Table of contents

• Background on the 2023 Yukon Lifter Failure Issue
• What Causes GM Lifters to Collapse?
• Symptoms of Yukon Lifter Failure
• Consequences of Ignoring Yukon Lifter Failure
• What to Do if Your 2023 Yukon Experiences Lifter Failure
• FAQ

If you’re experiencing engine problems with your 2023 Yukon, you’re not alone. We’ve seen numerous cases where V8 lifter failures have caused significant issues for Yukon owners, particularly in vehicles equipped with GM’s Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems.

Lifter failures can cause major engine damage and leave you with a vehicle that doesn’t work as promised. Recognizing the warning signs early is key to avoiding long-term damage.

Background on the 2023 Yukon Lifter Failure Issue

To understand what’s happening with your Yukon, you need to know how lifters work and what goes wrong when they fail.

• What are lifters? Lifters (also known as hydraulic valve lifters or tappets) are small cylindrical components in your engine’s valvetrain. They sit between the camshaft and the pushrods (or rocker arms) and help open and close the engine’s intake and exhaust valves. 

• What do lifters do? Lifters transfer the camshaft’s rotational motion into linear motion, opening and closing valves at precise times to allow air in and exhaust out. In engines with cylinder-deactivation systems like AFM or DFM, specialized lifters can collapse to deactivate certain cylinders under light load for improved fuel economy.

• What Happens if Lifters Fail? When lifters collapse or stick, the corresponding valve cannot open or close properly. This can lead to issues such as:

• Engine misfires
• Reduced performance
• Ticking or knocking noises
• Damage to the camshaft, pushrods, or valves
• In severe cases, complete engine failure

In the 2023 Yukon, these failures can happen early in the vehicle’s life and often require full engine repairs or replacement.

What Causes GM Lifters to Collapse?

In general, lifter collapse can be caused by:

• Lack of lubrication
• Dirty or degraded oil
• Excessive engine wear
• Manufacturing defects

What makes the 2023 Yukon lifter failure situation unique is that these aren’t normal maintenance issues. The failures we’re seeing trace back to GM’s cylinder deactivation technology itself. Even if you followed every maintenance requirement and took excellent care of your vehicle, this defective system can still cause catastrophic engine problems.

Active Fuel Management (AFM)/Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM)

Your 2023 Yukon’s AFM or DFM systems deactivate specific engine cylinders when full power isn’t needed. These systems rely on collapsible lifters to enable and disable valve action. However, these AFM/DFM-specific lifters have shown a troubling tendency to:

• Collapse and stick
• Fail to re-engage a cylinder
• Cause wear on camshafts or valves

GM lifter failures aren’t new, but many drivers hoped these problems were resolved in the latest model years. Unfortunately, if you own a 2023 Yukon, you may be discovering that hasn’t been the case. 

Symptoms of Yukon Lifter Failure

If your 2023 Yukon is showing these signs, lifter failure could be the cause:

• Ticking or Clicking Sounds: Often the first sign of trouble, this noise comes from the engine and increases with RPM
• Engine Misfires: Misfires are common when a lifter stops actuating a valve
• Reduced Performance: Sluggish acceleration, poor fuel economy, or rough idling may all signal lifter trouble
• Check Engine Light: A faulty lifter can trigger error codes related to engine misfires or valvetrain issues
• Camshaft Damage: A failed lifter can cause excessive wear or scoring on the camshaft lobes
• Valve Damage: If a valve remains stuck open or closed, it can lead to piston or cylinder head damage

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, time is of the essence. While early detection can prevent further engine damage, you shouldn’t have to pay for repairs caused by a manufacturing defect. We’ve helped many Yukon owners navigate these situations and secure the compensation they deserve.

Consequences of Ignoring Yukon Lifter Failure

If these symptoms go unaddressed, you could face:

• Further Engine Damage: Continued operation can wear out major engine components
• Complete Engine Failure:  Without prompt attention, a collapsed lifter can destroy the camshaft, valves, and more, leading to engine replacement

The longer you wait, the more extensive and expensive the repairs become. What starts as a lifter issue can quickly escalate into major engine work.

What to Do if Your 2023 Yukon Experiences Lifter Failure

If you’re dealing with lifter problems in your 2023 Yukon, you have several options to address the issue and protect your investment. Here’s what we recommend:

Consult a Mechanic

Have a qualified mechanic run diagnostic tests to confirm lifter failure and determine how much of your engine is affected. This typically involves listening to engine sounds, checking error codes, and possibly removing valve covers to inspect the lifters directly. Keep all repair records, as these documents can be crucial if you need to pursue other remedies later.

Consider AFM/DFM Delete

An AFM/DFM delete removes or disables the cylinder deactivation system that’s causing the lifter problems. This modification can potentially prevent future failures, but it requires significant work and may affect your warranty coverage.*

*Please note that while this option is technically possible and is commonly discussed in enthusiast circles, this modification may void the powertrain warranty and may not be street legal in emissions-regulated states (like California). So, going this route could be a controversial workaround and is not our professional recommendation.

Contact a Lemon Law Attorney

Engine issues like lifter failure can qualify for Lemon Law buybacks or other remedies, depending on your state and situation. If your vehicle has required multiple repair attempts for the same issue or has been out of service for extended periods, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement vehicle, or cash compensation.

At Timothy Abeel & Associates, we have extensive experience helping owners of problem vehicles and understand how frustrating these defects can be. We’re here to help you navigate your options at no cost to you. Reach out for a free case review to learn more about your rights and potential remedies.

FAQ

What year 5.3 has lifter problems?

The GM 5.3L V8 has had recurring lifter issues in model years 2014–2023, especially with AFM or DFM systems.

Is there a recall on GM lifters?

As of mid-2025, there is no official recall on GM lifters. However, GM has sent a Power Component Coverage Letter offering extended warranties to some owners.

How do GM dealers handle engine valve lifter issues?

GM dealers treat lifter problems as warranty repairs when possible, replacing the failed components or repairing camshaft damage. However, these fixes often don’t address the root cause since the AFM/DFM system itself creates the problem. When repairs fail or happen repeatedly, that’s when lemon law protection may apply.

Timothy Abeel & Associates is a national law firm that handles lemon law claims across the country. Reviews can be seen on AVVO, Google, Glen Mills Yelp, Roseland Yelp, & Pittsburgh Yelp.