2009 GMC Yukon Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 GMC Yukon, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags3541.2%
- Body & structure1517.6%
- Electrical89.4%
- Engine67.1%
- Steering67.1%
- Fuel system44.7%
- Powertrain (other)44.7%
- Driver assistance33.5%
- Interior & seats11.2%
- Visibility11.2%
- Seat belts11.2%
- Brakes11.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
MANUFACTURER SAFETY RECALL ISSUED -NHTSA #21V050 - TRANSPORT CANADA #20591 - RECALL # N212328760 FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG TAKATA INFLATOR-PRIORITY GROUP 6
Cracks in dashboard including crack up to passenger airbag. Truck has been garage kept since new,
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
JUST PURCHASED AND THE DASH BUSTED OVER MY STEERING WHEEL. CHEAP PLASTIC.
I CAME OUT TO A CRACKED DASHBOARD THIS MORNING. THE CRACK IS RIGHT AROUND THE AIRBAG AND I'M CONCERNED THE CRACKED DASH CAN EITHER PUNTURE THE AIRBAG IF DEPLOYED OR SEND PLASTIC PEICES FLYING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Since I've owned the hybrid yukon, I've had nothing but issues. GMC only made a limited amount of the hybrid models but due to the issues discontinued manufacturing them. why weren't the vehicles taken off the market? started with the jolting from a stop, to not wanting to go into reverse, check engine light, to hybrid battery not shifting into gear, last power steering locked while driving then not starting at all. had sat at the dealership for 4 weeks now sitting at another hybrid shop awaiting for the inverter converter control to be delivered and put in. have spent thousands in the last 2 months repairing trying to figure out issues.
WHILE CAR WAS IN MOTION THE CAR BECAME LIMP/SLOW AS THE ENGINE WOULD SLOW DOWN. WE HAVE HAD 2 INSTANCES WHILE DRIVING THE CAR WILL REDUCE SPEED TO A HAUNT. THE CAR BOTH TIMES WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND NEEDED TO BE TOWED. FIRST ONE THE MODULES MELTED DUE TO THE HYBRID BATTERY AND OTHER WAS A FAILED THROTTLE. WE ARE NOW DEALING WITH MELTED SPARK PLUGS WHICH WERE ALL COMPLETELY REPLACED AND FAILED AGAIN ONE MONTH LATER AND WHILE THE CAR WAS DRIVING IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHILE THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN AGAIN!
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the cooling fan assembly, fuel pump, and fuel pump module needed to replaced. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the cooling fan assembly, fuel pump, and fuel pump module needed to replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts availability. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud tapping sound with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed as displacement on demand (DoD) due to camshaft failure, after the engine was disassembled. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Since I've owned the hybrid yukon, I've had nothing but issues. GMC only made a limited amount of the hybrid models but due to the issues discontinued manufacturing them. why weren't the vehicles taken off the market? started with the jolting from a stop, to not wanting to go into reverse, check engine light, to hybrid battery not shifting into gear, last power steering locked while driving then not starting at all. had sat at the dealership for 4 weeks now sitting at another hybrid shop awaiting for the inverter converter control to be delivered and put in. have spent thousands in the last 2 months repairing trying to figure out issues.
COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, AFTER CROSSING OVER A SET OF RAILROAD TRACKS. SERVICE POWER STEERING MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON DASH. AFTER TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON, THE POWER STEERING WORKED FINE. HAPPENED A 2ND TIME AFTER HITTING A POT HOLE. VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON BUSY STREET, AND COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING ASSIST MAKES THIS VERY UNSAFE
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
WELL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON I CHANGE THE OIL IS STILL ON THE BATTERY KEEPS DYING I'VE ALREADY BOUGHT THREE NEW BATTERIES NOTHING IS WORKING I'LL STILL COME OUT THE CAR IS DEAD CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS POPPING ON AND OFF THE WHEEL THE WHEEL THING KEEPS POPPING IN AND OFF I BOUGHT NEW TIRES IT'S STILL POPPING ON AND OFF I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG
YUKON STARTED DYING AT STOP LIGHTS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. STARTED TO PULL OUT FROM INTERSECTION ALMOST GOT T-BONED WHEN VEHICLE DIED. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR SOME 2009 YUKONS FOR FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE BUT GMC SAID THIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. SOUNDS LIKE IT IS A BIGGER PROBLEM THEN THEY ARE ADMITTING. I GUESS SOMEONE ELSE HAS TO DIE BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE! TOWED VEHICLE TO MECHANIC HAD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. $690.00. SHOULD BE ABLE TO GET REIMBURSED FOR A DEFECTED PART! RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Since I've owned the hybrid yukon, I've had nothing but issues. GMC only made a limited amount of the hybrid models but due to the issues discontinued manufacturing them. why weren't the vehicles taken off the market? started with the jolting from a stop, to not wanting to go into reverse, check engine light, to hybrid battery not shifting into gear, last power steering locked while driving then not starting at all. had sat at the dealership for 4 weeks now sitting at another hybrid shop awaiting for the inverter converter control to be delivered and put in. have spent thousands in the last 2 months repairing trying to figure out issues.
WELL THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THEN THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON I CHANGE THE OIL IS STILL ON THE BATTERY KEEPS DYING I'VE ALREADY BOUGHT THREE NEW BATTERIES NOTHING IS WORKING I'LL STILL COME OUT THE CAR IS DEAD CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS POPPING ON AND OFF THE WHEEL THE WHEEL THING KEEPS POPPING IN AND OFF I BOUGHT NEW TIRES IT'S STILL POPPING ON AND OFF I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC YUKON. WHILE DRIVING, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
I CAME OUT TO A CRACKED DASHBOARD THIS MORNING. THE CRACK IS RIGHT AROUND THE AIRBAG AND I'M CONCERNED THE CRACKED DASH CAN EITHER PUNTURE THE AIRBAG IF DEPLOYED OR SEND PLASTIC PEICES FLYING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I'M WRITING TO REPORT A SAFETY ISSUE WITH 2007 TO 2012 GMC YUKON DOOR LOCKS. I OWN A 2009 GMC YUKON (44,XXX MILES), AND RECENTLY THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR STOPPED LOCKING ELECTRONICALLY WHICH PROHIBITS THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING FEATURE FROM WORKING AFTER PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN GEAR. THIS BYPASSES AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE WHEN SMALL CHILDREN ARE RIDING IN THE BACK SEAT AND THERE IS NO WARNING SIGNAL TO THE DRIVER OF SUCH FAILURE. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED (THROUGH NUMEROUS ON-LINE OWNER FORUMS) ISSUE FOR THIS MODEL IN THIS YEAR RANGE AND IT APPEARS THAT GM HAS NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECALLING THESE VEHICLES TO ADDRESS THIS CRITICAL SAFETY FEATURE FAILURE. I BELIEVE THE ROOT CAUSE IS EITHER POOR DESIGN, OR SUB-PAR QUALITY ON THE LOCK ACTUATING DEVICE, AS IT SEEMS MOST REPORTED INCIDENTS LEAD TO REPLACEMENT OF THE LOCK ACTUATOR (SOMETIMES REPLACING THE SAME ACTUATOR MULTIPLE TIMES). AS A CONSUMER AND PARENT, I'M REQUESTING THAT YOU INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND HOLD GM ACCOUNTABLE FOR DELIVERING AN INFERIOR QUALITY PRODUCT FOR SUCH AN IMPORTANT CONSUMER SAFETY FEATURE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 55 OR 60 MPH WITH NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME OR BEHIND ME, THE SUNROOF OF MY 2009 GMC YUKON EXPLODED. I SAY IT EXPLODED BECAUSE THE NOISE WAS DEAFENING LIKE AN EXPLOSION. THE COVERING TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WAS CLOSED OR GLASS WOULD HAVE GONE ON OR IN ME. GM REPRESENTATIVE CLAIMS THIS IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND SO WE ARE PAYING OUR DEDUCTIBLE & THE INSURANCE WILL PAY FOR ALL THE REPAIRS BUT THAT $250. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS ON, WHEN I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND THE PASSENGER ATTEMPTED TO UNBUCKLE THE SEAT BELT IT WOULD NOT UNLATCH. AFTER A FEW JIGGLES IT CAME UNLOCKED AND NOW WILL NOT LATCH. WHEN TRYING TO BUCKLE UP, IT SLIDES IN BUT DOESN'T LOCK. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was driving around 55 miles per hour and applied the brakes. I had little to no brakes and had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Luckily there was no car in front of me or a collision would have occurred. I had multiple ABS light, service stabiltrak, service brake lights engage. It happened once more going to the next light. I pulled over and removed the negative battery cable and waited 2 minutes and re attached it. The brakes feel spongy. I have researched the forums for the electric hybrid models and there were multiple other vehicles with the same symptoms as mine. Dealership says there are no recalls for the vehicle, even though multiple other hybrids are having the same issues and wanted to charge me $135 diagnostic fee to check the brake system. This is a safety hazard and should be investigated by GMC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .