GMC Yukon 2015–2020 problems by year and mileage
4th generation · GMT K2XX (K2UG / K2YG)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20261,265 complaints, 699 with mileageMethod
A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2015 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- 59,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 602
- Recalls naming this year
- 10
Most reported on the 2015
- Exterior lighting308 reports · median 59,000 mi
- Electrical system90 reports · median 62,000 mi
- Brakes90 reports · median 68,000 mi
Recall areas Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist · Steering — electric power assist system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2016 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- 54,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 288
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
Most reported on the 2016
- Exterior lighting111 reports · median 53,000 mi
- Electrical system56 reports
- Brakes54 reports
Recall areas Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist · Seat belts — pretensioner
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- 52,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 208
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Transmission and driveline50 reports
- Exterior lighting49 reports
- Brakes43 reports
Recall areas Service brakes · Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist · Seat belts — pretensioner
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 72
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
Most reported on the 2018
- Engine27 reports
- Transmission and driveline18 reports
- Suspension8 reports
Recall areas Service brakes, hydraulic — power assist · Service brakes
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2019 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 58
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2019
- Engine30 reports
- Transmission and driveline13 reports
- Electrical system9 reports
Recall areas Power train — transfer case (4-wheel drive) · Service brakes
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2020 GMC Yukon
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 37
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2020
- Transmission and driveline15 reports
- Engine12 reports
- Brakes3 reports
Recall areas Power train — transfer case (4-wheel drive) · Tires · Fuel system, gasoline — delivery
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2015; earliest: the 2017, and the 2015 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age). 3 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 2015–2020 GMC Yukon reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 55,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 100,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 699
- Recalls
- 15
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Exterior lighting37.2% of complaints · median 57,000 mi
- Brakes15.8% of complaints · median 57,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline15.0% of complaints · median 61,000 mi
Owners filed 1,265 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015–2020 GMC Yukon; the exterior lighting leads with 37.2% of them, and half of the 699 that record an odometer reading came by 55,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 39,000 to 79,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2015–2020 GMC Yukon last?
On the 2015–2020 GMC Yukon, half of the 699 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 55,000 miles and 90% by 100,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
14 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 3 past 200,000 — each one proof that a Yukon reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · GMC Yukon 2015–2020 · 699 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 100 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 3 complaints (0.4%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 12,000
- 25%
- 39,000
- Median
- 55,000
- 75%
- 79,000
- 90%
- 100,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 63 | 9.0% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 26 | 3.7% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 34 | 4.9% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 54 | 7.7% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 100 | 14.3% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 94 | 13.4% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 87 | 12.4% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 71 | 10.2% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 56 | 8.0% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 43 | 6.2% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 23 | 3.3% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 16 | 2.3% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 9 | 1.3% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 6 | 0.9% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 3 | 0.4% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 4 | 0.6% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 2 | 0.3% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 2 | 0.3% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 2 | 0.3% |
| 190,000–200,000 | 1 | 0.1% |
| 200,000+ | 3 | 0.4% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Yukon problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · GMC Yukon 2015–2020
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Problems owners could not categorise126 reportsmedian 50,000middle half 27,000–66,000
- Steering61 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 28,000–86,000
- Exterior lighting471 reportsmedian 57,000middle half 43,000–76,000
- Brakes200 reportsmedian 57,000middle half 40,000–76,000
- Electrical system183 reportsmedian 60,000middle half 36,000–75,000
- Transmission and driveline190 reportsmedian 61,000middle half 9,000–101,000
- Engine176 reportsmedian 72,000middle half 33,000–102,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 471 | 37.2% | 57,000 | 43,000–76,000 |
| Brakes | 200 | 15.8% | 57,000 | 40,000–76,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 190 | 15.0% | 61,000 | 9,000–101,000 |
| Electrical system | 183 | 14.5% | 60,000 | 36,000–75,000 |
| Engine | 176 | 13.9% | 72,000 | 33,000–102,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 126 | 10.0% | 50,000 | 27,000–66,000 |
| Steering | 61 | 4.8% | 55,000 | 28,000–86,000 |
| Suspension | 45 | 3.6% | 60,000 | 45,000–89,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 33 | 2.6% | 48,000 | 12,000–72,000 |
| Body structure | 26 | 2.1% | 44,000 | 5,000–60,000 |
Known problems with the 2015–2020 Yukon
Engine - Valvetrain 2015–2020
Active Fuel Management lifter failure on the L83/L86: a collapsed deactivating lifter bends its pushrod and wipes the camshaft lobe, causing misfire, ticking and in severe cases full engine replacement. Subject of ongoing consumer litigation covering 2014-2020 Yukon, Yukon XL, Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado, Sierra and Escalade.
Transmission 2015–2019
8L90 8-speed torque converter clutch shudder and harsh shifting caused by degradation of the original transmission fluid; GM's remedy was a flush to the revised Mobil 1 Dexron-HP fluid plus reprogramming, with extended coverage on affected units.
