This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 GMC Yukon powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 GMC Yukon have filed 44 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 50,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
44
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Yukon | 5 |
| 2014 Yukon | 3 |
| 2015 Yukon | 40 |
| 2016 Yukon | 33 |
| 2017 Yukon (this page) | 44 |
| 2018 Yukon | 16 |
| 2019 Yukon | 11 |
| 2020 Yukon | 14 |
| 2021 Yukon | 42 |
When does it fail?
Of the 44 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 GMC Yukon, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Of the 22 model years of GMC Yukon we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 44.
Owners have filed 44 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.
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.
This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the transmission is slipping when shifting into 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gears. This may be due to loose stator support to pump cover bolts causing a leak at the stator support to pump cover gasket. Technician will check for the bolts to be loose. If any of the bolts are loose or the gasket is misaligned or leaking, the transmission pump cover must be replaced and the 1234 clutch plates should be inspected for being distressed and repaired as needed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 GMC Yukon's 8-speed automatic transmission (Hydra-Matic 8L90) is generating widespread failure complaints. Owners describe hard, delayed, or jerking gear changes—especially in low-speed traffic—accompanied by violent lurching when accelerating from stops. Many report the transmission slipping out of gear, failing to engage drive or reverse, or remaining stuck in a single gear. Several owners had transmission replacements or rebuilds fail again within months or 2,000 miles. The torque converter also fails unexpectedly, sometimes grenading and blowing metal debris through the transmission, with mileages ranging from 60,000 to 140,000 miles.
The problems occur well outside the factory warranty period. Dealerships repeatedly tell owners the harsh shifting is "normal" for the 8-speed and cannot be fixed. GM has issued 13+ technical service bulletins on this transmission and has known of the defect since 2018; a federal class action lawsuit covering this exact vehicle and transmission has been certified by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Despite this documented pattern, GM refuses warranty coverage once the vehicle exceeds its 3–4 year warranty window, forcing owners to pay $6,000–$12,000+ for transmission replacement out of pocket.
Beyond transmission problems, some owners report electrical faults (instrument cluster gauges flickering, alternator overcharging), engine failure on the interstate, and fuel injector issues. The intermittent nature of shifting failures makes it difficult for dealerships to replicate and diagnose the problem, leaving owners frustrated and unsafe.
Same GMC Yukon powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Shifting Failures (Hard, Delayed, Jerking, Lurching, Slipping)
The 8-speed automatic transmission (Hydra-Matic 8L90) exhibits unpredictable and harsh gear changes. Owners report hard or delayed shifts with loud thumps, violent lurching when accelerating from stops, sudden jerking during acceleration or deceleration, gear slipping, and hesitation between shifts. In low-speed traffic (10–20 mph), the transmission lunges or jerks repeatedly. Some vehicles slip out of gear or fail to engage drive or reverse altogether. One owner's transmission was rebuilt under a 2020 recall for the same defect but failed again in 2026.
When: Most commonly in low-speed traffic or when starting from a stop. Issues begin at mileages ranging from 50,000 to 140,000+ miles. Several owners report problems within the first few years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard or harsh gear changes with loud thumping sound; Violent lurching when accelerating from a stop; Jerking and hesitation during acceleration and deceleration; Delayed engagement when shifting into drive or reverse; Gear slipping or transmission slipping out of gear; Shuddering or vibration during acceleration; Transmission stuck in one gear or fails to shift; 1–2 second delays in shifting into gear; Grinding, whining, or clunking sounds when shifting; Loss of power when attempting to accelerate; Transmission downshifts on its own at low speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required in many cases; costs range from $6,000 to over $12,000 out of pocket. Some owners had torque converters replaced ($600), valve body and TCM repaired ($540), or transmission fluid changes. One owner's transmission was rebuilt under warranty but failed again within 2,000 miles. Another had a torque converter replaced but dealership could not obtain part from manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has issued 13+ technical service bulletins on this transmission and acknowledged the defect since at least 2018. A federal class action (Speerly v. General Motors, E.D. Michigan) covering 2015–2019 GM vehicles with this transmission has been certified and upheld by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Despite this, GM refuses warranty coverage once vehicles exceed factory warranty (typically 3–4 years or 36,000–60,000 miles). Dealerships tell owners the issue is 'normal' for the 8-speed transmission and cannot be repaired. No recalls issued for the transmission failure itself.
Torque Converter Failure
The torque converter fails, producing high-pitched humming or grinding sounds and complete loss of power. Failures occur suddenly without warning lights. In one case, RPMs fluctuated during cruise control use, then the torque converter 'grenaded,' blowing metal through the transmission.
