GMC Yukon 1992–1999 problems by year and mileage
1st generation · GMT400 (GMT410/430)
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026712 complaints, 189 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 1992 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 19
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 1992
- Hydraulic brake circuit10 reports
- Visibility equipment3 reports
- Transmission and driveline2 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — pedals and linkages
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1993 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 17
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 1993
- Hydraulic brake circuit7 reports
- Seat belts3 reports
- Service brakes, air2 reports
The 1994 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 58
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 1994
- Hydraulic brake circuit20 reports
- Visibility equipment19 reports
- Seats8 reports
Recall areas Visibility — windshield wiper/washer
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1995 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 90
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 1995
- Seats26 reports
- Hydraulic brake circuit24 reports
- Visibility equipment11 reports
Recall areas Visibility — windshield wiper/washer · Vehicle speed control · Power train — automatic transmission
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1996 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 70
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 1996
- Hydraulic brake circuit14 reports
- Visibility equipment13 reports
- Engine and its cooling system9 reports
Recall areas Visibility — windshield wiper/washer · Vehicle speed control
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1997 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 133
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 1997
- Steering53 reports
- Hydraulic brake circuit30 reports
- Transmission and driveline15 reports
The 1998 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- 98,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 80
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 1998
- Hydraulic brake circuit19 reports
- Visibility equipment16 reports
- Steering11 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components · Steering — gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 1999 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- 92,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 245
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 1999
- Hydraulic brake circuit116 reports · median 94,000 mi
- Steering23 reports
- Electrical system20 reports
Recall areas Seat belts — front
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 1998; earliest: the 1999, and the 1998 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age). 6 of these years carry fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and show no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 1992–1999 GMC Yukon reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 94,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 161,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 189
- Recalls
- 10
Most reported
- Hydraulic brake circuit33.7% of complaints · median 94,000 mi
- Steering13.1% of complaints · median 86,000 mi
- Visibility equipment11.4% of complaints · median 96,000 mi
Owners filed 712 complaints with NHTSA about the 1992–1999 GMC Yukon; the hydraulic brake circuit leads with 33.7% of them, and half of the 189 that record an odometer reading came by 94,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 70,000 to 128,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 1992–1999 GMC Yukon last?
On the 1992–1999 GMC Yukon, half of the 189 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 94,000 miles and 90% by 161,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
26 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 5 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Yukon reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · GMC Yukon 1992–1999 · 189 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
20,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 44 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 5 complaints (2.6%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 51,000
- 25%
- 70,000
- Median
- 94,000
- 75%
- 128,000
- 90%
- 161,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–20,000 | 5 | 2.6% |
| 20,000–40,000 | 7 | 3.7% |
| 40,000–60,000 | 14 | 7.4% |
| 60,000–80,000 | 40 | 21.2% |
| 80,000–100,000 | 44 | 23.3% |
| 100,000–120,000 | 27 | 14.3% |
| 120,000–140,000 | 14 | 7.4% |
| 140,000–160,000 | 18 | 9.5% |
| 160,000–180,000 | 11 | 5.8% |
| 180,000–200,000 | 4 | 2.1% |
| 200,000+ | 5 | 2.6% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Yukon problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · GMC Yukon 1992–1999
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Engine and its cooling system40 reportsmedian 81,000middle half 68,000–91,000
- Steering93 reportsmedian 86,000middle half 70,000–102,000
- Hydraulic brake circuit240 reportsmedian 94,000middle half 70,000–118,000
- Visibility equipment81 reportsmedian 96,000middle half 77,000–128,000
- Electrical system48 reportsmedian 96,000middle half 63,000–130,000
- Transmission and driveline57 reportsmedian 100,000middle half 98,000–140,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 240 | 33.7% | 94,000 | 70,000–118,000 |
| Steering | 93 | 13.1% | 86,000 | 70,000–102,000 |
| Visibility equipment | 81 | 11.4% | 96,000 | 77,000–128,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 57 | 8.0% | 100,000 | 98,000–140,000 |
| Seats | 49 | 6.9% | — | — |
| Electrical system | 48 | 6.7% | 96,000 | 63,000–130,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 40 | 5.6% | 81,000 | 68,000–91,000 |
| Fuel system | 38 | 5.3% | — | — |
| Suspension | 32 | 4.5% | — | — |
| Tyres | 25 | 3.5% | — | — |
Known problems with the 1992–1999 Yukon
Fuel System 1996–1999
Central Sequential Fuel Injection (CSFI) 'spider' injector assembly on the Vortec 5.7L: the poppet-valve nozzles and pressure regulator leak internally, causing hard starting, rough idle, misfire and raw fuel odor. GM's later fix was the MFI conversion kit with individual injectors.
