Transmission failure at 167,000 miles. Transmission failed during a 100 mile trip initially slipping and eventually would not engage. Vehicle traveled on I 26 and could have resulted in accident on this 80 mph interstate. This vehicle is typically driven by my wife. No warning and GM Onstar provided vehicle diagnostic check in days prior to failure with no issues. Technician advised…
2015 GMC Yukon powertrain problems
moderate 40 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Owners have filed 40 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.
Among the 21 model years of GMC Yukon in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
My vehicle started out with a rumble and driving rough. Then it started jumping out of gear. Took it to Transmission shop and they said the have had a lot of SUV’s of the same model with the same problem. It was the transmission. Had it fixed, with a hefty price of 4,900 dollars.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2015 GMC Yukon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 40 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 5,000 and 61,000 miles, with the median around 19,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 61,000. 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.