20 Best and Worst GMC Yukon Years | Facts and Figures 2023
If you’re in the market for a GMC Yukon, it’s important to know which years to avoid. While the Yukon has been in production for almost 30 years, some model years still have more complaints and lower reviews than others. Knowing which years to avoid can save you money and frustration in the long run.
The worst years for the GMC Yukon are 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2015 and 2016. These model years have been associated with faulty air conditioning, excessive oil consumption, vibrations from the transmission, cracked dashboards, inaccurate tailgates, and “No start” anti-theft warning errors.
*It’s important to note that not every vehicle in these model years will experience these issues, but they are more prevalent in these years than others. I have owned both a 2003 Yukon and the 2019 Yukon. Even though the data says 2003 is a bad year, our 2003 lasted over 300k miles before having major issues.
If you’re considering purchasing a GMC Yukon, it’s important to do your research and make an informed decision.
Understanding the years to avoid can help you narrow your search and find a reliable vehicle to meet your needs. Keep reading and I’ll also share the best years for the Yukon.
Worst Years for GMC Yukon
When it comes to buying a used GMC Yukon, it’s important to know which years to avoid to save yourself from potential headaches and costly repairs. Here are the worst years for GMC Yukon that you should avoid:
| Year | Issues |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Faulty air conditioning, transmission failure, and engine problems |
| 2001 | Transmission failure, engine problems, and electrical issues |
| 2003 | Excessive oil consumption, transmission problems, and electrical issues |
| 2004 | Transmission problems, excessive oil consumption, and engine failure |
| 2005 | Transmission problems, engine failure, and electrical issues |
| 2007 | Electrical issues, transmission problems, and engine failure |
| 2008 | Transmission problems, engine failure, and electrical issues |
| 2009 | Electrical issues, transmission problems, and engine failure |
| 2015 | Faulty air conditioning, excessive oil consumption, and interior accessories problems |
| 2016 | Transmission problems, engine failure, and electrical issues |
The 1999 Yukon is notorious for having faulty air conditioning, transmission failure, and engine problems.
The 2001 Yukon also has transmission failure, engine problems, and electrical issues. The 2003 Yukon has excessive oil consumption, transmission problems, and electrical issues.
The 2004 Yukon has transmission problems, excessive oil consumption, and engine failure. The 2005 Yukon has transmission problems, engine failure, and electrical issues.
The 2007 Yukon has electrical issues, transmission problems, and engine failure.
The 2008 Yukon has transmission problems, engine failure, and electrical issues. The 2009 Yukon has electrical issues, transmission problems, and engine failure.
The 2015 Yukon has faulty air conditioning, excessive oil consumption, and interior accessories problems.
Finally, the 2016 Yukon has transmission, engine, and electrical problems. These issues are based on industry reviews, NHTSA stats, problems, and consumer feedback.
Knowing which years to avoid can save you from potential headaches and costly repairs. Keep this list in mind when shopping for a used GMC Yukon.
Best Years for GMC Yukon
If you’re looking for a GMC Yukon, you’ll want to know which years are the best to buy. According to industry reviews, NHTSA stats, problems, and consumer feedback, the best GMC Yukon model years are:
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2014
- 2012
- 2009
- 2006
These years are known for their reliability, durability, and overall performance. They have fewer complaints and issues compared to other years, making them a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable SUV that can last for years to come.
The 2023 and 2022 GMC Yukon are the newest models and come with the latest features and technology. They are also known for their excellent driving experience, spacious interior, and powerful engine.
The 2021, 2020, and 2019 models are also great choices. They come with advanced safety features, modern infotainment systems, and comfortable seating. They also have a good resale value, making them a smart investment.
If you’re looking for an older GMC Yukon, the 2018, 2014, 2012, 2009, and 2006 models are still solid choices. They may not have all the latest features, but they are reliable and have a proven track record of performance.
In summary, the best years for the GMC Yukon are the newer models, including the 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, and 2019 models.
However, the 2018, 2014, 2012, 2009, and 2006 models are also great choices if you’re looking for an older model.
Understanding GMC Yukon XL
If you’re in the market for a full-size SUV, the GMC Yukon XL is a popular choice. This vehicle offers plenty of space for passengers and cargo, making it a great option for families and those who need to haul large items.
However, not all GMC Yukon XL model years are created equal, and it’s important to research before purchasing.
The GMC Yukon XL has been in production for nearly 30 years, and during that time, there have been some model years that are best avoided.
Some of the most common issues with these model years include faulty air conditioning, excessive oil consumption, vibrations from the transmission, cracked dashboards, inaccurate tailgate, and “No start” anti-theft warning errors.
According to some experts, the GMC Yukon XL model years to avoid are 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2015.
These model years tend to have the most complaints and the lowest reviews from owners.
However, it’s important to note that not all vehicles from these model years will have these issues, and some owners have reported no problems at all.
If you’re considering purchasing a GMC Yukon XL, it’s important to take the time to research the specific model year you’re interested in.
Look for reviews from other owners, and pay attention to any reported issues. You can also check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see if there have been any recalls or safety issues with the specific model year you’re considering.
The GMC Yukon XL can be a great vehicle if you choose the right model year. By doing your research and taking the time to understand the common issues with each model year, you can make an informed decision and find a vehicle that meets your needs and budget.
