NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 GMC Yukon. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
My engine starting making a knocking/ticking noise out of no where. I was traveling alone on the highway so I stopped to check it. I got to a gas station and google searched it and it came up that the LS 6.2 engine that is in my vehicle was recalled on other models because of this issue. I did have a mechanic look at it as well and he agreed it is that same issue that was recalled in other models.
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. Safety concern: erratic and unpredictable gear changes, including sudden lurching and hesitation during acceleration, create a dangerous condition for the driver, passengers, and other vehicles on the road. GM has been contacted through their Customer Assistance Center (case opened). GM's initial position was that they cannot assist because the vehicle is out of warranty. However, this is a repeat failure of a previously repaired known defect. GM issued 13+ technical service bulletins on this transmission and has been aware of the root defect since at least 2018. A federal class action (Speerly v. General Motors, E.D. Michigan) covering this exact vehicle type and transmission has been certified and upheld by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The prior GM repair did not remediate the underlying defect.
My truck lost power while I was driving. Took to a shop and they found that a had a bad lifter. I have all of my service records from the GMC dealership where I had my vehicle serviced on a regular basis.
Sitting at stop light engine began running rough and smoke coming out. CEL came on and began flashing, pulled over and had it towed. Diagnosis was PO300 misfire, dead miss on cylcinder 4, cylinder plug 4 is fuel fouled, cois is fine has good spark- caused by failed lifters. Needs engine replacement. Vehicle always serviced, garage kept and in mint condition with 89K miles.
THE BRAKE LIGHT IS OUT AND A SINGLE TAIL LIGHT IS OVER 500$ Very dangerous to have tail light out and can cause an accident. There should be a recall on these defective LED lights.
At parking lot speeds, there have been many incedents of brake failure, when pressing pedal to stop pedal pulsates and becomes very hard to stop the yukon. there seems to be a vacume or booster issue. Yukon will be fine for days then reaccure when slowing at stop sign or waitng at red light and moving foward in slow traffic to sign or llight and then in happens again. scary and unreliable when using brakes at low speed intersections or continous stop and go's
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.
WHEN I BOUGHT THE YUKON 3 YEARS AGO THE TRANMISSION WENT OUT WITHIN MONTHS, THEY REPLACED IT WITH A USED ONE, NOW IT IS STARTED TO DO THE SAME THING, IT WILL SLIP IN AND OUT OF GEAR, WHEN YOU GIVE IT GAS IT WILL JUMP INTO GEAR AT AN IDLE IT WILL DROP OUT OF GEAR, IT'S BEEN DOING THIS EVERY SINCE THEY PUT THE USED ONE IN, I NOITIED THEM THEY SAID THAT IT IS NORMAL???? I HAD THE WORK DONE @ PAHRUMP VALLEY AUTO PLAZA. I'M AFRAID THAT WHEN IM AT A LIGHT IT WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR AND I WILL GET HIT. NO WARING LAMPS CAME ON AT ALL, IT HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE.
At low idle speeds like in a parking lot we almost hit another car because the brakes were very hard to press. No power brakes. Felt as I was having to stand on the brake pedal with both feet to stop my vehicle from hitting another car at a grocery store parking lot going 5 mph! A light flashes on and says”service brake assist “ light goes away and drives normal and brakes normal except when you get to a stop sign, or traffic light. This happens a few times and I’m not driving the car because of it because I might hit someone
Full engine failure
We noticed the passenger side taillight was out. It’s not a simple bulb replacement but an entire assembly. It was put back in place and it lit up again. A few weeks later it wasn’t working. Pounded and tapped on it and it works again. We're guessing there is some sort of short so we asked for an estimate on getting an assembly replacement when it was in for a regular oil change. Shocked that a necessary part would cost $1,112.77!!! Whatever happened to changing a bulb for a few dollars?
116k miles and the transmission went out. Spent almost 6k on a jasper to replace it. I don’t think I need to explain what happens when a trans goes out. It did all of those things.
