2019 GMC Yukon Problems
Compared with other GMC Yukon years
Typical for this model
44/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical GMC Yukon year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 8 of its 55 complaints were filed by the end of 2021.
- Most reported problem: Sudden engine knocking, seizure, or shutdown (17 complaints, median 76,300 mi).
- 1 recall with a do-not-drive warning, 2 in total. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2020
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 55filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 34,400miles, 16 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 21 do-not-drive
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 5.3L 8-cyl RWD · 15 city / 22 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2019 GMC Yukon (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report engine problems, especially sudden knocking, seizure, or shutdown and lifter or valvetrain failures that led to an engine replacement. Transmission slipping, hesitation, and loss of drive form another large group of complaints, and a 'service trailer brake system' warning message is reported even by owners who have not towed. Where mileage is listed, the engine reports most often describe cars with over 50,000 miles.
- Engine
Sudden engine knocking, seizure, or shutdown
- 17 complaints (31%)
- median 76,300 mi at 6.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2026
Owners describe knocking, ticking, or other engine noise followed by a sudden loss of power, a shutdown, or a seized engine, sometimes at highway speed. Some describe no warning lights before the failure, while others describe an oil light, an oil pressure gauge dropping to zero, or a check engine light. Dealers and shops reportedly found internal engine damage, and owners say the engine was replaced or quoted for replacement. Where mileage is given, reports range from about 7,000 to 226,000 miles, and some happened at highway speed or while towing.
What to check: Ask for engine repair and replacement records, and check whether the engine has been replaced or rebuilt before buying. During a test drive, listen for knocking or ticking, watch the oil pressure gauge and warning lights, and have a pre-purchase inspection look for signs of engine damage.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driving home from work, with no signs my oil pressure guage dropped to zero and RPMs went to zero and I had to pull over in full on traffic going 70mph with my boat hooked to my 2019 gmc yukon denal almost causing me to wreck. Towed vehicle and boat to closest towing service and then took vehicle to mechanic and the engine was seized up”
NHTSA complaint #11661359, filed 2025-05“Was driving home at highway speeds and my 2019 yukon denalis engine just shut off in traffic and had to come to a stop in the middle of traffic and it wouldn't restart, had to have it towed to dealer and they told me the engine was siezed.”
NHTSA complaint #11656624, filed 2025-04 - Engine
Lifter and valvetrain failures leading to engine damage
- 16 complaints (29%)
- median 74,650 mi at 6.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- owner-quoted repair $5,225 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2022–2026
Owners describe lifters and other valvetrain parts failing, including push rods, a camshaft, and a valve spring, often with damage that led to a new engine or a major engine repair. Early signs in these complaints are tapping, clicking, or knocking noises, a check engine light, or a misfire code, and some owners describe shaking. According to complaints, dealers diagnosed lifter or camshaft failure, and some say the first repair attempts, such as a belt or water pump replacement, did not stop the problem. Where mileage is given, reports range from about 7,000 to 170,000 miles, and most of them are above 50,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the engine has had lifter, camshaft, or valvetrain repairs, including the camshaft actuator magnet bulletin, and request invoices and any engine replacement records. Check the VIN for open recalls and campaigns, since complaints mention engine-related recalls on other model years.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving on RT80 in NJ and my 2019 GMC Yukon lost power. I took it to my local Chevy dealer. The scan code was p0300 engine misfire. They removed right side valve cover and found no bent pushrods. Inspected camshaft and found damage from failed lifter. I had to get a new engine and pay out of pocket $14,435.44”
NHTSA complaint #11725299, filed 2026-03“2019 GMC Youkon with 94,659 miles. I am the second owner of this vehicle. I purchased it used in February 2025. Check engine light came on in route to work on March 5, 2026. Immediately took vehicle to Auto Zone to scan for codes. Multiple codes were returned. I drove it directly to a repair shop for further diagnostics. Return Results were massive lifter failure and cam shaft damage. Why would the check engine light not come on sooner to prevent TOTAL FAILURE. …”
NHTSA complaint #11725322, filed 2026-03 - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping, hesitation, or loss of drive
- 12 complaints (22%)
- median 96,500 mi at 6.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe transmissions that slip, hesitate, jerk, or stop shifting, with some losing drive entirely. Complaints describe a sudden loss of power while turning or in traffic, and a vehicle that stayed in low gear or acted as if it were in neutral. According to complaints, dealers found metal shavings in the fluid or a failed torque converter, and some owners say replacement was not covered under warranty because of mileage. Where mileage is given, reports fall between about 82,000 and 132,000 miles, and some describe little or no warning light.
