Head-to-head reliability
GMC Acadia vs GMC Yukon
How the GMC Acadia and GMC Yukon compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
GMC Acadia vs GMC Yukon: The Acadia averages 197 complaints per year, while the Yukon averages 142. The Acadia has more electrical and power train complaints, while the Yukon has more engine failures. Both have zero deaths, but the Acadia has more crash-related complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Acadia or GMC Yukon more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Acadia
The GMC Acadia is a mid-size SUV that owners often buy for family hauling. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 197 complaints per year, with the most common issues in the power train, electrical system, and unknown areas. Owners report problems like shuddering at highway speeds, limp mode with multiple warning lights, and a recurring crankcase pressure sensor code. These issues can leave you stranded and require repeated dealer visits.
GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV known for its size and towing capability. It averages about 142 complaints per year, with engine and power train problems dominating. Owners describe engine failures at low mileage, transmission shuddering, and sudden loss of gears. Electrical glitches like trailer brake warnings are also reported. These can be costly and dangerous.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Acadia | GMC Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,969 | 1,417 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 24 Better | 42 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 45 | 23 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 196.9 | 141.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 46 | 25 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
GMC Acadia
- 01POWER TRAIN622
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM512
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER475
- 04ENGINE250
- 05SERVICE BRAKES172
Owners report shuddering between 50-65 mph and transmission issues that may require repeated dealer visits. Some had to replace the thermostat and radiator before three years of ownership. These problems can lead to expensive repairs and downtime.
Complaints include the vehicle going into limp home mode with all dashboard lights on, showing service brakes, transmission, and engine warnings. One owner was left stranded multiple times in the first week. This can be frightening and unsafe if it happens while driving.
A recurring P04FB code related to the crankcase pressure sensor is common, often caused by moisture freezing in the sensor. GM issued a bulletin for this, but owners still face repeat visits. This can trigger check engine lights and potential engine performance issues.
Some owners report the liftgate opening on its own while parked, even with low mileage. This could lead to theft or damage. It's a puzzling issue that may be hard to diagnose.
“We purchased a 2023 GMC Acadia AT4 new in October 2023. There is currently a little over 19,000 miles on the AT4. As of today November 13, 2024 the SUV has been to Blaise Alexanders, for at 3 times with same issues. Between the speeds of 50-65 there is a shud…”
“This vehicle was bought brand new and has received proper maintenance from one dealership since purchasing. I had to replace the thermostat and radiator before owning the vehicle three years. Within two years of owning the vehicle, my battery went out, which…”
GMC Yukon
- 01ENGINE765
- 02POWER TRAIN261
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM172
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER113
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM106
Owners report engine failure at low mileage, such as a 2018 Yukon blowing an engine at 81,000 miles. Symptoms include rough running and sudden loss of power. This can require a full engine replacement, costing thousands.
Transmission problems are common, including torque converter failure that damages the transmission, and sudden loss of gears leaving drivers stranded. A 2020 Yukon had deceleration and downshift issues that prevented re-engagement. These repairs are expensive and may recur.
The trailer brake system warning chime can ding constantly, distracting the driver and preventing use of other features. This is annoying and could compromise safety if it diverts attention.
Some owners experience jerking or skipping sensations and sudden inability to exceed 45 mph. These symptoms may be related to transmission or engine issues and can appear without warning.
“I purchased my 2020 Yukon Denali on July 8, 2024 from Classic Buick GMC in Painesville, Ohio. The check engine light started going on and off a few months after purchasing the vehicle. When I called a mechanic he stated that I should wait until the light is o…”
“My 2018 GMC Yukon blew an engine with only 81,000 miles. Had four shops including (2 GM dealerships) look at the vehicle, pictures, and findings and concluded the engine had blown. The vehicle had began running very rough while driving down the road at 45mph.…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
GMC Acadia — 24 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5, XT6, and GMC Acadia vehicles. The certification label located on the driver's side B-pillar contains tire size information that may be illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Sa…
The risk: Illegible tire size information may result in the wrong tires being installed, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the vehicle certification label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2022. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's n…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia vehicles. The right-front half-shaft assemblies may be improperly connected to the transmission, causing them to separate.
The risk: Separation between the half-shaft and transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the right-front half-shaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 17, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
The risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevro…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 GMC Acadia and 2024 Cadilac XT5 and XT6 vehicles. The windshield may have been assembled without the proper urethane sealant required to bond the windshield to the vehicle body.
The risk: A windshield that is not properly bonded may detach during a crash and increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the windshield and apply primer and urethane sealant. If the windshield is damaged, the dealer will replace it. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. Owners…
GMC Yukon — 42 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental…
The risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, C…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
The risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC custome…
The defect: 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 tra…
The risk: 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.
The fix: 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…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yuko…
The risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contac…
Buyer analysis
GMC Acadia or GMC Yukon: which should you buy?
The GMC Yukon has fewer complaints per year (about 142) compared to the Acadia (about 197), but the Yukon's issues are more often serious engine and transmission failures. The Acadia has more electrical and power train complaints, but the Yukon's problems tend to be more costly. In practice, the Yukon may have fewer overall complaints, but when problems occur, they can be more severe.
Key differences
- The Acadia has more complaints per year (197 vs 142), but the Yukon's complaints are more concentrated in engine and power train failures.
- Acadia owners frequently report electrical issues like limp mode and sensor codes, while Yukon owners report transmission shuddering and sudden gear loss.
- The Yukon has more recalls (42 vs 24), including fuel pump and brake issues, while the Acadia's recalls cover driveline and air bags.
- Both have zero deaths reported, but the Acadia has more crash-related complaints (45 vs 23) and injuries (46 vs 25).
- Check for transmission shudder between 50-65 mph during a test drive; this is a common complaint.
- Look for signs of electrical gremlins, such as random warning lights or limp mode; ask if the crankcase pressure sensor has been replaced.
- Listen for engine knocking or rough running, especially in 2018-2020 models; engine failure has been reported at low mileage.
- Test the transmission for shuddering or delayed engagement; torque converter issues can lead to costly repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and engine for signs of failure or shuddering.
- Test drive at highway speeds to check for shudder or loss of power.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes and sensor replacements.
- Check for electrical issues by testing all accessories and looking for warning lights.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | GMC Acadia | GMC Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 75 |
| 2025 | 65 | 55 |
| 2024 | 61 | 175 |
| 2023 | 45 | 242 |
| 2022 | 49 | 181 |
| 2021 | 149 | 333 |
| 2020 | 105 | 36 |
| 2019 | 386 | 55 |
| 2018 | 396 | 69 |
| 2017 | 704 | 196 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific GMC Acadia or GMC Yukon in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Acadia vs GMC Yukon
- GMC Acadia total complaints
- 1,969
- GMC Yukon total complaints
- 1,417
- GMC Acadia total recalls
- 24
- GMC Yukon total recalls
- 42
- GMC Acadia avg complaints/year
- 196.9
- GMC Yukon avg complaints/year
- 141.7
- More reliable overall
- GMC Yukon
- GMC Acadia top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- GMC Yukon top complaint area
- ENGINE