NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 226 owner complaints for the 2023 GMC Yukon XL. Most complaints involve engine (154) and power train (39). The EPA rates it 16–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“At around 7pm on Sunday October 18th I was driving on an interstate at about 80mph in the far left lane (of 3 Lanes) when, without any warning whatsoever, the engine power completely shutoff and the car went into neutral. The dash screen said to start the engine due to no power or low battery. I hit the start button and all the lights including all controls, blinkers, dash lights shut off. So with no blinkers, no lights, no power brakes, no power steering we were coasting in the fast lane of a usually unsafe stretch of an interstate at night. Luckily, I was able to navigate without any power to the right shoulder (lucky this was a stretch that had a shoulder) and coast to a stop. I had my wife and 4 kids in the car with me. The car was dead and said the engine battery was low. When the engine start button was pushed nothing happened, car was dead with no heat. We called onstar and requested a tow and were able to order a Lyft ride for my wife and 4 kids. The Lyft driver came to pick them up on the adjacent frontage road and they had to run across the grass median to get into that car, there was no other option to get them off of the unsafe shoulder. I stayed…”
“The car suddenly started bucking while driving on I95 at about 75 miles per hour. We were able to coast off highway and when finally towed to a dealership we were told we needed a new engine. The vehicle at the time had about 57,300 miles. It was very scary to be on a dangerous highway with tractor trailers speeding past and have NO control over the vehicle.”
“I was Driving down the interstate when the RPMS on my car increased and my car started to shutter. I went to get off the roadway and it put itself into neutral and lowered my speed. when i got On the shoulder it stalled and would not turn back on. I had To be towed. To this point, my car has been in the shop for over a week with no solution.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon XL 2WD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $4,100 | 442 |
| Yukon XL 4WD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $4,300 | 462 |
| Yukon XL 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 527 |
| Yukon XL 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,000 | 555 |
| Yukon XL 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | $5,000 | 564 |
| Yukon XL 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 545 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Oct 29, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 226 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (154), power train (39), electrical system (36). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 GMC Yukon XL at 16–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 GMC Yukon XL 4 out of 5 stars overall.