Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 GMC Yukon XL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the transmission shifted hard from first to second gear while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent and several internal parts of the transmission were replaced, and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) was also replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the repairs had not addressed the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was likely related to the transfer case. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered. The contact stated that upon pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pushed into a parking space with assistance. Additionally, the contact stated that while her husband was test-driving the vehicle in the driveway by driving forward and reversing several times, the transmission locked up while depressing the brake pedal the thirteenth time. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH and while slowing down, the floor of the vehicle was vibrating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure might be caused by the torque converter. The transmission fluid was flushed and replaced and the vehicle operated normally; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH the vehicle was shaking and vibrating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the contact was informed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the transmission might also need to be repaired or replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH to work, the vehicle shifted into neutral and into low and failed to drive at about 20 MPH. The check engine light was flashing. The front collision was unavailable. The contact left the vehicle at a gas station. Upon research, the contact located NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V374000 (Power Train), which was similar to the failure. The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed there were no open recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted via chat, who referred her to the local dealer and manufacturer service center. The contact informed her to confirm the coverage with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 283,000.
Transmission failed and was replaced by GM dealership under warranty at 20,670 miles after rough shifts and jerking and lurching movements when driving and when putting vehicle in gear. Truck would also roll if on a hill in Park. Now at 53,438 miles, the same dangerous problems are occurring with only 33,000 miles on the replaced transmission and after inspection, the dealership says the transmission needs to be replaced again. Appears GMC transmission is faulty and dangerous to drive and needs replacement very early in cars lifespan and a transmission should not need replacement so early especially when maintained correctly. Transmissions should last more than 20,000 or 30,000 miles before failing. Estimate for new transmission is $10,000. Called GMC customer service and said nothing they can do out of warranty. Dealership inspected and confirmed problems both times. …
My transmission is causing a lot of shaking and hard shifting and it's very detrimental to my physical and psychological health. I am a disabled veteran with back problems and every time my Yukon shakes (almost every single shift) it hurts my back and makes it difficult to do anything. This is a very, very common issue with this year make and model but nothing seems to be getting accomplished. GM needs to remedy these issues as a recall since most of us can't afford the $5000-$12000 that this type of repair is going to cost us and GM knows that this is an issue. I can't continue to risk my family's health and safety with this vehicle and it needs to be fixed immediately!
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission jolted before the vehicle accelerated as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted; however, the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The contact stated that unknown repairs were performed on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle remained at the residence and had not been driven since the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
As I was driving on the highway the check engine lights pops on and the engine starts stalling. The stability track light also came on and the truck was hard to maintain and drive. The truck has been maintained and serviced on a meticulous schedule. This is not the first major problem we have experienced with the truck, we had to do a full transmission replacement on the truck at an 118,000 miles mark. Me and my family have been the only drivers and owner of the vehicle and mostly on put highway miles. I am so frustrated and disappointed in the workmanship and quality of our vehicle.
While driving our GMC Yukon XL, the vehicle will begin shuttering, losing power, slip gears, or unable to shift gears. On one occasion, the vehicle lost was unable to accelerate and maintain speed causing my wife to quickly respond by changing lanes and pulling off on the shoulder of a road, in a very dangerous situation, all while coasting without engine power. Two independent mechanic shops have reported that the torque converted failed and had sent metal fragments throughout the transmission, and ruining the transmission. Both mechanics recommended a new transmission.
My GMC Yukon Denali xl has a defective transmission from the manufacturer thousands of other General Motors customers are experiencing the same issues since 2015 General Motors has still failed to issue a recall. This problem cause the truck to leap, lunges and sometimes accelerate as well as hard down shifts which causes sudden stops this also causing severe damage over time. There's also defective paint peeling and fading from the manufacturer
Transmission complaints in other Yukon XL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2015 GMC Yukon XL?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2015 GMC Yukon XL, 11% of the model year's 308 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 GMC Yukon XL transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2015 GMC Yukon XL, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 GMC Yukon XL transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.