Yukon break tail lamp problems. Brake lights work intermittently. Very dangerous! The break lights will work intermittently and then work. This was an issue with the 2016 models and GM issues a recall. There is no recall for 2017 which I don't understand because nothing has changed with the manufacturing process. I researched and there is a class action but in California only.
My 2017 GMC Yukon SLT,, has been having shifting problems, including hard or delayed shifts, clunking, jerking, and even sudden jolts when downshifting.Rough or jerky shifts, particularly during acceleration and deceleration, a delay in engaging gears, especially when shifting from park to drive or reverse. Transmission shifts are very rough in slow traffic with as much as one to two-second delays in shifting into gear with a loud thump. It is so rough that it feels like someone may have ran into your back bumper. It is also bad enough that it startles the driver, and it could be a safety issue
The vehicle main information cluster randomly goes in and out and now has completely stopped working. This is the information display that shows Park, Nuetral, Drive, Reverse, Fuel gauge, digital MPH and other information such as oil tire pressure, turn signals, forward collision. Just knowing if the vehicle is in Park Reverse or Drive is a huge saftey issue. This seems to be a common problem on GM vehicles and i wcan't seem to find a recall issued for the saftey factor that the vehicle can be assumed to be in Park and it's actually in Reverse. The first time I noticed this problem was Sept. 05, 2020 but it had reset when I restarted the vehicle. The problem would resurface occasionally but always came back on when restarting the vehicle. But know it seems that restarting the vehicle is not fixing the problem and the screen has been blank for the last 3 days.
[XXX] Please call me to discuss this matter on my GMC Vehicle. [XXX] Yukon GMC This might not be your department but lead me to the right area local, federally or NHTSA so I can discuss these issues in detail Issues I have had that are not normal and maybe need to be on a recall or on consumer alert list for major defects on major components Brakes losing total traction had to be fixed unannounced (recall) Rear Tail lights giving up , had to be replace (Recall) AC system failing had to be replaced Paint completely fading on hood prematurely Transmission failure, had to be overhauled Engine Failure with need of Lifters All the above high cost to fix and having no vehicle in the interim . These issues have been during the warranty and now out of warranty. Other cars do not have these many issues. [XXX] [XXX] On Friday, April 25, 2025 at 01:05:11 PM EDT, [XXX] [XXX] > wrote: Attention Mary Barra I am very disappointed that my 2017 Yukon has engine failure now (lifters issue). I am expecting to get help from your office and see what you can do to resolve this matter . I have owned multiple vehicles including Mercedes SUV and BMW SUV with no problems like this.. I have had nothing but problems for just over 100k miles vehicle that is still considered fairly new . Most vehicles offer warranties up to minimum 100k longer than yours especially with engine failure Please contact me to discuss this and see if you can cover the issue at hand . I am not sure who i need to be contacting to resolve this issue with the local automobile dept, recalls, lemon law or any government agency that deals with this issue. I would like to resolve this issue whereby i am satisficed to purchase a vehicle like this in the near future. Currently the vehicle is at your dealership. The car was built with defects. VIN [XXX] Please call me at the below number. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact noticed that the chrome on the rims of the vehicle was oxidized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the rims. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Magneride defect - struts leaking !!! 85,000 miles This is unacceptable- car is dangerous- bouncing - rough ride- shaky- jerking Should be a recalll! Look it up online- many many complaints!
I brought a 2017 Yukon GMC from a dealership. When I first drove it on a highway it began to pull and shake, to the point it slow down on the highway. Also the dashboard started to shake , vibrate on the highway. When I step on the gas on a local road ,the transmission is pulling to pick up speed. Took it to a Mechanic and explained to him what was going on he test drove it and told me it's the transmission. He also said this year truck " GMC" truck like this has bad transmission. I did my research and find out that it is true. I have a disabled mother that I take to her doctors appointment and I'm scared bto out her in this truck. This is a 1 vehicle and anytime the truck will just slow down or vibrate or shake. No check engine light comes on when it happens.ifni driving on A highway sometimes the check engine light will blink 3 to four times then go back out.