Before you buy a 2015–2020 Yukon: the 3-minute check
Generated from 699 mileage-tagged complaints, 15 recall campaigns, 2 documented problem areas.
- A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation. Run the VIN before you drive it home — the fix is free at an authorized dealer.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 15 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine - valvetrain on 2015–2020 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check transmission on 2015–2019 (8L90) cars.
- Years differ here: from 37 to 602 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 mi53% below | At 90k mi84% below | At 120k mi95% below | At 150k mi98% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 43,000–76,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 40,000–76,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 9,000–101,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 36,000–75,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 33,000–102,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 27,000–66,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 28,000–86,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · GMC Yukon 2015–2020 · 699 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 53% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 84% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 95% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 98% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2015–2020 GMC Yukon recalls (15)
NHTSA records 15 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
2 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the transmission and driveline (3), the hydraulic brake circuit (2), the steering (2) (why one area can repeat).
May 2026 · 2019–2020 · Power Train do not driveFront or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020…
What can happen. Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters…
Feb 2021 · 2020 · TiresOver cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC…
What can happen. Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267…
Oct 2020 · 2018 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time…
What can happen. A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559…
Nov 2019 · 2020 · Fuel System, GasolineOver-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for…
What can happen. Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer…
Oct 2019 · 2015–2020 · Service BrakesUnintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a…
What can happen. Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service…
Sep 2019 · 2015–2018 · Service Brakes, HydraulicAs the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
What can happen. As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at…
Sep 2018 · 2015 · SteeringIf EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
What can happen. If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet…
Jul 2017 · 2015–2016 · Seat BeltsA failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and…
What can happen. A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The…
Sep 2016 · 2015–2017 · Seat BeltsA failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet…
What can happen. A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The…
Apr 2016 · 2016 · Suspension do not driveInadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms…
What can happen. Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been…
Nov 2014 · 2015 · SteeringAn unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra, and Yukon XL vehicles, equipped with electric power steering (EPS). Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a…
What can happen. An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering assist motor kit, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020…
Jul 2014 · 2015 · Air BagsDuring deployment, the RRAB may be punctured or torn by the roof carrier hardware, reducing its performance…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Suburban, Suburban LTZ, Tahoe, Tahoe LTZ, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL Denali vehicles manufactured on May 13, 2014. The affected vehicles were assembled with a roof rail air bags (RRAB) that…
What can happen. During deployment, the RRAB may be punctured or torn by the roof carrier hardware, reducing its performance and increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the roof carrier attaching hardware, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early September 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at…
Jun 2014 · 2015 · Power TrainIf the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra vehicles, and model year 2015 GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, an electrical signal short may cause the transfer…
What can happen. If the transfer case switches to neutral while the vehicle is parked and the parking brake is not in use, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of injury to bystanders. If the transfer case…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will re-program the software in the transfer case control module, free of charge. The recall began in early August 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer…
Mar 2014 · 2015 · Power TrainIf the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM ) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Silverado Light Duty Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 series and model year 2015 Suburban and Tahoe; GMC model year 2014 Sierra Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab 1500 Series…
What can happen. If the line is not securely seated and transmission oil leaks from the fitting, the oil could contact a hot surface and cause a vehicle fire.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transmission oil cooler line connection and repair the vehicles, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Owners may contact…
Jan 2014 · 2015 · Engine and Engine CoolingThe overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
The defect. General Motors is recalling certain 2014 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, and 2015 model year Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV; Chevrolet Silverado HD; and GMC Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL, equipped with a 4.3L engine or…
What can happen. The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
The free fix. General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall began on January 16, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 1,265 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 29 (2.3%)
- Fires
- 6
- Injury reports
- 19
- Fatality reports
- 0
Yukon problems by model year
The 2015 drew the most complaints of this generation, 602, most of them about the exterior lighting, and the 2020 the fewest, 37. A typical year drew about 140.
That makes the 2015 stand out at roughly 4.3 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 602 | 415 | 59,000 | Exterior lighting (308) | 10 |
| 2016 | 288 | 159 | 54,000 | Exterior lighting (111) | 5 |
| 2017 | 208 | 75 | 52,000† | Transmission and driveline (50) | 3 |
| 2018 | 72 | 22 | under 30 reports | Engine (27) | 3 |
| 2019 | 58 | 19 | under 30 reports | Engine (30) | 2 |
| 2020 | 37 | 9 | under 30 reports | Transmission and driveline (15) | 4 |
What Yukon owners reported
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 72,499. After three months, the vehicle experienced an engine failure, and a worker at a third-party automotive parts distributor…
2018 · 160,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking violently. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving at a reduced speed. The vehicle was…
2016 · 115,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated…
2016 · 136,000 miles · Hydraulic brake circuit
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked and the transmission malfunctioned, causing the wheels to lock up and the check engine warning light to illuminate. The vehicle was driven to a local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch and…
2020 · 118,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
Built from 699 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Yukon generations
- Yukon 1992–1999 189 reports with mileage, most about the hydraulic brake circuit
- 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 2021–2025 149 reports with mileage, most about the engine