2019 GMC Yukon XL problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 64 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 GMC Yukon XL, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
64
Recalls
2
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Median mileage
105,194 mi
at time of problem

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners not to drive it until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

  • Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 37 of 64 complaints (58%).
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (14) and electrical system (6) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 105,194 mi.
  • Owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries.
  • The 2019 GMC Yukon XL has 2 recalls on file, including at least one “do not drive” warning.
  • It ranks 8th of 22 GMC Yukon XL model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 33% more complaints than the 2018 model year (48).

2019 GMC Yukon XL problems by category

  • 37 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    14 complaints
  • Electrical System · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    5 complaints
  • Steering
    3 complaints
  • Brakes
    3 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    3 complaints
  • Airbags · 2 crashes
    2 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    2 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Engine33
Power train14
Engine and engine cooling6
Electrical system6
Unknown or other3
Steering3
Forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking3
Air bags2

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k110k–30k130k–60k660k–100k10100k–150k2150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2019 GMC Yukon XL complaints that list mileage.

2019 GMC Yukon XL recalls (2)

  • Recall 26V289000May 7, 202666 vehiclesDo not drive
    POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 18V673000Sep 26, 201815,800 vehicles
    SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

    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."

    Risk: 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.

Recent 2019 GMC Yukon XL complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 29, 2026117,200 miFLTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was cautiously driven to the residence and parked. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine active fuel management lifter in cylinder #1 had failed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced, and the…
    NHTSA complaint #11767767 · source
  2. Filed Aug 25, 2026COEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
    Vehicle started showing a po308 code. Called sewell gmc In midland where I purchased the vehical they were 2 months out on diagnostic services. So I took it to another shop. They ran a camera into the problem cylinder and for scaring on the walls. They said it was due to the afm system and the engine was unrepairable. So now I am out 17,000 dollars and stranded over 700 miles from my home due to a manufactured defect.
    NHTSA complaint #11759501 · source
  3. Filed Jul 26, 2026NYDriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / Unknown
    My vehicle keeps showing a front camera warning and we went to the dealership multiple times and they were unable to diagnose the problem. This seems to be a widespread common problem among many owners and it’s a safety concern affecting parking and forward collision.
    NHTSA complaint #11752916 · source
  4. Filed Jul 15, 202647,000 miNYTowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop at a stop sign, the vehicle started shaking violently, with an unknown flashing warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with a lifter failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was covered under warranty; however, upon a further follow-up, the dealer informed the contact that the…
    NHTSA complaint #11750693 · source
  5. Filed Jul 13, 2026158,000 miMDEngine
    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving and while the vehicle was parked on several occasions, there was a tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the lifters were inoperable, and the lifters and or the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11749961 · source
  6. Filed Jun 17, 2026MAEngine
    I was driving vehicle and came up to a stop sign, once I was clear to go I stepped on the gas heard a clunking sound and the car shut off.
    NHTSA complaint #11744893 · source
  7. Filed May 20, 2026CTEngine
    Truck Trembling/Rumbling notices when idle . The truck has seen 2 mechanics dealers inspection, concluding that the truck needs a new engine.
    NHTSA complaint #11738984 · source
  8. Filed May 13, 2026135,000 miVAElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that on several occasions while stopped and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle reversed inadvertently and then jerked forward to accelerate. The contact added that the battery was drained but the failure was not the most important to report at this time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter needed to be replaced. The issue reoccurred the same day. The vehicle was taken to the…
    NHTSA complaint #11737523 · source

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Other 2019 GMC models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. 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