VehicleVerdict

2017 GMC Yukon XL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 206 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.6 times the median Yukon XL year — the 2017 model ranks #5 of 28 Yukon XL years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across lighting (38), transmission (34), and electrical system (31), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

206

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2017 compare to other Yukon XL years?

Yukon XL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted404 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 77 complaints2001: 151 complaints2002: 114 complaints2003: 115 complaints2004: 118 complaints2005: 58 complaints2006: 24 complaints2007: 123 complaints2008: 86 complaints2009: 32 complaints2010: 37 complaints2011: 67 complaints2012: 22 complaints2013: 26 complaints2014: 13 complaints2015: 404 complaints2016: 267 complaints2017: 206 complaints2018: 68 complaints2019: 79 complaints2020: 57 complaints2021: 271 complaints2022: 203 complaints2023: 269 complaints2024: 90 complaints2025: 39 complaints2026: 32 complaints
Yukon XL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon XL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 GMC Yukon XL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting3818%
Transmission3417%
Electrical System3115%
Engine2512%
Brakes2412%
Other2110%
Driver Assistance73%
Fuel System52%
Airbags42%
Seats42%
Speed Control42%
Suspension42%
Steering21%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Seat Belts10%
Body & Structure10%

Does the 2017 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V651000Seat BeltsSeptember 8, 2016 · 3,640,162 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence

A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“LED Taillight failure REAR DRIVERS SIDE. This seems to be a common occurance amongst GMC Yukon Denali XL, where the circuit housing for the LED board begins failure with fissure within the electrical contact points. The fissure soon erupts causing a shunt within the LED semiconductor and causing…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 3, 2021

“DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS, IN AUTOMATIC 4 WHEEL DRIVE OPTION. I TURNED THE CORNER BY MY HOUSE ON A CITY STREET GOING NO MORE THAN 7 MPH. I WAS TAPPING THE BRAKE AS I TURNED. I'M NOT SURE WHAT REALLY HAPPENED AS I WAS BRAKING (THE BRAKES SEEMED WEIRD; KIND OF LIKE ABS), BUT MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 28, 2019 · crash

“The rear break lights malfunctioned and will quite working periodically there has been no inspection from a dealership at this moment and driving at night time puts me and my family at risk due to the fact that I could be rear ended and cause a major accident and my vehicle has no warning light or…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 20, 2021 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FLASHES. VEHICLE RUNS EXTREMELY ROUGH, SLUGGISH AT TIMES. DEALER CHECKED VEHICLE OVER A PERIOD OF TIME AND EVENTUALLY CONFIRMED RANDOM MISFIRES. UNABLE TO FIX ISSUE. UNABLE TO DETERMINE CAUSE. VEHICLE WAS LATER CONFIRMED TO HAVE A FAULTY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 14, 2017

“The rear break lights malfunctioned and will quite working periodically there has been no inspection from a dealership at this moment and driving at night time puts me and my family at risk due to the fact that I could be rear ended and cause a major accident and my vehicle has no warning light or…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 20, 2021 · crash

2017 GMC Yukon XL — common questions

Is the 2017 GMC Yukon XL reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 206 complaints put the 2017 model at #5 of 28 Yukon XL years. It is one of the Yukon XL years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Yukon XL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (38 complaints), transmission (34 complaints), electrical system (31 complaints).

Does the 2017 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 GMC Yukon XL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Yukon XL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon XL years to avoid are 2015, 2021, 2023, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2001, 2007, 2004, 2024, 2008, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2013, 2012, 2014. The cleanest record among Yukon XL years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.