The Lemon Index2012 GMC Yukon.
The 2012 GMC Yukon is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 4 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 12, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 15 to 21 mpg combined. It's the best GMC Yukon year we track.
One of the most reliable. 8.3× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2015
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 93 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Yukon year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 46K to 96K miles on the car (64 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 42K–86K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 42K–90K miles
Recalls 3
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- electrical 2014
In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 1722 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Loss of high speed gmlan communications, intermittent no crank, ip gage fluctuation,…
- Seat rattle and/or hard to latch and unlatch, power release fold and tumble not fully functioning
- Rear door handle, latch, lock inoperative, binding will not open, will not release
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Yukon SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon Denali SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon Denali SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–4300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2012 GMC Yukon reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 8.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 12; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2012 GMC Yukon problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (50%), airbags (50%) and fuel system, gasoline (25%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Yukon have?
3 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 GMC Yukon get?
15 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 GMC Yukon safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 GMC Yukon problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 46,200 and 96,500 miles. The middle report was at 66,000 miles, from 64 complaints.
Does the 2012 GMC Yukon have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 GMC Yukon cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $4300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 GMC Yukon have?
5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works