GMC Yukon XL Engine Problems
Owners have filed 683 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the GMC Yukon XL across 25 model years. The 2023 model year has the most (148). The words owners use most often: “engine failed” (8% of reports).
- 683engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 6mention a crash
- 6mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $6,450typical repair cost reported by owners
- 65%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine failed: mentioned in 55 of 683 complaints (8%)
- Shifted neutral: mentioned in 36 of 683 complaints (5%)
- Tow truck: mentioned in 35 of 683 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 GMC Yukon XL at $6,450, and half of them between $3,900 and $11,100.
Based on 34 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2014–2026), 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 111 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 683 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 6 an injury.
GMC Yukon XL engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Yukon XL | 24 | 65% | 3,500 |
| 2025 Yukon XL | 17 | 61% | 24,842 |
| 2024 Yukon XL | 53 | 75% | 32,000 |
| 2023 Yukon XL | 148 | 67% | 44,000 |
| 2022 Yukon XL | 112 | 65% | 55,000 |
| 2021 Yukon XL | 138 | 61% | 70,500 |
| 2020 Yukon XL | 24 | 51% | 52,000 |
| 2019 Yukon XL | 34 | 50% | 100,000 |
| 2018 Yukon XL | 15 | 28% | 70,000 |
| 2017 Yukon XL | 26 | 18% | 55,000 |
| 2016 Yukon XL | 26 | 13% | 75,175 |
| 2015 Yukon XL | 26 | 8% | 98,000 |
| 2013 Yukon XL | 1 | 5% | 150,000 |
| 2012 Yukon XL | 2 | 15% | 108,800 |
| 2011 Yukon XL | 3 | 6% | — |
| 2010 Yukon XL | 3 | 11% | 119,538 |
| 2009 Yukon XL | 3 | 13% | 136,000 |
| 2008 Yukon XL | 3 | 4% | 117,000 |
| 2007 Yukon XL | 10 | 10% | 112,016 |
| 2006 Yukon XL | 2 | 12% | 100,000 |
| 2005 Yukon XL | 7 | 17% | 128,000 |
| 2004 Yukon XL | 2 | 2% | 182,000 |
| 2003 Yukon XL | 1 | 1% | 54,000 |
| 2002 Yukon XL | 2 | 2% | 128,850 |
| 2000 Yukon XL | 1 | 1% | 180,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanical
Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
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.
Engine and engine cooling
Model years: 2004, 2005, 2006
Problem: On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-vin g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
Risk: If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc trucks at 1-866-996-9463.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Replaced the transmission two times at about $14,000. Need a new motor with an estimated replacement of $10,000.
On XXX, I was driving my 2022 GMC Yukon XL Denali equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine, with my [XXX] stepson as a passenger, when the engine malfunctioned and stalled, leaving the vehicle disabled in traffic. The vehicle registered diagnostic trouble code P0016 (Crankshaft PositionâCamshaft…
While driving there was a noise that started in the engine area. The vehicle was going 55-60 mph at the time it started. It became more and more frequent. The check engine light came on just before the engine completely seized up and lost all power. Dealership is saying there is definitely internal…
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…
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, there was a tapping sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated and then turned off. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The dealer was contacted by phone…
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Yukon XLs have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 683 owner complaints about engine for the GMC Yukon XL. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Yukon XL engine?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the GMC Yukon XL?
Owners report a typical cost of $6,450 (half paid between $3,900 and $11,100), from 34 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the GMC Yukon XL?
The most frequent phrase is “engine failed”, in 55 of 683 complaints, followed by “shifted neutral” (36).
Other GMC Yukon XL problems
- Electrical System problems (339)
- Power Train problems (313)
- Exterior Lighting problems (285)
- Service Brakes problems (235)
- Air Bags problems (196)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (103)
See all GMC Yukon XL problems.