RoadVitals

2017 GMC Yukon Xl

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
147
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest Sep 8, 2016
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
7
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 147 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2017 GMC Yukon Xl, most frequently naming the exterior lighting, powertrain (other) and electrical categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 1,185 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

1 campaign cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER

Sep 8, 2016
3,640,162 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
The risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 16007View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Sep 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was a loud ticking and tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a lifter failure caused by the AFM system and an engine misfire, and that the lifters, camshaft, and timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

NHTSA ID
11761383
Incident
Aug 30, 2026
Mileage
137,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 26, 2026

Vehicle is shuddering during acceleration and while changing gear during driving affected by either the transmission or power train

NHTSA ID
11759749
Incident
Oct 18, 2025
Brakes
Filed Aug 24, 2026
Crash reported

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the failure occurred after the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle continued to move forward and rear-ended the vehicle ahead. There was no air bag deployed. There were no injuries sustained. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that there was damage to the front bumper. The vehicle was driven away from the crash scene. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the failure was associated with the recall. The contact stated that an unknown module needed to be replaced, but the manufacturer had to authorize the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ID
11759142
Incident
Aug 24, 2026
Mileage
170,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 8, 2026

Transmission shudders and shifts very hard in lower gears. Going from drive to reverse the transmission shifts hard.

NHTSA ID
11755665
Incident
Aug 1, 2026
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jul 3, 2026

The daylight running light in the rear do not work, which is needed for night time driving. At night when parked or driving the rear is completely dark, except the license plate lights. When I press the brakes they turn on, the signal lights work even the reverse lights. I've switched them to manual mode still no luck. I've checked some fuses, they all check out, nothing blowen. From some research it's all conctrolled by the body control module. There are alot of cars with this same issue there should be a recall for gm to fix properly, dues to safety of the driver and public. We just bought this vehicle which, and didnt test drive at night. 3 days later we discovered it. We even bought new lights due to the number of complaints. They still don't work.

NHTSA ID
11748197
Incident
Jun 30, 2026
Interior & seats
Filed Jun 26, 2026

There has been 3 different incidents. First incident I was going 45mph merging into 5 lanes of traffic when the back of my driver seat randomly layed down flat and stayed there. I had to get off an exit, get out pull up on front of seat and then it layed back up. 2nd incident I was going about 40mph it folded completely forward and pinned me against the steeling wheel. I had to stop immediately in the middle of the road put my 4 ways on and wiggle and slide out of the car started pulling up on front of seat and was finally able to put it back in place. The 3rd time I was going 20 mph it folded completely forward and pinned against. Had to stop in the middle Of the road again pull up on front of seat. The lumbar setting randomly comes and goes while driving down the road. Took it the garage to be looked at. They weren’t able to figure out why it’s doing what it’s doing but the only option they had was to unplug the module for safety reasons

NHTSA ID
11746793
Incident
Jun 22, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Mar 22, 2026

Engine stalling, a rough-running engine, reduced power mode (sluggish acceleration), a "Check Engine" light, or the vehicle failing to start. It started puttering really bad and died in the middle of the intersection. Check engine light came on. I got it to start, was really hard start and puttered bad then it died again and then I got it to start again, was a really hard start and puttered and died again. I was able to start it again get in the driveway but couldn’t go very fast. Check engine codes present are P2635 and P018B

NHTSA ID
11726235
Incident
Mar 21, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 1, 2026

Transmission problems, loss of power. Put a reader on car and said it was a selinoid. Replaced that and now it has happened again

NHTSA ID
11721295
Incident
Sep 1, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP4902W

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIT5509N

This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

PIT5509M

This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIP6104

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

GMC Yukon Xl by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026333157.9
2025271151.7
2024702460.3
20232164466.5
20221664466.9
202122512570.1
2020472060.7
2019672058.8
2018532058.3
2017Viewing1471047.5
20162013157.1
20153072150.3
2014113158.8
2013224151.0
2012134144.7
2011473150.7
2010283149.2
2009235150.3
2008694155.2
2007974263.9
2006173044.5
2005426048.0
2004874049.3
20031024254.0
2002952353.5
20011205662.4
2000697662.0
1999300—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.