Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2025 | 2 | 7% | — |
| 2024 | 11 | 15% | — |
| 2023 | 39 | 17% | 67,000 miles |
| 2022 | 32 | 18% | 90,000 miles |
| 2021 | 49 | 21% | 66,000 miles |
| 2020 | 13 | 28% | 107,000 miles |
| 2019 | 15 | 22% | 78,000 miles |
| 2018 | 9 | 16% | 148,000 miles |
| 2017 | 36 | 24% | 36,000 miles |
| 2016 | 33 | 16% | 60,000 miles |
| 2015 | 35 | 11% | 71,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% | 248,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 9% | 117,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% | 15,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% | 20,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 5% | 75,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% | 180,000 miles |
| 2005 | 3 | 7% | 122,000 miles |
| 2004 | 4 | 5% | 11,000 miles |
| 2003 | 6 | 4% | 105,000 miles |
| 2002 | 11 | 9% | 64,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% | 150,000 miles |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% | 114,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
PURCHASED A GMC DENALI YUKON ULTIMATE XL JUNE LAST YEAR . 103 THOUSAND. bOUGHT IT IN FOR FIRST OIL CHANGE AT 5500 MILES THE CAR HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL ,TOO, nOW ITS BEEN BACK THREE TIMES AND STILL LEAKI9NG OIL. lAST WEEK BROUGHT IT BACK TOLD SERVICE ADVISOR ITYS LEAKING AT THE OIL PAN BY THE PLU IT DRIPS EVERYNIGHT ON THE FLOOR OF MY GARAGE AND I AM PUT OIL IN IT EVERY TWO WEEKS. aNYWAY THEY SAID THEY DIDD THE DYE TWICW AND DIDNT FIND THE LEAK, I SAID LET ME SHOW THHE MECHANIC THE SPOT IT LEAKS .I WENT IN SHOP UNDER VEHICLE SHOWED THE MECHANIOC HE LOOKS AND SAYS OK NOW I SEE IT ITS NEED A REAR Main seal and oil pan gasket. So now i am bringing it in on the 134th of this month for a repair. The vehicle was made june 20-04 and tullety gmc says my 6.2 is not involved in recall the lady checked her computer.. …
I am filing this complaint regarding GM Recall N252494000 (NHTSA Campaign Number 25V274) for my 2024 GMC Yukon XL (VIN: [redacted] ). The issue involves a serious engine defect related to the crankshaft and/or connecting rods, which can result in catastrophic engine failure and loss of propulsion while driving-a clear and dangerous safety risk. I first became concerned when early reports of this issue began circulating publicly. As a father of young children, I became increasingly uneasy that my vehicle could potentially fail while in operation. Receiving GM's formal recall letter only validated my growing concern for my family's well-being. It's deeply frustrating and unsettling. The notice states that parts to repair or replace the engine are not currently available, and offers no clear timeframe for when a remedy will be provided. …
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. …
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked as if the brake pedal was depressed and failed to accelerate as intended, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The message "Reduced Acceleration - Drive with Care" was displayed. The contact stated that when the vehicle was stopped, the gear shifter was shifted into reverse, but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that there was a failure with the transmission valve. The contact was informed that the transmission valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 - 60 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended for approximately one second before accelerating. A dealer was contacted. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnosis was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was in the process of towing the vehicle to another location. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintentionally and failed to accelerate above 35 MPH. The vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact arrived at the residence and was able to coast into the driveway; however, the vehicle failed to drive forward or reverse. The check engine warning light was illuminated at the time of the failure, with the message "Reduce Acceleration - Drive with Care" displayed. The contact waited for a while and then attempted to move the vehicle, and the vehicle drove forward slowly, and while attempting to reverse(R), the engine revved abnormally but failed to respond. The gear shifter was shifted to drive, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the engine continued to rev until depressing the brake pedal. …
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-50 MPH, the engine was making an abnormal sound. The contact stopped and lightly depressed the accelerator pedal and continued driving. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift gear. The RPM increased to high. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who determined that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. …
Related recalls (7)
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Valves/valve body
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles equipped with 10 Speed Transmission with ETRS (Electronic Transmission Range Select). The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.
Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2026.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Valves/valve body
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a…
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022.
Power train › Automatic transmission
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438.
Show 2 more recalls
Power train › Manual transmission › Shift pattern indicator
Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock and transmission braking effect." under certain vehicle starting conditions, the shift lever position indicator…
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2005. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
Some pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles equipped with a hydraulic pump driveshaft that can fracture, resulting in immediate loss of hydraulic power steering assist. On certain vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, the same condition can result in loss of power assist for braking after the reserve…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hydraulic pump. The campaign began on February 14, 2005. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Yukon XL years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2021 (49), 2023 (39), 2017 (36), 2015 (35) and 2016 (33) model years. Transmission complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2021.
Is there a recall for GMC Yukon XL transmission problems?
Yes — 7 recalls, including 26V-289 (transfer case (4-wheel drive), May 7, 2026); 26V-085 (valves/valve body, Feb 13, 2026); 24V-797 (valves/valve body, Oct 24, 2024). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Yukon XL transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (13 mentions), followed by the transfer case (4-wheel drive) (5).
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.