2015 GMC Yukon XL engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

23 owners have reported engine problems with the 2015 GMC Yukon XL, 16% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 112,000 mi.

Engine complaints
23
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
112,000 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine22
Engine and engine cooling1

Engine complaints across GMC Yukon XL years

22005412009132011112013232320162114201837262020156124202215859202417232026
Engine complaints by model year. The 2015 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k60k–100k6100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jun 4, 2026238,000 miARDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH to work, the vehicle shifted into neutral and into low and failed to drive at about 20 MPH. The check engine light was flashing. The front collision was unavailable. The contact left the vehicle at a gas station. Upon research, the contact located NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V374000 (Power Train), which was similar to the failure. The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed there were no open…
    NHTSA complaint #11742098 · source
  2. Filed Mar 23, 2026143,000 miILBrakesEngine
    The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH and exiting the highway, the brake pedal was depressed but the brake pedal was stiff and stuck, requiring that the transmission be shifted to neutral(N), and to stand on the brake pedal with both feet. The contact continuously pumped the brake pedal, but the vehicle slowly responded and almost crashed into other vehicles. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact's wife and daughter…
    NHTSA complaint #11726283 · source
  3. Filed Jan 19, 2026TXEngine
    While driving back home from my trip the truck all a sudden made a squealing noise and the engine just stopped. I was on the high way . I was able to coast the vehicle off onto the exit ramp. The vehicle was towed home. The following day it was towed to the repair shop. The shop has confirmed engine failure. Will need to replace the engine . Still waiting for warranty approval.
    NHTSA complaint #11711796 · source
  4. Filed Dec 9, 2025100,000 miMIEngine
    The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the vehicle started shaking with a tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed around the block, the failure persisted. The vehicle was parked at the residence. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters in…
    NHTSA complaint #11703969 · source
  5. Filed Jul 8, 2025GAEngine
    The Active Fuel Management (AFM) system malfunctioned causing not all engine cylinders to fire at critical times, thus causing a safety issue when the vehicle has insufficient power traveling at highway speed. The AFM is intended to transition from 8 cylinder power to 4 cylinder power to save fuel. However it malfunctioned so that it couldn't transition back from 4 cylinder power. The malfunction occurred while driving at highway speed, approximately 70 mph and towing a…
    NHTSA complaint #11672077 · source
  6. Filed May 14, 2025127,000 miLATowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. While the contact's wife was driving 50 MPH, the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start several times; however, the battery and…
    NHTSA complaint #11660885 · source
  7. Filed May 5, 2025112,000 miMITowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. and no warning lights were illuminated. The contact immediately pulled over, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the crankshaft was faulty, and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number:…
    NHTSA complaint #11659107 · source
  8. Filed May 1, 2025SCEngine
    While driving my check engine light came on. Engine was shaking and running awful. Smoke was coming from the tailpipe. Mechanic upon inspection informed me that a lifter had failed. Causing damage to the cylinder head. Also causing the fuel injectors to fail. The cylinder head had to be removed and sent to machine shop for repairs. Mechanic informed me that this is a very common failure for LS motors. Repair bill was $5300 for parts and labor.
    NHTSA complaint #11658297 · source
  9. Filed Apr 30, 2025IDEngine
    In December 2024 took my GMC Yukon XL to a mechanic. They replaced the lifter in the driver side of the engine. 2500 miles later it is back in the shop for the same side. Now there is a bent rod. One of the lifter/Rod spots collapsed. The mechanic is in contact with the local GMC dealer to figure out what the next steps are. The recent symptoms had to have car towed back to Fairly reliable Bobs mechanic. Pictures were taken and sent to GMC. First time this happened I heard a…
    NHTSA complaint #11657944 · source
  10. Filed Apr 30, 2025MEEngine
    in september the check engine light came on and the care began making aloud knocking noise. When we brought it to our mechanic he let us know that the engine had bad connection rods and I would need a new engine. The mechanic stated he has seen this multiple times on GM V8 Motors
    NHTSA complaint #11657805 · source
  11. Filed Apr 27, 2025GAEngine
    While driving, the check engine light started to blink and there was a steady knocking coming from the engine. This is the same issues that GMC is currently recalling newer model vehicles for. Safety was at risk because the engine failure happened while driving.
    NHTSA complaint #11657033 · source
  12. Filed Apr 16, 2025127,000 miLATowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to steer the vehicle into a parking lot. The contact stated that his wife attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that his wife observed that the check engine warning light illuminated while attempting to…
    NHTSA complaint #11654930 · source

Other 2015 GMC Yukon XL problem areas

Back to all 2015 GMC Yukon XL problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology