In this guide, I’ll break down the latest GMC Yukon generations, highlighting the top GMC Yukon years to buy and the worst GMC Yukon years to avoid.
Drawing on reliable sources like NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and J.D. Power, this guide delves into thorough assessments of each model year, considering safety ratings, owner feedback, and recall data to provide a trustworthy guide.
Focusing on the finest and worst years for the GMC Yukon, I’ll highlight each model year’s reliability, performance, safety, technology, frequent owner-reported issues, and average resale values.
Let’s plunge right in!
Table of ContentsShow
GMC Yukon Generations
The GMC Yukon, known for its robust capability and spacious interior, first made its mark in the automotive world with impressive features catering to off-road adventures and family comfort.
Over the years, it has evolved through various iterations, each characterized by technical innovations and stylistic modifications.
Here is a table showcasing all GMC Yukon generations from 2000 to the current day.
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 2nd Generation (GMT800) | 2000-2006 |
| 3rd Generation (GMT900) | 2007-2014 |
| 4th Generation (GMTK2UC/G) | 2015-2020 |
| 5th Generation (GMT1YC) | 2021-Present |
Understanding these generations is crucial, as each brings its own characteristics, enhancements, and occasional issues, which can be pivotal in making an informed decision.
GMC Yukon Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to determining the top and worst years for the GMC Yukon, our rankings takes various elements into account, including but not limited to:
- Owner-reported reliability (surveys)
- Annual maintenance costs
- Safety ratings
- Consumer Reports reliability scores
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Edmunds owner ratings
- JD Power owner ratings
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings
- VehicleHistory owner ratings
- Cars.com owner ratings
We’ve combined ratings from these trustworthy sources in the chart below.
Following this, we’ve classified each model year of the GMC Yukon into the best, neutral, and worst years.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Generation (GMT800) | 2005 2006 | N/A | 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 |
| 3rd Generation (GMT900) | 2012 2013 2014 | 2009 2010 | 2007 2008 2011 |
| 4th Generation (GMTK2UC/G) | 2018 2019 2020 | 2017 | 2015 2016 |
| 5th Generation (GMT1YC) | 2022 2023 2024 | N/A | 2021 |
“Neutral Years” have a balanced blend of positives and negatives, making them suitable choices but not the top recommendations.
Some factors, like NHTSA recalls, can significantly impact a car’s ranking. The more complaints and recalls, the more it reflects negatively on the car’s reliability and safety.
Let’s dive into the finest, unbiased, and worst years of the GMC Yukon.
Best & Worst Years for GMC Yukon 2nd Generation (2000-2006)
The second-generation GMC Yukon, from 2000 to 2006, offered a blend of robust performance, utility, and enhanced comfort, catering to families and off-road enthusiasts alike.
2005 and 2006 are GMC Yukon’s finest years in its second generation, while the poorest years to avoid span between 2000 and 2004.
The Best Years: 2005, 2006
The top years for the second-generation GMC Yukon, 2005 and 2006, stood out for their reliability and enhanced features.
They were equipped with robust engine options, including a 5.3L V8 engine, known for its reliability and reasonable fuel efficiency for its class, averaging around 14 city/19 highway MPG.
These models offered a seamless 4-speed automatic transmission, ensuring a fluid driving experience.
Trim levels like the SLT and Denali provided luxurious amenities, including leather seats, sophisticated audio systems, and enhanced safety features like stability control.
While these years did see some recalls, they were fewer compared to earlier models, mainly addressing trivial issues and not affecting the overall reliability significantly.
The Worst Years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
The earlier model years of the second-gen GMC Yukon, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, received numerous complaints and recalls, so they are wise to avoid.
The 2000-2002 GMC Yukon models were notorious for fuel system issues, including fuel pump failures and leaks, which were severe concerns for safety and dependability.
These years also grappled with brake and electrical system and steering issues, such as deteriorated brake lines and ABS problems, loss of power steering, and power window failures, leading to possible safety risks.
The 2001 Yukon was substantially recalled due to the crankshaft position sensor, causing engine stalling.
The 2003 and 2004 GMC Yukon models introduced additional problems, particularly with the electrical system, like inaccurate readings from instrument clusters.
These models were also part of recalls addressing excessive fuel pump wires, broken power steering pump driveshafts, brake line chaffing, and unwanted ABS activation.
See NHTSA 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 GMC Yukon recalls and complaints.
Best & Worst Years for GMC Yukon 3rd Generation (2007-2014)
The third-generation GMC Yukon, which spanned from 2007 to 2014, is noted for its more polished aesthetics, enhanced cabin features, and improved driving performance.
2007, 2008, and 2011 are the worst third-generation GMC Yukon model years to avoid, while the best years to buy are from 2012 to 2014.
The Best Years: 2012, 2013, 2014
The 2012, 2013, and 2014 GMC Yukon models are widely recognized as the top years of this generation for their reliability and overall quality.
These years had robust engine options, including the broadly praised 5.3L V8, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering a balance of power and efficiency with an approximate fuel economy of around 15 city/21 highway MPG.
In terms of safety, these models came with advanced features such as electronic stability control, traction control, and a comprehensive airbag system.
The Denali trim offered luxury touches like premium leather seats, an excellent Bose sound system, and advanced technological features, including a rear-view camera and parking sensors.
Notably, these years had fewer recalls and consumer grievances, especially compared to the earlier years, boosting their appeal in the used car market.
The Neutral Years: 2009, 2010
The 2009 and 2010 GMC Yukon models, while not as extensively praised as the best years, still offered a solid balance of performance and reliability.
