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2025 GMC Yukon XL Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 2026
Daniel Wilson
2025 GMC Yukon XL Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2025 GMC Yukon XL has 18 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve service brakes and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.6/ 10

Based on 18 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

SERVICE BRAKES

4 22.2%

ENGINE

3 16.7%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 11.1%

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 11.1%

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

1 5.6%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is SERVICE BRAKES, accounting for 22.2% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 11 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2025 GMC Yukon XL

The 2025 GMC Yukon XL has 18 owner complaints in this dataset. SERVICE BRAKES is the most common complaint category, representing about 22% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2025 GMC Yukon XL are SERVICE BRAKES (4), ENGINE (3), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 9 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2025 GMC Yukon XL?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2024 Yukon XL complaints2026 Yukon XL complaints2023 Yukon XL complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 11 of 11 systems

SERVICE BRAKES

4 Reports22% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Roughly one to two times per day, a notification pops up on the infotainment screen stating that the brakes need to be serviced due to the brake assist system failing. The vehicle has been brought to 3 different dealerships and none of them know what the problem is, how to fix it, or whether it is safe to drive the vehicle still. The brakes seem to be working fine, however, it is concerning that even if the notification is safe to ignore, the brakes could indeed end up failing and the driver may not be aware due to receiving frequent brake failure notifications per day.

4/25/2025

keep quit working when i was driving , i just pick up from delearship for i another issue with on-star and is not part available is been there for over month not fix and now the brakes issue

9/19/2025

2 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

3 Reports17% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

We purchased the 2025 GMC Yukon XL on February 26, 2025. While I was heading out on March 24, 2025 I had a total engine failure. No warning sign or warning lamps were present. We had the vehicle towed to Hurd Auto Mall in Johnston Rhode Island where we purchased it. We were told that the engine had seized with only 1,488 miles on it. We saw that over 870,000 GMC engines from 2021-2024 had this same issue and/or have been recalled. We are curious if the 2025 model also have this problem.

4/26/2025

DuraMAX 3.0L LZ0 engine with defective crankshaft thrust bearing caused catastrophic engine failure requiring engine replacement. The event occurred at about 1,000 miles. There is a GM TSB that addresses this issue. This failure displayed all of the symptoms as described in the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 25-NA-307. The engine has been replaced by GM. There was only one cryptic dashboard message that "acceleration may be reduced", that briefly appeared and then disappeared, three days before the incident. With no check engine light, the mysterious message was chalked up to possibly a DEF low warning. DEF was added. The vehicle displayed no problems during those three days -handling normally. Then while at interstate speeds approximately 90 miles later, the warning that "acceleration is limited" flashed and the vehicle went into limp mode, shortly thereafter the check engine light illuminated. OnStar read the code - P06DD. The email from them stated the recommended action: "Service within 7 days." The following morning the vehicle was presented to a GM dealership service department. Loud "knocking" noises were originating from the rear of the engine compartment at that point in time. The service department reported the engine needed replacement and did so.

11/16/2025

1 more complaint is available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

Roughly one to two times per day, a notification pops up on the infotainment screen stating that the brakes need to be serviced due to the brake assist system failing. The vehicle has been brought to 3 different dealerships and none of them know what the problem is, how to fix it, or whether it is safe to drive the vehicle still. The brakes seem to be working fine, however, it is concerning that even if the notification is safe to ignore, the brakes could indeed end up failing and the driver may not be aware due to receiving frequent brake failure notifications per day.

4/25/2025

keep quit working when i was driving , i just pick up from delearship for i another issue with on-star and is not part available is been there for over month not fix and now the brakes issue

9/19/2025

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

2 Reports11% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

keep quit working when i was driving , i just pick up from delearship for i another issue with on-star and is not part available is been there for over month not fix and now the brakes issue

9/19/2025

My brakes stopped working randomly. Alarms started going off in the car. Thankfully I was able to quickly turn right instead of rolling into traffic. This was terrifying and could have caused a very serious wreck.

