2017 GMC Yukon XL: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 147 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is exterior lighting (27% of complaints); the 2018 and 2019 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Sep 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 147 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was a loud ticking and tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics, where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a lifter failure caused by the AFM system and an engine misfire, and that the lifters, camshaft, and timing chain needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2026
“Engine stalling, a rough-running engine, reduced power mode (sluggish acceleration), a "Check Engine" light, or the vehicle failing to start. It started puttering really bad and died in the middle of the intersection. Check engine light came on. I got it to start, was really hard start and puttered bad then it died again and then I got it to start again, was a really hard start and puttered and died again. I was able to start it again get in the driveway but couldn't go very fast. Check engine codes present are P2635 and P018B”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2026
“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.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle is shuddering during acceleration and while changing gear during driving affected by either the transmission or power train”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2025
“Transmission problems, loss of power. Put a reader on car and said it was a selinoid. Replaced that and now it has happened again”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2025
“The engine developed a ticking noise which turned out to be bad lifters and bent lifter rods, and a bad valve lifter oil manifold.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2025
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2025
“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)”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2025
“I purchased a 2017 yukon xl denali. In the short time that I have had the vehicle the transmission has started to make a loud audible popping noise when coming to a complete stop. I have take the vehicle to the GM dealership multiple times to try and get the problem fixed and according to them it is something with the transmission that they don't know exactly how to fix. So I am stuck with this 8l90 transmission that is a piece of junk and can't even get a rebuilt transmission from companies like Jasper due to the issues of these transmissions.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2024
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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 Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Yukon XL years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Yukon XL by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2017 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
NHTSA has 147 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The most complained-about area is exterior lighting (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2017 GMC Yukon XL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 55,000 miles or less.
Does the 2017 GMC Yukon XL have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning seat belts. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.