WHILE DRIVING FROM GA TO LA ON CHRISTMAS EVE, MY YUKON XL WENT INTO REDUCED ENGINE POWER AND LOST TRACTION CONTROL AND ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE CAR ALMOST INSTANTLY DROPPED FROM 72MPH TO 45MPH AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. I WAS ADVISED BY ONSTAR TO PULL THE CAR OVER AND TURN IT OFF FOR A FEW MINUTES. WHEN I STARTED IT AGAIN, POWER WAS RESTORED, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE…
2009 GMC Yukon engine problems
moderate 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
MY 2009 GMC YUKON XL HAS HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE "REDUCED POWER" MESSAGE. NOT ONLY IS THIS AFFECTING THE DRIVEABILITY OF OUR VEHICLE BUT ALSO THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY SINCE THIS IS OUR FAMILY CAR AND MY WIFE USUALLY IS DRIVING IT WITH OUT FOUR CHILDREN IN IT. IT ALL STARTED IN AUGUST WHEN THE REDUCED POWER MESSAGE CAME ON FOR MY WIFE WITH SERVICE STABILITRAC AND TRACTION CONTROL, WHILE SHE W…
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2009 GMC Yukon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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