GMC YUKON XL · model year

2019 GMC YUKON XL

66 NHTSA complaints, 6 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2019GMCYUKON XL carries 66 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 6 crashes, 0 fires, 9 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 2019 YUKON XL is engine with 23 filings, followed by power train (12) and electrical system (5). 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 2019 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.

66
Complaints
6
Crashes
0
Fires
9
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

66 filings

Crashes Reported

6 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE23
POWER TRAIN12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
SERVICE BRAKES4
STEERING4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING4
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL3
AIR BAGS3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS1
SUSPENSION1
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC1
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS1

Recalls (1)

18V67300026/09/2018

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly pre

Recent Complaints

20260206CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH, a second vehicle traveling approximately 65 MPH crashed into the front drivers side of the vehicle. During the crash, the vehicle sustained severe front-end damage, but no airbags in the vehicle deployed. The contact sustained injuries that included fractured ribs and a fractured left hip, and a sternum contusion. The contact was air-lifted to the hospital. Two occupants in the second vehicle were transported to the hospital with unknown injuries. A police report was taken at the scene, and the vehicle was towed away. The contact indicated that the vehicle was destroyed during the crash. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 170,000.

Mileage: 170,000

20260201ENGINE

I suddenly noticed a noise coming from the engine that sounded like a noisy lifter and stopped using the car after hearing it. The next day I called Circle Chevrolet to check and verify if they could check the car and do any work required under the CPO Warranty. They advised that they could since they were part of the GM Family and could do any work required under the CPO Warranty. I then arranged to have the car towed to Circle Chevrolet to prevent any further damage, that was on Oct 20, 2025. The CPO Warranty was due to expire on Oct 27, 2025 due to time, not mileage. The dealership advised that the vehicle would need to be examined by one of only 3 qualified mechanics in their shop who could do this evaluation and determination if the issue(s) were covered under the CPO Warranty and it would be about 3 days before they could have one of their 3 qualified technicians check the car. The Service Adviser called me back on October 22nd, 2025, and advised that Cylinder 5 had noisy lift

20260116POWER TRAIN

The transmission is shaky, Lower gears the truck seems to fight it way into the next gear, I feel this is happening around 3 to 5 gears. One garage told me the power converter was failing. I changed the transmission fluid and filter and it got better, but sill, this is an expensive truck. This is power train, this should be covered to 100,000 miles.

20251216ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a misfire in the engine, with a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance with having the VIN linked to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 104,389.

Mileage: 104,389

20251211ENGINE

Camshaft/Lifter broken and need replaced

20251209ENGINE

Engine began knocking noise at around 150k miles, noise became faster with throttle speed. Brought in to repair shop, mechanic confirmed connecting rod failure, suggested replacing engine. Replaced engine as suggested.

20251119ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 68 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally, with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that lifter #7 had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that all the lifters were replaced. The contact stated that approximately 5 days later, on October 2, 2025, while reversing, there was a burning odor with black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the warranty only provided the replacement of 2 head gaskets. After 7 days of having the vehicle, while driving approximately 68 MPH, the vehicle started shaking with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was also

Mileage: 127,000

20251111POWER TRAIN

The vehicle experienced a lifter and valve train failure within the warranty period, as addressed in GM TSM MC-10209953. This failure can cause sudden engine noise, loss of power, and potential engine seizure while driving, creating a serious safety hazard for the driver, passengers, and others on the road. The component failure is reproducible and has been confirmed by a repair shop; it is available for inspection upon request. An engine rebuild was completed just after the warranty expired, and the manufacturer has denied warranty coverage and refused to address the issue. Prior to failure, no warning lights or messages indicated a problem, meaning drivers have little to no warning before a potentially catastrophic malfunction. Because this is a documented issue affecting multiple vehicles and the manufacturer is refusing corrective action, this defect presents a clear risk to public safety. I urge NHTSA to investigate this matter, determine whether a safety recall is warranted, an

20251029ENGINE

The engine had catastrophic failure McCluskey Chevrolet Kings Auto Mall said it needs an engine replacement that has a blown engine. There is currently a recall on this particular 6.2 l87 engine from 2019 to 2024 but my vehicle for some reason isn't included but it's got the same problems as all the other ones

20250922ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ECM had failed. The mechanic reset the check engine warning light, and an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure recurred once. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20250829ENGINE

The V8 engine on our family's 2019 GMC Yukon Denali XL check engine light came on and began ticking while taking our daughter to college in Montana. The dealer informs us the engine has probable lifter failure and will need to be disassembled to diagnose additional issues. The estimated repair costs are from $3,000 to $10,000+, may require a new engine, and we will be without the vehicle for almost two months. We are incurring additional costs such as lodging, airfare to fly home, costs for an additional car, and storage for a travel trailer that must remain behind. The warranty on our vehcle expired last year. The vehicle has been consistantly serviced at our local dealer. Research and discussions with other GM customers inform us this is a known issue for our year and that a recall was issued for vehicles for 2021 to 2025.

