2015 GMC Yukon.
The 2015 GMC Yukon is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 215 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 516, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about lights, it has 10 recalls, and it gets 16 to 18 mpg combined. The best GMC Yukon year is 2012.
Lemon alert. 5.2× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2012

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 602 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Yukon year. 2015 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 42K to 80K miles on the car (415 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- lights complaints mostly came at 45K–79K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 46K–75K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 42K–81K miles
Recalls 10
- brakes 2019
If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
- brakes 2019
The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
- steering 2018
Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
Show all 10 recalls
- airbags 2017
While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition.
- airbags 2016
In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test.
- steering 2014
Due to a problem with the EPS module, the affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of power steering assist during vehicle operation.
- airbags 2014
The affected vehicles were assembled with a roof rail air bags (RRAB) that were not reinforced at the points were the bags contact the hardware used to attach the roof carrier.
- transmission & drivetrain 2014
In the affected vehicles, an electrical signal short may cause the transfer case to shift to neutral without the driver's input.
- transmission & drivetrain 2014
The subject vehicles may have a transmission oil cooler line that is not securely seated in the fitting.
- engine 2014
The overheated exhaust components may melt nearby plastic parts and may result in an engine fire.
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 2686 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Gmc/chevrolet: trucks with integrated trailer brake controller (itbc) may received an…
- Information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts
- 8-speed Transmission Harsh Shift
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedBrake vacuum pump failure2018–2022
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 RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon Denali SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon Denali SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3550–4000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Had right brake light replaced in warranty. The left rear is now out. This is a driving safety issue fm should be responsible for
2015 GMC Yukon owner · NHTSA complaint 11150742
More owner reports
The brake lights continuously work and then don't work. There is a malfunction with the brake lights in these cars. Please report your issues so GM can stop robbing us.
NHTSA complaint 11130400
Passenger side led taillight assembly is out with only 22,000 miles its past the 3 year warranty period. The dealership is asking approx $700 to replace/repair.
NHTSA complaint 11111482
Quick answers
Is the 2015 GMC Yukon reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 5.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 516; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Yukon year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2015 GMC Yukon problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lights (42%), electrical (13%) and transmission & drivetrain (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2015 GMC Yukon have?
10 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2015 GMC Yukon get?
16 to 18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2015 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 2015 GMC Yukon problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 42,000 and 80,000 miles. The middle report was at 58,600 miles, from 415 complaints.
Does the 2015 GMC Yukon have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2015 GMC Yukon cost in fuel a year?
About $3550 to $4000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2015 GMC Yukon have?
5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What GMC Yukon year is better than the 2015?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2020 and 2019.
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