When: Mileage ranges from 60,000 to 126,000 miles. One owner reported failure at 60,000 miles; another at 126,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched humming sound when transmission slips; Sudden loss of power and inability to accelerate; Metal debris in transmission fluid (indicates converter destruction); Grinding or clunking noises; No warning lights illuminated before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replacement required ($600 mentioned in one case). One owner's torque converter 'grenaded,' requiring full transmission rebuild or replacement. Dealership unable to source replacement part from manufacturer in at least one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued. Owners report GM offered no financial assistance or warranty coverage after factory warranty expired.
Transmission Control Module (TCM) and Engine Control Module (ECM) Failures
TCM and ECM failures contribute to transmission malfunction or prevent proper diagnosis. One owner replaced ECM ($200+) after transmission repairs did not fully resolve shifting issues. Another owner had TCM and ECM flash updates performed after transmission replacement, but the slipping issue recurred within 2,000 miles.
When: Can occur concurrently with transmission shifting issues or after transmission repair attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission not shifting correctly despite repairs; Multiple misfires and shuttering at idle; Vehicle unable to accelerate properly; Check engine light blinking or flashing intermittently
Codes mentioned: Fuel efficiency codes (post-transmission failure, per one owner)
Repairs/costs cited: ECM replacement cost approximately $200+. TCM and ECM flash updates performed at dealership; costs not specified. Issues persist after updates in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships perform flash updates as troubleshooting. No recalls or extended warranty coverage noted.
Transmission Fluid Contamination and Metal Debris
Transmission fluid becomes contaminated with metal shavings, indicating internal transmission wear or failure. Dealerships attempt transmission fluid flushes to remove metal debris, but the underlying problem persists.
When: Occurs during the progression of transmission problems, typically before complete transmission failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Metal shavings found in transmission fluid during inspection; Vibration while driving (reported to be caused by metal debris)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple transmission fluid changes and flushes performed ($540 mentioned in one case, multiple flushes in another). Does not resolve the underlying shifting problems.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships recommend fluid flushes as a service, but acknowledge this is a temporary measure.
Engine Failure (Separate from Transmission)
At least two owners reported engine failure unrelated to transmission issues. One owner's engine failed at 118,000 miles with a knocking sound; another had transmission and engine failure diagnosed at 50,000 miles. Engine repair costs exceed $12,000.
When: 118,000 miles (one case); 50,000 miles (another case). One owner's engine failure occurred on the interstate.
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking sound followed by complete engine shutdown; Engine stalls unexpectedly; Vehicle unable to restart without towing
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement or rebuild cost over $12,000. Vehicle rendered inoperable and unable to be driven home from repair shop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage or manufacturer assistance reported.
Instrument Cluster and Electrical Malfunctions
Instrument cluster gauges go haywire, with gauges turning on and off, screens going blank, and start/stop button malfunctioning. Vehicle locks and unlocks randomly, and start/stop feature does not work correctly. Alternator overcharges, and battery distribution fuse block fails.
When: Reported in October 2022 (one vehicle at approximately 79,000 miles); can occur intermittently or during start/stop operation.
Symptoms owners cite: Gauges flickering on and off; Instrument cluster screens going blank; Vehicle locking/unlocking randomly; Start/stop button causing vehicle to continue running; Alternator overcharging (16.5V instead of normal ~14.4V); Sporadic nature makes diagnosis difficult
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement cost $290. Battery Distribution Fuse Block replacement cost $153 (not a standard $8–10 mega fuse). Gauges continue to malfunction intermittently even after replacements.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None reported. Issues persist outside of factory warranty.
Synthesized from 44 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Transmission shutter causes the car to vibrate which could lead to transmission failure.
Beginning around 56,000 miles the transmission started lurching and stuttering at slow speeds. It is worse when cold but never quite goes away. Dealership kept it for 3 days and felt it but said all was within normal range. Beginning around 65,000 it started stuttering when trying to accelerate while in motion, such as on the highway when trying to pass. This is not only annoying but dangerous…
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The front of the vehicle was shaking. The contact stated that while at a stoplight with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle stalled but independently restarted. The engine warning light flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed…
The transmission or torque converter are shuddering how do we fix, how do I protect family, will the transmission fall out on highway can I keep driving and be safety with family?
Lifters
Vehicle Malfunction Incident Report On [11/2724], while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle experienced a sudden and significant loss of power and gear shifting capabilities. The engine accelerated, but the vehicle struggled to move and shift gears, making it difficult to cross the intersection. After a short distance, the vehicle accelerated again, but there was no forward movement. The…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 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 2017 GMC Yukon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 44 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 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 24,000 and 78,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,000; a quarter make it past 78,000. 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/2017/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.