2017 Gmc Yukon Xl Safety Report

2017 GMC Yukon XL: Critical Airbag Recall, No Crash Ratings, Frequent Powertrain and Lighting Complaints

141Complaints
1Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
6Crash Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Exterior Lighting (27)Power Train (26)Engine (11)Service Brakes (11)Unknown Or Other (9)Electrical System (5)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Engine (4)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (4)Fuel/Propulsion System (3)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting,Service Brakes (3)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Gmc Yukon Xl

The 2017 GMC Yukon XL presents a mixed safety picture, with a notable recall for a critical safety system but no official crash test ratings from NHTSA. With 141 total complaints, including 6 crashes and 2 injuries, the vehicle has demonstrated some real-world safety incidents. The single recall, NHTSA ID: 16V651000, addresses a significant risk where the front airbags or seat belt pretensioners may fail to deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. This recall affects a broad range of GM vehicles from 2015-2017, including the Yukon XL, highlighting a widespread potential safety defect. Analysis of complaint data reveals several recurring patterns. 'EXTERIOR LIGHTING' is the most frequent complaint component with 27 reports, often related to tail light failures. 'POWER TRAIN' follows closely with 26 complaints, frequently detailing issues like transmission shudder, hard shifting, loss of power, and even complete transmission failure, sometimes after replacement. 'ENGINE' complaints, totaling 11, describe problems such as stalling, rough running, reduced power, 'Check Engine' lights, and specific failures like bent push rods or lifter issues, with some owners reporting complete engine replacement due to metal in the oil. Despite the critical airbag recall, the absence of NHTSA crash test ratings makes it challenging to fully assess the vehicle's structural integrity and occupant protection performance in controlled crash scenarios. The complaint data, however, points to significant reliability concerns, particularly with the powertrain and engine, which can indirectly impact safety by causing unexpected stalls or loss of power during driving. The high number of complaints for exterior lighting also poses a safety risk due to reduced visibility to other drivers.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Gmc Yukon Xl receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Gmc Yukon Xl

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Gmc Yukon Xl:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transmission Failure/Shudder
Owners report transmission shudder, hard shifting, loss of power, and complete transmission failure, sometimes requiring replacement of the torque converter or entire unit.		 High Common 50000-100000 miles
Engine Stalling/Reduced Power
Complaints include engine stalling, rough running, reduced power mode, 'Check Engine' light illumination, and difficulty starting, with some instances of bent push rods or lifter issues.		 High Occasional 60000-100000 miles
Exterior Lighting Failure
Frequent reports of tail lights flickering or completely failing, often without warning lights, leading to reduced visibility.		 Medium Common 30000-80000 miles
Airbag/Seat Belt Pretensioner Non-Deployment
A recall (NHTSA ID: 16V651000) addresses a defect where front airbags or seat belt pretensioners may not deploy in a crash, increasing injury risk.		 High Rare N/A miles
Service Brakes Issues
Reports of 'Service Trailer Braking System' alerts, brake pushing back, and potential vacuum pump issues.		 Medium Occasional N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Gmc Yukon Xl:

Exterior Lighting 19% of complaints

Frequent reports of tail light failures, flickering, and non-operation, often without dashboard warnings.

Power Train 18% of complaints

Issues include transmission shudder, hard shifting, loss of power, and complete transmission failure, sometimes recurring after repairs.

Engine 8% of complaints

Problems such as stalling, rough running, reduced power, 'Check Engine' lights, and specific component failures like bent push rods or lifters.

Service Brakes 8% of complaints

Complaints about 'Service Trailer Braking System' alerts and brake system malfunctions, including a potential vacuum pump defect.

Electrical System 4% of complaints

General electrical issues, sometimes linked to starting problems or intermittent alerts.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Gmc Yukon Xl

Is the 2017 GMC Yukon XL safe?

The 2017 GMC Yukon XL has a critical airbag recall (NHTSA ID: 16V651000) that could prevent airbags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying in a crash. NHTSA has not provided overall crash test ratings for this specific model year. While it has 6 reported crashes and 2 injuries among 141 complaints, the lack of official crash test data makes a definitive safety rating difficult. Owners should ensure the airbag recall has been addressed.

What are common problems with the 2017 GMC Yukon XL?

The most reported issues for the 2017 GMC Yukon XL are related to EXTERIOR LIGHTING (27 complaints), POWER TRAIN (26 complaints, including transmission shudder and failure), and ENGINE (11 complaints, such as stalling and lifter issues). SERVICE BRAKES also account for 11 complaints, often concerning the 'Service Trailer Braking System' and potential vacuum pump defects.

Has the 2017 GMC Yukon XL been recalled?

Yes, the 2017 GMC Yukon XL has one recall (NHTSA ID: 16V651000) concerning the front airbags and seat belt pretensioners. This recall indicates that these safety devices may not deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Owners should verify that this recall has been completed.

Are there transmission problems with the 2017 GMC Yukon XL?

Yes, 'POWER TRAIN' is a significant complaint category with 26 reports. Owners frequently describe transmission shudder, hard shifting, loss of power, and even complete transmission failure, sometimes requiring multiple replacements of components like the torque converter or the entire transmission unit.

What engine issues are reported for the 2017 GMC Yukon XL?

Engine-related complaints, totaling 11, include issues such as stalling, rough running, reduced power mode, and the illumination of the 'Check Engine' light. More severe problems like bent push rods, lifter failures, and even complete engine replacement due to metal contamination have also been reported by owners.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the critical airbag recall, absence of crash test ratings, and frequent complaints regarding powertrain, engine, and exterior lighting, potential buyers should proceed with caution, ensure all recalls are addressed, and consider a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on these known problem areas.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Gmc Yukon Xl

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Gmc Yukon Xl. The data includes 141 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.