2019 GMC Yukon XL: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 68 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (43% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall May 2026
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2026
“The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop at a stop sign, the vehicle started shaking violently, with an unknown flashing warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with a lifter failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was covered under warranty; however, upon a further follow-up, the dealer informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
“The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was cautiously driven to the residence and parked. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine active fuel management lifter in cylinder #1 had failed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 117,200.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving and while the vehicle was parked on several occasions, there was a tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lifters were inoperable, and the lifters and or the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2026
“The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that on several occasions while stopped and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle reversed inadvertently and then jerked forward to accelerate. The contact added that the battery was drained but the failure was not the most important to report at this time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The issue reoccurred the same day. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2026
“The contact owns a 2019 Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while making a right turn the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the lifter went out and caused shaving to go into the oil and then the engine seized up and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2026
“The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lifters and cam shaft needed yo be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,127.”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2026
“The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 - 55 MPH, and slowing down to approximately 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the engine started knocking. The contact noticed that the engine was one quart of oil low after an oil change and driving less than 2,058 miles. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, but was not repaired. As a certified mechanic, after searching NHTSA.GOV, the contact became aware of NHTSA ID Numbers: EA25007 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and RQ26001 (Engine); related the failure to the campaigns. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,008.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2026
“Truck Trembling/Rumbling notices when idle . The truck has seen 2 mechanics dealers inspection, concluding that the truck needs a new engine.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2026
“I was driving vehicle and came up to a stop sign, once I was clear to go I stepped on the gas heard a clunking sound and the car shut off.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact 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 18315.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.
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 2019 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
NHTSA has 68 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The most complained-about area is engine (43% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2019 GMC Yukon XL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 102,195 miles or less.
Does the 2019 GMC Yukon XL have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have 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.