What to check: Ask for the transmission service history and any repair records, including whether a torque converter or transmission replacement was covered by warranty. During a test drive, check for slipping, hesitation, or jerking between gears, and watch for any warning or check engine light.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission failed at 90,100 miles. Left me stranded in middle of a busy intersection as I was making a left turn, it was like it was in neutral no matter how much I tried to accelerate. Very dangerous situation, scary and helpless feeling as cars approaching and I could not get out of their way. Near miss accident. This should not be happening at this low mileage”
NHTSA complaint #11642849, filed 2025-02“Transmission failed while driving down the road. Trasmission reved up while driving and would not go faster then the car started slowing down. Thank goodness this was not on an interstate or it could have caused an accident. Check engine light came on as I was getting to the shoulder of the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11520395, filed 2023-05 - Electrical system
Service trailer brake system warning message
Mentioned in 4 of 46 sampled complaints
Owners describe a 'service trailer brake system' message on the driver information display, sometimes with a warning light and repeated beeping. Some owners say the message appeared even though they had not towed anything, and a complaint says the trailer brakes were inoperable when towing. According to a complaint, a bulletin for this message calls for replacing a connector in the wire harness. Some owners say the alert keeps returning and is hard to stop. Where mileage is given, reports range from about 13,000 to 70,000 miles, and all of them were filed between 2022 and 2025.
What to check: Ask the dealer whether the bulletin for the trailer brake message has been checked and whether the wire harness connector was inspected or replaced. Check whether the message appears during a test drive or inspection, even when no trailer is connected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I just purchased this 2019 Gmc Yukon denali. About 3 weeks after; the message service trailer brake system started beeping...didn't really pay bother me at 1st since I weren't planning to pull anything. Then it started doing it more frequently. Now it is constantly doing it every few days. Can't seem to get it to stop. Very annoying... Any suggestions?”
NHTSA complaint #11683112, filed 2025-08“We received an alert/warning that is nearly constantly beeping and servicing the trailer brake system. We have never used the wiring or towed anything, and the trailer brake system is unused. The beeping is near constant, even after we “dismiss” the alert and is very distracting when driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11635425, filed 2025-01
Buying note. For someone considering a 2019 model year vehicle, ask for engine and transmission service records and check the VIN for open recalls before buying. A pre-purchase inspection that listens for valvetrain noise, watches oil pressure and warning lights on a test drive, and checks transmission shifting can show whether these reported issues are present on that vehicle.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 46 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 55 consumer complaints for the 2019 GMC Yukon. 16 of the complaints include a mileage, and 56% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 34,400 miles. Of all complaints, 1 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns (1 marked do-not-drive) and 826 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 GMC Yukon model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 44 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine28 51%
- Electrical system9 16%
- Other or unknown5 9.1%
- Brakes4 7.3%
- Steering4 7.3%
- Engine cooling1 1.8%
- Equipment1 1.8%
- Exterior lighting1 1.8%
Also reported: Forward collision avoidance (1), Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “I was driving home on the interstate from vacation and I was set on cruise control it was 1 am so not a lot of traffic was on the road thank god. It could have been really terrible if lots of traffic was present as the engine just died without notice! The vehicle was decelerating nothing was working I could not speed up. I was able to get over to the side of the road. I got a notification on my phone that said battery critically low start vehicle to charge battery. Well nothing would start at this point. I lot all power seconds later. …”
NHTSA complaint #11746019, filed 2026-06Transmission and drivetrain: “The contact owns a 2019 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and jolted while responding. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 25 MPH independently while the RPMS were significantly high. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved. …”
NHTSA complaint #11591071, filed 2024-05, 82,000 milesElectrical system: “Loss of power steering, loss of electronic stability control, loss of all transmission gears forward and reverse, loss of automatic headlight control, loss of instrument cluster gauges including tachometer, engine oil pressure, and engine coolant temperature, loss of heated seat functionality, loss of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and loss of infotainment/stereo system. This problem has occurred on two occasions now, the first on 01/13/2020 and then again on 02/20/2020. …”
NHTSA complaint #11310887, filed 2020-02, 34,800 milesOther or unknown: “Vehicle caught fire in my driveway and burned to the ground. My wife and I drove to dinner and came home around 830pm on friday night (03/26/2021). The next morning (saturday, 03/27/2021), I was walking past the front door around 8am and noticed flames coming out of the grille (under the hood) when I looked outside. Told my wife to call 911 and I ran outside and tried to put it out with the fire house, but it was too late and the fire took over. The fire marshall stated it was an electrical system failure that caused the fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11405355, filed 2021-03, 15,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
