Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the GMC Yukon years to approach with the most caution are 2007 and 2015. The strongest years in our data are 2020. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.
| Year | Verdict | Score | Top owner-reported problems | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Recommended | 7 | 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management lifter failure and oil consumption.; 8L90 eight-speed automatic shudder, harsh shifts and transmission failure. | Full report ↗ |
| 2022 | Caution | 6 | 6.2L L87 V8 connecting-rod and main-bearing failure causing sudden loss of power and engine failure, subject to a GM engine recall and inspection.; 10-speed automatic harsh or delayed shifting and shudder. | Full report ↗ |
| 2019 | Caution | 6 | 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management lifter failure and oil consumption.; 8L90 eight-speed automatic shudder, harsh shifts and transmission failure. | Full report ↗ |
| 2018 | Caution | 6 | 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.; 8L90 eight-speed automatic shudder, harsh shifts and transmission failure. | Full report ↗ |
| 2014 | Caution | 6 | Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall (NHTSA 21V053000); removing the airbag often reveals or worsens cracks in the brittle dashboard, complicating the repair.; 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management oil consumption with lower-end and lifter wear that can require engine repairs.; Brittle dashboard cracks over the passenger airbag and along the top of the dash, a widespread age-related complaint. | Full report ↗ |
| 2013 | Caution | 6 | Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall (NHTSA 21V053000); removing the airbag often reveals or worsens cracks in the brittle dashboard, complicating the repair.; 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management oil consumption with lower-end and lifter wear that can require engine repairs.; Brittle dashboard cracks over the passenger airbag and along the top of the dash, a widespread age-related complaint. | Full report ↗ |
| 2012 | Caution | 6 | Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall (NHTSA 21V053000); removing the airbag often reveals or worsens cracks in the brittle dashboard, complicating the repair.; 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management oil consumption with lower-end and lifter wear that can require engine repairs.; Brittle dashboard cracks over the passenger airbag and along the top of the dash, a widespread age-related complaint. | Full report ↗ |
| 2006 | Caution | 6 | Instrument-cluster gauges and the shift (PRNDL) indicator fail intermittently from stepper-motor failure, leaving readings blank.; Service-brake complaints including premature wear and reduced braking performance. | Full report ↗ |
| 2024 | Caution | 5 | 6.2L L87 V8 connecting-rod and main-bearing failure causing sudden loss of power and engine failure, subject to a GM engine recall and inspection.; 10-speed automatic harsh or delayed shifting and shudder. | Full report ↗ |
| 2023 | Caution | 5 | 6.2L L87 V8 connecting-rod and main-bearing failure causing sudden loss of power and engine failure, subject to a GM engine recall and inspection.; 10-speed automatic harsh or delayed shifting and shudder. | Full report ↗ |
| 2021 | Caution | 5 | 6.2L L87 V8 connecting-rod and main-bearing failure causing sudden loss of power and engine failure, subject to a GM engine recall and inspection.; Fuel-system and engine faults causing stalling and loss of propulsion while driving, concentrated in the launch year.; 10-speed automatic harsh or delayed shifting and shudder. | Full report ↗ |
| 2017 | Caution | 5 | 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. | Full report ↗ |
| 2016 | Caution | 5 | 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. | Full report ↗ |
| 2011 | Caution | 5 | Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall (NHTSA 21V053000); removing the airbag often reveals or worsens cracks in the brittle dashboard, complicating the repair.; 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management oil consumption with lower-end and lifter wear that can require engine repairs.; Brittle dashboard cracks over the passenger airbag and along the top of the dash, a widespread age-related complaint. | Full report ↗ |
| 2010 | Caution | 5 | Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall (NHTSA 21V053000); removing the airbag often reveals or worsens cracks in the brittle dashboard, complicating the repair.; 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management oil consumption with lower-end and lifter wear that can require engine repairs.; Brittle dashboard cracks over the passenger airbag and along the top of the dash, a widespread age-related complaint. | Full report ↗ |
| 2009 | Caution | 5 | Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall (NHTSA 21V053000); removing the airbag often reveals or worsens cracks in the brittle dashboard, complicating the repair.; 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management oil consumption with lower-end and lifter wear that can require engine repairs.; Brittle dashboard cracks over the passenger airbag and along the top of the dash, a widespread age-related complaint. | Full report ↗ |
| 2008 | Caution | 5 | Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall (NHTSA 21V053000); removing the airbag often reveals or worsens cracks in the brittle dashboard, complicating the repair.; 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management oil consumption with lower-end and lifter wear that can require engine repairs.; Brittle dashboard cracks over the passenger airbag and along the top of the dash, a widespread age-related complaint. | Full report ↗ |
| 2005 | Caution | 5 | Instrument-cluster gauges and the shift (PRNDL) indicator fail intermittently from stepper-motor failure, leaving readings blank.; Service-brake complaints including premature wear and reduced braking performance. | Full report ↗ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 4 | 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. | Full report ↗ |
| 2007 | Avoid | 4 | Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall (NHTSA 21V053000); removing the airbag often reveals or worsens cracks in the brittle dashboard, complicating the repair.; 5.3L V8 Active Fuel Management oil consumption with lower-end and lifter wear that can require engine repairs.; Brittle dashboard cracks over the passenger airbag and along the top of the dash, a widespread age-related complaint. | Full report ↗ |
Recent T1XX Yukon with the 6.2L L87 engine-failure recall still the defining concern. Luxurious and capable, but the big-engine reliability cloud caps confidence.
