206 of the
3,132 complaints filed about the GMC Yukon XL
are about the other systems —
7% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 GMC Yukon. While driving on the highway during a long-distance trip from [XXX] to [XXX], my vehicle suddenly experienced a serious loss of power, drivability issues, and loss of propulsion. The vehicle began shaking violently, slowing down unexpectedly, and struggling to maintain speed while in active highway traffic at highway speeds. At the time of the incident, the vehicle displayed a warning message indicating “Conditions Not Correct for Shift” at approximately 127,506 miles. Shortly after, the vehicle set diagnostic trouble code P0011, which relates to the engine and transmission system not performing as expected and indicates an issue with the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system affecting engine timing and performance. The vehicle also entered a reduced performance state, and I was advised through the vehicle’s warning system to reduce speed, avoid hard acceleration, and avoid heavy load conditions. Despite following these precautions, the vehicle continued to run poorly and became increasingly unsafe to operate in highway traffic. This created a serious and potentially life-threatening situation, as I was traveling in fast-moving traffic and the vehicle lost normal propulsion and stability. I had to carefully maneuver out of active traffic lanes to avoid a potential collision. The vehicle eventually required roadside assistance/towing due to its inability to operate normally. Diagnostic trouble codes and warning messages were present at the time of failure. After the incident, I checked my VIN through the NHTSA recall system and discovered that my vehicle has three unrepaired safety recalls. Of particular concern is: NHTSA Recall Number: 25V274 GM Manufacturer Recall Number: N252494000 This recall involves certain GM vehicles equipped with the 6.2L V8 L87 engine and describes a manufacturing defect in the connecting rod and/or crankshaft components that may result in engine damag INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
NHTSA complaint #11757435 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Our lifters in cylinder 3 were replaced after failing at 40,000 miles. The exact same lifters broke again at 77,000 miles.both events caused engine failure.
NHTSA complaint #11757144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle keeps showing a front camera warning and we went to the dealership multiple times and they were unable to diagnose the problem. This seems to be a widespread common problem among many owners and it’s a safety concern affecting parking and forward collision.
NHTSA complaint #11752916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has an unpredictable and random tendency to hesitate when the gas is pressed. This has been happening at some level since the vehicle was new. The dealership service department was never able to get the vehicle to do what I was concerned about, so they never helped resolve the issue. Now that it is out of warranty, the issue is getting worse. It is to the point that I believe it is unsafe for anyone but me to drive it. I have to make sure that when I turn onto a new road, that there is absolutely noone coming because I cannot depend on my vehicle to accelerate quickly enough, even at a normal rate. It may lag and take its time speeding up, or it may accelerate normally with no issues. I stopped going to the dealership for oil changes and checking the issue because they no longer give loaner vehicles and they take a minimum of three hours for an oil change. So I recently took it to my trusted mechanic. He replaced the knock sensors, which helped slightly. He could still detect issues, but was concerned it would require a whole new engine built to bypass the DFM system and repair the cams and lifters. So I nw have to drive a vehicle that needs $20,000 worth of repair, has the potential to be dangerous or leave me broken down on the side of the road. It has 106,000 miles and I still owe $12,000 on it. From my research, I understand that this is a known issue and that there are several lawsuits regarding the issue. That does not help the average person who doesn’t care about a lawsuit, but is justifying st trying to live their average life with a dependable vehicle. Please help!
NHTSA complaint #11752402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On a long trip the fuel tank straps and bolts holding the gas tank failed causing the fuel tank to fall and be dragged causing massive fuel spill. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The part was not inspected by police. However, we did get pictures of the tank at the scene. No warning lanmps or sfty signals were
NHTSA complaint #11752222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The infotainment screen on my 2021 GMC Yukon was previously replaced at the GMC dealership, and this will be my second replacement. It has now cracked even though there was only very light contact. This doesn’t seem like normal wear and tear. I’d really appreciate it if the screen could be inspected, as I suspect there might be a manufacturing issue with these screens. I’m quite concerned about this problem because it almost caused injury to my six-year-old. Please understand my worries, I’m sure many other parents are facing similar concerns with these screens. The cracked glass can be dangerous, especially for families with children.
NHTSA complaint #11748320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On [XXX] brake system failure, service ESC, Forward Collision system unavailable and check engine lights came on the dashboard and the vehicle had no brakes. Taken to dealership and Conley GMC advised the Main Module was burnt out. $1200.00. Car was “fixed” and sent out. The next morning all the check engine light along with all other failure lights came on after module was replaced. Taken back to dealership and they advised that everything had to be manually programmed which was done and sent out. [XXX] same dashboard errors were up again. Taken back to dealership and they advised they needed to reprogram manually that was done and sent out. The next morning all lights were back on. It was the weekend so they wouldn’t take the car or provide a rental. May 23rd car was taken back to dealership and Conley advised the master cylinder was bad and had to order parts. $4300.00 in repair cost along with 2.5 week at the dealership and $150.00 in rental cost. I found online that GM knew of this issue with the 2022 GMC Yukon XL vehicles and a recall was made however this vehicle VIN number was not included in this recall. I notified Conley GMC and they stated they were not informed of this issue. I made a claim with GM and told them of this issue and my safety concerns and they advised that because this was not included in the recall that there was nothing they could do and they would not be covering financial assistance or reimbursement and they called this an inconvenience instead of a real safety issue as each time my vehicle had no working brakes. No working brakes causes safety concerns for everyone in the vehicle as well as other vehicles. All work orders are at Conley Buick GMC in Bradenton, Fl. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11747301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
transmission lifter problems like all other GMC 2018 YUKON XL CONTACTED GMC DEALER BACK JANUARY 20,2026 GOT TRANSMISSION FIXED MYSELF TRUCK AT JOE BULLARD DEALSHIP MOS 8DAYS THEY ARE TRYING TO CONTACT U FOR APPROVAL TO FIX HONOR YOUR PRODUCT PLEASE.
NHTSA complaint #11744879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While operating the vehicle, I began to hear a metallic grinding noise originating from the center of the engine compartment. The sound was clearly audible within the cabin. Approximately one mile before the vehicle ultimately failed, the engine began to malfunction. As I slowed to a stoplight, the vehicle started to shake before shutting off abruptly and entering a coasting state. All electrical systems powered down and the vehicle would not restart. Shortly thereafter, heavy smoke began to emit both inside and outside the cabin, visibly coming from the hood and through the air vents. There was also a distinct burning odor. I attempted to restart the vehicle multiple times without success. The dashboard displayed the message: “conditions not suitable to shift.” Due to the vehicle becoming disabled on a curve and posing a safety hazard, I contacted the Sheriff’s Office for assistance to prevent a potential collision. Upon their arrival, it was noted that the engine compartment and hood area were exceptionally hot, particularly where the smoke was originating. The dealership has since confirmed they have also been unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle has been inspected by the GMC dealer and is currently pending further evaluation by a GM-certified mechanic to determine the root cause. Prior to this incident, there were no warning lights, system messages, or other noticeable symptoms indicating an issue.
NHTSA complaint #11741588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The back hatch would not open while the car was on and in park. Upon reaching in without being in the car, we turned it off, and it engaged reverse on its own, causing it to reverse immediately almost causing terminal harm to myself and my family. It careened into the woods with us unable to stop it due to the immediate speed. No one was in the vehicle, it was solely self propelled. We have a video of the path it took and the damage it caused. When the car wrecked, even when turned off, the lights and windshields wipers engaged by themselves.
NHTSA complaint #11732026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the 2026 Yukons, almost all physical buttons have been replaced by the giant center touchscreen. When starting my vehicle, about a third of the time the screen will not come on, and can’t be turned back on by any means. It will randomly come back on after a few more trips/restarts. This renders several critical systems inoperable. All HVAC does not work, defrosters aren’t available, back up cameras and parking assist is not available, and control of any navigation functions or options (ie heated/cooled seats) are not possible. There are no physical buttons for these items, so there are no other options. Voice commands do not function properly when the screen is black, so no option there. After my third visit to the dealership and an open case with GM, they are finally authorizing a screen replacement. We will see if this fixes it. However, my previous explanations from GM pointed to a nebulous future software release, with no date or detail.
NHTSA complaint #11729272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The panoramic sunroof on my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate XL spontaneously exploded while driving westbound on I-20 on March 13. There was no impact from road debris, no vehicles ahead, no overpass, and no external cause. The failure sounded like an explosion or gunshot. Tempered glass shattered with the sunroof in the closed position, showering the interior with glass fragments. Five occupants were in the vehicle at the time. No injuries occurred, but the sudden explosive noise and shower of glass created an extreme distraction and safety hazard while operating the vehicle at highway speed. The incident could easily have caused a loss of vehicle control on the interstate. The component that failed is the factory-installed panoramic power sunroof glass, standard equipment on the Denali Ultimate trim. The vehicle was taken to Lugoff Chevrolet for inspection. The dealer confirmed the glass failure and submitted a request to GM for warranty or goodwill coverage. GM offered to cover only 10% of the repair cost, characterizing the failure as an out-of-warranty wear issue despite the spontaneous nature of the defect. There were no warning signs, cracks, chips, warning lamps, or any indication of a problem prior to the failure. The sunroof was closed at the time. The vehicle has been dealer-maintained with no modifications to the sunroof or roof structure. This is a known industry-wide defect. NHTSA has previously investigated spontaneous sunroof shattering and documented over 4,000 complaints. GM has acknowledged awareness of this issue in other GM vehicles and previously issued corrective actions for sunroof glass on the Buick Regal and Chevrolet Cruze. Other GMC Yukon owners have filed NHTSA complaints describing identical failures. The failed sunroof glass and vehicle are available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11728231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The onstar module of my 2023 GMC Yukon has failed. This is a wide spread issue with recent model GMC's. There are thousands of reports of the same thing happenings. When an onstar module fails, the vehicle loses its safety features. No lane departure, no collision detection or pre-collision braking, no critical system checks. Even the gas and mileage components stop working correctly.
