There are 8 owner-reported powertrain & transmission complaints for the 2019 GMC Yukonin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
2019 GMC Youkon with 94,659 miles. I am the second owner of this vehicle. I purchased it used in February 2025. Check engine light came on in route to work on March 5, 2026. Immediately took vehicle to Auto Zone to scan for codes. Multiple codes were returned. I drove it directly to a repair shop for further diagnostics. Return Results were massive lifter failure and cam shaft damage. Why would the check engine light not come on sooner to prevent TOTAL FAILURE. Vehicle was towed to a GMC certified mechanic where it was confirmed that all Lifters and cam shaft were damaged beyond repair and must all be replaced. Estimated Cost of repairs so far: $8,596.80 Labor: Remove & Replace Left And Right Valve Lifter (Both Sides) Coolant Service Oil Change Labor Parts: Engine Camshaft 1 , Genuine GM Engine Valve Lifter Oil Manifold Gasket 1 , Genuine GM Fuel Pump Gasket 1 Engine Timing Cover Gasket Set 1 Engine Valve Lifter Guide 1 Engine Valve Lifter Guide 1 Coolant/Antifreeze Orange Dex-Cool 1 Gal 3 Engine Push Rod 8 Engine Oil Filter 1 0W-20 Full Syn 8 Engine Cylinder Head Bolt Set 1 Engine Valve Lifter Guide 1 Engine Valve Lifter Guide 1 Stock Engine Valve Lifter 4 Stock Engine Valve Lifter 4 Engine Cylinder Head Gasket Kit 1 Engine Cylinder Head Bolt 10 APPROVED Subtotal $8,422.71 + est. Tax $174.09 $8,596.80 Estimated time for repair: going on three weeks
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds in a parking lot, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that when the gear shift lever was shifted to drive(D), the vehicle failed to function as designed. The contact was unable to drive the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the oil and the transmission needed to be replaced. The warranty had expired, and the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialty shop, where it was confirmed that metal shavings were found in the oil and that the transmission was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle back to the private dealer where the vehicle was purchased. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,870.
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated and jerked before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Power steering going in and out while driving
Transmission failed at 90,100 miles. Left me stranded in middle of a busy intersection as I was making a left turn, it was like it was in neutral no matter how much I tried to accelerate. Very dangerous situation, scary and helpless feeling as cars approaching and I could not get out of their way. Near miss accident. This should not be happening at this low mileage
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and jolted while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 25 MPH independently while the RPMS were significantly high. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved. The vehicle jolted and accelerated to 65 MPH; however, the failure recurred. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle resumed speed, then the vehicle jerked and lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over to the emergency lane. The contact parked and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to drive into a parking lot, where the failure recurred. The vehicle failed to restart with the check engine warning light illuminated. The messages "Transmission Hot - Idle Engine" and "Action Required" were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
-Automatic transmission failed. Slipped, skipped, and bucked while driving. -Taking a left turn into traffic transmission hesitated and just started slipping almost causing an accident. -Dealer confirmed torque converter failed and transmission needed replacement. -No warnings. No towing. Just 89,000 highway miles commuting to work. No heavy loads or abuse. -Had to replace the transmission, not covered under warranty due to mileage. Not available for inspection.
Transmission failed while driving down the road. Trasmission reved up while driving and would not go faster then the car started slowing down. Thank goodness this was not on an interstate or it could have caused an accident. Check engine light came on as I was getting to the shoulder of the road.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026