The vehicle has an unpredictable and random tendency to hesitate when the gas is pressed. This has been happening at some level since the vehicle was new. The dealership service department was never able to get the vehicle to do what I was concerned about, so they never helped resolve the issue. Now that it is out of warranty, the issue is getting worse. It is to the point that I believe it is unsafe for anyone but me to drive it. I have to make sure that when I turn onto a new road, that there is absolutely noone coming because I cannot depend on my vehicle to accelerate quickly enough, even at a normal rate. It may lag and take its time speeding up, or it may accelerate normally with no issues. I stopped going to the dealership for oil changes and checking the issue because they no longer give loaner vehicles and they take a minimum of three hours for an oil change. So I recently took it to my trusted mechanic. He replaced the knock sensors, which helped slightly. He could still detect issues, but was concerned it would require a whole new engine built to bypass the DFM system and repair the cams and lifters. So I nw have to drive a vehicle that needs $20,000 worth of repair, has the potential to be dangerous or leave me broken down on the side of the road. It has 106,000 miles and I still owe $12,000 on it. From my research, I understand that this is a known issue and that there are several lawsuits regarding the issue. That does not help the average person who doesn’t care about a lawsuit, but is justifying st trying to live their average life with a dependable vehicle. Please help!
GMC Yukon XL hesitation problems
22 of the 2,462 owner complaints about the GMC Yukon XL describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 2016 model year.
- owner complaints
- 22
- worst model year
- 2016
- typical mileage
- 75,000
By model year
- 20251
- 20234
- 20221
- 20211
- 20201
- 20182
- 20173
- 20165
- 20152
- 20022
Often reported together
Jerking 7Check engine light 5Knocking 3Engine failure 3Warning lights 1Transmission failure 1Won't shift 1
What owners say
Yes, that case number would be 91762225 (With GM). You are most welcome. Thank you for contacting Chevrolet Customer Assistance and have a nice day! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything else. VIN1GKS2HKC8FR165487 Special Coverage Adjustment N182180270 Tail Lamps Inoperative Having issues described by NTSA and vehicle has 62,000 miles but falls after the expiration date. I contacted GM and they were very nice but they were unwilling to help in any way. Any help would be appreciated.
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent a failure from occurring. The day after the recall repair was completed at a local authorized dealer, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated to maintain automotive power while the accelerator pedal was depressed, and an abnormal sound was coming from under the hood. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle with the Push-to-Start feature, the engine hesitated while turning over. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was left for two days for further diagnosis; however, the cause of the failure was not known. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while the vehicle was idling, the engine was running rough. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated and flashed on the instrument panel. While driving to the dealer, the vehicle hesitated, while driving and the vehicle drove roughly. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the camshaft and lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
My vehicle has been in 16 times since I bought it the most recent incident is for the engine which started about six months ago. It’s been in since then for other issues concurrently with this one it hesitates like it’s getting stuck in sand before it wants to go first the mechanic told me he didn’t sense it but the thermostat was stuck open so they fix that. Second time it went in they thought it was some sort of a filter and some other components I’m not sure. Again it was not fixed then my son and I were out in Minnesota freezing cold night in November and go and drive and then when again it was the drive train this time that got fixed a month ago about a week ago it starts making a noise like there’s too much snow in the tires. I get my car washed every few days but I got it washed again and that didn’t fix it so it’s in the shop again and I’m paying for a rental again. I have the Walser guard thank the Lord because it’s paid for itself about 15 times over. I’ve gotten two transmissions, an air conditioner, two sensors the arm that other people have complained about I don’t know exactly the name of it the trailer component that you plug into also blew out my seven way and I had to have my seven way wire fixed so I’m nervous about plugging that back in. My dad passed away and I spent $70,000 of my inheritance by this car. I should’ve flushed it down a toilet instead. Everybody makes fun at work that this car is literally gonna kill my kids and I because every other day it feels like we’re stuck on the side of the road.
On January 19, 2026, Recall 25V274 was performed on my vehicle, and this was not disclosed to me when I picked up the vehicle from the dealership, Courtesy Buick GMC in Louisville, KY. I only found out when I got home and read through all the service notes. I contacted the dealer on January 19 after I got home, asking for explanation and have not heard back. The Recall Remedy failed. Since the service, symptoms of hesitation, lack of propulsion and low MPG persisted. As of Feb 1, the vehicle has suffered a transmission failure and is unsafe. The dealer told me verbally everything was fine, and in the service notes from Jan 19, they noted vehicle as 'Operating as Designed and Within Spec' despite performing safety recall work."
