GMC Yukon
Problems & Worst Years

Lighting problems define the GMC Yukon's early years in this data, then the engine takes over as the dominant complaint from 2021 onward. 2015 is the single largest file, 462 occurrences across 16 problems, driven overwhelmingly by lighting and electrical issues: 161 reports of intermittent electrical issues generally, 121 of tail light assembly failure, and 52 more of intermittent brake light failure, with six recall campaigns attached, including 14V007, 14V719, 18V586, 19V645, and 19V761. 2016 continues the same pattern at less than half the volume (198 occurrences), led by 54 reports of faulty exterior lighting assemblies and 37 of defective rear brake lights, two of them safety-rated; 19V645 and 19V761 carry over. 2017 (113 occurrences) shifts slightly toward the drivetrain, with 35 reports of transmission shuddering and jerking joining continuing tail and brake light complaints, plus early signs of engine lifter issues (9 reports, safety-rated).

After a gap in the data, 2021 through 2024 tell an entirely engine-centered story. 2021 (116 occurrences, four safety-rated) leads with engine misfire and power loss (17), overheating and shutdown (10), and stalling (8), against a long recall list — 21V064, 21V455, 21V579, 21V739, 24V797, and 25V274. 2022 (121 occurrences, no safety-rated problems) shifts to engine limp mode (28) and internal engine damage (25). 2023 (123 occurrences, three safety-rated) is led by 35 reports of engine failure during operation and 16 each of engine seizure and complete engine failure, both safety-rated, under recalls 24V674 and 25V274. 2024 (112 occurrences) has the highest safety proportion of the recent years — four of eight problems — topped by 25 reports of engine stall during operation and 20 of engine seizure or complete failure, both safety-rated, with 25V274 still on file.

For a 2015–2017 Yukon, focus inspection on the tail light and brake light circuits and confirm recall completion given the long list involved. For 2021–2024, an engine compression check and review of any engine-related recall work is the priority, given how consistently seizure, stalling, and internal damage appear.

As always, these are owner-filed NHTSA reports rather than a precise failure rate, and a documented service history and independent inspection on the specific SUV matter more than the model year comparison alone.