Head-to-head reliability
GMC Yukon vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
GMC Yukon vs Chevrolet Silverado: The Yukon has 136.3 complaints per year, while the Silverado has 510.5, indicating a higher rate of reported issues for the Silverado. Both have serious engine and transmission problems, but the Silverado also shows frequent brake failures. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that owners rely on for family hauling and towing, but the complaint data shows a pattern of serious powertrain and electrical gremlins that can leave you stranded. Engine issues dominate, with reports of grinding noises, sudden power loss, and even complete vehicle shutdowns after over-the-air updates. Transmission problems also appear, including a 2020 model that lost forward gears and nearly caused a crash. While the Yukon has fewer complaints per year than the Silverado, the nature of these failures—especially those that occur at low mileage—raises concerns about long-term dependability.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a workhorse pickup, but the complaint data reveals a higher frequency of issues, particularly with the engine, powertrain, and brakes. Owners report sudden loss of motive power, transmission failures at low speeds, and severe braking problems that can happen without warning. The 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax engines have specific complaints, including DPF clogging and catastrophic failures. With over 500 complaints per year and 100 recalls, the Silverado demands careful inspection and a thorough service history review before purchase.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Yukon | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,363 Better | 5,105 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 42 Better | 100 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 117 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 136.3 Better | 510.5 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 Better | 104 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
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 Yukon
- 01ENGINE726
- 02POWER TRAIN252
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM169
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER109
- 05FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM101
Owners report grinding noises on startup, engine lights, and even complete vehicle shutdowns after over-the-air updates. Some engines have failed at low mileage, leaving drivers stranded.
Transmission issues include sudden deceleration and failure to re-engage gears, which can leave you stuck on the road. A 2020 Yukon lost forward gears, nearly causing a crash.
Over-the-air reprogramming has caused total electrical failure, including key fob inoperability and dead vehicles. Infotainment screens also go black, disabling many controls.
“Purchased new August 29, 2025 On 12/3/25- Mileage 4495. Took vehicle in for first maintenance service. Tire rotation and oil change. On 1/7/26- Reported grinding noise we had began noticing when starting vehicle. Engine light Service ESC. Service Traction con…”
“GM performed a vehicle wide Over the Air reprogramming of the modules incorporated in the VIP/Global B electronics platform in April, 2026. Following that my vehicle became totally dead. Key fob would not unlock the vehicle. Had to use the metal key, open the…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE1,698
- 02POWER TRAIN1,453
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM982
- 04SERVICE BRAKES691
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER542
Engines, especially the 6.2L and 6.6L Duramax, have experienced sudden power loss, loud pinging, and DPF clogging. Some failures occurred within the first few thousand miles.
Transmissions can suddenly shift into neutral, especially during low-speed maneuvers, and there are reports of loss of motive power at highway speeds.
Electrical issues can lead to loss of braking and steering, as well as warning messages. Some owners report severe braking failure linked to electrical problems.
Sudden, severe loss of braking power has been reported, with the brake pedal firm but ineffective. This is a critical safety concern.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
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 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…
Chevrolet Silverado — 100 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertently…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open while driving and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2024. Owners may contact Chevr…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra 2500, 3500 vehicles. The steering gear shaft may fracture and disconnect from the steering arm.
The risk: A steering arm that disconnects may result in a total loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 22, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-4…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500, 3500, and GMC Sierra HD 2500, 3500 vehicles equipped with power-unlatching tailgates. The tailgate's electronic gate-release switch may short circuit due to water intrusion, which can result in the tailgate inadvertentl…
The risk: An unlatched tailgate may open and result in a loss of unsecured cargo, creating a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised to check that the tailgate is closed and latched before driving. Dealers will replace the exterior touchpad switch assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 GMC Hummer EV pick up, 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV, and 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV vehicles. The left or right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts may not be tightened properly.
The risk: An improperly tightened seat belt buckle may not restrain an occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-833-EVCHEVY (1-833-382-4389) (TTY 711 /…
Buyer analysis
GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The GMC Yukon has fewer complaints per year (136.3) compared to the Chevrolet Silverado (510.5), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious reliability concerns, and the Silverado's higher frequency of brake and engine failures makes it riskier. In practice, the Yukon may offer a slightly more dependable ownership experience, but neither is without significant problems.
Key differences
- The Yukon has significantly fewer complaints per year (136.3) than the Silverado (510.5).
- Silverado owners report more brake failures, including sudden loss of braking, which is a critical safety issue.
- Both vehicles have engine and transmission problems, but the Silverado's engine failures are more frequent and sometimes occur at very low mileage.
- The Yukon has experienced electrical failures after over-the-air updates, while the Silverado has more reports of electrical issues causing loss of steering and braking.
- Check for any open recalls related to fuel pump, transfer case, or brake sensors, and verify they have been addressed.
- Inspect the electrical system for signs of failure after software updates, and test all infotainment functions.
- Look for signs of engine trouble, such as unusual noises or warning lights, and check the service history for DPF or engine replacements.
- Test the brakes thoroughly, including sudden stops, and check for any brake-related recalls or complaints.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine, transmission, and brakes.
- Test drive at various speeds, including highway and low-speed maneuvers, to check for transmission or power loss issues.
- Verify that all over-the-air updates have been performed and that no electrical issues are present.
- Ask for service records, especially for any engine or transmission repairs.
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 Yukon | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 63 | 98 |
| 2025 | 52 | 150 |
| 2024 | 168 | 0 |
| 2023 | 229 | 0 |
| 2022 | 176 | 1340 |
| 2021 | 320 | 934 |
| 2020 | 36 | 0 |
| 2019 | 54 | 1992 |
| 2018 | 69 | 591 |
| 2017 | 196 | 0 |
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 Yukon or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Yukon vs Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Yukon total complaints
- 1,363
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 5,105
- GMC Yukon total recalls
- 42
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 100
- GMC Yukon avg complaints/year
- 136.3
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 510.5
- More reliable overall
- GMC Yukon
- GMC Yukon top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE