Head-to-head reliability
GMC Sierra vs GMC Yukon
How the GMC Sierra 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 Sierra vs GMC Yukon: The Sierra averages 434.5 complaints per year and has 86 recalls, while the Yukon averages 141.7 complaints per year and has 42 recalls. Both show engine and transmission issues, but the Sierra has more brake and electrical complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Sierra or GMC Yukon more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Sierra
The GMC Sierra is a full-size pickup that owners rely on for work and towing. Over 10 years, it has averaged 434.5 complaints per year, with the most complaints about the engine, power train, and electrical system. Owners report serious issues like engine failures, transmission problems, and electrical fires, which can lead to costly repairs and safety risks.
GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is a large SUV often used for family hauling and towing. It averages 141.7 complaints per year, with the engine and power train drawing the most attention. Reported problems include engine blowouts, transmission failures, and trailer brake system glitches, which can strand drivers and distract them while driving.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Sierra | GMC Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 4,345 | 1,417 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 86 | 42 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 107 | 23 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 434.5 | 141.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 68 | 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 Sierra
- 01ENGINE1,552
- 02POWER TRAIN949
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM665
- 04SERVICE BRAKES576
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER439
Owners report glow plug failures, fuel rail and fuel pressure failures, and injector connector issues that can cause shaking, speed limiting, and loss of exhaust brake. These can lead to repeated dealership visits and expensive repairs.
Complaints include abnormal shaking, stalling, and loss of power while driving, sometimes requiring reflashing. These issues can leave a driver stranded or cause dangerous slowdowns on highways.
Owners describe persistent 'Service Trailer Brake System' warnings and, in at least one case, an unattended vehicle fire. Electrical faults can distract the driver and pose a fire risk.
Reports include brake problems while towing, such as difficulty stopping or brake pedal issues on downhill grades. For a truck often used for hauling, brake reliability is critical.
“Constant issues with glow plug failures, fuel rail failure, fuel pressure failure. Truck has been in the Gmc service regarding these issues constantly for the last year with a total of five repairs and replacement of glow plugs with releaning learning new plu…”
“GM Duramax L5P diesel engine electrical connector for #4 fuel injector. This failure caused the Diesel exhaust brake, which controls downhill speed, to disengage, extreme shaking of the vehicle, emissions system warning and speed limiting. This occurred while…”
GMC Yukon
- 01ENGINE765
- 02POWER TRAIN261
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM172
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER113
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM106
Owners report check engine lights, rough running, and even blown engines at relatively low mileage (e.g., 81,000 miles). Engine failure can cost thousands and leave the vehicle undrivable.
Complaints include loss of speed, deceleration, failure to engage gears, and torque converter failure that damages the transmission. These issues can cause sudden loss of power and expensive repairs.
The trailer brake system warning repeatedly appears on the dash, dinging constantly and distracting the driver. This can make it hard to use other features and adds stress while driving.
Some owners report transmission-related problems similar to a known recall, such as losing forward gears and almost causing a crash. These vague but serious issues highlight potential safety risks.
“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 Sierra — 86 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The hood-latch striker wires may not have been heat-treated properly, possibly causing them to fracture.
The risk: If a striker wire fractures, the hood may open unexpectedly while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the hood assembly, free of charge. The recall began April 13, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for…
The defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with a 17" spare tire (RPO ZHQ or ZXT) and either the 20" accessory road tire (RPO REM) or the 18" accessory road tire (RPO Q2V). Operating the spare tire with other 20" or 18" ti…
The risk: An ABS system that cannot control the rear wheels independently increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the appropriate spare tire and apply a new spare tire information label, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; GMC…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame…
The risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC cus…
The defect: General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly cr…
The risk: If the diffuser separates from the inflator during deployment, RRAB performance may be degraded, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect RRAB modules, free of charge. The recall began September 3, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or…
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 Sierra or GMC Yukon: which should you buy?
The GMC Yukon has far fewer complaints per year (141.7) than the GMC Sierra (434.5), suggesting it may be less troublesome overall. However, both have significant engine and transmission issues, so the difference means the Yukon might require fewer repair visits, but neither is immune to major failures.
Key differences
- The Sierra has over three times as many complaints per year as the Yukon, with engine issues being the most common for both.
- Sierra owners frequently report brake problems while towing, while Yukon owners more often mention transmission and torque converter failures.
- Electrical issues in the Sierra include trailer brake warnings and a reported fire, whereas the Yukon's electrical complaints focus on distracting trailer brake warnings.
- The Yukon has fewer recalls (42) than the Sierra (86), but both have had recalls for fuel system and brake components.
- Check for glow plug and fuel injector issues, especially on diesel models, by asking for service records and listening for rough running.
- Test the trailer brake system and look for any warning lights; also inspect for signs of electrical burning or fire damage.
- Listen for transmission shudder or delayed engagement, and ask if the torque converter or transmission has been replaced.
- Check for engine roughness or check engine lights, and verify if the vehicle has had any engine repairs or replacements.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and all maintenance records, focusing on engine, transmission, and electrical repairs.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan for stored trouble codes and a test of the trailer brake system.
- Test drive at highway speeds and during towing if possible, paying attention to shifting, shaking, and braking performance.
- Verify that all recalls have been addressed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
- For the Sierra, specifically inspect the glow plugs and fuel system on diesel models; for the Yukon, check the transmission fluid and torque converter operation.
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 Sierra | GMC Yukon |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 84 | 75 |
| 2025 | 152 | 55 |
| 2024 | 525 | 175 |
| 2023 | 545 | 242 |
| 2022 | 1250 | 181 |
| 2021 | 0 | 333 |
| 2020 | 0 | 36 |
| 2019 | 1122 | 55 |
| 2018 | 66 | 69 |
| 2017 | 601 | 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 Sierra or GMC Yukon in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Sierra vs GMC Yukon
- GMC Sierra total complaints
- 4,345
- GMC Yukon total complaints
- 1,417
- GMC Sierra total recalls
- 86
- GMC Yukon total recalls
- 42
- GMC Sierra avg complaints/year
- 434.5
- GMC Yukon avg complaints/year
- 141.7
- More reliable overall
- GMC Yukon
- GMC Sierra top complaint area
- ENGINE
- GMC Yukon top complaint area
- ENGINE