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GMC Yukon
SUV · Gas · 67 versions · owner report
Ranked #11 of 11 full-size SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and model year, with a clear distinction between older and newer vehicles.
10 problems reported (4 very frequent, 6 recurrent) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCatastrophic engine failure (6.2L V8)
Engine seizure and total failure requiring full replacement, specifically noted in 2025 models despite assurances issues were fixed.
- Very frequentActive Fuel Management (AFM/DOD) system failure
Lifter failure leading to destroyed camshafts and engine damage in 5.3L and 6.2L V8s (2015-2024+ models).
- Very frequentDrivetrain shuddering/vibration
Persistent shaking, especially around 15-50 mph (24-80 km/h), unresolved by multiple dealer visits involving tire, wheel, motor mount, and differential replacements.
+ 7 more issuesShow fewer
- Very frequentElectrical/software gremlins
Unreliable infotainment (CarPlay connectivity failures, screen freezes), faulty remote app, glitchy driver-assistance systems (lane-keeping), and random module failures.
- RecurrentAir suspension failures
Unreliable operation and costly repairs, particularly in Denali and high-trim models.
- RecurrentPoor interior build quality
Use of cheap materials, low-quality plastics, and components that wear prematurely compared to segment competitors.
- RecurrentBrake feel
Perceived as under-braked or requiring excessive pedal effort compared to rivals like Ford Expedition.
- RecurrentFront end/suspension wear
Premature failure of tie rods, ball joints, and other front-end components.
- RecurrentEngine mount failures
Weak engine mounts that leak or fail.
- RecurrentOil leaks
From various engine points, including the valley pan.
The version owners recommend
For older models (pre-AFM, circa 2000-2006), the 5.3L V8 (LM7) is highly praised for being "bulletproof." For newer models, the consensus is to avoid the first model year of a redesign (specifically 2021). The 2018-2020 generation is cited as a "sweet spot" where earlier reliability issues were worked out, making it preferable over the 2021+ models. The Denali trim with the 6.2L V8 and Max Tow Package is often the target for features, but with severe reliability caveats.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford Expedition (including Expedition Max), Lincoln Navigator, Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and model year, with a clear distinction between older and newer vehicles. Feedback on older generations (circa 1995-2014) is overwhelmingly positive regarding long-term durability and mechanical simplicity, with many owners reporting vehicles exceeding 200,000-400,000 miles with minimal major issues. These are frequently described as "beasts that just won't die" with cheap, readily available parts. In stark contrast, sentiment for newer generations (particularly the 2021+ redesign and specific years like 2019-2024) is negative, dominated by reports of severe and costly mechanical failures. The most significant criticism centers on catastrophic engine failures in the 6.2L V8, especially in 2025 models sold as "fixed," alongside widespread concerns about the Active Fuel Management (AFM/DOD) system in 5.3L and 6.2L engines. Additional recurrent complaints for newer models include persistent drivetrain shuddering/vibration, unreliable air suspension, poor build quality interiors, and pervasive electrical/software gremlins. The vehicle is consistently praised for its spacious interior, comfortable highway ride, and strong towing capability when functional.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more premium alternative to the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, with the Denali trim competing directly against the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. Compared to the Ford Expedition, the Yukon is frequently noted for having superior resale value but is criticized for being a generation behind in technology and amenities (e.g., adaptive cruise control, phone integration, sound system) and for having more severe and well-documented powertrain reliability issues. Against premium rivals like the Escalade, the Yukon Denali is seen as offering most of the capability and space at a lower price, but sacrifices some luxury features (e.g., soft-close doors, superior interior materials). The Jeep Wagoneer is broadly viewed as less reliable. Toyota Sequoia is consistently cited as the benchmark for long-term reliability and interior quality in this segment, though sometimes noted for less cargo space behind the third row in standard-length models.
Recommended configurations
For used models, the 2018-2020 model years are recommended over 2021+. The Yukon XL is strongly recommended over the standard Yukon for families needing cargo space with the third row up. All-wheel drive/4x4 is recommended for resale value and traction. For models with AFM/DOD (5.3L, 6.2L), an immediate aftermarket disablement and installation of a single-piece camshaft is frequently recommended to prevent engine failure. An extended warranty is considered essential for newer models (2021+). When purchasing used, obtaining an independent Carfax report is advised over relying on a dealer-provided version.
General recommendations
Suitable for large families requiring maximum passenger and cargo space, and for owners needing serious towing capability. Highly recommended for buyers seeking a durable, high-mileage used vehicle from the pre-2007 generations. For buyers considering 2021+ models, an extended factory warranty is non-negotiable. Not recommended for buyers prioritizing cutting-edge technology, refined interiors, or predictable long-term reliability without significant warranty coverage. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a specialist is critical, with particular attention to the engine, transmission, and for rust on older models. Aggressive negotiation is suggested due to high dealer inventory and significant depreciation on newer models.
Remarks
The reliability chasm between generations is the defining characteristic of owner feedback. The 2021 model year, being a full redesign, is singled out as particularly problematic, embodying the "first model year" risk. The 6.2L engine problems appear to be an ongoing, unresolved issue extending into the 2025 model year, severely damaging owner trust. The recommendation to disable the AFM system immediately upon purchase is a widespread theme, indicating a fundamental lack of faith in a core GM engineering feature. High maintenance costs on newer models are frequently contrasted with the low running costs of older, simpler generations. Analysis based on approximately 55 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2015. Years to avoid: 2015, 2003, 2002Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all GMC Yukon years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 76 | 3 | engine |
| 2025 | 83 | 2 | engine |
| 2024 | 247 | 3 | engine |
| 2023 | 463 | 4 | engine |
| 2022 | 351 | 5 | engine |
| 2021 | 562 | 14 | engine |
| 2020 | 83 | 4 | engine |
| 2019 | 126 | 2 | engine |
| 2018 | 126 | 3 | engine |
| 2017 | 506 | 3 | exterior lighting |
| 2016 | 1,486 | 5 | exterior lighting |
| 2015 | 2,971 | 10 | exterior lighting |
| 2014 | 281 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2013 | 1,213 | 4 | unknown or other |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices146 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2026 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 26V114000
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
2026 · power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)campaign 26V289000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
2026 · wheels:hubcampaign 26V304000
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.
2025 · equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:campaign 25V876000
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
2025 · wheels:hubcampaign 26V304000
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.
2024 · service brakes, hydraulic:brake fluid low warning: lampcampaign 24V674000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2024 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V274000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
2024 · fuel system, diesel:storage:tank assemblycampaign 25V619000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
2023 · exterior lighting:lighting control module:softwarecampaign 22V903000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2023 · suspension:rearcampaign 23V642000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
2023 · service brakes, hydraulic:brake fluid low warning: lampcampaign 24V674000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
2023 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V274000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
2022 · seat belts:critical fastenerscampaign 22V617000
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
2022 · exterior lighting:lighting control module:softwarecampaign 22V903000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2022 · engine and engine cooling:engine:hard parts internal/mechanicalcampaign 25V274000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
131 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
6.2 V8
6.2L 8-cylinder · 420 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2024–2026