GMC Yukon Misfire and Ticking? How to Tell a Bad Coil From a Failed V8 Lifter

A flashing check engine light and a shake at idle is how a lot of Yukon owners find out about misfires. Sometimes it's a cheap ignition part. Sometimes it's the valvetrain. The difference matters a lot, because one is a driveway fix and the other means the engine comes apart.

Step one: listen

Pop the hood with the engine idling. A steady tick-tick-tick that follows engine speed, especially from one side of the engine, is the classic lifter sound. Owners in NHTSA's complaint database describe the same pattern again and again: ticking or knocking, rough running, a flashing check engine light, and sometimes reduced power or traction control lights.

No ticking, just a stumble or shake? That leans toward ignition (coil, plug) or fuel (injector). Still get it scanned, but your odds just got a lot cheaper.

The lifter problem, briefly

GM's 5.3L (L84) and 6.2L (L87) V8s use lifters that can stick or collapse. GM Authority reported in 2021 that GM was seeing an increasing number of valve lifter issues on these engines in 2019-and-later Silverado/Sierra pickups and the 2021 full-size SUVs, including the Yukon.

GM's bulletin PIP5776E covers the 2021 Yukon (and Tahoe, Suburban, Escalade, plus 2020-2021 Silverado and Sierra 1500) with the 5.3L or 6.2L built September 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. Symptom: misfire codes P0300-P0308, sometimes with a bent pushrod from a collapsed lifter or one that came apart. GM's direction to dealers:

• Under 8,000 miles: replace all lifters and guides on both banks.
• Over 8,000 miles: replace lifters and guides on the affected bank only.
• Replacing the oil control solenoid isn't necessary for this failure.

The 6.2L recall you must check

This is separate from lifters and more serious. NHTSA recall 25V-274 covers about 597,571 2021-2024 GM full-size trucks and SUVs, including the Yukon and Yukon XL with the 6.2L V8. GM says the connecting rod and/or crankshaft may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and failure. Dealers inspect the engine and repair or replace it as needed, for free. Trucks that pass get thicker oil, a new oil fill cap, a new filter and an owner's manual update. GM's number is N252494000.

If your 6.2L Yukon knocks, misfires or loses power, check this recall by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before anything else.

Easy things to try first

• Read the code. P0301 means cylinder 1, P0305 means cylinder 5, and so on. P0300 is random.
• Swap the coil. On a single-cylinder misfire with no tick, swap that coil with a neighbor. If the misfire moves, you found a bad coil.
• Check plug age. RepairPal says plugs usually fail around 100,000 miles, sooner in hard use.
• Check oil level and quality. Low oil and lifters don't mix. Use the grade GM specifies on your oil cap and in the manual.

What it costs

Out-of-warranty lifter jobs are big labor jobs, and some owners in NHTSA complaints said dealers recommended a whole engine instead. Ask for both options in writing, and ask whether the camshaft was inspected. A damaged cam lobe means lifters alone won't fix it.

What to ask the dealer

• "Does my VIN fall under PIP5776E or recall 25V-274?"
• "Is this covered by my powertrain warranty?"
• "Which cylinder and which part failed? Can I see the old lifter?"
• "Did you inspect the camshaft and pushrods?"
• "Is there any goodwill or extended coverage GM is offering on this?"

Is it worth fixing?

A coil or plugs: obviously yes. A lifter job on a Yukon with a solid body and reasonable miles: usually yes, because full-size SUVs hold their value well. If the quote turns into an engine replacement out of warranty, get a second opinion from an independent shop and compare it to what the Yukon is worth before you sign.

More Yukon help lives on the GMC Yukon page. AC blowing warm? See our Yukon AC guide. Prices and recall details checked October 14, 2026.