CarBrief

NHTSA has 126 owner complaints on file for the 2019 GMC Yukon[1]. The engine group is named most often, and the 2019 Yukon has three recalls, one of which tells owners not to drive until it is fixed[2][3].

126owner complaints[1]
3recalls[4]
16–18MPG combined (EPA)[5]
4★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 126 owner complaints for the 2019 Yukon[1]. Four mention a crash, one a fire and seven an injury. None report a death[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part of the vehicle.

Here is how the complaints split by component group:

Component group Complaints
Engine[2] 69
Power train[7] 28
Electrical system[8] 15
Brakes[9] 9
Steering[10] 8
Unknown or other[11] 8
Forward collision avoidance[12] 6
Speed control[13] 4

Engine. The 69 engine complaints have a median mileage at failure of 104,389, with no crashes, no fires and 2 injuries[2]. In the sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe failed lifters, sometimes with loss of power, knocking and a full engine replacement. Others describe a surge or hesitation under acceleration that dealers could not reproduce[2].

Power train. There are 28 power train complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 82,500 and no crashes, fires or injuries[7]. In the sample we read, owners describe transmission trouble such as slipping, no gear engaging, or the vehicle revving without moving. Some ended with a transmission replacement[7].

Electrical system. There are 15 complaints, one of them with a crash[8]. In the sample we read, owners describe a repeated "service trailer brake system" warning message. Some say they never tow anything[8].

Brakes. There are 9 brake complaints, with 1 crash and 2 injuries[9]. In the sample we read, owners describe the same trailer brake warning, plus unexpected braking or stability control activation while driving[9].

Steering has 8 complaints with 1 crash and 2 injuries[10]. The remaining groups are small, so we do not treat them as patterns.

Recalls

NHTSA lists three recalls for this model year, newest first.

These recalls cover only certain vehicles. NHTSA says the VINs involved in 26V289 became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026[3].

Fuel economy

EPA rates the 2019 Yukon with two V8 engines, a 5.3L and a 6.2L[5][16]. Mileage depends on the engine and on 2WD or 4WD[5][17][16]. The annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Engine and drive City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
5.3L, 6-speed automatic, 2WD[5][18][19][20] 15 / 22 / 18 $3,700
5.3L, 6-speed automatic, 4WD (K1500)[21][22] 15 / 21 / 17 $3,950
5.3L, 6-speed automatic, 4WD (K1500 XL)[17][23] 14 / 21 / 16 $4,200
6.2L, 10-speed automatic, 2WD[24][25] 14 / 23 / 17 $4,850
6.2L, 10-speed automatic, 4WD (K1500)[26] 14 / 22 / 17 $4,850
6.2L, 10-speed automatic, 4WD (K1500 XL)[16] 14 / 20 / 16 $5,150

The 6.2L engines are listed for premium fuel. The 5.3L engines are listed for regular, and some also for gasoline or E85[5][19][21][16].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the 2019 Yukon 4 stars overall in both 4WD and rear-wheel drive[6][27]. Both get 4 stars in the frontal test, 5 stars in the side test and 3 stars for rollover[6][27]. NHTSA puts the rollover risk at 21.9% for 4WD[6] and 22.8% for rear-wheel drive[27].

Engine and size

The EPA lists a 5.3L 8-cylinder and a 6.2L 8-cylinder for this model year[5][16]. These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. They come from Transport Canada data via NHTSA.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Yukon RWD SLE/SLT[28] 204 in 80 in 74 in 116 in 5,309 lb
Yukon 4WD SLE/SLT[29] 204 in 80 in 74 in 116 in 5,545 lb
Yukon 4WD Denali[30] 204 in 80 in 74 in 116 in 5,745 lb
Yukon XL RWD SLE/SLT[31] 224 in 80 in 74 in 130 in 5,536 lb
Yukon XL 4WD SLE/SLT[32] 224 in 80 in 74 in 130 in 5,776 lb
Yukon XL 4WD Denali[33] 224 in 80 in 74 in 130 in 5,981 lb

How 2019 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 recalls20152016: 518 complaints, 5 recalls2017: 359 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 129 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 126 complaints, 3 recalls12620192020: 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 2019 is highlighted[4].
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 has 126 complaints and 3 recalls for the 2019 Yukon[4]. The neighboring years look like this:

The most complaints for any year belong to 2015, with 975[4]. Across the 33 model years NHTSA lists, 2019 has more complaints than 9 of the other 32 years and fewer than 23 of them[4]. Complaint counts are raw counts and are not adjusted for sales, so use them only to compare Yukon years with each other.

Should you buy a used 2019 Yukon?

The 2019 Yukon has a smaller complaint file than several other Yukon years[4]. The engine and power train groups have the highest counts, with 69 and 28 complaints[2][7]. If you shop for one, ask for service records covering the engine and transmission. Also check the VIN on NHTSA.gov for open recalls, especially 26V289, where owners are told not to drive the vehicle until the transfer case work is done[3]. Fuel economy is in the 16 to 18 combined MPG range for most versions, and the 6.2L versions run higher annual fuel costs[5][16][24]. Our data does not cover price, towing or reliability scores, so weigh those separately.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2019 GMC Yukon?
The engine group is named in 69 of the 126 NHTSA complaints, and the power train group in 28[1][2][7]. In the sample we read, owners describe failed lifters and transmission trouble.
Does the 2019 GMC Yukon have any recalls?
NHTSA lists three: 26V289 for the transfer case, 19V761 for brake control software, and 18V673 for rear seat belt retractors[3][14][15]. Owners of vehicles under 26V289 are advised not to drive until the repair is done[3].
What gas mileage does the 2019 GMC Yukon get?
EPA rates the 5.3L 2WD at 15 city, 22 highway and 18 combined MPG[5]. The 6.2L versions are rated 16 to 17 combined[16][26][24].
How safe is the 2019 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall, 5 stars for side crashes and 3 stars for rollover[6][27].
Is 2019 a good year for the GMC Yukon?
It has 126 complaints and 3 recalls, compared with 570 complaints and 14 recalls for 2021[4]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat this as a rough guide.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 126 owner complaints on file for the 2019 GMC Yukon (4 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 7 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 69 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 104,389). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 26V289, filed May 7, 2026: Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive). NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Yukon model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 28 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 15 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 9 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 8 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 8 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 6 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 4 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 19V761, filed October 24, 2019: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 18V673, filed September 26, 2018: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
  16. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 XL 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 XL 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 21 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 XL 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 XL 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 XL 4WD, 5.3L 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
  24. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 23 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 XL 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 23 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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

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.