CarBrief

The 2015 GMC Yukon has 975 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, more than any other Yukon model year in our data[1][2]. Exterior lighting is the largest complaint group, and the recall list includes brake, steering, air bag and fire-risk issues[3][4][5][6][7].

975owner complaints[1]
10recalls[2]
16–18MPG combined (EPA)[8]
4★NHTSA overall rating[9]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 975 complaints from owners of the 2015 Yukon[1]. 17 mention a crash, 7 a fire and 15 injuries, and none reports a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group Complaints Crashes Fires Injuries Median miles at failure
Exterior lighting[3] 484 0 0 0 60,400
Electrical system[10] 164 1 4 1 66,000
Brakes[11] 160 9 0 9 70,050
Power train[12] 98 4 1 5 37,500
Unknown or other[13] 84 1 1 1 51,500
Engine[14] 71 1 2 0 72,800
Steering[15] 52 3 0 3 70,000
Structure[16] 29 0 0 0 44,000

Exterior lighting. This group has the most complaints and no reported crashes, fires or injuries[3]. In a sample of 12 lighting complaints we read, 6 describe brake lights or tail lights that stopped working, and some mention a high price to replace the whole assembly[3]. 3 describe moisture inside a headlight, and 2 say the headlights are dim[3].

Brakes. This group has the most crashes and injuries of any group in the table[11]. In a sample of 12 brake complaints we read, 4 describe a pedal that did not stop the truck normally, and 2 describe the truck rolling after it seemed to shift into neutral[11]. Recalls on brake software and brake vacuum are listed below[4][17].

Power train. Power train complaints have a median failure mileage of 37,500 miles, lower than any other group in the table[12]. In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 8 describe a four-wheel-drive service message, or a system that stuck in one mode or engaged on its own[12]. A separate recall covers a transfer case that can shift to neutral[18].

Electrical system. This group has 4 fires, the most of any group in the table[10]. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints we read, 3 describe the truck stalling or shutting off while driving or reversing, and 2 describe air conditioning that stopped working[10].

The same four-wheel-drive complaints show up under more than one group, so the group totals overlap[1].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2015 Yukon[2]. Each one below lists a free repair at a dealer. Several cover only certain trucks, for example by engine, axle or build date, so ask a dealer whether a specific truck is included.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine, the transmission and whether the truck is rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The Yukon and Yukon XL ratings are the same or within 1 mpg of each other[23][24][25][26]. Some 5.3L ratings list gasoline or E85 and others list regular[8][27].

Engine and drive City / highway / combined mpg EPA yearly fuel cost
5.3L 8-cylinder, rear-wheel drive[8][28][27][29] 16 / 23 / 18 $3,700
5.3L 8-cylinder, 4-wheel drive[25][26][30][31] 15 to 16 / 22 / 18 $3,700
6.2L 8-cylinder, 6-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive[32][33] 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950
6.2L 8-cylinder, 6-speed automatic, 4-wheel drive[23][24] 14 / 20 to 21 / 16 $4,200
6.2L 8-cylinder, 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive[34][35] 15 / 22 / 17 $3,950
6.2L 8-cylinder, 8-speed automatic, 4-wheel drive[36][37] 14 to 15 / 20 to 21 / 17 $3,950

EPA's yearly fuel cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the truck was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 2015 Yukon 4 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash and 3 stars for rollover[9][38]. The star ratings are the same for four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive[9][38]. NHTSA lists rollover risk at 22.2% for four-wheel drive and 22.9% for rear-wheel drive[9][38]. The Yukon Denali pages carry the same ratings[39][40].

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada via NHTSA, and they can differ slightly from US trucks. Values were converted to inches and pounds. Our data has no engine horsepower for this model year.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Yukon 4WD Denali[41] 204 in 80 in 74 in 116 in 5,745 lb
Yukon 4WD SLE/SLT[42] 204 in 80 in 74 in 116 in 5,545 lb
Yukon RWD SLE/SLT[43] 204 in 80 in 74 in 116 in 5,309 lb
Yukon XL 4WD Denali[44] 224 in 80 in 74 in 130 in 5,981 lb
Yukon XL 4WD SLE/SLT[45] 224 in 80 in 74 in 130 in 5,776 lb
Yukon XL RWD SLE/SLT[46] 224 in 80 in 74 in 130 in 5,536 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