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.
According to dealership Front and Back Suspension - SHOCK &/OR Struts - According to all complaints online it could be the Magnetic Ride Control- Car is a danger!!!!!! This car bounces all over the place - rides rough and bumpy!!! This should not be happening at 84K miles!
Brake pedal gets hard and will not allow vehicle to stop. Intermittent issue, but caused vehicle to hit gate. Same situation occurred later that same week and vehicle almost rolled through major highway crossing.
The pump in the power-assist brakes puts out less vacuum power than needed, increasing stopping distance and the risk of a crash. My car rolls and doesn't stop. I have new brakes so this is unacceptable!!
High pressure fuel pump regulator failed and cause gas leaking, reduced engine power and gas smell coming back in vehicle. It was also blowing out white smoke. It had delayed ignition starting. The engine light did come on. Several makes and models of GMC has had recalls for this problem. The 2017 GMC Yukon was not included for this recall and should have been.
This has been going on for a while now, but it’s getting worse overtime. If I push on my brakes more than twice the brake pedal locks up and I have to push extremely hard to get my vehicle stopped.. luckily I have never been going fast and had to worry about this. This is normally when I am pulling into a parking spot or I am backing up that I have to tap on my brakes a few times. A couple of times I have bumped the pole in front of my parking spot due to not having brakes. I just put in a general date as to when they started to get worse.
I have a 2017 Yukon. There is a recall on this model already for a vacuum pump that decreases the power brake assist. My vehicle is having this exact issue. The back tire sounds like the compressor is always running and when braking it grinds at the pedal like a vibration and doesn’t want to stop immediately. I need my vehicle added to the recall list so I can get it repaired.
Lifters failed
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the driver’s and passenger’s side taillights failed to illuminate as designed. The contact called the dealer about the failure and was informed that there were no recalls or warranties on the vehicle associated with the failure. The contact was also informed that the repair would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Clutch in Torque Converter failed at just around 60,000 miles. Vehicle had a vibration issue shortly before & I thought maybe I got a poor quality tank of gas. Filled up with new gas and problem still there. Took it to my mechanic & he told me it was a complete failure which would require a new transmission or a rebuild on existing.
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.
Engine blew at less than 80,000 miles
I was driving my car and it started making "clanging" and "banging" noises and jolting/jerking forward. It was scary to drive because of the noise and the jerking foward. I was afraid that my car was going to just stop working, I would get stuck/stranded somewhere or my car was going to blow up. I brought it in to the dealer two times. The first time they thought it was the battery so they replaced the battery but that didn't fix the problem. The second time I left it there for days and they told me that I needed a new transmission. The problem was reproduced and inspected by them. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The problem started on approximately January 6, 2025. Online, I have read from other sources that 2017 - 2020 GMC YUKONS are know to have transmission problems. My car only has 58,000 miles on it, has been serviced consistently, and should not need a new transmission at this low mileage point.( 150,000 to 200,000 is the norm for transmission replacement)
Not even 100,000 miles on it and the engine blew. Started with a lifter issue. Everyone I talk to with Yukons and GMC in general say it’s a problem. Just a search on the internet shows that they all have this issue… a well maintained car should not have this issue and it’s clearly a GMC issue and it needs to be fixed. The repair shop can’t even order me a new engine due to this being a real problem all over with GMC.
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. I took it to a GMC garage have them put it on a machine, and I was told that it needed a new transmission and this wasn’t something GMC was covering. This new transmission cost me $6200 and was done on 1/5/25. Please remember this vehicle only had 64,000 miles on it, which is absolutely ridiculous to need a transmission at this mileage. I again had called in January 2025 reporting this and was told someone would call me back and never heard from them.
the lifter is stuck an making a clicking noise an where on the high an truck cut off let it set for a minute then it crank by up an drove to a shop an they said it was a lifter stuck sounded like number 2 lifter this needs to be covered by gmc as a recall.
