2007 GMC Yukon XL 1500

The 2007 GMC Yukon XL 1500 is a full-size SUV known for its spaciousness, towing capacity, and comfortable ride. Available engine options included the 4.8L V8 (295 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque), the 5.3L V8 (320 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque), and the 6.0L V8 (366 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque). All engine options were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Yukon XL for its ability to haul large families and cargo, as well as its relatively smooth ride. Common complaints center around fuel economy, the aging 4-speed transmission, and some reported reliability issues.

Engine

4.8L V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or knocking noise from the engine, rough idling, misfires, and potential loss of power. This issue is related to the AFM system that deactivates cylinders to improve fuel economy. Lifters can collapse, causing damage to the camshaft.
  • Solution: Replace the affected lifters, potentially the camshaft, and disable the AFM system to prevent future occurrences.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Blue smoke may be visible from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Possible solutions include replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or the entire engine in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the severity and chosen solution.
  • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or knocking noise from the engine, rough idling, misfires, and potential loss of power. This issue is related to the AFM system that deactivates cylinders to improve fuel economy. Lifters can collapse, causing damage to the camshaft.
  • Solution: Replace the affected lifters, potentially the camshaft, and disable the AFM system to prevent future occurrences.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Blue smoke may be visible from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Possible solutions include replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or the entire engine in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the severity and chosen solution.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratically fluctuating oil pressure gauge, accompanied by a “Check Engine” light. Sometimes, the engine may stall or run poorly.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil pressure sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

6.0L V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking or knocking noise from the engine, rough idling, misfires, and potential loss of power. This issue is related to the AFM system that deactivates cylinders to improve fuel economy. Lifters can collapse, causing damage to the camshaft.
  • Solution: Replace the affected lifters, potentially the camshaft, and disable the AFM system to prevent future occurrences.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Blue smoke may be visible from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Possible solutions include replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or the entire engine in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the severity and chosen solution.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L60E 4-Speed Automatic

• Delayed or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation when shifting gears, rough or jerky shifts, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear, or slipping.
  • Solution: May require a transmission flush, replacement of solenoids, or a complete transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (flush) - $3,000+ (rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrating at highway speeds, especially during light acceleration. Can also cause stalling or difficulty shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, inability to maintain proper ride height, air compressor running constantly or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Suspension Air Leaks (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, hissing noise coming from the air lines or air struts.
  • Solution: Inspect and repair or replace leaking air lines, air struts, or the air suspension control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the location and extent of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Autoride Shock Absorber Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy or unstable ride, particularly over bumps. “Service Ride Control” message on the dashboard. Leaking fluid from the shocks.
  • Solution: Replace the Autoride shock absorbers. These are more expensive than standard shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,000+ for all four shocks, depending on the brand and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges malfunctioning (e.g., speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge), intermittent power loss to the cluster, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument panel cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door locks not working properly, either failing to lock/unlock with the remote or the door switch.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Blower Motor Resistor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Only one or a few fan speeds working, or no fan operation at all.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rear Liftgate Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear liftgate not opening or closing properly with the remote or the button.
  • Solution: Replace the rear liftgate actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Large cracks appearing on the dashboard, particularly in warmer climates.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the dashboard. Dash covers can be used to conceal the damage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (dash cover) - $1,500+ (dashboard replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 GMC Yukon XL 1500, while a capable and spacious SUV, is prone to several common issues. Engine-related problems, especially those linked to the AFM system and oil consumption, are significant and potentially costly. Transmission issues, primarily with the 4L60E, can also be expensive to address. Suspension problems, particularly with the air suspension and Autoride systems (if equipped), add to the potential maintenance burden. Electrical and interior issues, while generally less severe, can still be frustrating. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and thoroughly inspect any used Yukon XL 1500 before purchasing it. Pre-purchase inspections by a qualified mechanic are highly recommended.