Last updated: 2026-03-04

GMC Yukon

1 GMC Yukon Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the GMC Yukon average of 67/100

The GMC Yukon years to avoid are 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2021 with a reliability score of 55/100. The best GMC Yukon year to buy is 2025 76/100.

Verdict

The 2021 GMC Yukon scores significantly below the model average of 67/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 55/100 due to engine (157) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2018 68/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

GMC Yukon Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the GMC Yukon average of 67/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202155/100Mixed25410Engine (157)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

55
MixedReliability score: 55 out of 100, rated Mixed

2021 GMC Yukon

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).

25 recalls410 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Engine (157), Power Train (62), Engine And Engine Cooling (42), Electrical System (22), Fuel Propulsion System (22), Unknown Or Other (13)

View full 2021 reliability report →

What Are Common GMC Yukon Problems?

Top reported issues across all GMC Yukon model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ENGINE

571 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

218 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

140 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

107 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2020, 2021

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

65 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

51 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best GMC Yukon Year to Buy Instead

68
GoodReliability score: 68 out of 100, rated Good

2018 GMC Yukon

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).

Score: 68/100 (Good)4 recalls108 complaints
View full 2018 reliability report →

All GMC Yukon Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

GMC Yukon Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What GMC Yukon years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following GMC Yukon years: 2021 (score: 55/100). These model years score significantly below the GMC Yukon average of 67/100.
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 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 52 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the GMC Yukon have?
Across all years in our database, the GMC Yukon has a total of 56 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used GMC Yukon worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 76/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 67/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common GMC Yukon problems?
The most common GMC Yukon problems are engine (571 complaints), power train (218 complaints), electrical system (140 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the GMC Yukon reliable long-term?
The GMC Yukon has an average reliability score of 67/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which GMC Yukon generation is most reliable?
The most reliable GMC Yukon generation is the Second generation (2015–present) with an average score of 65/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a GMC Yukon?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the GMC Yukon is $747 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2025 GMC Yukon a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 GMC Yukon is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 1 recalls and 52 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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