Head-to-head reliability
GMC Yukon vs FORD F 150
How the GMC Yukon and FORD F 150 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 FORD F 150: The Yukon averages 136 complaints per year with 42 recalls, while the F-150 averages 1,131 complaints per year with 145 recalls. The F-150 also has 328 crash-related complaints versus 23 for the Yukon. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Yukon or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon is a large SUV that averages about 136 complaints per year over the last decade, with 42 recalls. Most owner complaints center on the engine, power train, and electrical system, often describing grinding noises, sudden loss of power, and dead electronics after software updates. While the overall complaint rate is lower than some rivals, the severity of issues like transmission failure and electrical shutdowns can leave owners stranded.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generates roughly 1,131 complaints per year, far more than the Yukon, with 145 recalls. The most common trouble spots are the power train, electrical system, and exterior lighting, with owners frequently reporting harsh transmission shifts, sudden power loss, and camera or sensor malfunctions. The high volume of complaints suggests that many owners experience recurring problems, though not all are safety-critical.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Yukon | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,363 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 42 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 23 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 136.3 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 25 Better | 287 |
| 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 start-up and warning lights like Service ESC and Service Traction, sometimes after a software update. These symptoms can indicate internal engine wear or sensor failures that may lead to costly repairs.
Complaints describe sudden loss of speed, downshifting that leaves the vehicle stuck in gear, and complete power loss after over-the-air software updates. Such failures can strand drivers and create dangerous situations on the road.
Owners report the vehicle becoming totally dead after a software reprogramming, with key fobs failing and infotainment screens going black. These electrical gremlins can disable critical functions and leave you unable to start or control the SUV.
There are complaints about fuel pump issues and loss of forward gears, sometimes linked to a transmission recall. A failing fuel pump can cause stalling, while transmission problems may result in sudden loss of motive power.
“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…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Owners frequently report hard or delayed shifts, jerking, clunking, and sudden loss of power with the 10-speed automatic transmission. These issues can cause the truck to shut off while driving, posing a serious safety risk.
Complaints include front camera malfunction warnings, pre-collision assist not available, and loud bangs from the transmission area. These electrical faults can disable driver-assist features and create distracting warnings.
There are reports of headlight failures and other lighting problems, which can reduce visibility at night. A recall exists for headlights, but owners still report issues, so check that lights work properly.
Some owners report engine-related problems, though fewer than transmission or electrical complaints. Symptoms may include rough running or warning lights, which could indicate underlying mechanical issues.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
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…
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
GMC Yukon or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The GMC Yukon has far fewer complaints per year (about 136) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,131), meaning you are statistically less likely to encounter a reported problem with the Yukon. However, the Yukon's issues often involve severe electrical and transmission failures that can leave you stranded, while the F-150's higher volume includes many transmission and electrical complaints that may be more frequent but not always as disabling.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over eight times as many complaints per year as the GMC Yukon, with transmission and electrical issues dominating.
- GMC Yukon owners report sudden power loss and dead electronics after software updates, while F-150 owners describe harsh shifting and transmission failures.
- The F-150 has more crash-related complaints (328 vs. 23) and injuries (287 vs. 25), though these numbers don't prove fault.
- Both have recalls for engine and electrical components, but the F-150 also has recalls for headlights and seats, while the Yukon has recalls for tires and fuel pumps.
- Check for any history of engine grinding noises or warning lights like Service ESC, as these may indicate internal damage or sensor failures.
- Test all electronics thoroughly, including infotainment, key fobs, and starting after a software update, since owners report complete electrical shutdowns.
- Test-drive the truck at various speeds to feel for hard or delayed shifts, jerking, or clunking from the 10-speed transmission, which owners commonly report.
- Verify that the front camera and pre-collision assist systems work without warnings, as electrical faults can disable these safety features.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for any open recalls on both models, especially transmission and electrical recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission for the GMC Yukon (for sudden loss of gears) and the Ford F-150 (for harsh shifting).
- Test all electrical components: infotainment, cameras, sensors, lights, and key fobs, on both vehicles.
- For the Yukon, ask if any over-the-air software updates have been performed and whether they caused issues.
- For the F-150, listen for unusual noises from the transmission and rear suspension during a test drive.
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 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 63 | 24 |
| 2025 | 52 | 329 |
| 2024 | 168 | 617 |
| 2023 | 229 | 1507 |
| 2022 | 176 | 3432 |
| 2021 | 320 | 5234 |
| 2020 | 36 | 33 |
| 2019 | 54 | 36 |
| 2018 | 69 | 56 |
| 2017 | 196 | 43 |
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 FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Yukon vs FORD F 150
- GMC Yukon total complaints
- 1,363
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- GMC Yukon total recalls
- 42
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- GMC Yukon avg complaints/year
- 136.3
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- GMC Yukon
- GMC Yukon top complaint area
- ENGINE
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN