50 of the
3,132 complaints filed about the GMC Yukon XL
are about the suspension —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
Vehicle shifted into neutral while driving down the highway, extremely dangerous. Would not shift into gear and could not accelerate. Was able to pull over and the vehicle would not restart. Had to have the vehicle towed to a dealership. Dealership found a blown fuse, problem happened again twice and the dealer could not find the problem. This was July 28th, 2026. On August 20th, while in cruise control, slight ringing noise began, then a loud thump, then a loss of oil pressure. Unable to do anything other than pull over on an interstate with my family. Again, very dangerous. The vehicle would not restart and could not be shifted out of park. Had to have the vehicle towed again. Have also had at least 8 recalls on the vehicle. Unbelievably dangerous situations with my family, aside from inconvenient and expensive.
NHTSA complaint #11758865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2023 GMC Yukon Denali XL, used as a commercial vehicle for my business, experienced sudden and complete engine failure at approximately 70,000 miles with no prior warning. No check engine light, no unusual noise, and no other symptoms. The vehicle had previously been inspected/serviced under GM Safety Recall 25V-274 (L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion) and had been deemed safe prior to this failure. The failure occurred while driving on a two-lane road in Durango, CO. The vehicle lost all propulsion and came to a stop in the roadway, blocking the lane of travel and forcing other vehicles to cross into the oncoming traffic lane to go around the disabled vehicle. This created a serious and immediate hazard to myself and to oncoming traffic. The vehicle was not driveable and had to be towed. The dealer confirmed catastrophic engine failure requiring a complete engine replacement. After the engine replacement, the Morehart Murphy GMC dealership in Durango also failed to properly recalibrate vehicle sensors. They did not reinstall certain suspension components that had been removed for the engine replacement, requiring multiple additional dealership visits to resolve along with recalibration of the air ride suspension. After the replacement I was getting messages that the vehicle was "too low to drive with caution" and "Reduced Acceleration Drive With Care." This vehicle failure occurred during our peak season (June 10-July 2). The vehicle being out of service, I was required to rent a replacement vehicle at my own expense because GM did not provide a loaner vehicle. I estimate loss revenue at $1k/day. When I attempted to raise this issue with GM directly, their response was to submit letter to a P.O. Box, with no other means of resolution or contact offered. Given that this vehicle had already undergone the recall remedy and was represented as safe, this incident is relevant to NHTSA's ongoing investigation into post-recall L87 engine failures (Recall Query RQ26001).
NHTSA complaint #11758687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We took in our Yukon for the recall letters we’ve received in the mail and to check a suspension light the popped up. Our Yukon was given back to us with the ac not working properly anymore and it started to turn off on us out of nowhere. now we need an engine replacement. What’s more aggravating is that the Yukon was checked out the week of july27 -31 according to service advisor the engine was good and the only thing needing to be replaced was the module for the suspension light that popped up. Now it turns out that it doesn’t even need a module replacement and the suspension issue is something else. Super frustrating It’s our only family vehicle and it so upsetting that we were given the Yukon back in the condition it was in. Thank goodness the Yukon shut off at a drive thru and not a freeway or my husband would’ve got into an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11755582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has experienced recurring suspension, drivability, and pulling issues associated with the 4-corner air ride leveling suspension system since early ownership. The first major incident occurred at approximately 4,600 miles when the vehicle displayed suspension warnings and would not accelerate properly past highway speeds. Since that time, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced pulling during acceleration, unstable ride behavior, suspension/leveling concerns, alignment-related issues, and drivability instability. The problem has been reproduced multiple times and documented through approximately 16 repair visits and roughly 74 cumulative days out of service. Dealership service records include repeated suspension inspections, drivability evaluations, wheel alignments, and related repair attempts. The issue remains unresolved and the vehicle is currently back in service again for the same concern. The recurring pulling and instability create safety concerns because the vehicle does not consistently track properly during acceleration and normal driving conditions. Suspension warning messages and drivability symptoms first appeared early in ownership while the vehicle was still under factory warranty. I have also found many similar owner complaints online involving the same suspension system in comparable GM full-size SUV models.
NHTSA complaint #11736686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing this complaint regarding a serious and ongoing safety issue with my GMC Yukon Denali that began with a complete engine failure while driving on the highway with my entire family in the vehicle. While driving at highway speed (about 60–70 mph), the vehicle suddenly lost power and shifted into neutral on its own. While still moving, I tried multiple times to shift back into Drive so I could safely get off the road, but it would not engage. I was only able to coast partially onto the shoulder before the vehicle came to a complete stop, still partly exposed to traffic. The engine shut off and would not restart at all. It would not go into Drive or Neutral, and the vehicle was completely dead. And it had to be towed. The dealer later told me the engine had failed and that a new engine was installed. About a week later, I picked the vehicle up. Less than 20 minutes after leaving the dealership and getting back on the highway, smoke started coming from the vehicle and warnings appeared, messages that the engine was overheating and that I needed to stop the engine immediately. The vehicle was not drivable again and had to be towed back. I again had to arrange transportation home. A few days later, I picked the vehicle up again. Since then, I have had serious four-wheel-drive and drivetrain issues. The vehicle became stuck in 4 Low and I could not get it out for over a day. When it finally came out, the drive mode buttons stopped working correctly. Selecting 2 High sometimes puts it into 4 High, selecting Auto puts it into 2 High, and Auto mode no longer appears. Even when it shows 4 High, the steering is restricted cannot steer 100% to the right or left and the vehicle binds, pops, and jumps when turning. I believe this vehicle is unsafe and poses a serious risk.
NHTSA complaint #11713954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving at slow speed and wheels turning right or left you can hear a humming coming from the suspension. Unable to identify the issue. When wheels get straight the humming goes away
NHTSA complaint #11712106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
12/16/25 (evening): Warnings began cycling across the screen: 1) Service ESC, 2) Vehicle Leveling for Stability, 3) Rear Axel System Off, 4) Engine symbol began flashing, and 5) Service Traction Control. I felt vibration/bouncing while driving as well. 12/17/25 9 AM: Took 2021 GMC Yukon Denali to GMC dealership. They ran a computer scan and reported a misfire, but nothing else appeared to be wrong. They told me that sometimes a low battery can cause the warning lights and messages to cycle. They recommended that I keep driving it and return if the warnings appeared again. 12/17/25 9:18 AM: I left the dealership. I drove 4.5 miles, and all the same warning lights came back on. When I pulled into a parking lot, it smelled like my engine was on fire, and dark smoke was coming from my rear exhaust pipe. I called a flatbed tow truck and had the car returned to the dealership. Mileage: 52,285 GMC 2021Yukon Denali XL 6.2L V8 engine Well-maintained with regular oil changes. The dealership told me there was a lifter failure and that the engine could be damaged and would need to be replaced if the cam, pushrods, etc., were damaged. They also told me I was out of warranty by less than 60 days. The dealership said my warranty expired in October 2025, even though my vehicle is a 2021 with only 52,285 miles. They just informed me that the left lifter was replaced at 6,000 miles and that they will replace the right lifter. I am concerned about further damage down the road, given the recalls on the GMC 6.2L engines.
NHTSA complaint #11708039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle at the gas station, fuel was leaking out of the fuel tank. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was lifted. The mechanic then informed the contact that the fuel pump was rusted and that the frame were severely rusted. The contact was informed that the frame was fractured and had holes and was being held up by the body. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the alignment had failed due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 271,000.
NHTSA complaint #11682477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I had a sudden catastrophic engine failure 3/13/25. I previously filled out an NHTSA report, but I would like to add to my case. My engine was towed to the dealership and replaced. 4/25/25 the check engine light started coming on intermittently again. The service suspension notification, replace the battery in your key fob notification (which was replaced in February), and the check engine light have been coming on intermittently since then. All of these things occurred prior to engine failure the first time. The dealership would not look at our vehicle again until our vin was called for the recall. 6/22/25 the suspension sensor was replaced and the recall “test” was done. 6/27/25 the service suspension light was back flashing and GM was unable to find any codes. 6/29/25 the check engine light was flashing again. I believe my vehicle is going to have another engine failure. GM did a multi-point “inspection” and says it is safe to drive.
NHTSA complaint #11670132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subject: Formal Complaint – Engine Failure in 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL VIN: [XXX] Defect Number (GM): [XXX] GM Case Numbers: [XXX] / [XXX] / [XXX] Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to formally report a critical mechanical failure in my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL, which resulted in a complete engine failure, rendering the vehicle inoperable and exposing my family to significant safety and financial risks. Despite following the recommended maintenance schedule and driving under normal conditions, the engine failed prematurely. The vehicle has been out of service for over four months, and I have yet to receive a definitive resolution or timeline from General Motors. I have incurred over $13,000 in out-of-pocket costs, including towing, repair estimates, rental vehicles, and continued loan payments on a non-functional vehicle. Key Details: Vehicle: 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL VIN: [XXX] Failure Type: Total engine failure requiring full rebuild or replacement Time Out of Service: 4+ months and ongoing Financial Impact: $13,335.58 in documented costs GM Defect Number: [XXX] (noted internally by GM) Dealer(s) Involved: Midas Auto Service, Beaman GMC (Nashville, TN) I have made repeated efforts to escalate this through GM’s Case Advisors and Executive Team, but have received no meaningful resolution or written acknowledgment of my request for either reimbursement or a good faith vehicle buyback. Given the safety implications of such a catastrophic failure in a relatively new vehicle, I believe this may represent a broader manufacturing defect or quality control issue and warrants NHTSA investigation. I respectfully request that NHTSA: Log this complaint into your safety database Investigate whether similar failures have occurred in other 2021 Yukon Denali XL vehicles Contact GM for further information regarding this defect and associated safety risk Thank you for your attention to this matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11663895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2018 Yukon Denali engine failed June 2024 due to the lifter being bent. The dealership Richey Cadillac in Daytona Beach estimated the repairs at $18,862 and were going to have my vehicle for months. I took it to my mechanic who rebuilt the engine for $7181 in 30 days. My safety was placed at risk because while driving I had to pull over since I had no control with the engine failure. There were no messages prior to the failure.
NHTSA complaint #11660917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
GMC currently has bulletin out on the issue and how to fix it. unfortunately this doesn't not fix it and I am going to have to replace my whole rear differential at only 60,500 miles. Gmc is well aware of the situation and has not done a recall. The fix the bulletin proposes would not work and there was over and inch of metal shaving found. This is a huge issue in the specific vehicle and the part to replace the rear differential isn't even available (national backorder with no ETA) leaving customers without a vehicle or solution for their faulty issues. GMC should be liable for their negligence and putting customers in potential harm if the vehicle is continued to be driven with a failing rear differential. The vehicle did not prompt any warning messages but the grinding sound was very loud. Bulletin No.: 21-NA-028 Date: January, 2023
NHTSA complaint #11627987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Noting that prior to this we only had one issue with transmission and we did the flush and it did fine for several thousand of miles. Fast forward to a few days ago. As I was driving down the highway I came to a stop at the red light. Once it was green and I pressed on the accelerator with my foot per usual. And it did not move it pushed the gas peddle and nothing at all happened. I was stuck in the highway could not move until I’m assuming the transmission finally shifted jarring my entire car and it allowed me to get to a safe place at 20 miles an hour max. Keep in mind I was in the middle of the highway not knowing what was happening. With my precious babies in the car. Thanking God we were not injured. This problem is so common and notorious among GMC Yukons 2017 year models. It’s saddening that now I have a car note on a car that will not go. Transmissions are back ordered who knows when I can have my car back this economy is horrible trying to stay afloat. And now we have a vehicle that won’t drive and no time forks of when it can drive. This needs to be addressed asap. Other people are dealing with the same things and GMC need to make this safety concern a thing of the past. Make a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11619743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We just purchased this vehicle from Winegardner GMC in Prince Frederick, MD. On [XXX} on our drive home from the dealership, we kept hearing a terrible screeching/ clucking noise coming from the rear when we were braking or applying any pressure to the brake pedal. We instantly contacted the dealership and they had us bring the vehicle back the next morning for them to look at and to make the repairs but unfortunate for us. They do not have the parts in stock, so we have to take it back Tuesday, October 8 , 2024 at 8am and leave it for the day. Hoping it is repaired correctly with the new parts “both rear calipers” As I left the dealership, I was approximately 10 miles away and out of no where my dash displayed “service, trailer, brakes”, constantly along with a loud dinging noise for the rest of the drive home. I contacted the dealership and spoke with the service manager and informed him of the situation. He told me it has been an ongoing issue with GM for years and it’s electrical and because