What are the most common GMC Yukon problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 2,200+ owner reports, the 2012 GMC Yukon has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: AFM/DOD Lifter Collapse and Valvetrain Failure, Autoride Air Suspension Compressor and Air Bag Failure, Water Pump Weep-Hole Leak and Coolant Loss. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the GMC Yukon reliable?
The 2012 GMC Yukon has 7 known issues documented across 2,200+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: AFM/DOD Lifter Collapse and Valvetrain Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common GMC Yukon problems?
Repair costs for known GMC Yukon issues range from $60 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, AFM/DOD Lifter Collapse and Valvetrain Failure, typically costs $3,500-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2007-2020 GMC Yukon AFM/DOD Lifter Collapse and Valvetrain Failure?
The GMC Yukon 5.3L (L83, LC9, LMG) and 6.2L (L94, L86) V8 engines use Active Fuel Management (AFM) cylinder deactivation. The special collapsible AFM lifters on cylinders 1, 4, 6, and 7 fail prematurely, causing misfires, engine ticking, rough idle, and potential catastrophic dam… Repairs typically run $3,500-$8,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2020 GMC Yukon Autoride Air Suspension Compressor and Air Bag Failure?
Yukon and Yukon XL models equipped with Autoride (RPO Z55) or electronic suspension feature rear air springs and a compressor that commonly fail between 80,000-130,000 miles. The air spring bags crack from age and temperature cycling, causing the rear of the vehicle to sag overni… Repairs typically run $600-$3,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2020 GMC Yukon Water Pump Weep-Hole Leak and Coolant Loss?
The mechanical (belt-driven) water pump develops internal bearing and seal wear with age and mileage, then leaks coolant from the weep hole at the front-center of the engine. Left unaddressed the pump can drip DEXCOOL onto the ground, run the cooling system low, and cause overhea… Repairs typically run $400-$1,423. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2014 GMC Yukon 5.3L V8 Excessive Oil Consumption (AFM Oil Spray / Piston Rings)?
The Active Fuel Management (AFM) 5.3L V8 burns oil at an abnormal rate, frequently a quart every 1,500-2,500 miles. The AFM pressure-relief valve in the valley sprays oil onto the cylinder walls when cylinders deactivate; combined with low-tension/coking piston rings and an oil-d… Repairs typically run $1,500-$6,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2020 GMC Yukon Automatic 4WD Transfer Case Position Sensor / Encoder Motor Failure?
On Autotrac electronic-shift 4WD Yukons the transfer-case encoder motor and its position sensor/selector switch fail, so the module can no longer confirm the range. The dash 4WD buttons flash, the truck won't shift between 2HI/4HI/4LO or gets stuck in one range, the Service 4WD l… Repairs typically run $150-$700. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2014 GMC Yukon Cracked Dashboard Over Airbag and Instrument Panel?
The one-piece molded dash pad splits and cracks, most often along the seam above the passenger airbag and over the instrument cluster. Owners attribute it to GM's switch from a multi-piece to a one-piece design with insufficient relief points and over-tightened mounting bolts, co… Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2014 GMC Yukon HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure (Clicking Behind Dash)?
The small electric blend-door actuators that control temperature and air-flow direction strip their internal plastic gears, producing a repetitive tapping/clicking noise from behind the radio or glovebox and causing the HVAC to blow the wrong temperature (e.g., stuck cold on the… Repairs typically run $60-$500. Severity: low.
