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 2017 GMC Yukon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond while shifting from first to second gear. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal would hesitate to respond, causing a 40-50 feet stopping distance delay. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the Honda dealer where the vehicle was purchased and sold for repair. The vehicle was taken to the Honda dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,564.
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. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated a Police Officer assisted in moving the vehicle out of the roadway. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle has not diagnosed the vehicle nor repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
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 that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle slipped out of gear, causing the vehicle to independently slow down. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The contact own a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift from 2nd to 3rd gear while driving and remained stuck in gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance would not be provided because the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking and hesitating while shifting gear. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Vehicle Malfunction Incident Report On [11/2724], while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle experienced a sudden and significant loss of power and gear shifting capabilities. The engine accelerated, but the vehicle struggled to move and shift gears, making it difficult to cross the intersection. After a short distance, the vehicle accelerated again, but there was no forward movement. The vehicle was subsequently parked in a nearby neighborhood, where it became completely immobile. Attempts to engage reverse or drive were unsuccessful. The vehicle emitted a loud noise, and a check of the transmission fluid and other fluids revealed no issues. After turning the engine off and restarting, the vehicle was able to engage drive, but it was limited to second gear. The vehicle then lost momentum again, making it difficult to reach home. …
The 8-speed automatic transmission (Hydra-Matic 8L90) on this 2017 GMC Yukon SLT 5.3L V8 has failed. This is a repeat failure - the transmission was previously rebuilt in 2020 under a GM recall/service action for the same known defect affecting this transmission type. The transmission has now failed again in 2026, approximately six years after GM's prior repair. Prior to failure, the vehicle exhibited hard shifting, shuddering during acceleration, and hesitation between gear changes - symptoms consistent with the known defect pattern documented across 2015-2019 GM vehicles equipped with this transmission. The failure was confirmed by a service center. The vehicle is currently not safely drivable. …
The 2017 GMC Yukon has serious transmission issues that GM continues to ignore, and it is going to get someone hurt. I was stopped at a red light, and when it turned green, I pressed the gas pedal but the car would not move. I pressed harder, and then it suddenly lurched forward about 30 feet. If there had been a car in front of me, I would have hit them and likely caused injuries. When I took it to the dealership, they said it needed a full transmission replacement, which was not covered. I had to pay out of pocket. I was only about $10,000 outside the warranty when it failed, and GM refused to stand behind their product or help in any way. I was already financing the vehicle and should not have had to pay for a new transmission on a car that was less than four years old with relatively low miles. This is not just my experience. Many others have had the same issue. …
Transmission complaints in other Yukon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2017 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 GMC Yukon, 24% of the model year's 208 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › torque converter (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 GMC Yukon transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 29% 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.