Last updated: 2026-03-04
GMC Yukon Reliability by Year
The GMC Yukon averages 67/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
GMC Yukon Reliability Overview
The GMC Yukon, covering model years 2018 to 2026, shows a reliability score averaging 72 out of 100, categorized as good, with repair costs slightly below the full-size SUV average at $747 annually. Data indicates common issues with the engine and powertrain, particularly in models from 2021 to 2023, where engine failures and transmission problems are frequently reported, leading to higher complaint rates for those years. While recent models like 2024 and 2025 show improvement with fewer complaints, potential buyers should consider these patterns and the associated safety implications, especially when evaluating used models.
Current generation: 2nd gen (2015–2023), facelifted 2020.
Best & Worst GMC Yukon Years
Best GMC Yukon Years to Buy
The best GMC Yukon year is 2025 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (71/100) and 2019 (71/100).
GMC Yukon Years to Avoid
The worst GMC Yukon year is 2021 with a score of 55/100, primarily due to engine (157) issues.
See full GMC Yukon years-to-avoid analysis →GMC Yukon Reliability Score Trend
GMC Yukon reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 67/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 76/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 GMC Yukon
0 recalls · 11 complaints
The 2026 GMC Yukon has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 11 owner complaints on file for the 2026 GMC Yukon. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (5), Power Train (2), Unknown Or Other (1).
2025 GMC Yukon
1 recalls · 52 complaints
The 2025 GMC Yukon has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 52 owner complaints on file for the 2025 GMC Yukon. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (21), Electrical System (10), Power Train (6).
2024 GMC Yukon
2 recalls · 45 complaints
The 2024 GMC Yukon has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 45 owner complaints on file for the 2024 GMC Yukon. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (17), Electrical System (8), Power Train (7).
2023 GMC Yukon
8 recalls · 329 complaints
The 2023 GMC Yukon has good reliability. There are 8 recalls and 329 owner complaints on file for the 2023 GMC Yukon. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (159), Power Train (46), Electrical System (40).
2022 GMC Yukon
9 recalls · 248 complaints
The 2022 GMC Yukon has good reliability. There are 9 recalls and 248 owner complaints on file for the 2022 GMC Yukon. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (105), Electrical System (34), Power Train (31).
2021 GMC Yukon
25 recalls · 410 complaints
The 2021 GMC Yukon has mixed reliability. There are 25 recalls and 410 owner complaints on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (157), Power Train (62), Engine And Engine Cooling (42).
2020 GMC Yukon
5 recalls · 59 complaints
The 2020 GMC Yukon has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 59 owner complaints on file for the 2020 GMC Yukon. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (20), Power Train (18), Unknown Or Other (4).
2019 GMC Yukon
2 recalls · 95 complaints
The 2019 GMC Yukon has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 95 owner complaints on file for the 2019 GMC Yukon. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (33), Power Train (18), Electrical System (12).
2018 GMC Yukon
4 recalls · 108 complaints
The 2018 GMC Yukon has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 108 owner complaints on file for the 2018 GMC Yukon. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (24), Power Train (19), Unknown Or Other (14).
GMC Yukon Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
3.5/5
Annual Repair Cost
$747
Repair Frequency
0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk
16%
$37 below the fullsize SUVs average of $784/yr.
Ranked #6 of 14 among fullsize SUVs.
GMC Yukon Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable GMC Models
Compare all GMC models by reliability
Compare GMC Yukon With Similar SUVs
The GMC Yukon competes with other full-size suvs such as Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the GMC Yukon reliable?
- The GMC Yukon has good reliability with an average score of 67/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the GMC Yukon?
- The best year for the GMC Yukon is 2025 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. It has 1 recalls and 52 owner complaints on record. See full 2025 GMC Yukon analysis →
- What are the GMC Yukon years to avoid?
- The GMC Yukon years to avoid include 2021 (55/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a GMC Yukon?
- The GMC Yukon has an estimated annual repair cost of $747, which is $37 below the fullsize SUVs average of $784. This includes both scheduled maintenance and unscheduled repairs based on independent repair data.
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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