56% of the 16 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,000 and 82,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 GMC Yukon. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon · SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.9% risk |
| Yukon · SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.8% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2019 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2018: same overall rating; 2020: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2019 GMC Yukon version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon C1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Yukon C1500 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 23 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Yukon C1500 XL 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Yukon C1500 XL 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 23 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Yukon K1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Yukon K1500 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 22 | 17 | $4,850 |
| Yukon K1500 XL 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 21 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Yukon K1500 XL 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | 10-speed automatic | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,150 |
| Yukon C1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Yukon C1500 XL 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Yukon K1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Yukon K1500 XL 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl · flex-fuel | 6-speed automatic | 14 | 21 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)Covers: GMC Yukon 2019–2020, 2026, Chevrolet Suburban 2015, 2017–2020, Tahoe 2016–2017, 2019, 2026 +6 more
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…
- 19V761000Oct 24, 2019Service brakesCovers: GMC Yukon 2015–2020, Chevrolet Tahoe 2015–2020, Suburban 2015–2020 +2 more
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…
Recall details for the 2019 GMC Yukon → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 826 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11035308Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11032777May 14, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11029950Mar 2, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
- 11028700Feb 5, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
Other model years of the GMC Yukon
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 44 | 3,788 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 58 | 5,994 | 2 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 106 | 21,558 | 3 | 4 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 246 | 34,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 185 | 41,000 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 344 | 69,000 | 13 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 37 | 44,000 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 43 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 55 | 34,400 | 2 | 4 | 18 | 44 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 70 | 48,500 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 196 | 53,496 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 271 | 54,000 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 529 | 59,300 | 10 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 56 | 67,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 117 | 68,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 63 | 75,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 21 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 158 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 105 | 76,500 | 3 | — | 17 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 94 | 81,000 | 5 | — | 16 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 188 | 84,500 | 4 | — | 16 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 428 | 87,284 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 27 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 85 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 159 | 72,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 204 | 76,888 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 158 | 79,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 197 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 166 | 76,200 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 204 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 80 | 97,925 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 133 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 70 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 90 | 92,465 | 6 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 58 | 139,874 | 2 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 17 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 19 | — | 1 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
All GMC Yukon model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2019 GMC Yukon?
Owners of this model year most often report engine problems, especially sudden knocking, seizure, or shutdown and lifter or valvetrain failures that led to an engine replacement. The issues reported most often: Sudden engine knocking, seizure, or shutdown; Lifter and valvetrain failures leading to engine damage; Transmission slipping, hesitation, or loss of drive.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 GMC Yukon have?
NHTSA recorded 55 consumer complaints for the 2019 GMC Yukon as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2019 GMC Yukon is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 28 complaints (51% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 13.
Has the 2019 GMC Yukon been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 of them with a do-not-drive advisory. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2019 GMC Yukon do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 GMC Yukon 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2019 GMC Yukon get?
The EPA rates the 2019 GMC Yukon (Yukon C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 15 city and 22 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2019 GMC Yukon reported?
Among the 16 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 34,400 miles and the middle half falls between 7,000 and 82,000 miles; 56% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.