These models were also equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and offered fuel efficiency comparable to the best years.
Safety features were consistent with the following models, though these years did see some recalls related to airbags and electrical issues.
The SLT and Denali trims continued to provide premium interior features and technological enhancements, making them a reliable option for those seeking a balance between luxury and value.
The Worst Years: 2007, 2008, 2011
What GMC Yukon years to avoid? Our analysis shows that the 2008, 2007, and 2011 models are the worst years of the third-generation GMC Yukon.
The 2007 and 2008 models faced substantial challenges with the airbag system, with multiple reports of airbag malfunctions.
Dashboard cracks and door actuator failures were common complaints, alongside engine and transmission performance problems.
The 2011 GMC Yukon grappled with these issues, with additional problems related to electrical systems and steering components.
Recalls for these years addressed problems like airbag failures and heated windshield washer module short circuits.
See NHTSA 2007, 2008, 2011 GMC Yukon recalls and complaints.
Best & Worst Years for GMC Yukon 4th Generation (2015-2020)
The fourth generation of the GMC Yukon, introduced in 2015, marked a leap in the Yukon’s evolution, with a more polished and luxurious approach coupled with solid engineering.
Model years from 2018 to 2020 are the fourth-generation GMC Yukon’s best years, while the poorest years to avoid are 2015 and 2016.
The Best Years: 2018, 2019, 2020
What year is the most reliable GMC Yukon? What is the best year for the GMC Yukon? The 2018, 2019, and 2020 GMC Yukon models are the fourth generation’s most trustworthy and finest model years.
These models offered robust engine options, including the 5.3L V8 engine standard on most trims and the more powerful 6.2L V8 on the Denali, delivering exceptional performance for a full-size SUV.
The average fuel economy was around 16 city/23 highway MPG, which is commendable for its class. These years featured a 10-speed automatic transmission that provided a smooth and responsive driving experience.
Safety was a primary concern, with features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance.
The Denali trim continued to offer luxurious amenities, such as a premium Bose sound system, leather-appointed seating, and advanced infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The Neutral Years: 2017
The 2017 GMC Yukon served as a transitional year in the fourth generation. While it didn’t reach the highs of the finest years, it still offered a reliable performance.
Equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, it offered a reasonable balance between power and fuel efficiency.
Safety features were comprehensive, including a rearview camera and parking sensors, although it lacked some of the sophisticated driver assistance features introduced in later models.
The SLT and Denali trims provided a hint of luxury with leather seating and enhanced technology, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a blend of comfort and value.
The Worst Years: 2015, 2016
Backed by our comprehensive research, I wouldn’t recommend the 2015 and 2016 GMC Yukon models for their higher number of consumer complaints, recalls, and decreased dependability ratings.
These models were afflicted with issues related to defective taillights and power steering loss, which led to several recalls.
The 2015 GMC Yukon had issues like overheating exhaust components, posing a fire hazard, and transfer cases inadvertently shifting to neutral.
These years also saw recalls related to transmission oil cooler lines and power brake vacuum pump performance issues.
Due to these reliability concerns, these models are considered the worst GMC Yukon years to avoid in the fourth-generation lineup.
See NHTSA 2015, 2016 GMC Yukon recalls and complaints.
Best & Worst Years for GMC Yukon 5th Generation (2021-Present)
The 5th generation GMC Yukon, introduced in 2021, marked a significant leap in design and technology, boasting a more spacious interior, improved ride quality, and advanced tech features.
With a staggering number of recalls, 2021 is the most awful GMC Yukon year you should avoid, while the best years to buy span 2022 onwards.
The Best Years: 2022, 2023, 2024
The 2022, 2023, and 2024 GMC Yukon models excel with their robust powertrain options, including a 5.3L V8, a more powerful 6.2L V8, and a new 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel engine.
The latter stands out for its fuel efficiency, offering an outstanding balance of power and economy, with an estimated 21 city/27 highway MPG for the 2WD version. These years also feature a 10-speed automatic transmission providing smooth and rapid shifts.
These models’ safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure assistance, and blind-spot surveillance.
Trim levels range from the well-equipped SLE to the luxurious Denali, each offering varying degrees of comfort and technology. The Denali trim offers a unique interior design with premium materials and advanced features like a head-up display and a rear camera mirror.
Technological advancements are outstanding, with a 10.2-inch diagonal GMC Premium Infotainment System, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a convenient rear-seat media system.
The Worst Years: 2021
The 2021 GMC Yukon, despite being the initial model of the 5th generation, faced some early issues.
Early adopters reported minor glitches in the infotainment system and sporadic hiccups in the transmission system.
However, these issues were largely addressed in the following years, refining the vehicle’s complete performance and reliability.
The 2021 model still offered robust engine choices, and the new AT4 trim aimed at off-road enthusiasts, but it fell slightly short of delivering the refined experience found in the later models.
Vital recalls for this model concerned airbag malfunction indicator light failures, daytime running lights, fuel pump failures, seat belts, and loss of electrical steering assist.
See NHTSA 2021 GMC Yukon recalls and grievances.
GMC Yukon Resale Values
This chart below shows the average resale prices of GMC Yukon across various years.
Conclusion
As we conclude, it’s apparent that GMC Yukon models from 2005, 2006, 2012-2014, 2018-2020, and 2022-2024 stand out as the best and most dependable years to buy, while years like 2000-2004, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2021 are wise to avoid.
What’s your familiarity with the GMC Yukon, and how does it align with our results?
Share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments below!
