GMC Yukon owners filed 2,040 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 35 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2015 GMC Yukon drew the most complaints (519); across all years, owners complain most about engine (35% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2015, with 519 complaints, led by exterior lights (268) and 10 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Engine drew 710 complaints but 2 recalls, so for most of these owners the repair falls to warranty or their own pocket, not a free recall fix.
- Stop-driving recalls: 2 recalls told owners to stop driving until repaired (26V289000, 16V256000).
- Over-the-air fixes: recalls 24V674000, 22V903000, 22V827000, 21V455000, 21V421000 can be repaired by a software update, without a dealer visit (5 of 35).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2015 (2.9 times as many complaints), 2021 (1.8 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: fuel system complaints came at a median 48k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 6 complaints mention a fire and 36 a crash, with 38 injuries reported.
GMC Yukon complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 10 recalls | 519 | Exterior lights (268), Brakes (83), Electrical system (76) median 60k mi · 9 crashes · 4 fires |
| 2016 5 recalls | 267 | Exterior lights (104), Electrical system (53), Brakes (52) median 54k mi · 4 crashes |
| 2017 3 recalls | 196 | Exterior lights (49), Transmission / powertrain (48), Brakes (41) median 54k mi · 10 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2018 3 recalls | 69 | Engine (27), Transmission / powertrain (18), Suspension (8) median 47k mi · 2 crashes |
| 2019 2 recalls | 55 | Engine (28), Transmission / powertrain (13), Electrical system (9) median 35k mi · 1 fire |
| 2020 4 recalls | 36 | Transmission / powertrain (14), Engine (12), Brakes (3) median 44k mi |
| 2021 13 recalls | 327 | Engine (179), Transmission / powertrain (51), Fuel system (43) median 67k mi · 9 crashes |
| 2022 5 recalls | 179 | Engine (107), Electrical system (31), Transmission / powertrain (29) median 43k mi · 1 crash |
| 2023 4 recalls | 236 | Engine (153), Transmission / powertrain (43), Electrical system (28) median 34k mi · 1 crash |
| 2024 3 recalls | 103 | Engine (71), Electrical system (18), Transmission / powertrain (13) median 22k mi |
| 2025 2 recalls | 53 | Engine (34), Electrical system (8), Transmission / powertrain (7) median 9k mi |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 54, more than the 35 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported GMC Yukon problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 710 | 35% | 2 | 50k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Exterior lights | 430 | 21% | 2 | 57k mi | Headlight replacement cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 309 | 15% | 6 | 67k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Electrical system | 279 | 14% | 0 | 55k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Brakes | 217 | 11% | 5 | 57k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Fuel system | 110 | 5% | 4 | 48k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Steering | 79 | 4% | 3 | 65k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Engine and cooling | 76 | 4% | 2 | 56k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What GMC Yukon owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Engine
6.2L engine, collapsed hydraulic lifter afm failure, required $7400 in total repairs. All lifters, camshaft, high pressure fuel lines, high pressure fuel pump, intake manifold & miscellaneous parts and gaskets replaced by selling dealer at 94000 miles. No help of any kind from gm or dealer. This is a well known failure for these engines!
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11697972
Vehicle (engine) shut off while driving on highway. Would not restart. Had vehicle towed from highway to repair shop. No check engine light ever came on. The engine was replaced and old one had to be returned in order to avoid paying a $5,000 core charge. I found out after replacing the engine that gm issued a recall but I read it starts with 2019 models and only reimbursement for original owners.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11681398
Related recalls: 14V007000 (2015): The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire. 25V274000 (2021–2024): Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
710 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Exterior lights
We had a taillight go out at 70,000 miles. The whole unit had to be replaced and we paid over $900 through a Gmc dealer. Then we had the other taillight go out at 88,000 miles. It cost $1000 to repair. We've recently reasearched the issue online and it seems to be extremely common on this specific vehicle and most people and reputable electricians have stated that it's a result of a faulty part in the unit.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11164395
Rear brake light LED strip is out. Vehicle only has 37K miles on it. Dealership will not repair it but wants to sell a new brake assembly for $750 each. If you tap on the light assembly, it comes on momentary and goes out again. Brake lights on both side of vehicle continue to flash rapidly, there has to be some type o ofelectrical problem to cause this issue,
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11218428
Related recalls: 22V903000 (2022–2023): DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash. 22V827000 (2021): Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
430 owners reported exterior lights problems; the headlight replacement cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
Transmission failure. Remanufactured transmission installed at 160,000 miles. Transmission started shifting abruptly and failed completely on interstate 26 in south carolina. Had to limp home in a lower gear. Towed to a repair shop for complete replacement with a remanufactured gm transmission total repair $4500. No warning indication of the problem, thankfully my wife was not driving this vehicle at the time.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11495942
My 2018 Gmc Yukon sle has a transmission failure and a engine oil coolant failure. The issues occurred while driving when the vehicle had to go into limp status to prevent the transmission from complete failure. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership 2X and they changed the fluid once and replaced the thermostat the second time.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11670575
Related recalls: 14V374000 (2015): If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of injury to bystanders. If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is being driven, the vehicle would lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. 14V152000 (2015): If the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot surface and cause a vehicle fire. 26V289000 (2019–2020): Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
309 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
GMC Yukon recalls
Check these first: 26V289000 (2019–2020, transmission / powertrain: do not drive); 16V256000 (2016, suspension: do not drive).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V304000 | 2026-05-14 | 2025 | Wheels | A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V289000 | 2026-05-07 | 2019–2020 | Transmission / powertrain | Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash. |
| 26V085000 | 2026-02-13 | 2022 | Transmission / powertrain | Rear wheels that lock up while driving increase the risk of a crash. |
| 25V876000 | 2025-12-17 | 2025 | Equipment Adaptive/mobility | An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 25V619000 | 2025-09-18 | 2022, 2024 | Fuel System, Diesel | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a vehicle fire. |
| 25V274000 | 2025-04-24 | 2021–2024 | Engine and cooling | Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. |
| 24V797000 | 2024-10-24 | 2021 | Transmission / powertrain | Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V674000 (OTA) | 2024-09-12 | 2023–2024 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V642000 | 2023-09-20 | 2023 | Suspension | A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V903000 (OTA) | 2022-12-08 | 2022–2023 | Exterior lights | DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V827000 (OTA) | 2022-11-03 | 2021 | Exterior lights | Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V617000 | 2022-08-11 | 2021–2022 | Seat belts | A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 22V036000 | 2022-01-27 | 2021 | Transmission / powertrain | Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V739000 | 2021-09-23 | 2021 | Fuel System, Gasoline | An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. |
| 21V579000 | 2021-07-29 | 2021 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V455000 (OTA) | 2021-06-17 | 2021 | Steering | Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash. |
| 21V421000 (OTA) | 2021-06-10 | 2021 | Air bags | The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 21V190000 | 2021-03-18 | 2021 | Seat belts | A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant. |
| 21V115000 | 2021-02-25 | 2020 | Tires | Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 21V064000 | 2021-02-11 | 2021 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. |
| 20V811000 | 2020-12-23 | 2021 | Seat belts | If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 20V735000 | 2020-11-25 | 2021 | Seats | If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant. |
| 20V603000 | 2020-10-01 | 2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V837000 | 2019-11-21 | 2020 | Fuel System, Gasoline | Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source. |
| 19V761000 | 2019-10-24 | 2015–2020 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V645000 | 2019-09-06 | 2015–2018 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V586000 | 2018-09-07 | 2015 | Steering | If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V437000 | 2017-07-10 | 2015–2016 | Air bags | A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger. |
| 16V651000 | 2016-09-08 | 2015–2017 | Air bags | A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger. |
| 16V256000 | 2016-04-28 | 2016 | Suspension | Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 14V719000 | 2014-11-10 | 2015 | Steering | An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash. |
| 14V451000 | 2014-07-23 | 2015 | Air bags | During deployment, the RRAB may be punctured or torn by the roof carrier hardware, reducing its performance and increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash. |
| 14V374000 | 2014-06-27 | 2015 | Transmission / powertrain | If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of injury to bystanders. If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is being driven, the vehicle would lose drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 14V152000 | 2014-03-31 | 2015 | Transmission / powertrain | If the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot surface and cause a vehicle fire. |
| 14V007000 | 2014-01-13 | 2015 | Engine and cooling | The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire. |
What this data can and can't tell you
2,040 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other GMC models in the index
- GMC Sierra 1500 (4,913)
- GMC Acadia (2,423)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.