GMC Yukon XL reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 1,933 complaints about the GMC Yukon XL with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and exterior lights. GMC has filed 14 warranty extensions and 88 service campaigns for it, and there are 34 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the GMC Yukon XL? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Yukon XL a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 1,933
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 14
- Filed by GMC
- Service campaigns
- 88
- Filed by GMC
- Safety recalls
- 34
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Yukon XL with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 36 | Engine (64%) | 3 | 4 |
| 2025 | 28 | Engine (61%) | 1 | 8 |
| 2024 | 71 | Engine (75%) | 2 | 18 |
| 2023 | 219 | Engine (67%) | 4 | 27 |
| 2022 | 169 | Engine (66%) | 4 | 50 |
| 2021 | 227 | Engine (61%) | 12 | 18 |
| 2020 | 47 | Engine (51%) | 2 | 5 |
| 2019 | 68 | Engine (50%) | 2 | 7 |
| 2018 | 55 | Engine (25%) | 2 | 8 |
| 2017 | 151 | Exterior lights (27%) | 1 | 9 |
| 2016 | 230 | Exterior lights (43%) | 3 | 12 |
| 2015 | 372 | Exterior lights (47%) | 2 | 15 |
| 2014 | 16 | Other or unspecified (63%) | 3 | 5 |
| 2013 | 35 | Other or unspecified (43%) | 4 | 4 |
| 2012 | 36 | Other or unspecified (50%) | 4 | 4 |
| 2011 | 116 | Other or unspecified (48%) | 3 | 7 |
| 2010 | 57 | Other or unspecified (47%) | 3 | 5 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Yukon XL model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by GMC
Warranty extensions and service campaigns GMC filed with NHTSA for the Yukon XL, in its own words. A warranty extension means GMC pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionApr 2026· Wheels· model years 2022
Special Coverage. Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve.
- Warranty extensionApr 2026· Wheels· model years 2022
Special Coverage. Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve.
- Warranty extensionDec 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2021–2022
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve.
- Warranty extensionNov 2024· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2021–2022
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve.
- Warranty extensionMay 2024· Electrical system· model years 2017–2023
This service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- Warranty extensionOct 2020· Brakes· model years 2015–2018
Special Coverage Adjustment - In some circumstances, some 2014-2018 model year Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and GMC Yukon vehicles may have a condition where customers may experience increased brake pedal effort, hard…
- Warranty extensionJul 2020· Transmission and drivetrain· model years 2016
Special Coverage Adjustment - certain vehicles with a 6.2L engine may have a condition that affects the electrical connection to the transmission oil temperature sensor.
- Warranty extensionJul 2020· Engine· model years 2015–2017
Special Coverage (Parts Ordering Information Added). On some vehicles, may have a condition where thermal cycling on the combination transmission fluid/oil and AC condenser cooler creates a crack that may allow refrigerant to escape.
- Warranty extensionMay 2020· Exterior lights· model years 2015–2017
Special Coverage. On some vehicles, stop and tail functions inside the tail lamps may become inoperative. Dealers are to replace tail lamps if they are found to be inoperative. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
- Warranty extensionJul 2019· Fuel system· model years 2016–2017
N182198000 - Special Coverage Adjustment - Certain vehicles, equipped with a 5.3L or 6.2L engine, may have a condition which affects fuel injector function.
- Warranty extensionApr 2019· Brakes· model years 2014–2018
N182202780 - Special Coverage Adjustment. In some circumstances, some 2014-2017 model year Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and GMC Yukon vehicles may have a condition where customers may experience increased brake pedal…
- Warranty extensionAug 2018· Equipment and accessories· model years 2015–2017
17336 04 - Special Coverage (Warranty Information Revised). On some vehicles, may have a condition where thermal cycling on the combination transmission fluid/oil and AC condenser cooler creates a crack that may allow refrigerant to escape.
- Warranty extensionJun 2013· Electrical system· model years 2010–2011
11273A - Special Coverage (additional population added). The throttle position sensor may cause the engine to run rough and cause the malfunction indicator lamp and/or and Engine Reduced Power message to illuminate.
- Warranty extensionJun 2013· Cruise control and speed control· model years 2010–2011
Special Coverage Adjustment ? Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
- Service campaignSep 2026· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2022
General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall.
