2023 GMC Yukon XL · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 89owner reports
- 25,000median miles
- $200median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 22, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
156 of the 217 complaints on this car are about the engine. 89 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2023 Yukon XL.
Tick what matches of 89 reports
Engine failure on other Yukon XL years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (86 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2023 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
All 4 recalls on the 2023 GMC Yukon XL, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Yukon XL
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Open.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Closed aug 20, 2026.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Open.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed oct 23, 2025, led to recall 25V-274.
What owners paid
12 of the 89 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $120 to $3,450.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 14,000 and 45,000 miles, from the 38 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 4 service bulletins or notices for the 2023 GMC Yukon XL that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main cause of an engine failure.
Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the engine lifter bores may be oversized. Dealers are to replace the engine.
This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be the main cause of an engine failure.
What owners wrote
“After engine passed check for possible replacement because of recall, engine failed 5000 miles after. Even though I have a new engine now, there is no warranty coverage other than the lower part of the engine. I am already having misfire issues.”
Filed Aug 31, 2026 · 5,000 miles
“My vehicle had a previous engine recall that was âfixedâ per the dealership recommendations. However, I succumbed to total engine failure last week at 70000 miles with my 2 little kids in the car on an interstate. My engine needs replaced.”
Filed Aug 26, 2026 · 70,000 miles
“2023 Yukon XL AT4 with 67k miles suddenly had lifters fail. GM service said cam scored & metal debris all the way through to the pan, requiring total engine replacement. Vehicle was very well maintained with premium fluids and parts.”
Filed Aug 24, 2026 · 67,000 miles
“Our lifters in cylinder 3 were replaced after failing at 40,000 miles. The exact same lifters broke again at 77,000 miles.both events caused engine failure.”
Filed Aug 15, 2026 · 40,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 89 reports involved a crash and 7 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 65 reports