2023 GMC Yukon XL Engine Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 14, 2026 · 150 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 150 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the 2023 GMC Yukon XL, 68% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 46,730 miles. The words owners use most often: “shifted neutral” (10% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Shifted neutral: mentioned in 15 of 150 complaints (10%)
  • Engine seized: mentioned in 14 of 150 complaints (9%)
  • Redacted pursuant freedom: mentioned in 9 of 150 complaints (6%)
  • Tow truck: mentioned in 8 of 150 complaints (5%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the 2023 GMC Yukon XL at $5,000, and half of them between $3,550 and $5,000.

Based on 5 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2025–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do engine problems happen?

Based on 8 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles0 · 0%
10k–25k miles1 · 13%
25k–50k miles4 · 50%
50k–75k miles2 · 25%
75k–100k miles0 · 0%
100k–150k miles1 · 13%
150k+ miles0 · 0%

How serious are the reports?

Of 150 complaints, 2 an injury.

GMC Yukon XL engine complaints by model year

Peak: 2023, with 150 complaints
2000: 120002002: 22003: 120032004: 22005: 720052006: 22007: 1020072008: 32009: 320092010: 32011: 320112012: 22013: 120132015: 262016: 2620162017: 262018: 1520182019: 342020: 2420202021: 1402022: 11320222023: 1501502024: 5320242025: 172026: 242026

n = 688 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearEngine complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2026 Yukon XL2465%3,500
2025 Yukon XL1761%24,842
2024 Yukon XL5374%32,000
2023 Yukon XL15068%46,730
2022 Yukon XL11366%55,000
2021 Yukon XL14061%70,500
2020 Yukon XL2451%52,000
2019 Yukon XL3450%100,000
2018 Yukon XL1527%70,000
2017 Yukon XL2618%55,000
2016 Yukon XL2613%75,175
2015 Yukon XL268%98,000
2013 Yukon XL15%150,000
2012 Yukon XL215%108,800
2011 Yukon XL36%—
2010 Yukon XL311%119,538
2009 Yukon XL313%136,000
2008 Yukon XL34%117,000
2007 Yukon XL1010%112,016
2006 Yukon XL212%100,000
2005 Yukon XL717%128,000
2004 Yukon XL22%182,000
2003 Yukon XL11%54,000
2002 Yukon XL22%128,850
2000 Yukon XL11%180,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2025, with 82 complaints
2024: 6202462025: 822025822026: 62202662

n = 150 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalApr 24, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V274000 · 597,571 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

I have suffered 2 engine replacements on this SUV and Im still under 50,000 miles on the car. One of the times I was traveling at highway speeds in a passing lane when it failed. I was with my children at this time and we barely got off the road to a safe place. After talking to GMC, they are…

Received Oct 14, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11771084

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing engine failures and was undergoing its fourth engine replacement. The contact stated that during each failure, abnormal noises were heard before the engine blew. The vehicle was towed to the dealer after each…

Received Oct 14, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11771072

The car suddenly started bucking while driving on I95 at about 75 miles per hour. We were able to coast off highway and when finally towed to a dealership we were told we needed a new engine. The vehicle at the time had about 57,300 miles. It was very scary to be on a dangerous highway with tractor…

Received Oct 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770001

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2023 GMC Yukon XLs have engine problems?

No. NHTSA has 150 owner complaints about engine for the 2023 GMC Yukon XL (68% of the 222 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2023 GMC Yukon XL engine?

Yes: 1 safety recall list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do engine problems start?

The median reported mileage is 46,730 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the 2023 GMC Yukon XL?

Owners report a typical cost of $5,000 (half paid between $3,550 and $5,000), from 5 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about engine problems on the 2023 GMC Yukon XL?

The most frequent phrase is “shifted neutral”, in 15 of 150 complaints, followed by “engine seized” (14).

See all 2023 GMC Yukon XL problems or engine problems across all Yukon XL years.