There is a hesitation when trying to accelerate. The car will then slam forward and there is a rattling noise that the car also makes. This has almost caused accidents. I was driving in town which is where I do most of my driving.
Starting at around 1300 miles, we noticed jerking upon acceleration. We took it into the dealership at 1500 due to a check engine light. They replaced the coil in cylinder 1. Then again at 3200 miles, we took it back in for the jerking sensation. They could not replicate the problem. At 4380 miles, we took it back to the dealer for the same issue. They drove it 580 miles and found the lifter valves in bank 1 to need replacement. The repair was performed and then on Saturday 1/17/2026, the car started giving check engine lights every time we accelerated. It would jerk non stop. The car hesitates during acceleration and feels like someone is pressing on the brake as we are accelerating, causing a jerking motion. Coming from a stop, the car feels like it has a hard time accelerating, almost like it is moving against a hard force to try to come up to speed. The car is at the dealer again today for this issue. It is unsafe to drive due to the hesitation during acceleration.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and made an abnormal grinding sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I am the owner of a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN: [XXX] ). This vehicle has exhibited multiple serious issues affecting safety, drivability, and reliability. 1. Engine Noise & Oil Consumption: Since purchase, the vehicle has had a persistent loud knocking/tapping sound, especially under acceleration. The engine also consumes an excessive amount of oil between scheduled oil changes, with no visible leaks. I reported this to the dealership multiple times, but since there is no active recall or TSB, they refused to diagnose or repair the issue under warranty. I have since learned that many other 2021 Yukon Denali owners with the same 6.2L engine are experiencing similar issues and some have had repairs or engine replacements covered by GM. I have received no such support. 2. Braking Problems: The vehicle has ongoing brake performance issues. Despite replacing the brake components multiple times, the brakes feel inconsistent and unsafe, especially during highway driving or sudden stops. There is vibration and uneven response, and the braking system does not inspire confidence. These problems have persisted despite attempts to correct them. 3. Suspension/Handling Concerns: The suspension feels unstable and loose, especially at highway speeds or when turning. The ride quality is poor, and there is noticeable sway and body roll, which creates discomfort and concern for vehicle control. 4. Fuel/Propulsion System: The engine does not always respond smoothly to throttle input. I’ve noticed occasional hesitation or surging, which may be related to the previously mentioned oil consumption or fuel delivery. Again, the dealership has been unable or unwilling to resolve these issues without charging diagnostic fees. I’ve reported these issues to my local GMC dealer on multiple occasions, but no lasting solution has been provided, and I have not been able to afford expensive diagnostic costs out of pocket—especially for a vehicle of this price INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
Related recalls
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
- Risk
- Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223. GM's number for this recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on May 7, 2026.
Recall number 26V289000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles equipped with 10 Speed Transmission with ETRS (Electronic Transmission Range Select). The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.
- Risk
- Rear wheels that lock up while driving increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install new transmission control module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N252536750. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on on February 12, 2026.
Recall number 26V085000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve body
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
- Risk
- Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
Recall number 24V797000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
- Risk
- Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020; Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
Recall number 22V036000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.
- Risk
- As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1‑800‑630‑2438. Cadillac owners may call 1‑866‑982‑2339. GMC owners may call 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 13V001000 · Recall details
Power train: manual transmission: shift pattern indicator
- What is wrong
- Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock and transmission braking effect." under certain vehicle starting conditions, the shift lever position indicator located in the instrument panel cluster may not illuminate. If the shift lever position indicator does not illuminate, the driver may not know which gear the vehicle is in.
- Risk
- The vehicle may move in an unintended direction resulting in possible injury to others outside of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. The recall began on february 14, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 05V055000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- Some pickup trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles equipped with a hydraulic pump driveshaft that can fracture, resulting in immediate loss of hydraulic power steering assist. On certain vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, the same condition can result in loss of power assist for braking after the reserve pressure is depleted.
- Risk
- An inoperative pump can cause increased steering effort, and in hydro-boost equipped vehicles also increased braking effort, but does not completely eliminate the ability to steer or slow the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the hydraulic pump. The campaign began on february 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 05V005000 · Recall details
Questions about the GMC Yukon XL hesitation
Which GMC Yukon XL years have hesitation when accelerating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2016 (5 complaints), 2023 (4 complaints) and 2017 (3 complaints).
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