2017 GMC Yukon Xl Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2017 GMC Yukon Xl, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Exterior lighting3720.1%
- Powertrain (other)3519.0%
- Electrical3116.8%
- Brakes2614.1%
- Engine2513.6%
- Driver assistance84.3%
- Fuel system52.7%
- Airbags42.2%
- Interior & seats42.2%
- Suspension42.2%
- Steering21.1%
- Seat belts10.5%
- Visibility10.5%
- Body & structure10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
At stop light vehicle began to sputter, run rough, and make noise. I was less than a mile from my home, no check engine light on. I turned the vehicle off, used a scanner to have codes P0106 and P0506 show. I had vehicle towed to Complete Car Care. Misfire on multiple cylinders, 3 push rods bent, one valve spring broken. The right Cylinder head assembly had to be removed and replaced with 8 new push rods, 8 new lifters, gaskets, seals, and valve spring. Total cost $3304.79, the vehicle only has 69,801 miles on it. In addition one of the rear tail lights has a known issue (found out on google), intermittently goes out, was never notified. I took the car to Jim Hudson GMC to be told it would cost $475 plus tax because I did not come in early enough even though it is to be warranted up to 70,000 miles. I am greatly concerned that this engine has the same manufacturing defects of the current recall and extended recall for the GMC Yukon Denali engines.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Transmission shudders and shifts very hard in lower gears. Going from drive to reverse the transmission shifts hard.
Transmission problems, loss of power. Put a reader on car and said it was a selinoid. Replaced that and now it has happened again
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
At stop light vehicle began to sputter, run rough, and make noise. I was less than a mile from my home, no check engine light on. I turned the vehicle off, used a scanner to have codes P0106 and P0506 show. I had vehicle towed to Complete Car Care. Misfire on multiple cylinders, 3 push rods bent, one valve spring broken. The right Cylinder head assembly had to be removed and replaced with 8 new push rods, 8 new lifters, gaskets, seals, and valve spring. Total cost $3304.79, the vehicle only has 69,801 miles on it. In addition one of the rear tail lights has a known issue (found out on google), intermittently goes out, was never notified. I took the car to Jim Hudson GMC to be told it would cost $475 plus tax because I did not come in early enough even though it is to be warranted up to 70,000 miles. I am greatly concerned that this engine has the same manufacturing defects of the current recall and extended recall for the GMC Yukon Denali engines.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while idling, the vehicle started shuddering violently. The contact stated that while driving to the residence at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed into a church parking lot. The contact's father used a scanner to scan the vehicle, and a DTC for engine misfire was retrieved. The contact's father replaced the spark plugs, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was blown. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, where the engine was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was stiff and required to be pumped several times for the vehicle to respond as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred while starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes had been replaced annually, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the brake pedal shuddered upon starting the vehicle. The contact received a notification for ABS from the OnStar Mobile App. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,246.
I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2017 GMC Yukon XL related to the brake vacuum pump. According to recall information (NHTSA Recall ID: N192268490), certain 2015-2017 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles are equipped with a defective vacuum pump that may decrease in output over time. This defect reduces power brake assist, resulting in increased braking effort, a hard brake pedal, and extended stopping distances. These conditions significantly increase the risk of a crash. I have experienced symptoms consistent with this issue, including vibrating brake pedal with no slippage, a hard pedal, ticking noises from the engine, a 'Service Brake Assist' warning message, and difficulty braking. This issues usually occur under 10 mph. These problems compromise the vehicle’s braking performance and pose a direct threat to the safety of myself, my passengers, and other road users.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while idling, the vehicle started shuddering violently. The contact stated that while driving to the residence at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed into a church parking lot. The contact's father used a scanner to scan the vehicle, and a DTC for engine misfire was retrieved. The contact's father replaced the spark plugs, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was blown. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, where the engine was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was stiff and required to be pumped several times for the vehicle to respond as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred while starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes had been replaced annually, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the brake pedal shuddered upon starting the vehicle. The contact received a notification for ABS from the OnStar Mobile App. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,246.
