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2017 GMC Yukon Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2017 GMC Yukon carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering vacuum and wheel speed sensor/tone ring. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission failure and hard shifting.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

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3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Campaign #19V645000 · Jun 9, 2019

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.

Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

Campaign #19V761000 · Oct 24, 2019

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.

Risk: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign #16V651000 · Aug 9, 2016

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 GMC Yukon.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission failure and hard shifting

POWER TRAIN

47 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2026-04

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730014
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11728048
“BEGINNING AROUND 56,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION STARTED LURCHING AND STUTTERING AT SLOW SPEEDS. IT IS WORSE WHEN COLD BUT NEVER QUITE GOES AWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11289661

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine lifter failure and knocking noise

ENGINE

16 NHTSA complaints · 2020-07 → 2026-07

“While traveling at highway speeds, my 2017 GMC Yukon SLE suffered a sudden, catastrophic Active Fuel Management (AFM) valvetrain lifter and camshaft collapse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753782
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11637458
“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the lifters were previously replaced in 2021 at the manufacturer's expense”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704527

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Magnetic Ride Control strut and shock leak

SUSPENSION

6 NHTSA complaints · 2020-12 → 2026-05

“FRONT MAGNETIC SHOCKS QUICKLY FAILED, PART NO. SK3354. PART HAS BEEN ON BACKORDER FOR OVER A MONTH, WHICH MEANS IT IS FAILING ON MANY VEHICLES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11383390
“There is a known issue with the GMC strutts leaking. I contacted several GMC dealerships to purchase strutts so that a local mechanic could put fix my truck without the dealership pricing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423199
“Magneride defect - struts leaking !!! 85,000 miles This is unacceptable- car is dangerous- bouncing - rough ride- shaky- jerking Should be a recalll!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659602

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Tail lamp LED circuit board failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

57 NHTSA complaints · 2018-03 → 2026-06

“Rear LED taillights circuit boards broken. Disabling both Stop tail lights causing serious safety hazard. We had no clue driving around and we didn't have any brake lights another driver had to tell us”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11577011
“VEHICLE FIRE. INVESTIGATION REVEALED POINT OF ORIGIN WAS IN LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. CAUSE DETERMINED TO BE AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11079505
“THE GMC YUKON MODELS IN ALL TRIMS, HAVE FAULTY LED STRIPS THAT CAUSE THE BRAKE LIGHTS TO FAIL ON THE LEFT, AND RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11266685

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake vacuum pump failure and hard pedal at low speed

SERVICE BRAKES

24 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2026-06

“The recall repair for the brake vacuum pump did not hold for this vehicle. Even after the repair, several years later, the brakes would get hard as a rock, especially at low speeds and there was difficult stopping the vehicle”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745056
“WHILE COMING TO TRAFFIC LIGHTS TO MAKE A STOP THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE PEDAL BEGINS TO GET HARDER AND HARDER TO PRESS WHILE LOSING THE ABILITY TO STOP THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11131670
“HAVE NO BRAKES AT LOW SPEED DUE TO FAULTY VACUUM PUMP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11170124

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

A/C condenser refrigerant leak

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

11 NHTSA complaints · 2020-05 → 2025-05

“WHILE DRIVING, MY A/C CLIMATE CONTROL HAS FAILED IN 2017 GMC YUKON (MILAGE 78,734). THIS HAS CAUSED A DANGEROUS PROBLEM WHEN THE WINDSHIELD FOGGED UP AND I COULDN'T SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD ALMOST CAUSING A CRASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11374877
“MY CAR A/C HAS A LEAK AT THE CONDENSER, THIS IS A DEFECT KNOWN BY GMC, THEY ONLY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY UP TO 60,000 MILES AND 72,000 ON CADILLAC, MY YUKON ACTUALLY HAS 71,500”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11390963
“The air condition lines that feed the rear compartment of the vehicle rub above the rear tire and put a hole in the line. The cost to replace was $2,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658359

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

Long-life cellulose filter rated 45,000 miles. Trucks driven on unpaved roads or construction sites should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (towing 5,000+ lbs regularly, heavy stop-and-go): every 45,000 miles. Normal: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI for 6L80/6L90, Mobil 1 LV ATF HP for 10L80/10L1000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

On 4WD models, replace every 45,000 miles. Use GM Auto-Trak II for active 4WD; GM 9986115 for selectable 4WD.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 50,000 mi

Replace front and rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. G80 limited-slip rear axles require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on the L83/L84 5.3L and L86/L87 6.2L V8 are rated 100,000 miles. AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation can cause uneven plug wear — check at 75,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000. Duramax diesel uses ELC (red) — different chemistry, do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

12 crashes 1990–2024

How the 12 occupant deaths break down

10

driver deaths

2

passenger deaths

12

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2018 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

10

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2017 GMC Yukon reflects GMC's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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