Which Years Of Used GMC Yukons Are Most Reliable?
We discuss the GMC Yukon's reliability: what Yukon years are most reliable (and which Yukon years you should avoid) so can approach your truck shopping with confidence.
The GMC Yukon is one of the largest vehicles in GMC’s lineup, praised for its spacious cargo and passenger space and its commanding presence while on the road. Plus, the Yukon is known for its off-road chops and powerful engine options, proving that SUVs can compete with some of the best workhorses in the market.
If you’re looking for a dependable large family SUV, the GMC Yukon is undoubtedly worth the look. However, not all Yukon SUVs are created equal, especially regarding reliability – a critical criterion if you want to buy a used model. With that said, you’re likely asking, what’s the most reliable year of GMC Yukon?
For today’s buyer’s guide, we walk you through the more recent generations to determine the most reliable year of GMC Yukon and which models to avoid altogether. Let’s take a look.
THE GMC YUKON YEARS TO AVOID
The vehicle is effective, reasonably priced, and they’re great if you’re looking for a larger SUV that performs and drives well. Of course, they aren’t perfect, and there are some GMC Yukon years to avoid and other high-performing years that are still great as used vehicles.
2000-2006 GMC Yukon (2nd Generation)
If you’re shopping for an older Yukon, the 2nd generation lineup should be a great place to start, with several reliable models to choose from.
Buy: 2001 GMC Yukon
Although more than two decades old, the 2001 model deserves to be called the most reliable year of GMC Yukon. It features strong V8 engines, a roomy interior, and a standard AWD for the Denali model. According to CarComplaints.com, the 2001 GMC Yukon has only 280+ complaints and eight recalls. Its worst issue is the faulty ABS module which is hardly a dealbreaker. Consumer Reports also rated this model favorably, with a reliability verdict of 5.0 out of 5.0.
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Avoid: 2002 GMC Yukon
The 2002 Yukon is best avoided for several mechanical woes. Consumer Reports has rated the 2002 GMC Yukon with a reliability score of 1.0 out of 5.0. due to many trouble spots, including the engine, engine cooling, transmission, and drive system. Another area of concern with the 2002 Yukon is that its frame is vulnerable to rust and corrosion.
Buy: 2006 GMC Yukon
The 2006 Yukon was criticized for its build quality when it was launched. Other than that, this model year has held up relatively well with decent reliability scores. As per CarComplaints, the 2006 Yukon only has 56 complaints, and three recalls – pretty great for a pre-2010 large SUV. As for its mechanical issues, there were some minor complaints here and there regarding the tailgate, but nothing too major. The 2006 Yukon is an excellent used large SUV that you can buy with confidence.
2007-2014 GMC Yukon (3rd Generation)
The 3rd Yukon generation brought improved steering and ride quality, but some model years have questionable reliability.
Avoid: 2007 GMC Yukon
In general, we advise people to avoid every vehicle generation’s first models, which rings true for the 2007 GMC Yukon. CarComplaints logged over 600 complaints and four recalls for the 2007 Yukon. The most common complaint with more than 20 written reviews is excessive oil consumption which generally occurs at around 70,000 miles. In addition, frustrated owners also claimed that this Yukon’s dashboard was prone to cracking, and by the time this issue happened, it was out of warranty. Consumer Reports was also not thrilled with this large SUV and rated it a dismal 1.0 out of 5.0 in reliability verdict.
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Buy: 2012 GMC Yukon
For the 3rd generation, this is the most reliable year of GMC Yukon. As per CarComplaints, the 2012 Yukon received only 83 complaints and three recalls. Furthermore, its number one issue is the liftgate strut failure which only has one report, so we can safely assume it’s an isolated case. The 2012 GMC Yukon also received a favorable rating from Consumer Reports with a score of 3.0 out of 5.0 in reliability and 4.0 out of 5.0 for owner satisfaction.
Buy: 2013-2014 GMC Yukon
These two Yukon models are reasonably similar and offer long-term reliability. They’re not exactly paragons of reliability, but they lack the major mechanical issues found in Yukon models you should avoid. The 2013 GMC Yukon only has a few complaints and recalls, and the extent of its problems includes carbon buildup and cracked dashboards. Meanwhile, the 2014 Yukon has even fewer complaints, and its most common issue, according to owners, is the paint quality. Both are solid large SUVs that you can buy used.
2015-2020 GMC Yukon (4th Generation)
The 4th-gen redesign brought a more spacious, quiet interior and optional advanced safety features. However, this generation also included the most unreliable Yukon in recent years.
Avoid: 2015 GMC Yukon
The 2015 GMC Yukon is the worst model year to avoid, primarily due to the fact that it has the most complaints. Currently at 800+ complaints and ten recalls, the 2015 is an automatic skip for us, not only because of the complaints but also its issues. One of the top three issues for this model is the faulty taillight.
According to the written complaints, the 2015 Yukon’s tail light assembly doesn’t work or will go out at random times. This is obviously a significant safety issue, especially if you’re driving at night. Another trouble spot for this large SUV is its A/C system which is prone to failure. This issue was determined to stem from a broken condenser or compressor. For an average price of $27,000 for a used model, the 2015 Yukon is just not worth it.
Buy: 2020 GMC Yukon
When it comes to newer Yukons, the 2020 iteration gets an earnest thumbs up from us. Although it’s not the most reliable vehicle in its class, the 2020 Yukon gets high marks for long-term reliability, as per Consumer Reports. The 2020 Yukon received a perfect reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0 and a customer satisfaction rating of 4.0 out of 5.0. However, CR knocked it down for its emergency handling and fuel economy.