- Service campaignSep 2026· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2022
General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall.
- Service campaignAug 2026· Fuel and propulsion· model years 2022
General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall.
- Service campaignMay 2026· Engine· model years 2021
Certain vehicles may have a condition that could cause the cylinder 2 glow plug to fail.
- Service campaignFeb 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2026
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which hard braking may unexpectedly engage. Dealers will re-program the IPM or Front View Camera depending on what the vehicle is equipped with.
- Service campaignFeb 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2026
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which hard braking may unexpectedly engage. Dealers will reprogram the Image Processing Module.
- Service campaignJan 2026· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
Certain vehicles listed above may be missing relevant information regarding the use of snow chains, snow socks, or other traction devices from the Owner’s Manual.
- Service campaignJan 2026· Engine· model years 2021–2024
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.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2026
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which hard braking may unexpectedly engage. Dealers will reprogram the Image Processing Module.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2026
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which hard braking may unexpectedly engage. Dealers will reprogram the Image Processing Module.
- Service campaignNov 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
Certain vehicles listed above may have a condition in which the jack kit lifting rod is out of specification. Dealers will replace the jack handle components.
- Service campaignSep 2025· Engine· model years 2021–2023
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant control valve to fail an onboard vehicle diagnostic test.
- Service campaignSep 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2025
On certain vehicles, the customer was mistakenly charged for Super Cruise and OnStar Services removal instead of receiving a credit. Dealers will provide the customer with a reimbursement check in the amount of $2,660 (USD)
- Service campaignSep 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2023–2024
Certain vehicles will receive a software update to add to the existing Check Engine Light a Driver Information Center (DIC) warning message if DTC P0016 sets.
- Service campaignSep 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2021–2024
Certain vehicles will receive a software update to add to the existing Check Engine Light a Driver Information Center (DIC) warning message if DTC P0016 sets.
- Service campaignAug 2025· Other or unspecified· model years 2021–2023
Certain vehicles will receive a software update to add to the existing Check Engine Light a Driver Information Center (DIC) warning message if DTC P0016 sets.
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Yukon XL model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine661 (34%)
- Exterior lights320 (17%)
- Transmission and drivetrain290 (15%)
- Other or unspecified261 (14%)
- Electrical system253 (13%)
- Brakes164 (8%)
- Airbags108 (6%)
- Fuel and propulsion82 (4%)
Safety recalls
34 recalls cover at least one Yukon XL model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.
A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ,…
The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs.
The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
And 19 more recalls on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- EA26005Engineering analysis· opened Aug 2026, still open· Engine· model years 2021–2026
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
- RQ26001Recall query· opened Jan 2026, closed Aug 2026· Engine· model years 2021–2024
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
- EA25007Engineering analysis· opened Oct 2025, still open· Engine and cooling· model years 2021–2024
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
- PE25001Preliminary evaluation· opened Jan 2025, closed Oct 2025· Engine and cooling· model years 2021–2024
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Led to recall 25V274.
- EA21002Engineering analysis· opened Sep 2021, still open· Airbags· model years 2010–2014
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
- PE21010Preliminary evaluation· opened Apr 2021, closed Aug 2023· Airbags· model years 2021
Air Bag Malfunction
- PE18012Preliminary evaluation· opened Nov 2018, closed Apr 2022· Brakes· model years 2015–2016
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Led to recall 19V645000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2027 GMC Yukon XL has the complaint text and every document.
Common questions
Is the GMC Yukon XL reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 1,933 owner complaints, 14 warranty extensions and 88 service campaigns GMC filed, and 34 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2015 (372), 2016 (230), 2021 (227). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the GMC Yukon XL?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (34%), exterior lights (17%), transmission and drivetrain (15%). GMC has filed 14 warranty extensions covering the Yukon XL, listed on this page.
Which Yukon XL model years have the most complaints?
2015 (372), 2016 (230), 2021 (227). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Yukon XL with each other rather than with other models.
Has GMC extended the warranty on the Yukon XL?
Yes: wheels (model years 2022); wheels (model years 2022); transmission and drivetrain (model years 2021–2022), and 11 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Yukon XL?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 34 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.