What 147 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500

The daylight running light in the rear do not work, which is needed for night time driving. At night when parked or driving the rear is completely dark, except the license plate lights. When I press the brakes they turn on, the signal lights work even the reverse lights. I've switched them to manual mode still no luck. I've checked some fuses, they all check out, nothing blowen. From some research it's all conctrolled by the body control module. There are alot of cars with this same issue there should be a recall for gm to fix properly, dues to safety of the driver and public. We just bought this vehicle which, and didnt test drive at night. 3 days later we discovered it. We even bought new lights due to the number of complaints. They still don't work.

NHTSA ODI 11748197

There has been 3 different incidents. First incident I was going 45mph merging into 5 lanes of traffic when the back of my driver seat randomly layed down flat and stayed there. I had to get off an exit, get out pull up on front of seat and then it layed back up. 2nd incident I was going about 40mph it folded completely forward and pinned me against the steeling wheel. I had to stop immediately in the middle of the road put my 4 ways on and wiggle and slide out of the car started pulling up on front of seat and was finally able to put it back in place. The 3rd time I was going 20 mph it folded completely forward and pinned against. Had to stop in the middle Of the road again pull up on front of seat. The lumbar setting randomly comes and goes while driving down the road. Took it the garage to be looked at. They weren’t able to figure out why it’s doing what it’s doing but the only option they had was to unplug the module for safety reasons

NHTSA ODI 11746793

Engine stalling, a rough-running engine, reduced power mode (sluggish acceleration), a "Check Engine" light, or the vehicle failing to start. It started puttering really bad and died in the middle of the intersection. Check engine light came on. I got it to start, was really hard start and puttered bad then it died again and then I got it to start again, was a really hard start and puttered and died again. I was able to start it again get in the driveway but couldn’t go very fast. Check engine codes present are P2635 and P018B

NHTSA ODI 11726235

Transmission problems, loss of power. Put a reader on car and said it was a selinoid. Replaced that and now it has happened again

NHTSA ODI 11721295

Gear slippage, loss of power

NHTSA ODI 11713384

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while idling, the vehicle started shuddering violently. The contact stated that while driving to the residence at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed into a church parking lot. The contact's father used a scanner to scan the vehicle, and a DTC for engine misfire was retrieved. The contact's father replaced the spark plugs, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was blown. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, where the engine was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was stiff and required to be pumped several times for the vehicle to respond as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred while starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes had been replaced annually, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the brake pedal shuddered upon starting the vehicle. The contact received a notification for ABS from the OnStar Mobile App. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,246.

NHTSA ODI 11703695

On July 3, 2025 we were traveling on a 4 lane at 55mph. Without any prior symptoms, the vehicle began to shake violently. It shook so hard that the skid warning light simultaneously came on. It was followed by the check engine light. The oil pressure guage started bouncing around. We stopped driving the vehicle and had it towed to VanYork GMC dealer in Asheboro, NC on this same day. (Invoice attached) VanYork GMC determined that cyclinder 5 was misfiring. We paid to have them repair it, and we began driving the vehicle again. (invoice attached) On or about August 1, 2025 we were traveling on an interstate at 70mph. Without any forewarning, the vehicle began to violently shake. Just as before, the skid warning light simultaneously came on, followed by the check engine light came on, and then the oil pressure guage started bouncing around. As there was heavy traffic on the interstate, the failure created a very dangerous situation for us as we tried to maintain our lane, and stay in control of the vehicle until which time we were able to safely maneuver to the side of the road. The vehicle was again towed to Vann York GMC in Asheboro, NC. (invoice attached) On December 3, 2025 we received a call from VannYork GMC saying that the vehicle repairs were complete. It had been in their repair shop for 4 months. This repair began with lifter and camshaft replacement. When this repair was unsuccessful, they decided that the vehicle needed a 'new' rebuilt engine. Since GMC has not offered any assistance with the expense of this new re-built engine, we will have to satisfy the $12,000 bill when we pick it up. After experiencing two very dangerous episodes, we are happy that we did not wreck, but certainly, this not the situation we expected from a high-end vehicle with only 76,169 miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11702865

At stop light vehicle began to sputter and make noise, I was very close to my home, no engine light on. Upon turning vehicle off and using a code reader codes P0106 and P0506 was on scanner. I had vehicle towed to Complete Car Care. Mis fire on multiple cylinders. Vehicle has 69,801 miles. 3 push rods bent and I valve spring broken. The right Cylinder head assembly had to be removed and replaced with 8 new push rods, 8 new lifters, gaskets, seals, and valve spring. Cost was 3304.79. In addition the rear tail light has been sporadic on and off, GM was to replace up to 70,000 miles. When I took it to them they stated the time limit had expired, yet I had not been informed until I did a google search. GM requesting 475 plus tax. I am concerned my vehicle has the same manufacturing defects as the GM motors being recalled with total engine failures.

NHTSA ODI 11702112

At stop light vehicle began to sputter, run rough, and make noise. I was less than a mile from my home, no check engine light on. I turned the vehicle off, used a scanner to have codes P0106 and P0506 show. I had vehicle towed to Complete Car Care. Misfire on multiple cylinders, 3 push rods bent, one valve spring broken. The right Cylinder head assembly had to be removed and replaced with 8 new push rods, 8 new lifters, gaskets, seals, and valve spring. Total cost 3304.79, the vehicle only has 69,801 miles on it. In addition one of the rear tail lights has a known issue (found out on google), intermittently goes out, was never notified. I took the car to Jim Hudson GMC to be told it would cost 475 plus tax because I did not come in early enough even though it is to be warranted up to 70,000 miles. I am greatly concerned that this engine has the same manufacturing defects of the current recall and extended recall for the GMC Yukon Denali engines.

NHTSA ODI 11702118

Engine failure 6.2L cylinder failure. Recall already in effect for other years. But it seems that it is needed to be expanded. I had to do a complete engine replacement and all oil related components. Metal was found easily in the oil and oil filter. I was luckily in a parking ramp when it happened so I did not crash. I was already driving for 45 minutes prior on the interstate. Could have been very dangerous at high rate of speed.

NHTSA ODI 11696106

Service Trailer Braking System alert intermittent & ongoing for months. Electrical fault? Possible fuse problem? Stranded with kids because car wouldn’t start. Later conducted diagnostics on battery and starter, both normal.

NHTSA ODI 11696231

Engine check light on, Code P0302 cylinder 2 misfire. loud mortar ticking, car makes abrupt jump/move forward.

NHTSA ODI 11691466

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic for repair, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 203,000 and at the time of the vehicle servicing, it was discovered that the mileage was 335,142 in the diagnostic report.

NHTSA ODI 11676119

I was stopped at a traffic light and was informed by another driver that my right tail lamp was not working. There were no warning lights indicating that there was a problem. When I arrived home, it began working after I tapped on it. A few days later, the left tail lamp stopped working. I began to realize that both tail lamps were only working intermittently. Upon inspection by the mechanic, I was informed that this is a common problem with my vehicle and that each replacement part is approximately $900, totaling nearly $2,000 to replace both lamps. This is an obvious safety hazard for myself and for others who may not be able to judge when I am stopping, especially if I have to stop suddenly.

NHTSA ODI 11671411

My transmission failed again after being replaced by General Motors certified dealership. The transmission in question has failed again after less than five months being back in service. In 2024 and 2025 my vehicle has been in and out of the service department at other dealerships and they cannot repair the vehicle according to the dealerships they do not have the staff for it. General motors will not stand behind the transmission as they have now labeled it as a part so they will not have to provide transportation. According to dealerships in my area in Michigan, they do not have the staff or the parts to service my vehicle. I contacted General motors customer service multiple times regarding the situation. We truly have a bad transmission again in my vehicle. The transmission in question is a C8 transmission that has failed due to shuttering and downshifting, which the replacement remanufactured transmission for $8000 continues to fail. General motors will not buy back this vehicle or address this ongoing issue. I truly believe I am not the only person with transmission issues as this is a major defect by the manufacturer, which is General Motors. Will you please look into my complaint is this is caused severe hardship to my family. General Motors needs to take responsibility for this failure to the transmission. I’ve had seven other items that have failed also on this vehicle, including the engine. Thank you for your time and consideration looking into this matter. Sincerely [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11668731

