This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 GMC Yukon powertrain problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 31 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 GMC Yukon, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Thirty-one complaints detail a powertrain that fails in multiple ways. The transmission is the biggest culprit: it breaks down from 4,000 miles onward, sometimes with a broken forward sprag that kills drive capability, or it slips and shifts hard enough to damage motor mounts. Owners pay $1,500 to $4,000+ per repair, and GM has occasionally covered 40–50 percent after complaints.
The throttle body sensor causes the vehicle to enter limp mode unpredictably, cutting power from 55–70 mph down to 20 mph on highways—a genuine hazard. Engine light codes point to this component, but replacing it doesn't permanently fix the problem; the failure recurs.
Engine lifters fail prematurely, making a loud knocking sound. Rear axle bearings collapse repeatedly (one owner had three replacements), then the differential locks and breaks, forcing expensive repairs. Park engagement fails in at least two cases—the vehicle rolls backward uncontrolled. The engine itself succumbs to low oil pressure and bearing wear, requiring full replacement.
Stabilitrak and traction control systems malfunction persistently. One owner paid $1,100 for a BCM replacement, got the same warning lights back two days later. Dealers have offered partial cost assistance on multiple repairs, suggesting internal awareness of these defects, yet refuse formal recalls or extended coverage. The powertrain is unreliable and dangerous.
Same GMC Yukon powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission failure / forward sprag breakage
Internal transmission failure typically involving a broken forward sprag or complete transmission failure requiring replacement. Manifests as loss of drive in forward gears while reverse remains functional, engine revving without acceleration, or hard shifting that worsens over time.
When: Reported from as low as 4,000 miles up to 200,000 miles; some cases within 6 years of ownership with low mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of drive in forward gears; reverse works normally; Engine revs without acceleration; Hard or harsh transmission shifts, especially 2nd to 3rd; Transmission slipping while driving; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle jerks or lurches during shifting
Codes mentioned: Transmission failure codes (specific codes not stated in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Forward sprag replacement ($1,500–$3,000); complete transmission replacement ($2,400–$4,000+). One case reported 40% manufacturer assistance after complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Home Office offered 40% cost assistance in at least one case after initial complaint; some cases received partial dealer coverage (50% discount on labor).
Throttle body / pedal sensor failure causing limp mode
Electronic throttle control or accelerator pedal sensor malfunction causing the vehicle to enter limp mode (reduced power mode), limiting speed to 20 mph. Check engine light and traction control warnings illuminate. The issue recurs even after replacement.
When: Reported across entire ownership range; some incidents occur multiple times within same vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light and traction control warning illuminate; Vehicle enters limp mode, speed limited to 20 mph; Loss of power and acceleration response; Vehicle becomes sluggish and difficult to drive; Stability control light and stabilitrak warnings illuminate; Accelerator pedal does not respond when depressed
Codes mentioned: P0121 (throttle body), Throttle body sensor codes
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement ($580–$631); ECM reprogramming or replacement; floor pedal sensor replacement. Multiple repairs often required as problem recurs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue covered under warranty if under 100K miles; some dealers charge $95–$110 for diagnostic. Problem known among Denali owners. Dealership techs reportedly instructed not to work on the system in some cases.
Engine lifter / valve train failure
Premature failure of engine lifters causing severe knocking noise, backfiring, and rough idle. Occurs at low mileage on vehicles with no tune-up requirement until 100,000 miles.
When: Not explicitly stated; reported on vehicles with moderate to low mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking noise from engine compartment, sounds like hammering; Engine backfiring; Unstable idle; Service light and check engine light illuminate; Traction control service light comes on
Codes mentioned: Lifter failure (specific diagnostic codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Two lifter replacement quoted at $2,700; dealerships offered 50% cost reduction on multiple occasions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repairs not covered under warranty once warranty expires; dealers offering partial coverage (50% of costs) in multiple cases, suggesting awareness of pattern.
Rear axle / differential bearing failure and locking
Repeated rear axle bearing failures causing loud humming noise, followed by differential gear breakage and locking while driving. Associated with potential service technician error in bolt tightening.
When: 43K miles (first replacement), 93K miles (second), 123K miles (third occurrence and locking event).
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely loud humming noise from rear axle; Differential gears break and lock while driving; Vehicle becomes immobilized on freeway
Codes mentioned: Differential/rear axle failure (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Rear axle bearing replacement twice under warranty; differential gear replacement required after locking failure (repairs exceed $5,000). Mechanic found improperly tightened bolt at previous repair location.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM customer service refused to cover out-of-warranty repairs. Dealer that performed initial repairs refused to correct their work.
Park / transmission engagement failure causing rollback
Vehicle rolls backward after being placed in Park and key removed, or vehicle fails to properly lock in Park. Safety hazard when vehicle is unattended on inclines.
