304 of the
3,211 complaints filed about the GMC Yukon XL
are about the transmission —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2021.
304
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
5
Crashes
0
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
I think it is a transmission type of failure. I'm not sure of the exact mechanical specifics. While putting the vehicle in reverse, driving and or accelerating it feels like the transmission is locking up and then releasing, and then locking up again. It felt very dangerous for that to happen while driving down the road. I took the vehicle to a local mechanic that was near by for assistance and he said I should take it to a dealership because there was a recall due to that issue on my type of vehicle that he knew about. So I call a dealership to make an appointment, tell them I think the issue is due to a safety recall due to the transmission locking up. They check my Vin# and say there are no recalls for my vehicle, even though it falls in the same year, make, and model of affected GM vehicles , therefore they could not make a recall appointment for me. Even though i was experiencing the same type of issues on the same type of vehicle thats included in the recall. I did not have any warning lights before, or while driving. The day it happened, I drove the vehicle to work, parked, was at my office all day. Came out to go home and put the SUV in reverse and it like lunged forward, almost hitting the car parked in front of me. I thought I must have had it in the wrong gear or something. So I put it in park and then tried again. Then it felt like it locked up, rocked forward, and then allowed me to back up. I put it in drive and again it was like it was locking up and releasing very forcefully but then smoothed out and drove normal for a few miles and then locked up again. There were never any warning lights or messages during this time. I called GM to inquire why my vehicle isnt in the safety recall and all they could tell me was that they did not know. I was very afraid I was going to be involved in an accident due to this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11763076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle passed previous recall for engine defect related to complete engine failure, GM switched oil viscosity. Recall performed 10-16-25. Complete engine failure diagnosed at dealer 9-4-26, related to exact malfunction that sparked recall.
NHTSA complaint #11762284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. My vehicle is having transmission issues with shuddering and shifting. M5U RPO code 8L90 transmission. 2. My safety and the safety of others is a concern if the transmission is not working as intended my vehicle could be at risk an accident that could be avoided. 3. The problem has not be reproduced or confirmed by a dealer I work on my own vehicles and I am going to repair this issue myself if able. 4. There are no trouble codes on my vehicle when scanned with an OBD2 scanner.
NHTSA complaint #11761928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle is equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. Prior to receiving the dealer service for Recall 25V-274, the vehicle experienced a distinct highway vibration, powertrain shudder, and fluctuating/jumping RPMs on the highway. The dealer subsequently performed the recall remedy by updating the vehicle to the thicker 0W-40 oil specification. However, the underlying transmission torque converter had already suffered catastrophic failure due to the powertrain stress/shudder and required a complete transmission replacement at 84,000 miles. I am reporting this because the initial 6.2L engine defect and subsequent recall remedy overlap heavily with severe powertrain and torque converter failures at low mileage
NHTSA complaint #11761330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PICO scope test #FDYZ295894391 on engine for recall #N252494003 engine , passed test. Drain oil filled with 0-40 replaced oil cap. Date 09/19/2025, mileage in 20142/mileage out 20142. Vehicle runs rough. Not stable at times. Vibration noise coming from the motor at times.
NHTSA complaint #11760813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle started showing a po308 code. Called sewell gmc In midland where I purchased the vehical they were 2 months out on diagnostic services. So I took it to another shop. They ran a camera into the problem cylinder and for scaring on the walls. They said it was due to the afm system and the engine was unrepairable. So now I am out 17,000 dollars and stranded over 700 miles from my home due to a manufactured defect.
NHTSA complaint #11759501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2022 GMC Yukon XL suffered catastrophic transmission failure at approximately 87,000 miles. An ASE-certified transmission repair facility determined that the torque converter failed, resulting in transmission damage requiring over $7,000 in repairs. GM declined any assistance solely because the repair was performed by an independent ASE-certified facility. I am concerned that a major transmission component failure at this mileage may represent a broader defect, particularly given transmission-related service bulletins and NHTSA Recall 26V085 affecting certain 2022 Yukon XL vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11759178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2023 Yukon XL AT4 with 67k miles suddenly had lifters fail. GM service said cam scored & metal debris all the way through to the pan, requiring total engine replacement. Vehicle was very well maintained with premium fluids and parts.
NHTSA complaint #11759137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Driving on busy road when heard a squealing from the engine bay of the vehicle. Moments later the vehicle lost power. It was a very dangerous situation traveling approximately 45mph on a multi-lane road in urban St. Louis Missouri. There was not a check engine light prior. The vehicle had a recall performed per GMC instructions prior (this amounted to a different viscosity oil....). The breakdown stranded my family and I while on vacation in another city. The vehicle was towed to a local GMC dealership and was diagnosed as a seized engine related to the recall. The engine is scheduled to be replaced as no cost through GMC's extended service. They have not provided coverage for the towing, for the multiple ride shares needed to get around on vacation, for the rental car needed to get home, or a rental car to help us with day-to-day life during the estimated 6-8 weeks we will be waiting. My family was at risk, other motorists on the parkway were at risk. It was pure luck and quick thinking that saved injury or loss of life. It is completely unbelievable GMC is letting these vehicles be on the road for peoples safety and for the money people pay as a consumer.
NHTSA complaint #11758496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving about 70 mph in the express lanes, the vehicle suddenly lost power and drifted like it went into neutral. There were no warning symbols. The vehicle could not restart even while coasting. After stopping, it locked itself in park and would not shift out of park. My family and I were trapped on the express lanes for over an hour in a dangerous location. The vehicle stayed stuck in park even on the tow truck. The dealer confirmed metal in the oil filter, a blown main fuse, and knocking when starting. The recall inspection and remedy were already done, but the failure still happened. The vehicle is undriveable and the required recall repair cannot be completed because the replacement engine is on backorder with no ETA.
NHTSA complaint #11750354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My family and were traveling to visit family, and the transmission stalled on me on the interstate. I almost had a horrible accident with my kids in the vehicle. The vehicle is in the shop currently and dx with transmission issues. GMC needs to recall and or fix the transmissions in all of their vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11748113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Issue Description: The vehicle experienced a failure of the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system, resulting in a collapsed lifter. This caused a cylinder misfire and a sudden loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds. Safety Concern: While traveling at highway speeds, the sudden misfire and loss of power created a dangerous condition. The vehicle could not maintain speed or accelerate properly with surrounding traffic, significantly increasing the risk of a collision. Failure Details: The issue was diagnosed as a collapsed lifter related to the DFM system. This caused persistent misfiring, rough engine operation, and severe drivability issues. Repair Outcome: Due to the extent of internal engine damage caused by the lifter failure, the vehicle required complete engine replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11747701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Without any indications of a problem our transmission began making a loud whining noise. The evening before it was fine and the next morning on startup the noise just began. The Vehicle only has 45,000 miles on it and the transmission had been serviced at the recommend manufacturer interval. Took it immediately to my auto repair shop where it was diagnosed as a transmission failure (they has seen this before) and told not to drive until replaced due to safety issues related to the failure. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of these needed 10 speed transmission I waited over a month for the vehicle to be repaired. The shop contacted GM to inquire about any warranty help but was told there was none.
NHTSA complaint #11747021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.