The Lemon Index2019 GMC Yukon.
The 2019 GMC Yukon is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 13 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 17, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 17 to 18 mpg combined. The best GMC Yukon year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 58 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Yukon year. 2019 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 6K to 111K miles on the car (19 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- transmission & drivetrain 2026
A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.
- 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.
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 939 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a conditionwhere a tick noise may be…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Yukon SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon XL 1500 SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon XL 1500 SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3550–4700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Steering wheel surges during travel especially when turning at speeds.
2019 GMC Yukon owner · NHTSA complaint 11245258
More owner reports
Tailights are not working as per the dealer (Thompsons GMC of Placerville, CA). Unable to drive the car at night or near sunset.
NHTSA complaint 11472135
Quick answers
Is the 2019 GMC Yukon reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 17; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Yukon year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2019 GMC Yukon problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (31%), steering (23%) and engine (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Yukon have?
2 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2019 GMC Yukon get?
17 to 18 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 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.
Does the 2019 GMC Yukon have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2019 GMC Yukon cost in fuel a year?
About $3550 to $4700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 GMC Yukon have?
5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What GMC Yukon year is better than the 2019?
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