Most common 2023 GMC Yukon XL problems
Share of the 225 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 →
2023 GMC Yukon XL recalls (4)
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical
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.
Remedy: 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…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Electric › Control module › Software
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs.
Remedy: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024.
Suspension › Rear
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023.
Exterior lighting › Lighting control module › Software
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2023 GMC Yukon XL:
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM's full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274.
What 2023 GMC Yukon XL owners say
Engine & cooling all 164 →
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact received notice of NHTSA ID Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, he and his wife observed noises emanating from the engine compartment. On another occasion while driving and coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled, and a "transmission unable to shift" message appeared. The gear selector was placed in park (P), and the vehicle was restarted, after which it drove normally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but it was not diagnosed due the manufacturer only allowing certain vehicle to be repaired at this time, even with the failures that had transpired, and no repairs were made at that time. The contact stated that while driving home in pitch darkness at approximately 30 MPH on a windy road, the vehicle stalled. …
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was covered under an unknown recall repair. The vehicle was released back to the owner; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling roughly and jerking abnormally. In addition, the contact stated that the drive to the residence was not a smooth drive. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where a technician performed a ride-along. The contact stated that the engine seized three times during the ride along. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced a second time. …
Transmission & drivetrain all 39 →
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle experienced unexpected gear shifting. The check engine warning light illuminated and then disappeared when the vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact used a handheld diagnostic machine and retrieved DTC: P0747. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.
I am writing to express serious safety concerns regarding our 2023 GMC Yukon XL Denali, which has been in our possession for less than two years and has only 24,000 miles. On multiple occasions, while driving at high speeds on the freeway with our four young children, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power and shifted into neutral without warning. This occurred approximately four times on March 9, 2025, when we contacted OnStar for assistance. Despite their response indicating no alerts on their end, we were advised to reach out again if the issue persisted. Unfortunately, the problem did occur again on March 16th, which prompted us to contact OnStar and have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership for further evaluation. The service department has since informed us that the motor requires replacement. …
Electrical system all 35 →
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the message "You Have no Brakes - Do Not Drive Over 40 MPH" was displayed. The contact allowed the vehicle to roll to a stop. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had not caused an accident because the contact was driving early in the morning and there was less traffic on the road. The contact stated that her husband started the vehicle later in the day, and the warning lights were off. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. …
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 86 MPH in the middle lane, the vehicle shut off on five occasions. The vehicle was restarted, the steering column was locked, and the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. The contact stated that the rear axle had disengaged. The suspension leveling system had failed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 39,000.
2023 GMC Yukon XL engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel | 10-speed automatic | RWD | 21 / 27 / 23 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo diesel | 10-speed automatic | 4WD | 20 / 26 / 22 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 4WD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 GMC Yukon XL a good car?
Based on 225 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2023 Yukon XL rates avoid: 14.2× 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 2023 GMC Yukon XL?
The engine & cooling — 164 complaints, 73% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (39) and electrical system (35).
How many recalls does the 2023 GMC Yukon XL have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2023 GMC Yukon XL, the most recent from April 24, 2025 (hard parts internal/mechanical). 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 2023 GMC Yukon XL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 49,000 miles; 55% 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.