GMC YUKON XL · model year

2017 GMC YUKON XL

203 NHTSA complaints, 10 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2017GMCYUKON XL carries 203 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 10 crashes, 0 fires, 3 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 2017 YUKON XL is exterior lighting with 36 filings, followed by power train (33) and electrical system (29). 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 1 active recall campaign, 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 2017 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.

203
Complaints
10
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

203 filings

Crashes Reported

10 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
EXTERIOR LIGHTING36
POWER TRAIN33
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM29
ENGINE25
SERVICE BRAKES22
UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
AIR BAGS4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4
SUSPENSION4
SEATS3
STEERING2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL2
STRUCTURE:BODY1

Recalls (1)

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

20260126POWER TRAIN

Gear slippage, loss of power

20251208SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 whi

Mileage: 148,246

20251208ENGINE

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 whi

Mileage: 148,246

20251203ENGINE

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

20251130ENGINE

At stop light vehicle began to sputter and make noise, I was very close to my home, no engine light on. Upon turning vehicle off and using a code reader codes P0106 and P0506 was on scanner. I had vehicle towed to Complete Car Care. Mis fire on multiple cylinders. Vehicle has 69,801 miles. 3 push rods bent and I 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. Cost was $3304.79. In addition the rear tail light has been sporadic on and off, GM was to replace up to 70,000 miles. When I took it to them they stated the time limit had expired, yet I had not been informed until I did a google search. GM requesting $475 plus tax. I am concerned my vehicle has the same manufacturing defects as the GM motors being recalled with total engine failures.

20251130ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

At stop light vehicle began to sputter and make noise, I was very close to my home, no engine light on. Upon turning vehicle off and using a code reader codes P0106 and P0506 was on scanner. I had vehicle towed to Complete Car Care. Mis fire on multiple cylinders. Vehicle has 69,801 miles. 3 push rods bent and I 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. Cost was $3304.79. In addition the rear tail light has been sporadic on and off, GM was to replace up to 70,000 miles. When I took it to them they stated the time limit had expired, yet I had not been informed until I did a google search. GM requesting $475 plus tax. I am concerned my vehicle has the same manufacturing defects as the GM motors being recalled with total engine failures.

20251130EXTERIOR LIGHTING

At stop light vehicle began to sputter and make noise, I was very close to my home, no engine light on. Upon turning vehicle off and using a code reader codes P0106 and P0506 was on scanner. I had vehicle towed to Complete Car Care. Mis fire on multiple cylinders. Vehicle has 69,801 miles. 3 push rods bent and I 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. Cost was $3304.79. In addition the rear tail light has been sporadic on and off, GM was to replace up to 70,000 miles. When I took it to them they stated the time limit had expired, yet I had not been informed until I did a google search. GM requesting $475 plus tax. I am concerned my vehicle has the same manufacturing defects as the GM motors being recalled with total engine failures.

20251130ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20251130ENGINE

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.

20251130EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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.

20251028ENGINE

Engine failure 6.2L cylinder failure. Recall already in effect for other years. But it seems that it is needed to be expanded. I had to do a complete engine replacement and all oil related components. Metal was found easily in the oil and oil filter. I was luckily in a parking ramp when it happened so I did not crash. I was already driving for 45 minutes prior on the interstate. Could have been very dangerous at high rate of speed.

20251028UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Service Trailer Braking System alert intermittent & ongoing for months. Electrical fault? Possible fuse problem? Stranded with kids because car wouldn’t start. Later conducted diagnostics on battery and starter, both normal.

20251005FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Engine check light on, Code P0302 cylinder 2 misfire. loud mortar ticking, car makes abrupt jump/move forward.

20250725ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for repair, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 203,000 and at the time of the vehicle servicing, it was discovered that the mileage was 335,142 in the diagnostic report.

Mileage: 335,142

20250706EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I was stopped at a traffic light and was informed by another driver that my right tail lamp was not working. There were no warning lights indicating that there was a problem. When I arrived home, it began working after I tapped on it. A few days later, the left tail lamp stopped working. I began to realize that both tail lamps were only working intermittently. Upon inspection by the mechanic, I was informed that this is a common problem with my vehicle and that each replacement part is approximately $900, totaling nearly $2,000 to replace both lamps. This is an obvious safety hazard for myself and for others who may not be able to judge when I am stopping, especially if I have to stop suddenly.

20250623POWER TRAIN

My transmission failed again after being replaced by General Motors certified dealership. The transmission in question has failed again after less than five months being back in service. In 2024 and 2025 my vehicle has been in and out of the service department at other dealerships and they cannot repair the vehicle according to the dealerships they do not have the staff for it. General motors will not stand behind the transmission as they have now labeled it as a part so they will not have to provide transportation. According to dealerships in my area in Michigan, they do not have the staff or the parts to service my vehicle. I contacted General motors customer service multiple times regarding the situation. We truly have a bad transmission again in my vehicle. The transmission in question is a C8 transmission that has failed due to shuttering and downshifting, which the replacement remanufactured transmission for $8000 continues to fail. General motors will not buy back this vehicle o

20250612POWER TRAIN

In May 2025, my vehicle suddenly started jerking, shaking, and almost stalled out while driving. I was on a busy 3 lane roadway with 6 passengers total. As I would try to accelerate, the power was significantly decreased. I felt it jerk between shifting several times. My check engine light came on. I was so scared that someone would hit my vehicle and injure us. I brought it to a GMC dealership. They said that my transmission failed, metal in the transmission fluid. How is this possible? Upon researching this problem, this is a common issue with the 2017 GMC Yukon Denali. There are class action law suits and lemon law lawsuits against GMC regarding this problem which causes major safety concerns. My vehicle has been well maintained with lots of service records to prove it. I have babied her and I’ve never towed anything. This transmission issue needs to be addressed and recalled. I need a new transmission which will cost between $5,000-$7,000. This is just horrible and disappointing

20250509UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Transmission shudder, shifting hard, other Transmission issues

20250415UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Lifter stuck 6000.00 dollars worth of damage on 2017 Yukon . All lifters and cam shaft need to be replaced . Vehicle is at foley automotive so I don’t have a receipt yet [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20250412SERVICE BRAKES

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.

Compare 2017GMCYUKON XL to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2017 GMC YUKON XL have?
The 2017 GMC YUKON XL has 203 NHTSA complaints, 10 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 GMC YUKON XL?
Yes, the 2017 GMC YUKON XL has 1 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 2017 GMC YUKON XL?
The most-complained component for the 2017 GMC YUKON XL is EXTERIOR LIGHTING with 36 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2017 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.