VehicleVerdict

2019 GMC Yukon XL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2019 GMC Yukon XL sits mid-pack among Yukon XL years: 79 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 78, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 44% of all reports (35 of 79), far ahead of transmission at 13.

79

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other Yukon XL years?

Yukon XL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon XL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 GMC Yukon XL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3544%
Transmission1316%
Electrical System68%
Brakes56%
Speed Control45%
Driver Assistance45%
Steering45%
Airbags34%
Other23%
Suspension11%
Lighting11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2019 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V289000TransmissionMay 7, 2026 · 66 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.

Consequence

Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.

18V673000Seat BeltsSeptember 26, 2018 · 15,800 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact 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 18315.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Engine Knock, possible piston rods bent. oil in cylinder. cylinder has not enough compression. No safety issues, was able to drive to mechanic without harming myself or others. this is the second vehicle in my family to have lifter or rods issues leading to major engine work. Check engine light…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 18, 2025

“The transmission is shaky, Lower gears the truck seems to fight it way into the next gear, I feel this is happening around 3 to 5 gears. One garage told me the power converter was failing. I changed the transmission fluid and filter and it got better, but sill, this is an expensive truck. This is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 6, 2026

“it's been a known fact and on social media there has been many complaints, why is there nothing being done. this vehichle has a water or moisture problem which goes to the electric connectors and makes the vehichle go in to derate mode and only code it throws is peddle position sensor. which I have…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 12, 2023 · crash

“I WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT ON OHIO TURNPIKE WITH MY FAMILY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRUCK TIRES STARTED TO FEEL WEIRD. I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN A LITTLE BY PUMPING MY BREAKS, BUT THE WHEEL GAVE A SHARP PULL TO THE LEFT FOR NO REASON. I WAS TRAVELING APPROX 60-70 MPH WHEN I FELT A STRONG PULL TO THE LEFT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 4, 2019 · crash

“I WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT ON OHIO TURNPIKE WITH MY FAMILY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRUCK TIRES STARTED TO FEEL WEIRD. I TRIED TO SLOW DOWN A LITTLE BY PUMPING MY BREAKS, BUT THE WHEEL GAVE A SHARP PULL TO THE LEFT FOR NO REASON. I WAS TRAVELING APPROX 60-70 MPH WHEN I FELT A STRONG PULL TO THE LEFT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 4, 2019 · crash

2019 GMC Yukon XL — common questions

Is the 2019 GMC Yukon XL reliable?

It is close to typical for the Yukon XL: 79 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2019 Yukon XL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (35 complaints), transmission (13 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 2019 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 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.