2013 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 2013 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
- Airbags3233.0%
- Body & structure1919.6%
- Engine1111.3%
- Electrical1010.3%
- Interior & seats66.2%
- Powertrain (other)55.2%
- Steering44.1%
- Fuel system22.1%
- Brakes22.1%
- Driver assistance22.1%
- Tires & wheels22.1%
- Visibility11.0%
- Other / unspecified11.0%
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
I received a safety recall notice for my vehicle and scheduled an appointment for repair, #N212328790. Upon arriving, the dealer advised me there was a very small crack in the dash and if the dash cracked during the removal or installation, GM would NOT reimburse for any damage to the dash. The default was with the manufacturer and if they didn't replace it correctly, I'd be out serious money to replace and maintain the value of the vehicle.
The issue is that we have to sign off on liability for the dealer to install the new safety airbag to state that we are accepting a cracked dashboard. This is ridiculous and the manufacturer (GMC) should have to replace the dashbboard along with the air bag.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Was told by my local dealer that they did not have to complete to recall unless I signed a document holding them blameless if they cracked my dashboard or cracked it worst than it already is. I declined to sign until I could investigate why I absolutely had to sign a document absolving GM of their bad design. I believe it to be unjust and insulting that we are required to choose between the safety of our vehicles vs the possible destruction of the interior due to GM's poor design. I did not get a picture of the document before I left the dealer but was told I could bring it back later if I wanted it fixed but I would have to sign the document.
Vehicle is kept inside in a garage in Pennsylvania with 53000 original miles. While driving the vehicle a heard a sound that sounded like plastic cracking, low and behold I watched a crack form beginning at the split between the upper dash panel and the larger dash and it continued over the instrument cluster. I also noticed another smaller crack in the panel surrounding the air bag, of which as also been recalled but no solution as of today. Upon researching further I find I am not alone, this is an obvious defect in either part material or assembly and should be covered by a recall. Dealer replacement for this will run around 1,000 dollars. I am worried that if I am involved in an accident not only do I have to worry about pieces of metal being propelled into a passenger now I also have to worry about plastic from a defective dash. Thank you for you attention to this matter.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle equipped with 6.2l v8 engine. Have been experiencing hesitation upon acceleration, decrease in power/reduced performance, trouble starting, abnormal shifting (particularly from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th gear) for about two months. On two separate occassions(once about 1yr ago and the second time about a week ago) during normal use of the vehicle, the car started to shudder and the CEL began flashing. Both times I immediately pulled over and shut off the vehicle. Fluids were good, car has never overheated, regular maintenance has been performed as well. When I turned the car back on, the light was off and didn't show any signs that there was an issue. Two days ago during normal use of the car at about 35mph, a loud knocking/ticking sound started. I was about 1/8 mile from my destination so I attempted to make it there. Driveway is uphill and when I accelerated to get up the hill the sound got much louder and ticking was twice as fast. Shut off the car, let it cool, and knocking sound was just as bad the next time I started the car. Had the car towed to prevent damaging the vehicle further. This car is financed and i have three payments left on the 54 month contract. Today i reached out to the dealer about the issue and asked if I should bring my car to their service dept. I explained how i have been experiencing most of the issues that GM has identified as warning signs that indicate a potential engine failure and I was told theres no way my car has a recalled engine and the guy laughed at me when I tried to give him the information I found on the NHTSA website. Not really sure who I'm supposed to call to get some help with this issue.
The truck locks start locking and unlocking on their own, the stabilitrac and traction control will cycle between on and off, the motor will shut off, it goes to limp mode, check engine light comes on, traction control light comes on, abs light comes on, it has stalled in drive throughs on the interstate, driving around town, the vehicle is at pat clemons gmc in boone iowa, they replaced the bcm and it is still happening, there is an nhsta campaign #14V61400 for a chassis control module recall, this vehicle vin is not in that, but it does exhibit all the symptoms mentioned in the recall, very much a safety issue as it can happen anytime, especially when it is raining or snowing, started about a year ago
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 GMC Yukon. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was an independent dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 92,000; however, a diagnostic report at O'Reilly's listed mileage as 172,000.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear tailgate opened independently. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder lane and attempted to shift to park(P); however, the vehicle failed to shift to park(P). No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer stated that the failure of the battery light being illuminated was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear tailgate opened independently. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder lane and attempted to shift to park(P); however, the vehicle failed to shift to park(P). No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer stated that the failure of the battery light being illuminated was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
In my 2013 Yukon Denali XL the dash has cracked. It is very common for these to crack over time and I think they should fix it. Also the seat on the driver side is torn.
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
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear tailgate opened independently. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder lane and attempted to shift to park(P); however, the vehicle failed to shift to park(P). No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the dealer stated that the failure of the battery light being illuminated was unknown. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Vehicle equipped with 6.2l v8 engine. Have been experiencing hesitation upon acceleration, decrease in power/reduced performance, trouble starting, abnormal shifting (particularly from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th gear) for about two months. On two separate occassions(once about 1yr ago and the second time about a week ago) during normal use of the vehicle, the car started to shudder and the CEL began flashing. Both times I immediately pulled over and shut off the vehicle. Fluids were good, car has never overheated, regular maintenance has been performed as well. When I turned the car back on, the light was off and didn't show any signs that there was an issue. Two days ago during normal use of the car at about 35mph, a loud knocking/ticking sound started. I was about 1/8 mile from my destination so I attempted to make it there. Driveway is uphill and when I accelerated to get up the hill the sound got much louder and ticking was twice as fast. Shut off the car, let it cool, and knocking sound was just as bad the next time I started the car. Had the car towed to prevent damaging the vehicle further. This car is financed and i have three payments left on the 54 month contract. Today i reached out to the dealer about the issue and asked if I should bring my car to their service dept. I explained how i have been experiencing most of the issues that GM has identified as warning signs that indicate a potential engine failure and I was told theres no way my car has a recalled engine and the guy laughed at me when I tried to give him the information I found on the NHTSA website. Not really sure who I'm supposed to call to get some help with this issue.
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
TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT INDICATE STABILITRAC NEEDS SERVICE AND IS NOT ON. OBD CODE READS BAD STEERING SENSOR. ACCORDING TO OTHER GM OWNERS ONLINE THIS IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. MANY SHOW THE REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS ON LINE. THE WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN OFF AND ON FOR SOME TIME WHEN CAR IS COOL ITS OFF WHEN IT SETS IN THE SUN IT GOES ON. I HAVE CONTACTED THE TOPEKA KS GM DEALER TWICE THIS WEEK TO GET THE COST TO REPLACE THIS SENSOR AND AM TOLD THEY WILL CALL ME BACK BUT NO ONE HAS.
UNKNOWN. Truck would not move out of gear as the gear shift was just moving up and down and not catching any gears
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
I call this a "Panic breaking defect" I have experienced this on two different GMC vehicles manufactured 14 years apart. The first was a 1999 GMC suburban with mechanically operated throttle control. The second was my present GMC Yukon XL Denali with electronic throttle control. The defect: The close proximity of the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal makes it possible to have the right foot on both pedals at the same time. This results in high engine RPM and full breaking pressure, however, the anti-lock breaking system releases and re-applies the break pressure repeatedly allowing the vehicle to lunge forward a short distance on each cycle. To remove ones foot from the both pedals so as to apply it to just the break would result in the vehicle, engine being at high RPM, to allow the vehicle to speed forward resulting in a serious collision. True one could use the left foot, if able, on the break and then remove the right foot, allowing the engine to return to idle but on modern automatic transmission equipped cars where the left foot plays essentially no part in driving, such an action is not likely to occur. Also the ignition key could be turned off but with both hands employed to apply maximum pressure on the steering wheel to ensure maximum braking effort, that is not likely to occur either, besides that would result in lack of power steering and vacuum boost to the break system. A proposed solution: In a drive by wire environment it would be simple to send an idle signal to the throttle body every time the break pedal is pressed and this is the condition which occurs in a normal breaking situation. I have related this to the service manager of my local dealer and have also communicated it to General Motors Customer Support even offering to demonstrate the problem but have received no response. After all I am only a lowly customer and it matters not that I am also a retired Engineer!