Engine-failure complaints on the 6.2L L87 climb again this year and are recall-covered. A refined, tech-rich SUV carrying a serious powertrain asterisk.
Second-year T1XX with fewer complaints as launch issues settle, but the 6.2L L87 connecting-rod and bearing engine-failure recall still overhangs the big-V8 trims.
All-new T1XX launch year with the most recalls of its generation, including the 6.2L L87 engine-failure recall, fuel-system loss-of-propulsion and 10-speed concerns. The roughest fifth-gen year.
The best K2XX year: the lowest complaints of its generation and final-year refinement, with only the 5.3L AFM lifter risk to note. A strong used pick.
A well-regarded late-K2XX Yukon with low complaint volume. AFM lifter wear remains the main watch-item on the 5.3L V8.
One of the stronger K2XX years as launch bugs settle. The main lingering risk is 5.3L Active Fuel Management lifter wear, with far fewer complaints.
8L90 eight-speed transmission failures peak this year alongside tail-light and brake-vacuum-pump complaints. Powerful and plush but mechanically asterisked.
Carryover K2XX issues persist, including tail-light circuit-board failures, brake-vacuum-pump and 8L90 eight-speed concerns, though complaint volume drops from 2015.
All-new K2XX launch year to avoid: the worst-complaint Yukon of the decade with failing tail-light circuit boards, brake-vacuum-pump loss of assist, eight-speed problems and 5.3L AFM lifter failures.
Final GMT900 year with the lowest complaints of its generation. Mature six-speed V8 drivetrain and dated tech, with the lingering brittle-dash recall.
Late-generation Yukon with the airbag and dash-crack recall its main blemish. Refined, roomy and a strong tow rig otherwise.
The most reliable GMT900 Yukon with markedly fewer complaints. Well-sorted V8s, though the brittle-dash recall and AFM oil use still apply.
One of the weaker GMT900 years on complaint volume, led by the airbag recall and brittle-dash cracking. Strong V8 and towing, but watch the AFM oil consumption.
5.3L Active Fuel Management oil consumption and lifter wear become the defining concern alongside the airbag and dash issues. Otherwise a comfortable, capable hauler.
Mid-generation Yukon with the dash-crack and airbag-recall pattern easing slightly. Dependable drivetrain offset by 5.3L Active Fuel Management oil use.
Heavy Takata passenger-airbag and dash-crack complaints carry over from the 2007 launch. A capable 5.3L V8 but a recall-laden, electrically fussy year.
All-new GMT900 launch year and the most-complained Yukon: a Takata passenger-airbag recall, brittle dash cracking, plus early 5.3L oil consumption and lower-end engine wear. Approach only with a documented service history.
Final GMT800 year and the most settled of its generation with the fewest complaints. Solid V8 and good towing, though dated safety and thirsty fuel economy.
Durable GMT800-era 5.3L V8 and a roomy cabin, but the instrument-cluster gauges and shift indicator fail intermittently and brakes draw complaints. An aging, simple truck that holds up if maintained.
Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all GMC models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.