NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
This page covers 5 recalls, 142 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl.
16–22 mpg combined
10.7–14.7 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2022 GMC Yukon XL centers heavily on the engine, which accounts for the large majority of reports filed. Owners with the 6.2-liter engine describe sudden, unexpected failures, most commonly complete loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds, often with no warning beforehand. Reports describe the engine seizing, knocking, or simply cutting out, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate. Several owners mention this happening more than once, including after a prior engine replacement. Oil consumption is a secondary thread, with owners reporting the engine burning roughly a quart per oil change interval and receiving reassurances that the rate falls within acceptable limits. The powertrain category adds a smaller cluster of reports, largely consistent with the propulsion-loss descriptions already captured under engine complaints. The recurring scenario across multiple reports is a high-speed highway failure with no preceding warning symptoms.
142
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2022 GMC Yukon XL has 5 recalls, the most serious involving two separate drivetrain defects that can lock up the wheels while driving, and a third where internal engine components on 6.2L V8 models can fail and cause the engine to shut down unexpectedly.
The wheel lockup risks come from two different sources: a transfer case defect on four-wheel and all-wheel drive models that can lock the front or rear wheels, and a transmission control valve failure in vehicles with the 10-speed electronic transmission that can lock the rear wheels. On the engine side, vehicles with the 6.2L V8 can suffer internal damage to the connecting rod or crankshaft that leads to sudden engine failure. There is also a seatbelt concern on vehicles with third-row seats, where a rivet in the left or right buckle assembly may be deformed and prevent the belt from holding an occupant in a crash. Rounding out the list, a software issue can cause the daytime running lights to stay on when the headlights are active, creating glare that reduces visibility for other drivers.
At a glance
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the transfer case and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control valve may fail, causing the rear wheels to lock up and stop rotating while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will install updated transmission control module software at no cost to restore normal transmission operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod and crankshaft in the 6.2L V8 engine may have manufacturing defects that cause engine damage and failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and repair or replace it if needed. Passing engines receive higher viscosity oil, new oil filter, and manual updates.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The daytime running lights stay on when the headlights are turned on, instead of turning off as required.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the body control module software, or the update will be sent remotely to your vehicle, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rivet holding the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right third-row seat belt buckle assembly may not have been formed properly, potentially affecting the buckle's retention.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.