Powerful engine options, a smooth and pleasant ride, and plenty of room for passengers and cargo make the GMC Yukon a great SUV. Its newest generations boast enhanced steering, stylish interiors, the latest safety features, and other improvements. But even the older model years are excellent investments with decent resale values years down the line. According to CarEdge.com, the price of a Yukon in good condition will only depreciate by 42% after five years.
Are GMC Yukons Reliable SUVs?
When it comes to reliability, the GMC Yukon is considered above average for a full-sized SUV. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, putting it in 6th place out of 14 evaluated models. It also has average ownership costs compared to other SUVs. And while its repair jobs are more likely to incur higher costs than other vehicle types, there is only an average chance that a GMC Yukon part can break down.
The GMC Yukon can run smoothly for many years as long as you take good care of it. Stick to GMC’s recommended maintenance schedule and replace damaged or worn-out parts as soon as possible.
Top GMC Yukon Problems
First produced in 1993, the Yukon went through its share of ups and downs. CarComplaints.com identified the 2015 GMC Yukon as the worst model year based on the number of complaints about it and the severity of the issues reported. However, it’s possible to mitigate these faults if you know about them beforehand and prepare accordingly. The most common GMC Yukon problems are as follows:
Heating and Air Conditioning Issues
The HVAC system keeps the temperature in the cabin at a comfortable level. Given the spacious interior of the GMC Yukon, its cabin can get very unpleasant if the A/C stops working properly. Unfortunately, air conditioning-related issues affect several units of the 2015 GMC Yukon. Many owners have complained that the A/C failed to cool the air it blew into the cabin. The 2016 and 2017 model years are also prone to developing problems with their A/C.
Condenser failure is one of the most likely suspects behind a malfunctioning A/C. A fractured or leaking condenser can stop the A/C from cooling the air meant for the interior. Other possible reasons for the bad A/C include broken lines, leaky compressor lines, and faulty compressors.
Even if the actual A/C runs fine, other problems with the GMC Yukon HVAC system can make driving the SUV uncomfortable. A bad recirculation feature lets unpleasant smells from outside the vehicle enter the cabin. The heater can also turn on and off without warning, which can make driving through hot days difficult.
Faulty Lights
If you ever owned a GMC Yukon, you likely had to replace a tail light assembly at least once in its lifetime. Tail lights are the parts most likely to fail early in any Yukon model year at an average mileage of 60,000 miles. This problem is common in many 2015 GMC Yukon vehicles.
Depending on factors like the model year, the tail light problem can exhibit symptoms that range from moisture showing up on the lens to the light not working at all. You’ll have to remove the malfunctioning tail light and install a new one before you can legally and safely drive at night.
GMC Yukon tail lights are not the only vehicle lights that can develop problems. Moisture can form on the lens of headlights and brake lights as well. In some cases, the turn signal light may also not light up when you make a turn.
Accessory and Interior Problems
One of the strongest points of the GMC Yukon is its excellent interior and wide array of convenient accessories. So you might be surprised to know that many Yukon owners have brought up many issues regarding their SUV’s accessories and interior parts.
The 2007 GMC Yukon drew the most number of complaints related to its accessories and interior. However, the 2015 model year comes close, with loud noises from the dashboard being the most widely reported problem in this category. The 2015 GMC Yukon dashboard covers numerous cables, wires, and other parts. When one of these parts gets loose, it may vibrate as the car is running and make clicking or rattling noises.
The electronic accessories in Yukons of the same model year may also act up. Many owners have expressed frustration with the model’s climate control panel, console phone, front camera, and USB charging ports refusing to work.
A different kind of interior panel problem shows up in units belonging to the 2010, 2011, and 2013 model years. The dashboard of those model years can fracture and become eyesores that drive down the SUV’s resale value.
Transmission Troubles
Problems involving the GMC Yukon transmission are not as common as the previous categories. However, they can hamper the SUV’s road performance and increase the risk of a car accident by making it harder or even impossible to switch gears.
It should come as no surprise that several units from the 2015 model year received the most complaints about its transmission. Owners have reported issues like hesitation, vibration, and jerking. Others have noted that their transmission tends to switch to 4WD without warning, making turning dangerous. In some 2016 GMC Yukons, the transmission may also shudder and vibrate whenever the driver shifts gears.
Whether you’re planning to go on trips with your family or haul anything short of oversized cargo, the GMC Yukon will serve you well. Learning about the most commonly reported problems of the model you own or plan to buy will help you keep it in the best condition possible.
Where to Get Auto Parts and Accessories for Your GMC Yukon
As mentioned, the GMC Yukon can develop various issues as it racks up mileage. Don’t put off resolving them to keep your SUV performing its best and prevent costly repairs.
Whether you’re having a hard time finding what you need at brick-and-mortar shops or simply prefer convenience when buying parts, you can’t go wrong with shopping at CarParts.com.
Purchasing auto parts online is made easier thanks to our accurate and detailed fitment information. Use our vehicle selector and search filters, and you’re sure to find the parts you need in minutes.
Sourced from the top names in the industry, our products passed the highest quality control standards. They’re also on hand and ready to ship from a warehouse near you, so you won’t have to wait long to repair your ride.
Check out our wide selection of GMC Yukon parts and shop now!
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