2023 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 2023 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
- Engine13551.5%
- Electrical3312.6%
- Powertrain (other)3212.2%
- Fuel system186.9%
- Driver assistance155.7%
- Brakes103.8%
- Visibility62.3%
- Steering41.5%
- Interior & seats20.8%
- Other / unspecified20.8%
- Body & structure20.8%
- Airbags20.8%
- Seat belts10.4%
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car just died while going 55mph on the highway. Complete shutdown but luckily both the steering and brakes worked. After stopping it wouldn’t start again. I had my three children in the car aged [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]. It was a horrific experience. GMC did some repairs to the engine that took over two months and then the car had a few more warnings pop up just a few weeks later. GMC now says there is a misfiring in one of the positions. I’m terrified of driving this car with my children as I don’t know when it will shut off again and how bad it will be! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was covered under an unknown recall repair. The vehicle was released back to the owner; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling roughly and jerking abnormally. In addition, the contact stated that the drive to the residence was not a smooth drive. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where a technician performed a ride-along. The contact stated that the engine seized three times during the ride along. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced a second time. The contact stated that when the vehicle was released, the rear bumper was damaged. Additionally, while attempting to start the vehicle, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car just died while going 55mph on the highway. Complete shutdown but luckily both the steering and brakes worked. After stopping it wouldn’t start again. I had my three children in the car aged [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]. It was a horrific experience. GMC did some repairs to the engine that took over two months and then the car had a few more warnings pop up just a few weeks later. GMC now says there is a misfiring in one of the positions. I’m terrified of driving this car with my children as I don’t know when it will shut off again and how bad it will be! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving about 70 mph in the express lanes, the vehicle suddenly lost power and drifted like it went into neutral. There were no warning symbols. The vehicle could not restart even while coasting. After stopping, it locked itself in park and would not shift out of park. My family and I were trapped on the express lanes for over an hour in a dangerous location. The vehicle stayed stuck in park even on the tow truck. The dealer confirmed metal in the oil filter, a blown main fuse, and knocking when starting. The recall inspection and remedy were already done, but the failure still happened. The vehicle is undriveable and the required recall repair cannot be completed because the replacement engine is on backorder with no ETA.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving about 70 mph in the express lanes, the vehicle suddenly lost power and drifted like it went into neutral. There were no warning symbols. The vehicle could not restart even while coasting. After stopping, it locked itself in park and would not shift out of park. My family and I were trapped on the express lanes for over an hour in a dangerous location. The vehicle stayed stuck in park even on the tow truck. The dealer confirmed metal in the oil filter, a blown main fuse, and knocking when starting. The recall inspection and remedy were already done, but the failure still happened. The vehicle is undriveable and the required recall repair cannot be completed because the replacement engine is on backorder with no ETA.
My wife and I were traveling to Denver CO to pick up my son and grandson from the airport. The engine started to make a very exaggerated rattle. We found a dealership near our motel where we took the vehicle to and were told not to drive home that the engine needed to be replaced. We had to arrange our own transportation for both us and the vehicle 8 hrs back to our home in Rapid City, SD where our local dealership replaced the engine. The vehicle had approximately 65,000 miles when this occurred. Fortunately we were in a populated area when this occurred as there is a lot of very sparsely populated area between our home and Denver. This malfunction not only cost me a lot of money but also put my family at risk in unfamiliar areas.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
On July 14, 2026, I experienced a serious fuel system failure with my 2023 GMC Denali. That morning, I filled the vehicle with a little over 20 gallons of fuel at a gas station approximately two miles from my home. Later in the day, I made a short trip to my neighborhood swimming pool, roughly 1.5 miles round trip, with no unusual noises or warnings from the vehicle. Approximately two hours after returning home, I entered the vehicle to run an errand. When I shifted into reverse and began backing out of my carport, I immediately heard a scraping noise on the concrete. I stopped the vehicle and inspected underneath. At that point, I discovered that the entire fuel tank had fallen out of the vehicle and was resting on the ground. I contacted roadside assistance, and the vehicle was towed to the dealership. The dealership informed me that the fuel tank support straps were missing, which allowed the tank to detach and fall. I personally searched along all the routes I had driven earlier that day and did not locate any straps or debris. The tank itself showed no impact damage, suggesting it dropped cleanly rather than being torn loose by road contact. Although the vehicle is relatively new, my bumper to bumper warranty expired in September 2025, and I was charged for the repair. I have included photos taken before and during the tow, as well as the dealership’s invoice. I am extremely concerned about the safety implications of this failure. If the tank had fallen while I was driving at interstate speeds (approximately 70 mph), it could have caused a catastrophic fire hazard, loss of vehicle control, or danger to other motorists. I do not know how long the vehicle had been operating without fuel tank straps, nor why there were no warnings or indications of a structural issue. I also question why the dealership did not treat this as a manufacturing or assembly defect, given that fuel tank straps should not detach under normal use. ...RAN OUT OF CHARACTERS...
The car just died while going 55mph on the highway. Complete shutdown but luckily both the steering and brakes worked. After stopping it wouldn’t start again. I had my three children in the car aged [XXX], [XXX], and [XXX]. It was a horrific experience. GMC did some repairs to the engine that took over two months and then the car had a few more warnings pop up just a few weeks later. GMC now says there is a misfiring in one of the positions. I’m terrified of driving this car with my children as I don’t know when it will shut off again and how bad it will be! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
On my 2023 GMC Yukon, XL the infotainment screen freezes and you have no access to any vehicle information, including rearview camera. This issue appeared three months after I purchased a vehicle in 2023 and was taken to the dealership confirmed the issue, but said the resolution was to do a hard reset on the infotainment center. After driving the car for three years and taking the advice of the dealership and resetting the infotainment center every few weeks, the problem escalated and started freezing up at least once a week to eventually doing it every day and the heart reset wouldn’t always work the first time. Dealership eventually confirmed it was a defective radio module. This is a very large vehicle and the rearview camera is an essential necessity to avoid collision.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was covered under an unknown recall repair. The vehicle was released back to the owner; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling roughly and jerking abnormally. In addition, the contact stated that the drive to the residence was not a smooth drive. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where a technician performed a ride-along. The contact stated that the engine seized three times during the ride along. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced a second time. The contact stated that when the vehicle was released, the rear bumper was damaged. Additionally, while attempting to start the vehicle, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light was illuminated. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 44,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I got into my car to run some errands. As I drove away from my house, I made a left turn downhill. I noticed vehicles ahead, so I began to slow down. At that moment, I was driving between 20 and 25 mph. When I tried to brake, my brakes failed and started flashing a brake failure warning light. I kept pumping the brake pedal, and eventually, the car slowed down and came to a stop. I turned on my hazard lights, and immediately returned home. My nephew and I were both in the car. Our live flashed in front of us. Thankfully, there were no vehicles directly in front of me or pedestrians. This could have turned out to be the worst day of my life if anyone had been injured.
2023 Yukon Denali XL 6.2l: GM oil change recall performed (October 2025) and GMC dealership noted no issues. Prior to recall oil change, at aprox 5k miles interval (45K total miles), check engine oil light on dash and was over 1 quart low. Next oil change at aprox 50K miles, no check engine light came on, but certified mechanic drained and measure oil level, 1.5 quarts low. Engine often sounds odd at cold start, ticking sound. Now an oil change is $100 more, due to special oil, but not compensated for extra cost. Brake calibers failed. February 2026, engine light on, then off, then hood latch dash light warning now on and off. Huge safety concerns with the 2023 GMC Yukon 6.2L.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
1.The driver side mirror tilts up or down every time the vehicle is started requiring readjustment before driving. My wife was almost hit by oncoming traffic when she did not remember to readjust the mirror before merging with traffic. 2. The driver seat bolster inflates every time the vehicle is started. The vehicle cannot be driven without deflating the bolster. These have been reported to the dealer 3 months ago with no resolution from them or GMC.
While driving through rain on a long car trip, the wipers suddenly became completely inoperable. We could not see and were on a highway causing a serious safety issue. We had to drive very carefully off the next exit ramp. Tried turning on and off the car, no luck. Tried toggling the rain sense on the display and finally wipers came back on. About 20 miles down the road the same thing happened. Wipers became inoperable. We had to exit highway 4 times to try to wait and toggle for wipers to come back on. Immediately had it checked my a mechanic at our destination and he could find no cause for the incident. Our best guess is there is some computer glitch that needs to be fixed and I predict there will be a recall. Hopefully not before a disaster.
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
My vehicle stalled while driving on a busy highway & I had no option but to pull over, which left me & my family in a very dangerous position. Had to remove my daughter's wheelchair onto a tow truck as the vehicle had no power to use the hoist for her powerchair. Again, on the side of a busy road! Towed the vehicle to a GM dealership, who stated there was catastrophic engine failure & the engine had to be replaced. Had no way to transport my daughter until I got a new engine since her hoist was stuck at the dealership. This was our original vehicle, until the sold me another one with the same defect (2024 Yukon for MORE money!). That vehicle was reported in Complaint 11657786.
My wife was travelling down a two-lane road at 50mph when the engine suddenly shut off affecting steering. She was able to maneuver to the shoulder, but the vehicle would not restart. Could have been much worse. Had it towed to the dealer we purchased it from, and they informed us the engine had seized. There were no warning signs or dash lights indicating there may be an issue.