On July 3, 2025 we were traveling on a 4 lane at 55mph. Without any prior symptoms, the vehicle began to shake violently. It shook so hard that the skid warning light simultaneously came on. It was followed by the check engine light. The oil pressure guage started bouncing around. We stopped driving the vehicle and had it towed to VanYork GMC dealer in Asheboro, NC on this same day. (Invoice attached) VanYork GMC determined that cyclinder 5 was misfiring. We paid to have them repair it, and we began driving the vehicle again. (invoice attached) On or about August 1, 2025 we were traveling on an interstate at 70mph. Without any forewarning, the vehicle began to violently shake. Just as before, the skid warning light simultaneously came on, followed by the check engine light came on, and then the oil pressure guage started bouncing around. As there was heavy traffic on the interstate, the failure created a very dangerous situation for us as we tried to maintain our lane, and stay in control of the vehicle until which time we were able to safely maneuver to the side of the road. The vehicle was again towed to Vann York GMC in Asheboro, NC. (invoice attached) On December 3, 2025 we received a call from VannYork GMC saying that the vehicle repairs were complete. It had been in their repair shop for 4 months. This repair began with lifter and camshaft replacement. When this repair was unsuccessful, they decided that the vehicle needed a 'new' rebuilt engine. Since GMC has not offered any assistance with the expense of this new re-built engine, we will have to satisfy the $12,000 bill when we pick it up. After experiencing two very dangerous episodes, we are happy that we did not wreck, but certainly, this not the situation we expected from a high-end vehicle with only 76,169 miles on it.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Programe
UNKNOWN 4 times in the past 6 months, while parking the vehicle (turning into a spot, left or right) or slowly turning to pull up to a security code box, the car completely begins to lose power in drive, and has lost power while in drive twice. The dash begins to flicker to the point that you can't decipher which error codes are showing up. Most recently, the Trailer Brake Service message was on before it died. We were not towing anything, did not have tow mode on, or anything like that. The parking sensors were on for all these instances...regardless if we were parking or not. I can't confirm if that is the issue or not. It was pretty dangerous when I was pulling into my parents driveway along a busy road when the car did this before I was completely off the road...with my 3 young children in the back 2 rows. I know the battery is new. I did have the dealer look at the brakes about a month ago, because I felt they were soft. They said they were fine. They and myself checked the reservoir for brake fluid low. Was in normal range. Starter was replaced in March time frame. I feel this is related to the factory trailering system wiring harness or something.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Engine check light on, Code P0302 cylinder 2 misfire. loud mortar ticking, car makes abrupt jump/move forward.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Noting that prior to this we only had one issue with transmission and we did the flush and it did fine for several thousand of miles. Fast forward to a few days ago. As I was driving down the highway I came to a stop at the red light. Once it was green and I pressed on the accelerator with my foot per usual. And it did not move it pushed the gas peddle and nothing at all happened. I was stuck in the highway could not move until I’m assuming the transmission finally shifted jarring my entire car and it allowed me to get to a safe place at 20 miles an hour max. Keep in mind I was in the middle of the highway not knowing what was happening. With my precious babies in the car. Thanking God we were not injured. This problem is so common and notorious among GMC Yukons 2017 year models. It’s saddening that now I have a car note on a car that will not go. Transmissions are back ordered who knows when I can have my car back this economy is horrible trying to stay afloat. And now we have a vehicle that won’t drive and no time forks of when it can drive. This needs to be addressed asap. Other people are dealing with the same things and GMC need to make this safety concern a thing of the past. Make a recall.
Programe
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
The drivers seat broke and front airbags did not deploy. The seat broke during rear end collision which pushed the seat back so I was no longer able to reach steering wheel or brakes to stop. Went thru on coming traffic to end up on wrong side of road in ditch. Police inspection, insurance inspections, auto repair inspection No warnings.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Noting that prior to this we only had one issue with transmission and we did the flush and it did fine for several thousand of miles. Fast forward to a few days ago. As I was driving down the highway I came to a stop at the red light. Once it was green and I pressed on the accelerator with my foot per usual. And it did not move it pushed the gas peddle and nothing at all happened. I was stuck in the highway could not move until I’m assuming the transmission finally shifted jarring my entire car and it allowed me to get to a safe place at 20 miles an hour max. Keep in mind I was in the middle of the highway not knowing what was happening. With my precious babies in the car. Thanking God we were not injured. This problem is so common and notorious among GMC Yukons 2017 year models. It’s saddening that now I have a car note on a car that will not go. Transmissions are back ordered who knows when I can have my car back this economy is horrible trying to stay afloat. And now we have a vehicle that won’t drive and no time forks of when it can drive. This needs to be addressed asap. Other people are dealing with the same things and GMC need to make this safety concern a thing of the past. Make a recall.
