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2019 GMC Yukon VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2019 GMC Yukon has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 95 owner complaints on file for the 2019 GMC Yukon. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (33), Power Train (18), Electrical System (12).

Yukon reliability snapshot

71/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$747
Avg annual repair cost vs $784 category avg
#6/14
Ranking in fullsize SUVs · better than 57% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the GMC Yukon before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2019 GMC Yukon issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Engine33
  • Power Train18
  • Electrical System12
  • Steering8
  • Engine And Engine Cooling4
  • Service Brakes3

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 GMC Yukon

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect engine for unusual noises or ticking sounds
  • Test transmission for hesitation or jerking during gear shifts
  • Check for persistent trailer brake system warnings
  • Verify power steering functionality, especially at highway speeds
  • Inspect brake lights and service brakes for proper operation
  • Test air conditioning system for consistent cooling
  • Check for any signs of rear shock or suspension issues
  • Ensure airbags are functional and inspect for any recalls

What owners reported

2019 GMC Yukon owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 4 crashes, 1 fire and 7 injuries to NHTSA for the 2019 GMC Yukon. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints33

ENGINE

Owners report frequent issues with the engine in the 2019 GMC Yukon, primarily involving lifter and valve failures. Common symptoms include unusual engine noises, loss of power, and engine lights illuminating, often without prior warning. These problems are often observed around 50,000 to 150,000 miles, with some cases leading to complete engine failure. Safety implications are significant, as multiple reports describe sudden engine shutdowns at highway speeds, posing risks of high-speed traffic incidents. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially concerning the 6.2L V8 engine, as repairs can be costly and may involve extensive downtime.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints18

POWER TRAIN

Owners report frequent transmission issues with the 2019 GMC Yukon, typically involving hesitation, jerking, and failure to engage gears. Symptoms often include unintended acceleration, loss of motive power, and the vehicle revving without acceleration. Complaints commonly arise around 65,000 to 100,000 miles, with some transmissions failing entirely, requiring replacement. Safety implications include potential accidents due to sudden deceleration or inability to accelerate, particularly in traffic. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these transmission problems and the associated repair costs.

Owner complaints12

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners of the 2019 GMC Yukon frequently report issues related to the electrical system, particularly with the trailer brake system. Symptoms include persistent warning messages about servicing the trailer brake system, even in vehicles that have never towed anything. This issue is often accompanied by distracting beeping sounds and, in some cases, affects the functionality of trailer brakes when towing, posing a potential safety risk. These problems are reported at various mileages, with some starting as early as 13,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of electronic stability control activating unexpectedly, which has nearly caused loss of vehicle control, and issues with the third-row seats' electrical controls failing to operate. One crash is associated with electrical system failures, specifically involving moisture affecting electric connectors. Buyers should be aware of these issues when considering a used 2019 GMC Yukon.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints8

STEERING

Owners of the 2019 GMC Yukon frequently report issues with power steering failure, often accompanied by a "Service Power Steering" warning message. Symptoms commonly include sudden loss of power steering, especially at highway speeds, and instances where the steering wheel feels disconnected or surges during travel. These issues typically occur at varying mileages, with some reports indicating problems as early as 6,408 miles. One complaint describes a crash involving two injuries, attributed to a sharp, uncontrollable pull of the steering wheel. Buyers should be aware of potential safety implications due to these steering issues, as they can lead to loss of vehicle control.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints6

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2019 GMC Yukon frequently report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving unexpected automatic emergency braking activation and persistent "Service Trailer Brake System" warnings. Several complaints describe the brakes failing to operate, with one instance involving a firm brake pedal and failure to stop, leading to a vehicle coasting through an intersection. Another complaint notes brake lights ceasing to function entirely. Mileage at the time of failure varies, with one report at approximately 131,600 miles and another at around 12,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of near-collisions and loss of braking power, posing potential risks to drivers and passengers.

Owner complaints5

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Owners of the 2019 GMC Yukon frequently report engine-related issues, including abnormal ticking, knocking, and banging sounds. Complaints often describe engine misfires, lifter failures, and in some cases, catastrophic engine failure requiring replacement. These problems typically emerge at varied mileages, ranging from as low as 7,000 miles to over 127,000 miles. Some reports also mention coolant intrusion and fuel pump failures, with symptoms like rough idling and the check engine light illuminating. While no crashes or fires are reported, the recurring nature of these issues may affect the vehicle's reliability and performance, which used car buyers should consider.

