What are the most common GMC Yukon problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 3,560+ owner reports, the 2016 GMC Yukon has 11 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: AFM/DOD Lifter Collapse and Valvetrain Failure, 8L90 8-Speed Torque Converter Shudder, Corroded 7-Way Connector and Poor Trailer Ground Disable Trailer Braking. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the GMC Yukon reliable?
The 2016 GMC Yukon has 11 known issues documented across 3,560+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: AFM/DOD Lifter Collapse and Valvetrain Failure and 8L90 8-Speed Torque Converter Shudder and Corroded 7-Way Connector and Poor Trailer Ground Disable Trailer Braking and GM Recall 19V645000: EBCM Reprogram for Declining Vacuum Brake Assist and Brake Vacuum Pump Failure Causing Hard Brake Pedal. 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 $20 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 2015-2020 GMC Yukon 8L90 8-Speed Torque Converter Shudder?
The 8L90 8-speed automatic transmission in 2015-2020 Yukon and Yukon XL suffers from widespread torque converter lock-up clutch shudder at light throttle between 25-50 mph. The clutch friction material degrades and contaminates the transmission fluid, causing the shudder to worse… Repairs typically run $150-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2024 GMC Yukon Corroded 7-Way Connector and Poor Trailer Ground Disable Trailer Braking?
The Yukon's Integrated Trailer Brake Control system (RPO JL1) is considerably more sensitive to connection quality than the aftermarket brake controllers it replaced. Rather than simply switching current to the trailer when the pedal is pressed, the Trailer Brake Power Control Mo… Repairs typically run $20-$350. Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2018 GMC Yukon GM Recall 19V645000: EBCM Reprogram for Declining Vacuum Brake Assist?
GMC Yukons from 2015 through 2018 fall under NHTSA recall 19V645000. The defect: the amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time. Less vacuum reaching the brake booster means less brake assist, so the Yukon's pedal grows stiff and the truck's stopping dista… Severity: high.
What is the 2015-2018 GMC Yukon Brake Vacuum Pump Failure Causing Hard Brake Pedal?
NHTSA campaign 19V645 covers certain 2015-2018 GMC Yukon vehicles. Vacuum-pump output can decrease over time, reducing brake assist, increasing pedal effort and extending stopping distance. 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 2015-2025 GMC Yukon Power Running Board Motor Failure and Corrosion?
The power retractable running boards available on 2015+ Yukon and Yukon XL are a common failure point. The electric motors and gearboxes corrode and seize, especially in salt-belt states. Boards get stuck in the out position (creating a road-clearance hazard and trip risk) or ref… Repairs typically run $400-$2,500. 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 2007-2020 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 2015-2019 GMC Yukon Engine Overheat/Fail-Safe Mode from Thermostat and Coolant Temp Sensor?
A worn or leaking factory thermostat that stays open (plus a failing engine coolant temperature sensor) prevents the engine from reaching normal operating temperature. The ECM interprets the low/erratic reading as a sensor fault and enters a protective fail-safe mode: the electri… Repairs typically run $120-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2015-2020 GMC Yukon MyLink / IntelliLink 8-Inch Touchscreen Failure?
The 8-inch MyLink/IntelliLink infotainment touchscreen (RPO IO5/IO6) develops ghost touches where it presses buttons by itself, dead zones that stop responding, and delamination/bubbling where the digitizer separates from the LCD. Because so many K2XX Yukons share this radio, it… Repairs typically run $150-$600. Severity: low.