20250822POWER TRAIN

2019 GMC Yukon XL. Purchased pre-owned from a dealership in July 2023. This month, August 2025, my transmission has failed. Apparently this defect is notorious for this particular year of GMC Yukon XL. There was a lawsuit against GMC but it was closed in June 2025. The issue is real and widespread and GMC should ABSOLUTELY be responsible. There’s no reason a six year old vehicle should require this extensive repair.

20250820ENGINE

Engine Knock, possible piston rods bent. oil in cylinder. cylinder has not enough compression. No safety issues, was able to drive to mechanic without harming myself or others. this is the second vehicle in my family to have lifter or rods issues leading to major engine work. Check engine light came on after the vehicle began to misfire.

20250729ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there were abnormal loud sounds coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with crankshaft or lifters failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair because the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

Mileage: 106,000

20250721ENGINE

Driving down the interstate and engine gave out, started shaking, and started losing speed. No warning, in the middle of the night with two young kids in the car. Sat on the side of the highway in the pitch dark. 2 days later truck was towed but the GMC had no one to look at it. Had it towed again and that GMC dealership said it was the engine and they see it all the time with that year/make/model. $16,000 for new engine. Contacted GMC and they stated that year is not included in the recall. Research this issue on google and most owners of the same year/make/model have the same issue with no help to solve the problem.

20250721VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Driving down the interstate and engine gave out, started shaking, and started losing speed. No warning, in the middle of the night with two young kids in the car. Sat on the side of the highway in the pitch dark. 2 days later truck was towed but the GMC had no one to look at it. Had it towed again and that GMC dealership said it was the engine and they see it all the time with that year/make/model. $16,000 for new engine. Contacted GMC and they stated that year is not included in the recall. Research this issue on google and most owners of the same year/make/model have the same issue with no help to solve the problem.

20250715ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there were abnormal sounds coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and started flashing. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that part in the engine had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via email. The failure mileage was 64,747.

Mileage: 64,747

20250630UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The air conditioning system in my vehicle failed in April 2025. My dealership service department diagnosed the problem as a refrigerant leak requiring the compressor to be replaced. I had the $2400 repair made replacing both the compressor, condenser and the a/c system was charged. 2 months later, I am having the same issue again - failure of the a/c system due to a refrigerant leak requiring the condenser to be replaced. A quick Google search identifies a recall on the 2019 Yukon XL noting a "refrigerant leak due to thermal cycling". Though this is the precise year, make, model and distinct problem that I am experiencing, my specific VIN has not been included on the recall. We are in the height of summer, currently experiencing temperature that feel like 104-107 degrees in East Tennessee thus is has become a safety issue for myself, 4 children and husband to travel in our primary/only family vehicle. I find it unbelievable that a vehicle of this caliber has a basic (air conditioning)

20250619ENGINE

Diagnosed as in catastrophic engine failure

20250618ENGINE

Reporting engine failure with my 2019 GMC Yukon XL. Reporting engine failure after 106,500 miles. Yukon was properly functioning and well cared for with frequent oil changes and tire rotations. On [XXX] I was driving home with my [XXX] daughter coming back from her dance recital on [XXX] at [XXX] in Minnetonka, MN when the "Forward Collison System Unavailable" warning notification came present on my dash. The vehicle started to sputter and an abundance of smoke was coming out of the rear exhaust. Fortunately, I was able to make it home safely. I brought the car in the following day and it was diagnosed that the engine failed and complete repair of camshaft, cylinders, engine coolant lines and oil pans would need replacement. I did notice that the vehicle years 2021 to 2024 are currently under recall for similar issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Compare 2019GMCYUKON XL to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2019 GMC YUKON XL have?
The 2019 GMC YUKON XL has 66 NHTSA complaints, 6 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 GMC YUKON XL?
Yes, the 2019 GMC YUKON XL has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 GMC YUKON XL?
The most-complained component for the 2019 GMC YUKON XL is ENGINE with 23 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2019 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.