Most common 2019 GMC Yukon XL problems
Share of the 68 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Yukon XL complaints by model year
Best Yukon XL years: 2014, 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2015, 2024. Compare all years →
2019 GMC Yukon XL recalls (2)
Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
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.
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.
Seat belts › Rear/other
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…
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.
What 2019 GMC Yukon XL owners say
Engine & cooling all 38 →
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 68 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally, with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that lifter #7 had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that all the lifters were replaced. The contact stated that approximately 5 days later, on October 2, 2025, while reversing, there was a burning odor with black smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was towed to the mechanic and was diagnosed with coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the warranty only provided the replacement of 2 head gaskets. …
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.
Transmission & drivetrain
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.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway at approximately 2 MPH, the vehicle stopped moving. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle only revved. The contact stated that she was able to move the gear shift lever, however the vehicle was not responding in any gear. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Electrical system
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.
it's been a known fact and on social media there has been many complaints, why is there nothing being done. this vehichle has a water or moisture problem which goes to the electric connectors and makes the vehichle go in to derate mode and only code it throws is peddle position sensor. which I have changes, and still no fix, as other connectors that are going to the electronic board removed, and it has corrosion. this is clearly a safety risk and it literally puts in a mode where a truck is not drivable.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 GMC Yukon XL a good car?
Based on 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Yukon XL rates avoid: 2.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Yukon XL at the same age. It is one of the Yukon XL years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 GMC Yukon XL?
The engine & cooling — 38 complaints, 56% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (15) and electrical system (6).
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Yukon XL have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2019 GMC Yukon XL, the most recent from May 7, 2026 (transfer case (4-wheel drive)). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Yukon XL?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2012 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2015 and 2024. See the full GMC Yukon XL years comparison.
At what mileage do 2019 GMC Yukon XL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 104,000 miles; 18% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.