THIS COMPLAINT IS IN REFERENCE TO MY 2013 GMC YUKON DENALI. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN DEC 2014 IT HAS BEEN IN THE REPAIR SHOP 3 TIMES FOR SHUTTING OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING. EACH TIME I HAVE BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING AROUND 70 MPH AND THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. THANK GOD NO ONE REAR ENDED ME AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE FIRST TIME 28 MAY 14, THE PROBLEM WAS THE FUEL PUMP MODULE, BUT A MONTH LATER IT WAS DETERMINED IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. TODAY 28 DEC 16 THE FUEL PUMP IS BEING REPLACED AGAIN. SO WE HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP MODULE AND FUEL PUMP TWICE. TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED AND YOUR VEHICLE SHUT OFF IS DANGEROUS. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY HAZARD AND COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. *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 call this a "Panic breaking defect" I have experienced this on two different GMC vehicles manufactured 14 years apart. The first was a 1999 GMC suburban with mechanically operated throttle control. The second was my present GMC Yukon XL Denali with electronic throttle control. The defect: The close proximity of the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal makes it possible to have the right foot on both pedals at the same time. This results in high engine RPM and full breaking pressure, however, the anti-lock breaking system releases and re-applies the break pressure repeatedly allowing the vehicle to lunge forward a short distance on each cycle. To remove ones foot from the both pedals so as to apply it to just the break would result in the vehicle, engine being at high RPM, to allow the vehicle to speed forward resulting in a serious collision. True one could use the left foot, if able, on the break and then remove the right foot, allowing the engine to return to idle but on modern automatic transmission equipped cars where the left foot plays essentially no part in driving, such an action is not likely to occur. Also the ignition key could be turned off but with both hands employed to apply maximum pressure on the steering wheel to ensure maximum braking effort, that is not likely to occur either, besides that would result in lack of power steering and vacuum boost to the break system. A proposed solution: In a drive by wire environment it would be simple to send an idle signal to the throttle body every time the break pedal is pressed and this is the condition which occurs in a normal breaking situation. I have related this to the service manager of my local dealer and have also communicated it to General Motors Customer Support even offering to demonstrate the problem but have received no response. After all I am only a lowly customer and it matters not that I am also a retired Engineer!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC YUKON. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ADDED BRAKE FLUID TO THE VEHICLE AND THE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AGAIN, BUT THERE WAS NO FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING INTO THE VACUUM CANISTER FOR THE POWER BRAKE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETECTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
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
I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE STABILITRAK AND ABS SYSTEMS. I HAVE ALSO BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT RUNS THE INSTRUMENTATION FOR THE AIR,HEAT AND BLOWER. THE MAIN PROBLEM IS THAT THERE IS A CRACK ON THE DASH IN THE LEFT HAND CORNER OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. THIS HAS BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED BY THOUSANDS ON THE INTERNET. I CALLED GM AND THEY SAID THERE ARE NO RECALLS BUT THEY ISSUED A CASE #. THIS CASE # APPLIES TO ALL THREE PROBLEMS FOR MY VEHICLE.
THE HYDRAULIC LIFTERS 'AFM' COLLAPSED, LIFTER WAS IN LOCKED POSITION CAUSING LIFTER TO TAP ON CAMSHAFT, BY TAPING ON CAMSHAFT CAUSED DE-LAMENTATION OF HARDENING ON CAMSHAFT, WHICH DAMAGED CAMSHAFT AND LIFTERS. THE ACCELERATION AND DE-ACCELERATION OF THE VEHICLE BECAME A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WENT FROM V-8 MODE TO V-4 MODE, THIS ABRUPT REDUCTION IN SPEED WOULD HAPPEN AND DID HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING ON MAJOR ROADS IN THE CITY. BECAUSE THE V-8 LIFTERS WOULD SHUT THE CYLINDERS OFF, V-8 MODE WOULD STAY IN LOCKED DOWN POSITION CAUSING VEHICLE TO ALMOST COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
On Feb.21-2020 cracks were noticed on all four tires [ only 11,000 miles ] and rubber started to fall off [separation] pics att. With side walls cracking, are these tires safe? [ from blow out ]? I am a senior cit. and do not have the $1500. to replace these four tires, is there a recall? Continental Tire needs to pay $1500. to me or replace, balance and install all four tires at no charge to [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). Tire company wants consumer to pay to have these tire replaced.
The contact owns a 2013 GMC Yukon equipped with Continental tires, Tire line: General Grabber A/TX, Tire Size: 265/70/R17, DOT Number: A3AHHMWW. The contact stated that all four tires had cracks forming on the treads, and the rubber was detaching from the tires. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to send the affected tires to their location in North Carolina for inspection. The vehicle and tire failure mileage was not provided.
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
WIPERS WILL ONLY WORK ON HIGH, LOW OR DELAYED WIPERS WILL NOT WORK IN ANY CONFIGURATION. ALSO TAB FOR WATER AND WIPERS DOES NOT WORK. VEHICLE WAS IN A SNOW STORM AND COULD NOT USE THEM CONSISTENTLY. WE HAD TO KEEP TAKING HANDS OF THE WHEEL TO CYCLE FROM OFF AND ONLY HIGH SPEED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVING 50 MILES PER HOUR AND HEARD A LOUD BONG, SOUNDING LIKE A BROKEN GUITAR STRING FOLLOWED BY EXACT SAME SOUND 1/2 MILE LATER, THEN TIRE WENT FLAT WITHIN A DISTANCE OF TWO MILES.
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 .