2025 GMC Yukon Problems: 1 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2025 model year · 490+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 490+ owner reports, the 2025 GMC Yukon has 1 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is Power Running Board Motor Failure and Corrosion with 490 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $400 to $2,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 1 Known Issues
On the 2015-2025 GMC Yukon, 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 refuse to extend. The wiring harness connections at the running board motors corrode. GM has released multiple updated motor designs, but corrosion in the mechanical linkage pins also causes binding. Repair cost is $800-2,000 per side if both motors fail.
Common Symptoms
- Running boards stuck in out position
- Running boards not extending when door opens
- Grinding or clicking noise when boards deploy
- Service Running Boards message on DIC
- Boards deploy on one side only
- Boards extend but don't fully retract under the truck
How to Fix
Motor replacement (GM 84085689 updated motor). Lubricate pivot points and linkage pins with marine-grade grease annually. Dielectric grease on harness connectors. Some owners disable the system and lock boards in a fixed position to avoid ongoing failures.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 490+ owners who fixed this issue
- UpgradeTSB 18-NA-281 covers running board motor replacement on 2015-2020 Yukon and Yukon XL. The updated motor (GM 84085689) has improved sealing vs the original. Under warranty, both motors are typically replaced as a set since if one has failed the other is usually close behind. If out of warranty, annual lubrication of all pivot pins with Fluid Film or white lithium grease can extend motor life by 30,000-50,000 miles. (GM #84085689)
- UpgradeGM 84085689 updated power running board motor — the superseded OEM part with improved motor sealing. When replacing, also clean all 4 pivot pins on each board and pack with marine-grade grease. Failure to lubricate pivots causes the new motor to work against mechanical binding and burns it out within 2-3 years regardless of quality. (GM OEM #84085689)
- NoteRunning boards stuck in the deployed position are a safety and liability issue — the board extends into the path of pedestrians and cyclists when the doors open. If boards are stuck out, disable the system by pulling the PWRRB fuse in the underhood fuse box (varies by year — check owner's manual) to prevent accidental deployment until repaired. Do not attempt to manually force retract a stuck board as the gearbox can strip.