Years to avoid
GMC Yukon Years to Avoid
The 2021, 2023, 2022, 2018 model years stand out as the weakest in this GMC Yukon dataset. We only publish this page when at least four years are available and the score spread is large enough to make the comparison meaningful.
Data updated April 2026
- Weakest year
- 2021
- Model average
- 68/100
- Complaints, weakest year
- 410
- Recalls, weakest year
- 25
55/100 reliability
27-point range
11 crash · 1 fire reports
NHTSA campaigns on file
Bottom line
Why the 2021 GMC Yukon ranks last
The 2021 scores 55/100, rated mixed, versus a model average of 68/100. NHTSA data contains 410 owner complaints and 25 recall campaigns for this model year.
Its most-reported problem areas are Engine (157), Power Train (62), Engine And Engine Cooling (42), Electrical System (22). Those counts are investigation leads, not proof that every vehicle has the problem.
Inspect the full 2021 GMC Yukon record →Evidence by year
The weakest GMC Yukon model years compared
2021 GMC Yukon
- Complaints
- 410
- Recalls
- 25
- Crash reports
- 11
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Engine (157), Power Train (62), Engine And Engine Cooling (42)
View 2021 details →2023 GMC Yukon
- Complaints
- 329
- Recalls
- 8
- Crash reports
- 2
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Engine (159), Power Train (46), Electrical System (40)
View 2023 details →2022 GMC Yukon
- Complaints
- 248
- Recalls
- 9
- Crash reports
- 4
- Fire reports
- 0
Top issues: Engine (105), Electrical System (34), Power Train (31)
View 2022 details →2018 GMC Yukon
- Complaints
- 108
- Recalls
- 4
- Crash reports
- 6
- Fire reports
- 1
Top issues: Engine (24), Power Train (19), Unknown Or Other (14)
View 2018 details →Better alternatives
Stronger GMC Yukon years to put on your shortlist
Read this carefully
“Avoid” is a comparison signal, not a verdict on one VIN
A year qualifies here only when it trails the model average by at least five points, trails the best year by at least ten points, or falls below 60/100. The model also needs at least four scored years and a six-point spread. Age, sales volume and time on the road can affect raw complaint totals, so use the score and severity mix together.
Source trail
Where this GMC Yukon data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's GMC Yukon research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
GMC Yukon research FAQ
Which GMC Yukon years should I avoid?
2021, 2023, 2022, 2018 score materially below the strongest GMC Yukon years in this dataset. The 2021 is the weakest at 55/100, with 410 owner complaints and 25 recalls on file.
Does a low-scoring GMC Yukon year mean every car is bad?
No. Model-year data describes population-level patterns. A well-maintained vehicle with a clean title and completed recall work can be a better purchase than a neglected example from a higher-scoring year.
What should I buy instead of the worst GMC Yukon year?
The strongest alternatives in this dataset are 2026 (82/100), 2025 (76/100), 2020 (71/100). Compare price, mileage, equipment and the individual VIN before deciding.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific GMC Yukon you are considering.