NHTSA complaint #11728073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
First incident: When driving my vehicle the entire infotainment center went black for a few minutes. Second incident: infotainment center has frozen multiple times. Third: infotainment center glitches Last incident: a message came up saying to Service the Infotainment Center.
NHTSA complaint #11723499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I noticed vehicle jerked a couple times when it shifted gears while driving. Shortly after, reduced power mode light came on. Vehicle did not shift past lower gears and had no reverse. Took to local dealership, they said it needed a transmission valve body overhaul. This is a known problem with 2022 gmc yukon xl, however, they said it was not associated with my vin. This cost me almost $2,000 out of pocket to repair.
NHTSA complaint #11721894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On January 24, 2026, my wife was driving the vehicle we purchased in May 2025 from Ziegler GMC in Lincolnwood, Illinois. While traveling on the highway in WI the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. She was traveling with our [XXX] son at the time and was able to safely maneuver the vehicle off the highway onto an exit ramp. Despite multiple attempts, the vehicle would not restart. She contacted me and arranged for a tow. We waited approximately four hours for roadside assistance before the vehicle was towed to the nearest GMC dealership, located roughly one mile from where the breakdown occurred. Several days later, the dealership completed diagnostics and informed us that the engine required full replacement. At that time, no replacement vehicle was provided. Approximately one week later, we were finally issued a loaner vehicle. As of today, the vehicle has remained in the shop continuously since January 24. On February 23, we were informed that the necessary parts had only just arrived. There is still no estimated completion date for the repair. The vehicle is covered under both the manufacturer’s warranty and an extended warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11720338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POST-RECALL 25V274 ( & EA25007, EA25001) EXHAUST INTRUSION WITH CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING HAZARD Following the complete engine replacement under GM recall N252494000, my vehicle has developed a severe and persistent exhaust intrusion that allows toxic exhaust fumes, including carbon monoxide (CO), to enter the passenger cabin. CO levels have measured a peak of 83 PPM and consistent reading between 20-37 over multiple tests. PATTERN OF POST-RECALL EXHAUST SYSTEM FAILURES Vehicle has been in for service 6 times, over 100 days, as part of the engine replacement plus (metal found in the oil pan). Since recall, the vehicle has had an exhaust smell and noise rattle issue with the following exhaust system components deemed failed and been replaced: 1. Radiator cap (leaking onto exhaust) 2. Exhaust muffler (replaced TWICE - June 2025 and August 2025) 3. Exhaust clamps (leaking) 4. Left exhaust manifold (warped) Critical Finding: Despite replacement of virtually the entire exhaust system, the defect persists. This suggests a fundamental design or installation defect related to the engine replacement procedure, NOT isolated component failures. Documented Carbon Monoxide Levels: Between January 30 and February 3, 2026, I conducted 15+ tests using a professional-grade Klein Tools ET180 Carbon Monoxide Meter. Results: • Peak reading: 83 PPM • Multiple readings: 40-72 PPM sustained for 6+ minutes directly at my [XXX] daughter's car seat position • Testing method: Vehicle started via remote start, CO meter placed in cabin, readings recorded over 10-15 minute periods Health Impacts to Family: • Wife and [XXX] daughter consistently experience dizziness, headaches, and nausea when riding in vehicle • Daughter now refuses to ride in vehicle because it makes her feel sick • Symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning Independent service station verification on January 30th confirmed "vehicle is dangerous to operate with children inside and needs immediate service." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA
NHTSA complaint #11717379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am submitting this complaint to report a safety defect involving a 2026 GMC Yukon XL AT4 equipped with the GM Brembo brake upgrade. The vehicle is sold as equipped with a full-size spare tire; however, the spare tire/wheel supplied cannot be mounted due to interference from the brake calipers. This incompatibility was discovered only after a flat tire event on [XXX], during which the vehicle could not be safely returned to service. The Brembo brake upgrade is a GM-designed option that is installed by the dealer in all cases. Despite this, the vehicle was delivered with emergency equipment that is unusable in the event of a flat tire. GM has acknowledged the incompatibility and relies on a warning label placed beneath the vehicle, rather than providing a compatible spare or disclosure at the point of sale. This defect resulted in a prolonged roadside emergency involving an elderly passenger and a failure of manufacturer-provided roadside assistance. I believe this condition affects all vehicles equipped with the Brembo brake upgrade and represents a systemic safety issue involving emergency preparedness and disclosure. Supporting documentation and a detailed incident narrative are available upon request. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11716907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Engine oil level drops significantly well before the oil change interval. Vehicle consumes excessive oil without warning lights or leaks. Risk of engine damage or failure if oil level is not closely monitored. Condition discovered during normal use.
NHTSA complaint #11707703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.