11/21/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

On August 9th at 5:30PM roughly, while attempting to park using the vehicle’s Park Assist feature, the system failed to function properly—specifically, it failed to detect a pole at the rear of a parking space, did not slow or brake the vehicle, and was not even aware it would contact the pole. It then collided with the pole. Also, intermittently the forward collision alert system either does not alert for similar circumstances as it just previously did. Seem untrustworthy. Scary. GM's product allegation team (PAC) had all of the necessary information to show the system does not work 100% of the time (I have it all on video and submitted that) and they denied my claim and refused to admit a system failure even when given the videos showing the park assist failing to engage properly ON VIDEO.

9/18/2025

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

On August 9th at 5:30PM roughly, while attempting to park using the vehicle’s Park Assist feature, the system failed to function properly—specifically, it failed to detect a pole at the rear of a parking space, did not slow or brake the vehicle, and was not even aware it would contact the pole. It then collided with the pole. Also, intermittently the forward collision alert system either does not alert for similar circumstances as it just previously did. Seem untrustworthy. Scary. GM's product allegation team (PAC) had all of the necessary information to show the system does not work 100% of the time (I have it all on video and submitted that) and they denied my claim and refused to admit a system failure even when given the videos showing the park assist failing to engage properly ON VIDEO.

9/18/2025

POWER TRAIN

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Transmission malfunctioned 4 separate times. Engine and service transmission light came on. Vehicle shifted hard and became immobile at certain times. 4 tropes to a dealer for repair. Latest repair was replacing ECM and problem still persists.

9/22/2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The rear view camera is not sufficient for full time use. The camera is positioned too low and during times of dawn/night/dusk if a truck of similar size pulls up behind you, your camera is completely blinded by headlights. Leaving you unable to see anything in the rear view camera. This is a serious safety concern as you are unable to see if anyone is approaching your vehicle to cause you harm. The low camera placement also does not allow for an acceptable/comparable view as using the rear view mirror. The zoom does not pull out far enough to see multiple lanes of traffic and even during the daylight, if someone is approaching the vehicle to cause you harm, it would not be visible. The camera placement only allows you to view the front grill or hood of the vehicle behind you.

9/29/2025

WHEELS

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

I am writing as the owner of a new 2025 GMC Yukon XL AT4 VIN: [XXX] , purchase date: 01AUG2025, from Elizabeth City GMC, Elizabeth City, NC. This vehicle, equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine and Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance, was purchased for safe family travel, including space for my wife, our 21-year-old daughter, and our family dog(s). At approximately 4,300 miles—well within the 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty—this truck suffered a catastrophic right-rear brake failure directly attributable to a dealer-installed GMC-approved Brembo Performance Brake Upgrade Package, resulting in a near-fatal highway incident and profound emotional hardship for my family. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

11/13/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Reduced engine power warning light came on at approximately 7600 miles on our new 2025 Yukon xl. Dealer inspected and ultimately decided the engine needs to be replaced due to crankshaft end play out of spec. This is a know GM issue. Incorrect thrust bearing was installed from the factory. Gm did not inform us of this issue. This could have resulted in catastrophic engine failure and cause to be stranded on the road. Not ideal when it is -20 degrees in my hometown. Dealer finally replaced engine then had lane departure unavailable and lane assist unavailable warning lights. Dealer claimed this was unrelated but all safety equipment worked when we dropped it off. Now it doesn’t.

12/4/2025

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

1 Report6% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Reduced engine power warning light came on at approximately 7600 miles on our new 2025 Yukon xl. Dealer inspected and ultimately decided the engine needs to be replaced due to crankshaft end play out of spec. This is a know GM issue. Incorrect thrust bearing was installed from the factory. Gm did not inform us of this issue. This could have resulted in catastrophic engine failure and cause to be stranded on the road. Not ideal when it is -20 degrees in my hometown. Dealer finally replaced engine then had lane departure unavailable and lane assist unavailable warning lights. Dealer claimed this was unrelated but all safety equipment worked when we dropped it off. Now it doesn’t.

12/4/2025

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2025 GMC Yukon XL?

The most reported complaint category for the 2025 GMC Yukon XL is SERVICE BRAKES, with 4 owner reports. That is about 22% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

Are complaints about the 2025 GMC Yukon XL a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 9 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2025 GMC Yukon XL?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2025 GMC Yukon XL severe?

9 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

GMC Yukon XL: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
18
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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