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. It is important to note that no engine light illuminated during the incident, and there were no visible fluid leaks. All routine maintenance has been performed according to the manufacturer's recommendations. A mechanic has inspected the vehicle and diagnosed potential transmission issues. Requested Action: We request a thorough investigation into the cause of this malfunction. We believe that a transmission issue is the likely culprit, but further diagnostic testing is necessary to confirm the exact problem. We have seen that this has been a reported issues with these vehicle and the manufacture has not done anything for recalls.
I was taking my client to school. I stopped at the stop sign. When I pushed gas pedal to go, my truck did not go, it strained did a big jerk then went. The next morning it did the same thing & later on that day, it did it again. Two days later I had to stop at red light. When the light turned green I pressed the gas pedal & nothing. It did not go at all. I turned the ignition off and back on twice & put it in drive still did not go but was slowly going backwards. A by-stander stopped to assist me getting my truck out of traffic.
Transmission failed on the freeway with no signs signaling issue before hand at 109,000 miles. Also lane departure does not work often. And suspension gave out at 60,000 miles.
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.
Engine Failure while driving, almost causing me to wreck on the highway.
Lifters failed 2nd time at 130k miles. Driving on highway at 70mph cruise and engine went to limp mode. Multiple repairs. $5,000. Dealer sold it to me in 2020 with 80k miles and did not disclose prior lifter replacement. I know they did something as a head bolt is missing.
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.
Tremendous transmission shudder prevented me from properly accelerating from a stop light thereby causing a dangerous traffic backup issue in a congested area.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a persistent and significant transmission issue with my 2017 GMC Yukon Denali, which I purchased in June 2024. The transmission has been malfunctioning, causing the vehicle to jerk and hesitate, particularly during acceleration. This component is available for inspection upon request. Safety Concerns: This issue poses a serious risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. The jerking and hesitation during operation can result in delayed acceleration or unexpected speed changes. These problems have occurred while merging into traffic and driving on highways, creating hazardous situations where immediate and reliable vehicle performance is critical. Reproduction and Inspection: The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by an independent mechanic who inspected the vehicle. The diagnosis identified a transmission malfunction, which appears consistent with reports from other owners of GMC Yukon models. However, the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Warning Symptoms: There were no warning lamps or error messages displayed prior to the onset of the issue. The jerking and hesitation began soon after I purchased the vehicle in June 2024 and have progressively worsened over time. I have discovered that GMC has issued recalls for similar transmission issues in later Yukon models (2021 and 2022). However, despite widespread complaints, earlier models like my 2017 Yukon Denali have not been included in these recalls. Given the safety risks associated with this transmission defect and the frequency of similar complaints from other owners, I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter. Prompt action is essential to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers in affected vehicles and to hold the manufacturer accountable for addressing this defect.
Tail lights went out. Lifters have been replaced TWICE! While stopped at red light, at take off the vehicles lunges forward. At low speed the vehicle will down shift on it’s own. 80k miles Recently while headed to work, the torque converter went out. 126k This is suppose to be a luxury vehicle and cost entirely to much to be a POS. I honestly thought I had a lemon but it seems to be a reoccurring issue in the entire fleet.
The SUV was stalled after getting in D to drove forward and all of a sudden it’s started with a big jerk and moved forward It went driving ok for them rest of the day but it kept repeating the incident n and off until June 15 when it was stalled on a traffic light I was able to put the emergency flashers and drive it in reverse to a near by parking lot
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.
Transmission shutter causes the car to vibrate which could lead to transmission failure.
Stabilitrak warning light comes on intermittently. Cruise or anti-lock brakes do not work when this condition is present
The steel bar could be felt through the lower lumbar area. Seat back also moved out of position while driving and I was told the bar inside the back came out of place.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026