Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 GMC Yukon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the lifters were previously replaced in 2021 at the manufacturer's expense. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine was running rough. The vehicle was taken to an unknown auto part store, where it was diagnosed with an engine cylinder malfunction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine had experienced lifter failure or a more severe failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed by the dealer, and that the manufacturer might help in covering the cost of the repair. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: EA25007 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 81,638.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The front of the vehicle was shaking. The contact stated that while at a stoplight with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle stalled but independently restarted. The engine warning light flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission and engine failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there were no recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle started bouncing. The contact stated that the transmission also failed to shift properly. The service engine and suspension warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that a bearing had detached, and the transmission had failed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 89,400.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the abnormal ticking sound had gotten louder. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and to several independent mechanics; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 181,000.
I started noticing issues with my transmission around 55,000 miles on it. It first started with no noticing that it wouldn't gear down when it needed to, and then when it finally did gear down, it would really jerk the vehicle. I started calling GMC then and questioning and putting in a claim. Just went back-and-forth four months. Now it was getting worse to where I could feel the transmission slipping it wouldn't kick into upper gear or lower gear. Again, I was still calling GMC and reporting these issues. I was told to take it and have a transmission oil change, which I did costing me $300. I still noticed this problem and I continue to call. I kept being told that they would have somebody call me back which nobody ever called me back to find out specifics. …
Presently my air conditioner in my 2017 Yukon Denali has went out around 55 thousand miles approximately .We called to make appointments many times & after several attempts finally my car was early one morning & left until about 4:30;no one called to tell my husband not myself that their machine was not working.So no I'm order to wait for another appt !Today June 27th they are finally checking my air conditioner.I received a call saying this would be 1200.00 dollars!I bought this car with 23 miles on it and 6 MONTHS AFTER I DROVE IT I TOLD MY HUSBAND SOMETHING DI NOT SOUND RIGHT NOR FEEL RIGHT .We tried to make Many appts for 3 years UNTIL GMC FINALLY ADMITTED THERE WAS A RECALL!!Im furious.My vechile would cut off in the middle of a main Hwy with my 9 year old with me.Automatic brake will stop me at 55 mph ;for no reason .Windows down sound like you are in a wind tunnel !!Sun roof leak …
My vehicle began shuddering during acceleration and would violently jerk forward after gas pedal was engaged with decreased power in forward acceleration and increase in rpm. This last a couple of weeks. Now, my vehicle is completely broke down and at a GM certified service center. The Service manager states torque converter completely went out and the transmission is burnt up. The mileage is at $61,000, so GM warranty won't cover it and the company that holds the extended warranty I purchased hasn't been able to be successfully contacted. There is a "service" bulletin but no recalls and a class action lawsuit (that I'm not a part of) but no recall. My vehicle completely lost power going 50mph on a busy road without warning. This needs to be a recall due to this dangerous circumstance.
1.)Rear Brakes are not functioning properly. They still have pads but when you press down to pump the brake it fails. I was told by a mechanic that they other GMC vehicles have had recalls on this, but mine is not showing one. 2.)The suspension on this vehicle has never worked properly. It rides extremely rough. It has some special suspension in it from a shock perspective, but it feels as if it often fails. 3.) I had to replace the torque converter in this vehicle last year, and the fluid that runs through it. Apparently this is a known issue with no recall. 4.) the transmission slips when the vehicle shifts gears. It shifts hard. Also a known issue with no recall.
I bought the vehicle in October 2024 ever since then I have been trouble with the differential, the automatic starter doesn't start the vehicle unless you are at least one feet away from the vehicle. I drove to work when I got off and got in my vehicle my check engine light was on. The vehicle was saying there was an issue with the battery, antilock braking system. I bought an extended warranty up to 150,000, I currently have 63,400 on my vehicle. Empire Buick GMC of White Plains has not been honoring my warrantee, I had to rent a car to get back and forth to work because of fear of riding the NYC subway.
My vehicle started making a knocking sound and eventually died on me. I barely made it to a repair shop to check out my vehicle, but had to get it towed back to my home from the repair shop after they told me my engine failed. This happened around 118,000 mileage. I found out that this issue is very common and needs to be addressed for this year and model vehicle. It could have ended very badly for me as I was on the interstate when it happened. Now, my vehicle is sitting and I am unable to use it. Engine would cost me over $12k for cost and repairs.
Engine complaints in other Yukon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2017 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2017 GMC Yukon, 17% of the model year's 208 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 GMC Yukon engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2017 GMC Yukon, though it has 3 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 2017 GMC Yukon engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 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.