This page covers 4 recalls, 64 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2012 GMC Yukon.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2012 GMC Yukon, the dominant complaint pattern centers on structural issues, particularly dashboard cracking. Owners frequently describe the dashboard developing cracks that spread across the surface over time, often originating near the airbag cover or instrument cluster area. Several owners specifically note concern that a cracking or separating dashboard could send plastic fragments toward occupants if the airbag deploys. Airbag complaints are the second most-reported named system, with the dashboard cracking pattern tying directly into those concerns. A smaller cluster of complaints involves engine behavior, with owners describing sudden loss of power, misfires, and loud tapping or banging noises sometimes accompanied by warning lights for engine, traction, and braking systems appearing simultaneously. The dashboard cracking issue appears to be the most consistent thread across this complaint set, with multiple owners describing cracks that started small and progressively widened or separated across a significant portion of the dash surface.
64
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2012 GMC Yukon has 4 recalls, all centered on the front passenger airbag inflator, which can rupture during deployment and send sharp metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious risk of injury or death.
All four recalls address the same underlying defect: the passenger-side front airbag inflator degrades over time when exposed to high heat and humidity, building up pressure that can cause it to explode rather than inflate normally. These recalls particularly affect vehicles registered in or sold in high-humidity regions including southern states, Hawaii, and U.S. territories, where the environmental conditions accelerate the propellant breakdown. Owners in those areas face the greatest exposure risk, though the defect can develop anywhere the vehicle has spent significant time in hot, humid conditions.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to high humidity, high heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different one at no cost to you.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may explode due to a chemical breakdown of its propellant after prolonged exposure to high heat, humidity, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflator may fail to deploy or deploy incorrectly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Heat and humidity exposure can degrade the propellant in the passenger-front airbag over time, potentially causing it to deploy with excessive force or rupture, sending fragments toward occupants or damaging the airbag assembly.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the passenger-front airbag inflator as a precaution before any malfunction occurs.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
