Summary
The GMC Yukon has 29 recalls spanning 1995 through 2024, with the most serious recent issue being a transmission control valve body defect on 2022 models equipped with the 10-speed automatic that can cause the wheels to lock up suddenly, leading to loss of control.
The 2021-2024 model years carry a substantial share of recalls. On diesel-equipped 2022 and 2024 models, an incorrect fuel tank installed during a prior repair can leak fuel in a rollover, raising the risk of fire. The 2021 model year has several issues worth knowing: the rear driveshaft can fail without warning and cause a sudden loss of drive power; rear axle shaft wear can progress to seizure and cut power to the wheels; and front seat attachment bolts may have been left loose or missing during assembly, allowing a seat to shift in a crash. Seat belts on some 2021 vehicles were installed with incorrect bolts and may not hold in a crash, and a software fault can prevent the airbag warning light from alerting the driver when the system has a problem. Power steering assist can also drop out at startup or while moving on 2021 models, sharply increasing steering effort.
Going back to the mid-2000s and early 2010s, the 2012 model has a front passenger airbag inflator that can degrade over time and rupture in a crash, sending fragments into the cabin. On 2011 models, the rear axle cross pins can fracture and displace, causing the driver to lose directional control, and intermediate steering shaft bolts may not have been tightened properly, allowing the shaft joints to separate and leaving the driver with no steering. The 2009 model has a fuel system control module that can let water in, potentially causing the engine to stall or fail to start.
Earlier production has a range of issues across several systems. The 2005 model has a brake booster pushrod retainer that may be missing, which can allow the pushrod to disengage from the brake pedal and result in complete brake loss. The 2003 model has rear door upper hinge welds that may be below specification, reducing door strength in a side impact. On 2000 models, loose or missing rear wheelhouse plugs can let exhaust gases flow into the passenger compartment, with potentially fatal consequences. The 1998 model has two separate concerns: a rear brake line that can wear through from contact with the inner fender panel and lose fluid, and a lower steering shaft pinch bolt that can loosen or fall out, eventually separating the steering shaft from the gear. The 1995 model has the center rear lap belt improperly routed, leaving that occupant without effective restraint in a crash.
