GMC Yukon T1XX
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The GMC Yukon T1XX is available with 2 engine variants — from 360 to 426 hp.
5.3L V8, iron block, the most-produced truck engine in North America. DFM shuts down up to 15 of 16 firing patterns — and that's the problem. Lifter needle bearings starve for oil in deactivated cylinders, skid across cam lobes, send metal through the engine. Two class actions pending. A $200 Range disabler buys time; a $2,500 mechanical delete with DOD-delete cam is the permanent fix. Run 0W-20 Dexos, change at 5,000 miles maximum.
- !! AFM/DFM Lifter Failure — Class Action from 100,000 km
THE GM truck problem: deactivated cylinder lifters wear from oil starvation. Needle bearing skids on cam lobe, metal debris in oil. Two class actions pending. $3,500-8,500 repair. AFM/DFM delete kit as permanent fix.
Symptoms: Loud ticking/knocking, misfires, rough running, check engine, sometimes from just 25k miles - !! Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (Class Action) from 80,000 km
Separate class action: $150M settlement for 2011-2021. Piston rings let oil pass — 1 quart per 2,000 miles in severe cases.
Symptoms: Blue smoke, dropping oil level, fouled spark plugs - !! Timing Chain Wear from 160,000 km
Same issue as LV3 — chain and guides from ~100k miles.
Symptoms: Cold start rattle, P0008/P0016
6.2L V8, 420 hp, same Gen V architecture as the 5.3 but deeper exhaust note and noticeably more shove. 2021-2024: manufacturing left metal shavings in 597,000 engines — GM's fix was switching to 0W-40 oil. NHTSA opened an investigation into post-recall failures. Same DFM lifter risk as the 5.3. Pre-2021 or confirmed post-recall units with documented oil changes are the buy.
- !! Recall: Metal Shavings in Engine — 597,000 Vehicles
Manufacturing debris (metal shavings) in engine destroys bearings. 2021-2024 L87. Free engine replacement, 6-8 week wait. NHTSA investigating post-recall failures.
- !! AFM/DFM Lifter Failure from 100,000 km
Same lifter issue as 5.3L — cylinder deactivation wears lifters.
Symptoms: Ticking/knocking, misfires, rough running - !! Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2019-2020 and older L87) from 80,000 km
Piston rings let oil past — 0.5-1 quart per 2,000 miles in severe cases. Also affects 2019-2020 L87 not covered by the machining debris recall. NHTSA investigating these cases separately.
Symptoms: Blue smoke, dropping oil level, fouled spark plugs, positive oil consumption test
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 10L80 10-Speed Transmission Shudder Same 10-speed shudder as Tahoe/Sierra T1XX. Multiple class actions. Fluid flush with Mobil 1 LV ATF HP helps temporarily. Symptoms: Harsh shifts, shudder at low speed, hesitation, clunking into reverse from 40,000 km | High |
Alternatives
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Volvo EX90 I
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Acura MDX YD4
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BMW XM G09
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Land Rover Range Rover Sport L461
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 11 weaknesses have been documented for the GMC Yukon T1XX (2021–2025) — 7 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. One problem engine: L84 (5.3L V8 EcoTec3). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Body, Other.
Yukon (L84, 2021–2025) — Stay Away!: AFM/DFM Lifter Failure — Class Action, Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (Class Action), Timing Chain Wear. Power: 355 PS.
Yukon (L87, 2021–2025) — Be Careful: Recall: Metal Shavings in Engine — 597,000 Vehicles, AFM/DFM Lifter Failure, Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2019-2020 and older L87). Power: 420 PS.
What to watch out for with the GMC Yukon? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the GMC Yukon T1XX have? +
What should I look for when buying a used GMC Yukon T1XX? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which GMC Yukon T1XX engine is the most fun? +
Is the GMC Yukon T1XX worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the GMC Yukon T1XX? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee