GMC YUKON XL · model year

2015 GMC YUKON XL

396 NHTSA complaints, 9 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2015GMCYUKON XL carries 396 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 9 crashes, 4 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2015 YUKON XL is exterior lighting with 135 filings, followed by service brakes (62) and electrical system (58). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2015 YUKON XL. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

396
Complaints
9
Crashes
4
Fires
10
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

396 filings

Crashes Reported

9 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
EXTERIOR LIGHTING135
SERVICE BRAKES62
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM58
POWER TRAIN30
UNKNOWN OR OTHER26
ENGINE24
STEERING11
STRUCTURE:BODY10
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM6
SUSPENSION5
TIRES3
WHEELS3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS3
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION2

Recalls (2)

17V43700010/07/2017

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Subur

16V65100008/09/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

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 Poli

Recent Complaints

20260119ENGINE

While driving back home from my trip the truck all a sudden made a squealing noise and the engine just stopped. I was on the high way . I was able to coast the vehicle off onto the exit ramp. The vehicle was towed home. The following day it was towed to the repair shop. The shop has confirmed engine failure. Will need to replace the engine . Still waiting for warranty approval.

20251209ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle started shaking with a tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed around the block, the failure persisted. The vehicle was parked at the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters in the engine were loose, and the lifters and the right side of the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20251020POWER TRAIN

The transmission shifts hard in low gears. I have done research, and it seems like this is a common problem that a vast amount of these vehicles have. I honestly think that this is has to be looked into for a recall. There is countless information on the web with videos, other owners, and transmission businesses explaining about it.

20250825POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the transmission shifted hard from first to second gear while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent and several internal parts of the transmission were replaced, and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) was also replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the repairs had not addressed the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was likely related to the transfer case. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.

Mileage: 161,000

20250708ENGINE

The Active Fuel Management (AFM) system malfunctioned causing not all engine cylinders to fire at critical times, thus causing a safety issue when the vehicle has insufficient power traveling at highway speed. The AFM is intended to transition from 8 cylinder power to 4 cylinder power to save fuel. However it malfunctioned so that it couldn't transition back from 4 cylinder power. The malfunction occurred while driving at highway speed, approximately 70 mph and towing a trailer. There were no warning messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. This malfunction necessitated removal and replacement of the engine. A certified mechanic completed the repair work.

20250609SERVICE BRAKES

Service Box appears indicating - "Trailer Brake System" with a loud BING, BING, BING Alert sound. It continues every few minutes... Please note: we aren't using a trailer... I have googled/youtube it and found that this is an issue with many owners. They indicate that the wire harness in between two of the body control modules is defective. It is known to have faulty wire connection. This is intermittent, goes for months and stops for months, and then starts up again. Starting the vehicle, while driving slow or fast, it doesn't matter.

20250528SERVICE BRAKES

I purchased a 2015 GMC Yukon in March 2024 I drive the vehicle 9 mons, 7500 miles the vehicle has been in service at my local dealership since Dec 13, 2024, for engine and transmission replacement, I have had the vehicle back 3 weeks not the warning light and service warning chime for the "Service Trailer Brake System is on, I have not ever use a trailer with the vehicle, I was told the vehicle needs a wire harness, I have read this a problem in these vehicles that has not been addressed GMC with a recall, I have put A LOT of money in the vehicle. This is an well documented failure in the trailer brake system that GM should repair at no cost to the consumer

20250528UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I purchased a 2015 GMC Yukon in March 2024 I drive the vehicle 9 mons, 7500 miles the vehicle has been in service at my local dealership since Dec 13, 2024, for engine and transmission replacement, I have had the vehicle back 3 weeks not the warning light and service warning chime for the "Service Trailer Brake System is on, I have not ever use a trailer with the vehicle, I was told the vehicle needs a wire harness, I have read this a problem in these vehicles that has not been addressed GMC with a recall, I have put A LOT of money in the vehicle. This is an well documented failure in the trailer brake system that GM should repair at no cost to the consumer

20250514POWER TRAIN

LOUD NOISES STARTED UNDER THE CAR AND EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF IN MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE, THANK FULLY ANOTHER PERSON HELP US MOVE THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER AND NOTHING HAPPENED

20250514ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. While the contact's wife was driving 50 MPH, the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start several times; however, the battery and the alternator were replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the destination. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Mileage: 127,000

20250513POWER TRAIN

My transmission is causing a lot of shaking and hard shifting and it's very detrimental to my physical and psychological health. I am a disabled veteran with back problems and every time my Yukon shakes (almost every single shift) it hurts my back and makes it difficult to do anything. This is a very, very common issue with this year make and model but nothing seems to be getting accomplished. GM needs to remedy these issues as a recall since most of us can't afford the $5000-$12000 that this type of repair is going to cost us and GM knows that this is an issue. I can't continue to risk my family's health and safety with this vehicle and it needs to be fixed immediately!

20250513STRUCTURE:BODY

The amount of rust that has been exposed is absolutely insane. My adjuster found the initial section of rust when we had the Yukon in for repairs from a storm. In the past 2 months, the rust has caused a massive hole underneath the rear passenger's side door and we have had no choice but to get it repaired. The initial estimate for this single repair is going to be over $3400. This rust easily could've broken down further and gotten into the brakes and other components right behind it as it sits very close to the wheel well. This is an absolutely dangerous issue and should be addressed.

20250505ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. and no warning lights were illuminated. The contact immediately pulled over, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the crankshaft was faulty, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) as a possible cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

Mileage: 112,000

20250501ENGINE

While driving my check engine light came on. Engine was shaking and running awful. Smoke was coming from the tailpipe. Mechanic upon inspection informed me that a lifter had failed. Causing damage to the cylinder head. Also causing the fuel injectors to fail. The cylinder head had to be removed and sent to machine shop for repairs. Mechanic informed me that this is a very common failure for LS motors. Repair bill was $5300 for parts and labor.

20250430ENGINE

in september the check engine light came on and the care began making aloud knocking noise. When we brought it to our mechanic he let us know that the engine had bad connection rods and I would need a new engine. The mechanic stated he has seen this multiple times on GM V8 Motors

20250430ENGINE

In December 2024 took my GMC Yukon XL to a mechanic. They replaced the lifter in the driver side of the engine. 2500 miles later it is back in the shop for the same side. Now there is a bent rod. One of the lifter/Rod spots collapsed. The mechanic is in contact with the local GMC dealer to figure out what the next steps are. The recent symptoms had to have car towed back to Fairly reliable Bobs mechanic. Pictures were taken and sent to GMC. First time this happened I heard a Tic in the engine and took it straight to the mechanic. second time this happened. Engine light came on flashing, Trackton light came on, Lost power, there was a shimmy when slowing down and a shake at the stop. I will note the second time this happened below.

20250427ENGINE

While driving, the check engine light started to blink and there was a steady knocking coming from the engine. This is the same issues that GMC is currently recalling newer model vehicles for. Safety was at risk because the engine failure happened while driving.

20250416ENGINE

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to steer the vehicle into a parking lot. The contact stated that his wife attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that his wife observed that the check engine warning light illuminated while attempting to restart the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, the vehicle had been towed to the same dealer for a failure to start. The contact stated that the starter motor and a 12-Volt battery were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Mileage: 127,000

20250410POWER TRAIN

As I was driving on the highway the check engine lights pops on and the engine starts stalling. The stability track light also came on and the truck was hard to maintain and drive. The truck has been maintained and serviced on a meticulous schedule. This is not the first major problem we have experienced with the truck, we had to do a full transmission replacement on the truck at an 118,000 miles mark. Me and my family have been the only drivers and owner of the vehicle and mostly on put highway miles. I am so frustrated and disappointed in the workmanship and quality of our vehicle.

20250407ENGINE

Lifter failure due to AFM. Car shuttered suddenly and then threw codes and had a bad misfire with engine shaking. Spent $6,700 to rebuild.

Compare 2015GMCYUKON XL to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2015 GMC YUKON XL have?
The 2015 GMC YUKON XL has 396 NHTSA complaints, 9 crashes, 4 fires, 10 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2015 GMC YUKON XL?
Yes, the 2015 GMC YUKON XL has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 GMC YUKON XL?
The most-complained component for the 2015 GMC YUKON XL is EXTERIOR LIGHTING with 135 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2015 GMC YUKON XL safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.