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
1.The driver side mirror tilts up or down every time the vehicle is started requiring readjustment before driving. My wife was almost hit by oncoming traffic when she did not remember to readjust the mirror before merging with traffic. 2. The driver seat bolster inflates every time the vehicle is started. The vehicle cannot be driven without deflating the bolster. These have been reported to the dealer 3 months ago with no resolution from them or GMC.
Riders with long hair is getting caught in the "DENALI" emblem embedded in the seat back of the front seats. This has been addressed with a GMC dealer and they stated the seat emblem is within specs as they put it. This is noted on the attached work order regarding this
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Classic Buick GMC (Classic Elite Buick GMC – Katy) Filed by: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] Date: November 23, 2025 Texas Attorney General – Consumer Protection Division RE: SUMMARY COMPLAINT – Vehicle Misrepresentation, Unauthorized Charges, Financing Fraud & Warranty Violations Dear Attorney General, I am filing this complaint against Classic Buick GMC (Classic Elite Buick GMC) located at [XXX] , for multiple violations of Texas consumer-protection laws during the sale and follow-up service of a vehicle I purchased in March 2024. Summary of Violations 1. Misrepresentation of Vehicle Model Year I was sold a 2023 GMC Yukon Denali that the dealership falsely represented as a brand-new 2024 model, including on the key-tag. This violates Texas Occupations Code §2301.351(a) and DTPA §17.46(b)(5), (7), (24). 2. Unauthorized Add-Ons & Hidden Charges The dealership added $8,000 in accessories and $26,000 in warranty products without my consent. This violates DTPA §17.46(b)(12). 3. Financing Fraud I was promised 1% financing, but the dealership charged a significantly higher rate at closing without disclosure. This violates the Truth in Lending Act (TILA). 4. Warranty Refusal & Pre-Existing Damage Although the vehicle had defects and mechanical issues at delivery, the dealership refused to repair them under warranty unless I paid. This violates the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. 5. Failure to Provide Required Documentation The dealership refused to provide complete purchase documents, violating Texas Administrative Code §215.142. 6. Pattern of Evasion I personally visited the dealership three times, yet management refused to correct any misconduct. 7. Unsafe Vehicle Retained at Dealership The Yukon remains at the dealership due to mechanical/electrical defects. I refused to pick it up because the vehicle is unsafe and not as represented. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
OnStar module doesn’t work it went out in January 2025 there’s a 1000’s of other users in the in the OnStar module community complaining of the same issues . When you take it to the dealership they will not assist and will not warranty it out
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
There have been several issues for which I had to take my vehicle to the dealer. I did the engine oil recall. Then 4 months later my engine was destroyed. I’ve had several issues with oil leaks. I had an issue with my running boards a few times. And I’ve had an ongoing issue that the dealer hasn’t been able to fix - a water leak (I believe stemming from the moonroof), water gets into my vehicle, on my floorboard, and behind the dash. I’ve called to record these incidents with the dealer and taken it in several times, but they are never able to duplicate it, but they have witnessed the water leakage after the incidents (which happens during heavy downpours, and isn’t all the time because my vehicle is in the garage when I’m not at work).
Sunroof exploded
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
While driving in a gravel driveway, the window curtain airbags and the middle console airbags deployed, with no collision what so ever causing injury to the driver and should you have a child this could have been very damaging as the airbags came out in all the way back through the vehicle. This incident was inspected by police and fire as OnStar called them as it detected a collision, and without the vehicle being moved from the location the officer said there is nothing that should have caused the airbags to deploy, there is absolutely nothing here in this driveway that could have possible caused airbag deployment, The running boards go in and out, even when on the interstate constantly, and when backing up or going forward at times, and especially in a gravel driveway your automatic breaks will stop you abruptly, so fast that your seat belt will lock up on your and thrust you forward and backwards. The rear entertainment system will screen at times when turning it on will stay black and you have to keep turning it on and off to get a screen to show. No warning lamps or messaging with any of these cases.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the "Service SRS” message was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a failure with the passenger safety restraint system; however, the remedy for the repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repaired, and that the safety restraint system was reset. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 1,100.
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
The contact owns 3 Nuna Rava Car Seats. The first car seat Model Type: Convertible, Model Number: CS05103CVR, Manufactured Date: April 16, 2019. The second car seat Model Type: Convertible, Model Number: CS05103CVR, Manufactured Date: May 6, 2021. The third car seat Model Type: Convertible, Model Number: CS05103CVR, Manufactured Date: June 17, 2019. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24C002000 (Child Seat); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure with the car seats.
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 .