Owner complaints4

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners of the 2019 GMC Yukon report several issues, with air conditioning failures being a common problem. Multiple complaints describe the air conditioning system blowing hot air or failing due to refrigerant leaks, even after repairs, with one owner noting this issue at six years of vehicle age. Another significant concern involves a vehicle fire, attributed to an electrical system failure, which occurred overnight and resulted in the vehicle being completely burned. Additionally, one owner reports transmission issues with slipping and unexpected slowdowns at approximately 132,000 miles. These issues highlight potential safety risks, particularly the reported fire, and suggest that prospective buyers should be cautious about these specific problems.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints2

SUSPENSION

Owners of the 2019 GMC Yukon report issues with the suspension system, primarily involving seized rear shocks and leaking front strut assemblies. Symptoms frequently described include difficulty controlling the vehicle on uneven surfaces and excessive bouncing, leading to compromised handling and steering. Complaints suggest that these issues may be common, as dealers indicate a high stock of replacement struts and note a design change in 2019. No specific mileage is mentioned, but the problems are identified during routine inspections. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control, although no crashes are reported. This information is pertinent for used car buyers considering this model year.

Owner complaints2

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2019 GMC Yukon report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. In one instance, a Yukon was struck by another vehicle at 65 MPH, resulting in severe front-end damage and three injuries, yet no airbags deployed. Another report involves a collision with an elk at 65 MPH, where airbags also failed to deploy. Both incidents suggest a potential pattern of airbag non-deployment in high-impact situations. The reported mileage at the time of the first incident was 170,000 miles, but no mileage was noted for the second. These complaints highlight safety implications, particularly in severe collisions where airbag deployment is expected to mitigate injuries.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

Owner complaints2

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners of the 2019 GMC Yukon report issues related to vehicle speed control, with two primary patterns emerging. Some describe the engine unexpectedly giving out while driving, accompanied by shaking and a sudden loss of speed, which can lead to being stranded, as one owner experienced on the interstate at night. Another common issue involves unintended surges at high RPMs shortly after starting the vehicle, occurring approximately twice a week, and almost causing accidents due to unexpected acceleration. Safety implications are significant, as these problems can lead to loss of control. These issues are reported on vehicles with the 6.2L motor and 10-speed transmission, with no specific mileage range consistently noted.

2019 Yukon recalls (2)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 Yukon. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)NHTSA 19V761000Oct 24, 2019

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. 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.

    Consequence: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

  2. SEAT BELTSNHTSA 18V673000Sep 26, 2018

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

    Consequence: If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy

    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.

Used-market value

2019 GMC Yukon resale snapshot

68.8%estimated value retained after 5 years
218listings in the model-level benchmark
$53,895median asking price from 24 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2019 GMC Yukon on the road

74,672 2019 GMC Yukon units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2019 GMC Yukon stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2019 GMC Yukon

The 2019 GMC Yukon earns a reliability score slightly above the segment average, indicating solid performance in this area. With two recalls, the recall activity is limited, suggesting fewer widespread systemic issues. However, the distribution of complaints highlights specific concerns, particularly with the engine and power train, which together account for over half of the reported issues. This concentration suggests potential areas of vulnerability that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Other systems like the electrical system, steering, and service brakes show fewer complaints, implying these issues are less prevalent. As the Yukon is in its fifth year of the second generation, the model benefits from refinements typically achieved mid-cycle. Overall, while the Yukon presents moderate risk, its performance aligns closely with segment expectations.

What you get in a 2019 GMC Yukon report

Available title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2019 GMC Yukon — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 GMC Yukon reliable?

The 2019 GMC Yukon earns a reliability score slightly above the segment average, indicating solid performance in this area. With two recalls, the recall activity is limited, suggesting fewer widespread systemic issues. However, the distribution of complaints highlights specific concerns, particularly with the engine and power train, which together account for over half of the reported issues. This concentration suggests potential areas of vulnerability that prospective buyers should be aware of.

How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Yukon have?

2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 GMC Yukon. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2019 GMC Yukon problems?

The most-reported 2019 GMC Yukon problem areas are: Engine (33), Power Train (18), Electrical System (12).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 GMC Yukon?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 GMC Yukon, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.