 and 2026 and mileage generally low.

1. 1
   Engine

   Sudden engine failure needing a replacement engine

   • 30 complaints (52%)
   • median 8,837 mi at 1.4 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2025–2026

   Owners describe engines that knock, seize, or lock up, and dealers often report bearing damage or metal shavings in the oil that require a new engine. Some complaints describe no warning light before the failure, and some report waiting for a backorder replacement engine. A complaint asks whether the underlying problem has been identified and whether the replacement engine has been changed to prevent a repeat. Where mileage is given, it ranges from about 500 to 33,000 miles, so many of these complaints come from early in ownership.

   What to check: For a used or certified vehicle, ask whether the engine was replaced under warranty and request the repair order. Check the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup and ask the dealer for any engine-related bulletins that apply.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I just bought this 2025 GMC Yukon a little over a month ago, and the 6.2 engine has seized up. This vehicle started making grinding noises and shut down going 60 miles an hour. I traded in my previous Yukon and the dealer has sold it, so now I have nothing to drive. These engines are dangerous, and GM knows this and they don't seem to be doing anything about it”

   NHTSA complaint #11684385, filed 2025-09

   “My 2025 GMC Yukon AT4 Ultimate experienced reduced acceleration, and I immediately took it to the dealer. The dealer concluded it was a thrust bearing failure, and GM has authorized a complete engine replacement. I wanted to report this issue, as I believe it represents a potential safety concern. I would like to clarify whether GM has identified the root cause of this problem and redesigned the replacement engine to prevent recurrence. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11707778, filed 2025-12
2. 2
   Engine

   Sudden power loss, limp mode, or shudder while driving

   • 23 complaints (40%)
   • median 4,606 mi at 1.2 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • filed 2025–2026

   Owners describe the vehicle suddenly losing power while driving, entering limp mode with a message on the display, or shuddering at highway speed, often with the check engine light flashing. Some say power returned after pulling over and restarting, but the problem came back later. Some vehicles slowed sharply or stopped in traffic. Where mileage is given, it ranges from about 375 to 8,837 miles, so these reports also come from early in ownership.

   What to check: Ask the dealer to scan for stored engine codes and to review any warning message history. On a test drive, confirm the vehicle accelerates normally and that no limp mode message appears.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “While driving on the highway, my SUV lost speed and went into what I believe was limp mode and the check engine light came on. I was unable to accelerate quickly which was very dangerous on the highway as I was only able to very slowly go about 45 MPH on a 65 MPH highway. After the dealer inspected it, I was told I needed a new engine, oil cooler, and turbo. They said it had metal in the oil. My SUV only had 2138 miles at the time of incident.”

   NHTSA complaint #11681587, filed 2025-08

   “While traveling on the interstate at 10:30p, 6 hours into a highway trip, the vehicle shuttered violently and lost propulsion and powered systems control. We were traveling at 75 mph on cruise control and immediately had to take evasive action to avoid other vehicles traveling at highway speed as our vehicle rapidly decelerated to a stop. We were barely able to get to the shoulder of the highway before the vehicle came to a complete stop and all dashboard lights illuminated. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11695085, filed 2025-10
3. 3
   Electrical system

   Center screen or camera display goes black

   • 5 complaints (9%)
   • median 16 mi at 0.6 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • filed 2025–2026

   Owners report the center screen or instrument cluster going black, often at startup and sometimes while driving. While the screen is dark, owners say climate, seat heating, radio, navigation, and the backup camera cannot be controlled, and some report the heat turning on automatically. According to complaints, repeat dealer visits had not resolved it, and the problem can persist over multiple ignition cycles. Most reports do not list mileage; where listed, the figure is 16 miles, and the complaints were filed in 2025 and 2026.

   What to check: During a test drive, confirm the center screen, backup camera, and climate controls all respond after startup. Ask the dealer whether any infotainment or camera software updates are open and whether the update history has been checked.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “On multiple occasions the center screen has been non operational when we start the car and just shows a black screen. The volume knob and screen power button are non-responsive. When this occurs the backup camera is inoperable, which is mandatory safety equipment. the HVAC also cannot be adjusted which could cause a windshield fogging condition which is a safety concern. The vehicle has been to the dealer 3 times for screen problems and the issue has not been resolved. …”

   NHTSA complaint #11745319, filed 2026-06

   “The console screen that control many vehicle functions will often not boot up when the vehicle is started. Screen crashes have also happened while underway. The screen will be unresponsive to both touch and physical controls. Systems unable to be controlled include safety cameras and sensors, climate control, navigation, gauges, infotainment and others. I have attached a diary of specific issues and work arounds attempted. The dealership and GM do not appear to have methods of fixing the issue at this time.”

   NHTSA complaint #11688642, filed 2025-09

Buying note. Because most of these complaints come from newer vehicles, buyers should look closely at engine service history and any warranty engine replacement paperwork. A pre-purchase inspection that reviews stored engine codes and oil condition is a practical step.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 51 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.