With that said, the 2020 Yukon is a competent large SUV that would make for an excellent family hauler. It offers ample interior space and a sophisticated infotainment system, but the harsh ride and low-rent cabin materials can be deal breakers.
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4 Common Problems with the GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is holding its own in the full-size luxury class, thanks to its luxurious interior, powerful performance, and spaciousness. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that owners should be aware of. Here are four issues that GMC Yukon owners have frequently reported.
1. Faulty Lights
If you have ever owned a GMC Yukon, you might have encountered problems with the vehicle’s lights, particularly the tail lights. These lights are prone to early failure, often around the 60,000-mile mark. This issue is notably prevalent in many 2015 GMC Yukon models. Symptoms can vary from moisture appearing on the lens to the light not functioning at all. Such problems necessitate replacing the malfunctioning tail light assembly to ensure safe and legal night driving.
It’s not just the tail lights that can cause headaches for Yukon owners. Headlights and brake lights can also develop issues, with moisture forming on the lenses. The turn signal lights might also fail to illuminate when signaling a turn, which can lead to unsafe driving conditions and potential accidents.
2. Transmission Troubles
Transmission issues, while not as common as some other problems, can severely affect the performance and safety of the GMC Yukon. Several units from the 2015 model year have been particularly problematic, with owners reporting issues such as hesitation, vibration, and jerking during gear shifts. Some owners have also experienced their transmission unexpectedly switching to 4WD, making turns dangerous.
The transmission of the 2016 GMC Yukon can shudder and vibrate when shifting gears. These issues not only impair the vehicle’s performance but also increase the risk of accidents. Monitoring the transmission’s behavior and addressing any anomalies promptly can help maintain the SUV’s roadworthiness.
3. Accessory and Interior Problems
The GMC Yukon is well-known for its high-quality interior and an array of convenient accessories. However, many owners have reported problems related to these very features. The 2007 model drew the most complaints about interior and accessory issues, closely followed by the 2015 model. One of the most common complaints is about loud noises emanating from the dashboard. The dashboard houses numerous cables and parts that can become loose, causing vibrations and annoying rattling sounds.
Electronic accessories are also a source of frustration for many owners. Problems with the console phone, front camera, USB charging ports, and climate control panel have been frequently reported. Additionally, dashboard fractures in the 2010, 2011, and 2013 model years can be unsightly and reduce the vehicle’s resale value.
4. Heating and Air Conditioning Issues
A functional HVAC system is crucial for maintaining a comfortable cabin temperature, especially given the spacious interior of the GMC Yukon. Unfortunately, several units, particularly from the 2015, 2016, and 2017 model years, have reported significant air conditioning problems. Many owners have found that the A/C fails to cool the air properly, making the interior uncomfortable.
A common culprit is condenser failure, which can stop the A/C from cooling the air. Other potential causes include broken lines, defective compressors, and leaky compressor lines. Even when the A/C itself is functioning, other HVAC system issues can still make driving unpleasant. For instance, a malfunctioning recirculation feature can let in unpleasant outside smells, and the heater may turn on and off unpredictably, which can be particularly troublesome during extreme weather conditions.
Overall, despite its many strengths, the GMC Yukon is not without its issues. Faulty lights, transmission troubles, accessory and interior problems, and HVAC system failures are among the most commonly reported problems. Knowing these issues can help you take proactive steps to maintain your vehicle’s performance and safety. Regular maintenance and timely repairs are key to ensuring that the GMC Yukon continues delivering a comfortable and reliable driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most reliable year for the 2nd generation used GMC Yukon (2000-2006)?
A: The 2001 GMC Yukon is considered the most reliable year of the 2nd generation. It boasts strong V8 engines, a spacious interior, and standard AWD for the Denali model. With only 280+ complaints and eight recalls, the 2001 Yukon’s worst issue is the faulty ABS module, which is not a major concern. Consumer Reports also rated this model favorably, with a reliability verdict of 5.0 out of 5.0.
Q: Is the 2002 GMC Yukon a reliable choice?
A: No, the 2002 Yukon is best avoided due to several mechanical issues. Consumer Reports rated the 2002 GMC Yukon with a reliability score of just 1.0 out of 5.0, citing problems with the engine, engine cooling, transmission, and drive system. Additionally, the 2002 Yukon’s frame is prone to rust and corrosion.
Q: What is the most reliable 3rd generation used GMC Yukon (2007-2014)?
A: The 2012 GMC Yukon is the most reliable year of the 3rd generation. According to CarComplaints, the 2012 Yukon received only 83 complaints and three recalls. Its main issue, liftgate strut failure, has only one report, suggesting it’s an isolated case. Consumer Reports also gave the 2012 GMC Yukon a favorable rating, with a score of 3.0 out of 5.0 in reliability and 4.0 out of 5.0 for owner satisfaction.
Q: Which used 4th-gen Yukon (2015-2020) should be avoided?
A: The 2015 GMC Yukon is the worst model year to avoid in the 4th generation. It has the highest number of complaints, with over 800 reported issues and ten recalls. One of the top problems for this model is the faulty taillight assembly, which can be a significant safety issue. Another trouble spot is the A/C system, which is prone to failure due to a broken condenser or compressor.
Q: What are some of the pros and cons of the 2020 GMC Yukon?
A: The 2020 GMC Yukon is a capable large SUV that would make an excellent family vehicle. It offers plenty of interior space and a sophisticated infotainment system. However, potential drawbacks include a harsh ride and low-quality cabin materials, which may be deal breakers for some buyers.
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