we purchased a used vehicle. It’s not covered to be repaired. We would have to pay out-of-pocket for it to be fixed. This is very upsetting because we just spent $40,000 on a used low mileage Yukon Denali for our family to travel in, but it’s unsafe, because it affects the traction control, and ABS brake system. I would also like to note that I did not have a trailer hooked to the vehicle, so I do not understand how that service indicator would appear unless it was cleared by the dealership during Maryland state inspection. We have asked them several times for a copy of the Maryland State inspection they performed, and we are getting the runaround. As the purchaser of a vehicle, it is all right to have that document, showing what past and what failed Maryland inspection before being resold to us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11618150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2018 GMC Denali, Yukon XL SUV, with 67k miles. While towing our 24’ Airstream (weight 4400 lbs) the vehicle excessively bounced in the air several times on a flat pull on I-80 in Northern Ca. I took it to three mechanics who told me that the front magnetic and rear air shocks had all failed and were leaking oil. The best price that we could secure for replacement is $2500. Each mechanic commented about the frequency of this type of failure with GMC and stated that this should be a recall because of the risk of trailer detachment/failure. I’ve owned dozens of vehicles in my lifetime (age [XXX]) and have never replaced a set of shocks before. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11553591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The paint on the hood is peeling/flaking and is degraded. Right air shock is leaking causing the vehicle to continually pump up. I have the tow package, and with the air shock leaking, it does me no good. My air conditioner has not been cooling for a while. I started noticing it when it was hot in December, 2022. Would have thought it was a simple leak. The port valves have been changed. Air is still not blowing cold. My vehicle uses the R1234YF which is very expensive per can. After spending $72,000 on a vehicle, you would think that it would not be failing so soon. I understand 1) there is a class action lawsuit regarding the peeling/flaking of the paint; 2) that the ac condenser has a recall and also, the "leaky" air shock; however, my VIN is not included in any of these recalls. Upon the pleading and begging for recall information on brake lights and the brake system, those after sometime, were actually fixed by the dealer. I feel like I purchased a lemon. This was supposed to be my forever vehicle. To make matters worse, my vehicle display freezes when you are driving down the road, which includes while you have navigation on, I guess I will just get lost. I have had warnings about parking/collision alert just not working and will not let you push the button to turn it back on. I am not understanding why all of what is happening. I work everyday and have to take off work to take it to the dealership. I have never been so disappointed in a GM product, my vehicle is a piece of crap. I have an appointment at the dealership on April 19, 2023, we will see where this will take me.
NHTSA complaint #11517477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The front struts are going out on these vehicles. I know of another one that had the same issue and only had 38,000 miles on there Denali. This issue makes the front of the vehicle very stiff. Which when we were on the interstate and every time we hit a bump or a bridge crossing it would almost take the steering wheel right out of your hands. I live In Minnesota, and with the weather we have here, it was a very scary drive home with my family. I took it to my certified repair shop and they told me that I’m the 3rd one that they have seen with this problem. Thank you for your time.
NHTSA complaint #11507687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2007 GMC yukon denali xl that have the stabilitrac, check suspension, traction control lights and messages come on the car looses power and being in traffic I was almost t-boned this is a problem that has cost me alot of time and money please help please it is going to cause a wreck this is not a Isolated incident a recall needs to happen
NHTSA complaint #11492691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Front strut assemblies (both left and right side) were found to be leaking during annual state safety inspection. Before the inspection determined the cause, the handling of the vehicle had noticeable deteriorated were the vehicle was bouncing excessively while driving and compromising the vehicle's handling and steering. Contacted two dealers, who stated this is a common problem on 2019 and newer Yukons. The GM parts warehouse had over 1900 replacement struts in stock! Per the dealer, the struct was a new design in 2019 and is electronically controlled. No warning lamps or messages were displayed. The original structs were stamped mfg in Mexico, the GM replacements are stamped manufactured in Poland.
NHTSA complaint #11437390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact called on behalf of his client who owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while the owner was driving 30 mph, the vehicle became unstable and began bouncing. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to drive to his independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the suspension struts to be replaced. The contact called the local dealer and was informed the parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The contact also called Champion Chevrolet (800 Kietzke Ln, Reno, NV 89502: (775) 786-3111) and made them aware of the failure and was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,116.
NHTSA complaint #11421892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.