1995: 90 complaints, 6 recalls19951996: 70 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 133 complaints, 0 recalls1998: 80 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 234 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 253 complaints, 8 recalls2001: 374 complaints, 8 recalls2002: 308 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 442 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 404 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 210 complaints, 6 recalls2006: 76 complaints, 3 recalls2007: 706 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 388 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 199 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 217 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 375 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 129 complaints, 4 recalls2013: 181 complaints, 4 recalls2014: 72 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 975 complaints, 10 recalls97520152016: 518 complaints, 5 recalls2017: 359 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 129 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 126 complaints, 3 recalls20192020: 84 complaints, 4 recalls2021: 570 complaints, 14 recalls2022: 358 complaints, 5 recalls2023: 470 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 179 complaints, 3 recalls2025: 85 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 80 complaints, 3 recalls2027: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2027
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Yukon model year. The 2015 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995906
1996703
19971330
1998802
19992341
20002538
20013748
20023083
20034425
20044044
20052106
2006763
20077064
20083884
20091995
20102173
20113755
20121294
20131814
2014723
201597510
20165185
20173593
20181295
20191263
2020844
202157014
20223585
20234704
20241793
2025852
2026803
202710

NHTSA lists 975 complaints and 10 recalls for the 2015 model year[2]. That is the most complaints of any Yukon model year in the list. The next highest are 706 for 2007 and 570 for 2021[2]. For recalls, 2021 is higher with 14[2].

The neighbors look different. The 2014 model year has 72 complaints and 3 recalls, and 2016 has 518 complaints and 5 recalls[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so they show what owners reported and not a failure rate.

Should you buy a used 2015 Yukon?

The 2015 Yukon has more complaints than any other Yukon year in our data, and it has 10 recalls[2]. The largest complaint group is exterior lighting, which has no reported crashes or injuries[3]. Brake complaints carry more crashes, and the brake recalls are worth checking on any truck you look at[11][4][17]. Each recall lists a free dealer repair, so ask which ones a specific truck has had[4]. EPA combined ratings run from 16 to 18 mpg depending on engine and drive[32][8][23].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most reported problems with the 2015 GMC Yukon?
Exterior lighting has the most complaints, 484 of the 975 on file[1][3]. Electrical system has 164 and brakes have 160[10][11].
Does the 2015 GMC Yukon have recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls, covering brakes, power steering, air bags, the transfer case, a transmission cooler line and exhaust heat[2][4][5][6][18][7][22].
What is the gas mileage of the 2015 GMC Yukon?
EPA combined ratings are 18 mpg for the 5.3L and 16 to 17 mpg for the 6.2L[8][23][34].
How safe is the 2015 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall, with 5 stars for frontal and side crashes and 3 stars for rollover[9][38].
Is 2015 a bad year for the GMC Yukon?
It has the most complaints of any Yukon model year in our data, 975, and 10 recalls[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so they are not a failure rate.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 975 owner complaints on file for the 2015 GMC Yukon (17 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 15 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Yukon model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 484 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,400). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Recall 19V761, filed October 24, 2019: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 18V586, filed September 7, 2018: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 16V651, filed September 8, 2016: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 14V152, filed March 31, 2014: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit And Lines. NHTSA recall database
  8. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  9. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 164 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 4 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 160 complaints name the brakes component group (9 crashes, 0 fires, 9 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,050). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 98 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 84 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 71 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 52 complaints name the steering component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 29 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. Recall 19V645, filed September 6, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 14V374, filed June 27, 2014: Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive). NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 17V437, filed July 10, 2017: Seat Belts › Pretensioner. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 14V719, filed November 10, 2014: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 14V451, filed July 23, 2014: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 14V007, filed January 13, 2014: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System. NHTSA recall database
  23. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 XL 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 21 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 XL 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 XL 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 XL 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 XL 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  33. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 XL 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  34. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  35. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 XL 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  36. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 XL 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  37. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  38. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  39. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  40. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  41. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON 4DR SUV 4WD DENALI: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 5,745 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  42. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON 4DR SUV 4WD SLE/SLT: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 5,545 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  43. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON 4DR SUV RWD SLE/SLT: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 5,309 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  44. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON-XL 4DR SUV 4WD DENALI: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,981 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  45. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON-XL 4DR SUV 4WD SLE/SLT: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,776 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  46. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON-XL 4DR SUV RWD SLE/SLT: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,536 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.