There are several years of the GMC Yukon that are known to have major issues, including the 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2015 models. These years are known for problems with the driveshaft assembly, transmission issues, and electrical problems.
Insights on Yukon Denali
If you’re looking for a luxury SUV, the Yukon Denali might be on your list. However, knowing which years to avoid is important to ensure you get a reliable vehicle.
Here are some insights on Yukon Denali years to avoid.
According to CoPilot, the 2004, 2005, 2007, 2015, and 2016 Yukon Denali models are the ones to avoid. The 2015 model, in particular, receives the most complaints of any Yukon model.
If you’re considering a used Yukon Denali, the 2007 and 2015 models are the ones to watch out for, according to Jerry. However, models from 2012 to 2014 are some of the best years for the GMC Yukon.
The worst Yukon Denali model years are 2002, 2003, and 2007, according to REREV. These years are plagued with issues such as airbag troubles, engine oil leaks, and automatic transmission problems.
If you’re looking for the best years of the GMC Yukon, the 2017-2019 models are considered the best, followed by 2013-2014, 2009, and 2005, according to Fixd App.
However, it’s best to avoid the 2021 Yukon, as well as models from 2015-2016, 2007-2008, 2010-2012, 2001-2004, and 2006.
It’s important to note that while these years have had issues, not all vehicles from those years will have problems. It’s always a good idea to have a mechanic inspect any used vehicle before purchasing.
Comparative Analysis
When it comes to the GMC Yukon, there are certain years that you should avoid if you want to ensure that you’re getting a reliable vehicle.
While there are some model years that stand out as particularly problematic, it’s important to understand how the different years compare to one another in terms of reliability and overall quality.
One way to compare the different GMC Yukon model years is to look at owner surveys and ratings. According to Fixd App, the best Yukons come from the 2017-2019 model years, followed by 2013-2014, 2009, and 2005.
On the other hand, you’ll want to avoid the 2021 Yukon. Additionally, it’s best to take a pass on Yukons from the 2015-2016, 2007-2008, 2010-2012, 2001-2004, and 2006 model years.
Engine Patrol also provides a list of the best and worst years for the GMC Yukon. According to their research, the best GMC Yukon model years are 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2012, 2009, and 2006. The worst model years of the Yukon are 2015, 2007, 2003, 2004, 2016, 2001, 2011, 2008, 2002, and 2000.
CoPilot offers a similar list of years to avoid, including 2004, 2005, 2007, 2015, and 2016. While these years may not be as problematic as some other models, they do have higher rates of complaints and issues than other years.
It’s worth noting that different sources may have slightly different rankings and recommendations for the best and worst GMC Yukon model years.
However, the general consensus is that you should avoid the 2015 and 2007 model years, while the 2017-2019 and 2013-2014 model years tend to be the most reliable.
Ultimately, when shopping for a GMC Yukon, it’s important to do your research and carefully consider the year and model you’re interested in.
By understanding the comparative analysis of different model years and taking into account owner ratings and surveys, you can make an informed decision and choose a Yukon that will provide you with reliable and enjoyable transportation for years to come.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to buying a GMC Yukon, it’s important to do your research and make an informed decision.
While there are some years that are known to have more issues than others, it’s important to keep in mind that every vehicle is unique and may have its own set of problems.
If you’re looking for the best GMC Yukon years, consider models from 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2014, 2012, 2009, and 2006. These years have been known to have fewer issues and higher customer satisfaction ratings.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to avoid GMC Yukon years with known issues, you may want to steer clear of models from 2015, 2007, 2003, 2004, 2016, 2001, 2011, 2008, 2002, and 2000. These years have been known to have more complaints and issues reported by owners.
It’s important to note that some of the issues reported by owners may be minor and easily fixable, while others may be more serious and require costly repairs.
Before making a purchase, it’s a good idea to have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic to ensure it’s in good condition and has no major issues.
Ultimately, deciding which GMC Yukon year to buy or avoid is up to you. By researching and being informed, you can make the best decision for your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common problems to look out for when buying a used GMC Yukon?
When buying a used GMC Yukon, it is important to look out for common problems such as issues with the driveshaft assembly, transmission problems, and electrical issues. These problems can be costly to repair, so it’s important to have the vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic before making a purchase.
What is the average lifespan of a GMC Yukon?
The average lifespan of a GMC Yukon is around 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. However, this can vary depending on driving habits, maintenance history, and other factors.
Which engine is the most reliable in the GMC Yukon?
The 5.3-liter V8 engine is the most reliable engine in the GMC Yukon. It provides a good balance of power and fuel efficiency, and has proven to be a durable and long-lasting engine.
Are there any years of the GMC Yukon that are known to have major issues?
What is the optimal mileage to buy a used GMC Yukon?
The optimal mileage to buy a used GMC Yukon depends on several factors, including the vehicle’s maintenance history, driving habits, and overall condition. However, it’s generally recommended to look for a used Yukon with less than 100,000 miles on the odometer.
What changes were made to the Yukon Denali in recent years?
In recent years, the Yukon Denali has received several updates and improvements, including a redesigned exterior, upgraded interior features, and improved technology. Some of the notable changes include a new 10-speed automatic transmission, a larger infotainment screen, and a new air suspension system.