Transmission 1992–1999
4L60-E 3-4 clutch pack and sun shell failure producing loss of 3rd/4th or flare shifts, especially in towing use.
Brakes 1992–1999
Kelsey-Hayes EBCM / wheel speed sensor faults causing ABS activation at low speed and extended stopping distance; steel brake line corrosion in road-salt states.
Before you buy a 1992–1999 Yukon: the 3-minute check
Generated from 189 mileage-tagged complaints, 10 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check fuel system on 1996–1999 (5.7L Vortec) cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check transmission on 1992–1999 cars.
- Check brakes on 1992–1999 cars.
- Years differ here: from 17 to 245 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Yukon problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi14% below | At 90k mi43% below | At 120k mi72% below | At 150k mi86% below | At 200k mi97% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic brake circuit | 70,000–118,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 70,000–102,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Visibility equipment | 77,000–128,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 98,000–140,000 | later | later | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 63,000–130,000 | later | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 68,000–91,000 | later | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · GMC Yukon 1992–1999 · 189 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 14% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 72% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
1992–1999 GMC Yukon recalls (10)
NHTSA records 10 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around visibility equipment (2), the seat belts (2), the hydraulic brake circuit (2) (why one area can repeat).
Apr 2003 · 1994–1996 · VisibilityIf this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The defect. On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at…
What can happen. If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on june 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do…
Apr 2000 · 1999 · Seat BeltsIn the event of a vehicle crash, the right front passenger restraint systems may not meet the neck extension…
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. These vehicles do not comply with the occupant protection requirements of fmvss no. 208, "Occupant crash protection."
What can happen. In the event of a vehicle crash, the right front passenger restraint systems may not meet the neck extension requirements.
The free fix. Dealers will install a tray insert on the top of the passenger side of the instrument panel. The tray insert corrects the noncompliance.
Jul 1998 · 1994–1996 · VisibilityThis condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a…
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
What can happen. This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Feb 1998 · 1998 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf a driver continues to drive with a cracked rotor, the cracks could continue around the wheel mounting bolt…
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.
What can happen. If a driver continues to drive with a cracked rotor, the cracks could continue around the wheel mounting bolt circle and ultimately result in a wheel separation.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
Aug 1997 · 1998 · SteeringRelative movement between the chassis and cab can cause the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear.
The defect. Vehicle description: light duty extended-cab pickup trucks and 4-door utility trucks. The lower steering shaft to steering gear pinch bolt is "finger loose" or missing allowing the bolt to loosen and fall out. The steering shaft yoke can wear causing an off…
What can happen. Relative movement between the chassis and cab can cause the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear. This condition can result in a loss of steering control increasing the risk of a vehicle…
The free fix. Dealers are arranging to have the vehicles involved towed to the dealership and alternate transportation is being arranged for owners. Dealers will then inspect the vehicle for the presence of a…
Apr 1996 · 1995–1996 · Vehicle Speed ControlConsequence of non-compliance: the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle…
The defect. These vehicles were assembled with the throttle cable contacting the dash mat which could bind the throttle. This does not meet with the maximum return times required by federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, "Accelerator control systems."
What can happen. Consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect for adequate throttle cable to dash mat clearance, and if there is insufficient clearance, cut out a portion of the dash mat to provide proper clearance.
Jul 1995 · 1995 · Power TrainThe vehicle can move unintentionally if the driver does not notice that the indicator light is not on and…
The defect. The transmission shift-cable lock clip can back out of its installed position resulting in a loss of cable adjustment. When the shift lever is placed in the "park" position, the "park" indicator light may not illuminate.
What can happen. The vehicle can move unintentionally if the driver does not notice that the indicator light is not on and does not apply the parking brake.
The free fix. Dealers will adjust the shift cable and install a lock clip.
Jul 1995 · 1995 · Air BagsConsequence of non-compliance: operators could fail to notice and heed the warning label.
The defect. The vehicles have both the supplemental inflatable restraint (sir) label and an engine start label installed on the same side of the sun visor. This does not comply with fmvss no.208, "Occupant crash protection."
What can happen. Consequence of non-compliance: operators could fail to notice and heed the warning label.
The free fix. The engine start label will be removed from the stowed side of the sun visor and a new engine start label will be installed on the headliner in the sun visor depression. Owners will receive the new…
Apr 1995 · 1995 · Seat BeltsConsequence of non-compliance: the occupant of this seat will not be properly restrained in the event of a…
The defect. Vehicles fail to conform to fmvss no. 210, "Seat belt anchorages." The center rear seat lap belt was improperly routed.
What can happen. Consequence of non-compliance: the occupant of this seat will not be properly restrained in the event of a vehicle crash.
The free fix. Instructions for rerouting the center rear seat lap belt will be sent to the vehicle owners. If the owner prefers, they can take their vehicle to their dealer and have it rerouted free of charge by…
Apr 1992 · 1992 · Service Brakes, HydraulicIf the pivot bolt disengages from the nut while thevehicle is in motion, there will be a loss of brake…
The defect. The pivot bolt holding the brake pedal to its support bracket may be improperly tightened and may not have engaged the locking material on the bolt. The bolt can disengage from the nut.
What can happen. If the pivot bolt disengages from the nut while thevehicle is in motion, there will be a loss of brake control and could result ina vehicle accident.
The free fix. Dealers should inspect the hand started brake pedal bolts and torque them to specification.
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 712 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 63 (8.8%)
- Fires
- 11
- Injury reports
- 26
- Fatality reports
- 2
Yukon problems by model year
The 1999 drew the most complaints of this generation, 245, most of them about the hydraulic brake circuit, and the 1994 the fewest among the 6 years with at least 20 complaints, 58. A typical year drew about 85.
That makes the 1999 stand out at roughly 2.9 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 19 | 0 | under 30 reports | Hydraulic brake circuit (10) | 1 |
| 1993 | 17 | 0 | under 30 reports | Hydraulic brake circuit (7) | 0 |
| 1994 | 58 | 10 | under 30 reports | Hydraulic brake circuit (20) | 2 |
| 1995 | 90 | 3 | under 30 reports | Seats (26) | 6 |
| 1996 | 70 | 9 | under 30 reports | Hydraulic brake circuit (14) | 3 |
| 1997 | 133 | 21 | under 30 reports | Steering (53) | 0 |
| 1998 | 80 | 36 | 98,000 | Hydraulic brake circuit (19) | 2 |
| 1999 | 245 | 110 | 92,000 | Hydraulic brake circuit (116) | 1 |
What Yukon owners reported
I got into a accident. At the intersection of washington st and 2nd st in reno nv. I impacted another car as they went across the intersection. I had the right of way, i impacted the passenger rear end of the other persons vehicle. The main point of impact on my Yukon was the passenger side front corner. The accident…
1998 · 148,000 miles · Airbag system
On my 1997 Yukon the front wiper motor fails intermittently usually while driving in the rain. The failure is caused by a manufacturers defect in the wiper motor circuit board. In 1998 a recall was issued for this problem on a number of gm vehicles, however the recall covered vehicles from 1994 to early 1997. Although…
1997 · 54,000 miles · Visibility/wiper
Vehicle has only 21,650 m on it, used mostly on weekends and in the snow in winter. It was doing fine until 9/18/16 when suddenly i noticed my brake was not responding as usual. I had to push the pedal to the floor repeatedly to stop, barely missed hitting the car in front of me. I was on one of my city streets…
1999 · 22,000 miles · Brakes
The cable release for the rear seats freeze up and the cables break. This could trap someone in the back if riding in rear, or 3rd row seats. If the car catches on fire and a person who can't climb forward over the seats, it would be devastating on what could happen. I feel as this should be a recall on general…
1996 · 240,000 miles · Seats
Built from 189 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Yukon generations
- Yukon 2000–2006 904 reports with mileage, most about the electrical system
- Yukon 2007–2014 1,024 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Yukon 2015–2020 699 reports with mileage, most about the exterior lighting
- Yukon 2021–2025 149 reports with mileage, most about the engine