2017 GMC Yukon: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
8L90 eight-speed transmission failures peak this year alongside tail-light and brake-vacuum-pump complaints. Powerful and plush but mechanically asterisked. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2017 GMC Yukon ranged from $48,530 to $65,965 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
8L90 eight-speed transmission failures peak this year alongside tail-light and brake-vacuum-pump complaints. Powerful and plush but mechanically asterisked.
Sources (4)
- fixdapp.comhttps://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-gmc-yukon-graphs-owne…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/gmc-yukon-buying-guide
- slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1774701/gmc-yukon-years-avoid/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=yukon&mod…
Known issues
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Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a hard brake pedal and reduced braking assist (recall-related).
commonly reported · 52 NHTSA complaints · brake
-
5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management lifter failure and oil consumption.
commonly reported · 18 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
Rear tail-light circuit boards crack and fail, causing tail and brake lights to go out intermittently.
widespread · 221 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
8L90 eight-speed automatic shudder, harsh shifts and transmission failure.
commonly reported · 34 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=yukon&mod…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=yukon&mod…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=yukon&mod…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/gmc/yukon
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Plush, quiet cabin with a refined ride and generous space.
- Capable V8 powertrains with strong towing and confident handling for its size.
- Modern infotainment with available magnetic-ride suspension and driver-assist features.
Cons
- Third-row seats lack thigh support and do not fold flat into the floor.
- V8 fuel economy remains poor.
- Early years (2015-2017) suffered tail-light, brake-vacuum-pump and eight-speed problems.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLE | $48,530 | discontinued | — | — |
| SLT | $57,315 | discontinued | — | — |
| Denali | $65,965 | $80,400 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2017-gmc-yukon-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/gmc-yukon-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($48,530). Higher trims started higher (up to $65,965), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/gmc-yukon/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $700–750/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,500–2,600/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/gmc/yukon
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/gmc/yukon/insurance
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2017 GMC Yukon have?
Documented issue patterns include: Brake-vacuum-pump failure causes a hard brake pedal and reduced braking assist (recall-related); 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management lifter failure and oil consumption; Rear tail-light circuit boards crack and fail, causing tail and brake lights to go out intermittently; 8L90 eight-speed automatic shudder, harsh shifts and transmission failure. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2017 GMC Yukon reliable?
8L90 eight-speed transmission failures peak this year alongside tail-light and brake-vacuum-pump complaints. Powerful and plush but mechanically asterisked.
How much did the 2017 GMC Yukon cost new?
Between $48,530 and $65,965 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the GMC Yukon expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $700–750/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.