In May 2025, my vehicle suddenly started jerking, shaking, and almost stalled out while driving. I was on a busy 3 lane roadway with 6 passengers total. As I would try to accelerate, the power was significantly decreased. I felt it jerk between shifting several times. My check engine light came on. I was so scared that someone would hit my vehicle and injure us. I brought it to a GMC dealership. They said that my transmission failed, metal in the transmission fluid. How is this possible? Upon researching this problem, this is a common issue with the 2017 GMC Yukon Denali. There are class action law suits and lemon law lawsuits against GMC regarding this problem which causes major safety concerns. My vehicle has been well maintained with lots of service records to prove it. I have babied her and I’ve never towed anything. This transmission issue needs to be addressed and recalled. I need a new transmission which will cost between $5,000-$7,000. This is just horrible and disappointing regarding the quality and reported issues that are not being recalled by GMC.

NHTSA ODI 11666599

Transmission shudder, shifting hard, other Transmission issues

NHTSA ODI 11660036

Lifter stuck 6000.00 dollars worth of damage on 2017 Yukon . All lifters and cam shaft need to be replaced . Vehicle is at foley automotive so I don’t have a receipt yet [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11654694

I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2017 GMC Yukon XL related to the brake vacuum pump. According to recall information (NHTSA Recall ID: N192268490), certain 2015-2017 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles are equipped with a defective vacuum pump that may decrease in output over time. This defect reduces power brake assist, resulting in increased braking effort, a hard brake pedal, and extended stopping distances. These conditions significantly increase the risk of a crash. I have experienced symptoms consistent with this issue, including vibrating brake pedal with no slippage, a hard pedal, ticking noises from the engine, a 'Service Brake Assist' warning message, and difficulty braking. This issues usually occur under 10 mph. These problems compromise the vehicle’s braking performance and pose a direct threat to the safety of myself, my passengers, and other road users.

NHTSA ODI 11654252

I report years ago the seat belts wasn’t work, also all time I report with GMC vibrations and stops power at roads or low power to go in the freeways some times are to , and screen for gos and radio wasn’t work, this was a bad car . I take some videos but the agency try to charge me to check the car. Al of those put my person or others person in a risk because I lost the power in the middle of the road also, 2 of the seats belts are not working 1 of those is for my child, and the screen for gps can make me crazy at roads the system report construction or objects at road and I decrease the velocity in roads and the car was behind me slow or the screen jump from gps to radio or news or whatever some times the touch doesn’t work and I was lost in the roads driving around. The last thing is the vibration went I use the brakes to stop the car is shaking this was my first new car and is bad car and unsafe car

NHTSA ODI 11653331

The engine developed a ticking noise which turned out to be bad lifters and bent lifter rods, and a bad valve lifter oil manifold.

NHTSA ODI 11652093

While driving it will jerk into gear shifting is rough.

NHTSA ODI 11650909

Transmission shudder lunching hard up and down shift

NHTSA ODI 11649872

Transmission Failed at 100,000 miles stalling vehicle brakes pushing back on me.

NHTSA ODI 11638303

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact attempted to depress the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that a dealer and an independent mechanic were contacted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft was not aligned. The contact was informed that the independent mechanic would be able to align the camshaft; however, if the failure persisted there would be a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to N232430470 - Special Coverage (Camshaft Position Actuator Valve Solenoid - Bank 2 (Left Side) Exhaust); however, the VIN was not included in the special coverage program. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.

NHTSA ODI 11637368