When: Not explicitly stated in narrative.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward after being placed in Park and key removed; Vehicle rolls downhill uncontrollably (one case: ~100 yards down ~20 feet slope, over a 4-foot wall); Driver unable to stop rollback once started
Codes mentioned: Park engagement failure (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Not stated.
Four-wheel drive transfer case shift failure
Transfer case fails to shift into or out of 4WD mode despite audible shift engagement. Warning light flashes indicating shift did not occur; manual states not shifting into gear can damage transmission.
When: Not explicitly stated.
Symptoms owners cite: Service 4WD message appears on instrument panel; Amber warning light flashes; shift not occurring despite being felt; Problem works intermittently
Codes mentioned: Transfer case shift failure (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repair did not resolve issue; problem recurred after vehicle returned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletins exist for this issue on NHTSA website.
Engine bearing / oil pressure failure
Premature engine bearing wear and low oil pressure failure resulting in catastrophic engine damage, dropped cylinder valves, and complete engine failure requiring replacement.
When: 168,000 miles (one case); problem noted as ongoing issue since model year 2005 or earlier.
Symptoms owners cite: Catastrophic engine failure while driving; Low oil pressure over extended time; Engine bearing wear; Dropped cylinder valves; Check oil light comes on after only ~1,000 miles on fresh oil change
Codes mentioned: Low oil pressure (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required (cost not stated); owner paid full cost as repair was out of original warranty. One narrative references prior recall for 2021+ models for similar issue.
Stabilitrak / traction control system malfunction
Stabilitrak and traction control lights illuminate repeatedly, sometimes combined with reduced engine power mode. System disabling and re-enabling without resolving underlying issue.
When: Recurrent throughout ownership; one case noted after other repairs.
Symptoms owners cite: Stabilitrak light illuminates and flickers; Traction control warning light comes on; Service stability track light appears; When stabilitrak off, transmission shifts roughly and car lurches forward; Lights remain on even after turn-off and restart
Codes mentioned: Stabilitrak/traction control codes (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: One case: BCM module replacement ($1,100) did not resolve recurring issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM customer service declined to help in at least one case.
Sudden power loss and forced deceleration (unintended limp mode activation)
Vehicle suddenly loses all engine power while driving at highway speeds, forcing rapid deceleration to 20–50 mph without driver input. Vehicle may need to be restarted and re-driven at reduced speed.
When: Occurs at various mileages and multiple times in same vehicles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly shuts down from highway speed (55–70 mph) to 20–50 mph in seconds; Check engine light illuminates; Traction control and stabilitrak warnings illuminate; Engine bucking and missing; No steering control reported in one incident; Vehicle becomes drivable again after 15–60 minute wait and engine restart
Codes mentioned: Check engine code (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement attempted in multiple cases; repairs do not permanently resolve issue.
Hard transmission shifting and jerking
Transmission shifts harshly, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear, causing vehicle to jerk or lurch. Can occur during acceleration, deceleration, or at stop lights.
When: Throughout vehicle lifespan; one case noted harsh shifts initiated problem that worsened over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh or jerky transmission shifts, particularly 2nd to 3rd; Vehicle jerks or lurches at stop lights; Transmission slips or fails to engage properly; Thumping sensation when removing foot from brake to accelerate; Hard shifts combined with loud noise; RPMs reverse or spike when accelerating
Codes mentioned: Transmission shift quality codes (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body sensor replacement and motor mount replacement attempted; transmission replacement recommended ($2,400) but not always completed.
Unintended downshift and acceleration while coasting
Vehicle unexpectedly downshifts and accelerates while driver's foot is off the accelerator pedal, sometimes while coasting downhill. Occurs intermittently.
When: Not explicitly stated; reported on vehicles with varying mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle downshifts and accelerates without driver input; Foot off accelerator but vehicle accelerates; Occurs while coasting at 45 mph; Normal operation returns after brake application
Codes mentioned: Unintended acceleration/downshift code (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Not stated.
Transmission loss of drive in specific gears
Vehicle loses power in Drive or higher gears but retains power in lower gears (1st, 2nd, or 3rd). Engine revs but no acceleration; vehicle barely moves or stops completely.
When: Not explicitly stated; reported across range of mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: No power in Drive gear; power available in lower gears; Engine revs without acceleration; Vehicle barely moves even in 1st gear or stops completely; Loud rubbing/grinding noise; Hard shifting prior to failure in some cases
Codes mentioned: Transmission failure codes (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission repair or replacement necessary; one case noted independent mechanic advised replacement was needed.
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I took the vehicle to my local GMC dealership located in ithaca, (maquire Chevy-Cadillac) near ithaca mall. The vehicle engine sound like if someone was hitting the engine with a hard object, all the lights on the dashboard come on. The service tech told me that they would fix the problem,later that night I picked up the vehicle and drove less than a mile from the dealership and the same noise…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2007 GMC Yukon?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2007 GMC Yukon?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 54,000 and 101,000 miles, with the median around 90,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 54,000; a quarter make it past 101,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/GMC/Yukon.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.