The paint on the hood is peeling/flaking and is degraded. Right air shock is leaking causing the vehicle to continually pump up. I have the tow package, and with the air shock leaking, it does me no good. My air conditioner has not been cooling for a while. I started noticing it when it was hot in December, 2022. Would have thought it was a simple leak. The port valves have been changed. Air is still not blowing cold. My vehicle uses the R1234YF which is very expensive per can. After spending $72,000 on a vehicle, you would think that it would not be failing so soon. I understand 1) there is a class action lawsuit regarding the peeling/flaking of the paint; 2) that the ac condenser has a recall and also, the "leaky" air shock; however, my VIN is not included in any of these recalls. Upon the pleading and begging for recall information on brake lights and the brake system, those after sometime, were actually fixed by the dealer. I feel like I purchased a lemon. This was supposed to be my forever vehicle. To make matters worse, my vehicle display freezes when you are driving down the road, which includes while you have navigation on, I guess I will just get lost. I have had warnings about parking/collision alert just not working and will not let you push the button to turn it back on. I am not understanding why all of what is happening. I work everyday and have to take off work to take it to the dealership. I have never been so disappointed in a GM product, my vehicle is a piece of crap. I have an appointment at the dealership on April 19, 2023, we will see where this will take me.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car is shaking when accelerating. Feels like it will cause more damage.
MY BRAKES GET HARD WHEN DRIVING IN SLOW TRAFFIC. AND STERRING WHEEL GETS STIFF WHEN PRESSED DURING TURNING CORNERS OR TURNS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I report years ago the seat belts wasn’t work, also all time I report with GMC vibrations and stops power at roads or low power to go in the freeways some times are to , and screen for gos and radio wasn’t work, this was a bad car . I take some videos but the agency try to charge me to check the car. Al of those put my person or others person in a risk because I lost the power in the middle of the road also, 2 of the seats belts are not working 1 of those is for my child, and the screen for gps can make me crazy at roads the system report construction or objects at road and I decrease the velocity in roads and the car was behind me slow or the screen jump from gps to radio or news or whatever some times the touch doesn’t work and I was lost in the roads driving around. The last thing is the vibration went I use the brakes to stop the car is shaking this was my first new car and is bad car and unsafe car
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not sure if this is the correct raea to notify regarding this incident. I had windshield replaced by Safelite Auto Glass in Cadillc Mi.After the service the technician said he calibrated everything and all is fine. Upon my initial driving after the windshield service the vehicle engine light was flashing and the display was telling me the advanced collision and lane departure warning systems were inoperable. Additionally the vehicle would not accelerate. The vehicle could not be driven safely. I contacted Safelite in Cadillac Michigan the next morning and was initially told the warnings have nothing to do with the service they performed and they do not have to do anything to help me. The manager advised that they ran 3 scans with their equipment and all scans came out good. The manager is saying that confirms everything was OK. I see that as an admission of something being wrong since the technician ran 3 scans. Why run additional scans if all is good. What he was seeing is that the vehicle was displaying warning lights and was not running properly. That is why he kept running scans over and over. Even after 7 scans now they are still saying it's not their problem. Obviously their equipment is incapable of calibrating the new windshield to the vehicle. Additionally they have caused a problem within the engine control module by hooking up faulty electronic device. The vehicle is inoperable. Additionally Safelite knows that they are incapable of performing windshield replacement on this vehicle. The technician no more than left my driveway and I received a text from Safelite saying: "Modifications to your vehicle may cause your advanced safety systems to not function a intended" That is admission thjat Safelite knows they are incompetent in this matter. The windshield is in of the most important safety feature in a vehicle. It is unacceptable the an industry leading automotive aftermarket company is continuing to operate this way. Please look into this.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
UPON DRIVING VEHICLE WATER WAS OBSERVED TO DRIP FROM UPPER LEFT HAND DRIVERS COMPARTMENT ONTO DRIVER. THE WEATHER HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN RAINING. ROOF FABRIC WAS SATURATED AND WATER WAS ACTIVELY FALLING. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THE ANTENNA ASSEMBLY ON THE ROOF WAS A KNOWN FAILURE MODE FOR THIS HAZARD. WATER CAN PASSIVELY MIGRATE THROUGH INTERIOR COLUMN. VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN THROUGH ANY MECHANICAL OR AUTOMATED WASHING SYSTEM. VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO ANY EXTERNAL CAUSE. FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY FAULTY MANUFACTURING ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .