2013 GMC Yukon Problems & Owner Complaints

Unknown Or Other 85 1 crash

“MY YUKON DENALI WAS BACKED INTO WHILE PARKED AT MY WORK PARKING LOT AND WHEN I GOT INTO THE VEHICLE TO DRIVE TO THE REPAIR SHOP I NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED IN THE UPPER LEFT SIDE OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. I INFORMED THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER ABOUT THE CRACK AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. HE INSTRUCTED THAT I TAKE THE VEHICLE TO GMC AND HAVE THEM FILE A CLAIM. I THEN WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT GM WOULD PROBABLY DENY MY CLAIM, WHICH THEY DID. SO NOW IM STUCK WITH A CRACKED DASHBOARD IN MY OTHERWISE PERFECT VEHICLE. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO…”
NHTSA complaint #11317832, 2020 · crash

“Steering wheel will not lock when in park and the vehicle is turned off. This is referring to the Steering/Shifter Recall (13V-001).”
NHTSA complaint #11692689, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11532374, 2023

Air Bags 62 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 20 MPH the driver's side curtain, passenger side curtain and ceiling air bags deployed with no accident occurring. The contact stated her son did not see any warning light illuminated. The contact's son safely pulled over to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off. The contact's son attempted to restart the vehicle, however it took several attempts to restart the vehicle. The son suffered injuries to the left side of his face and top of head, but did not seek medical attention. The vehicle had…”
NHTSA complaint #11457127, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact’s son owned a 2013 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while her son was driving 25 MPH on an icy roadway while slowing down to change lanes he lost control of the vehicle after hitting a patch of ice. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle went off the road ran through a residential fence, then collided with a parked vehicle with the rear end, ricocheted off that vehicle, then slid and collided with a tree on the driver’s side door. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact stated her son was not injured. The vehicle wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11454133, 2022 · crash

“The contact owns a 2013 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V053000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The dealer informed the contact that should the dashboard get cracked, replacing the dashboard would be at his expense. The contact called another local dealer, Cannon Motors LLC (100 N Thacker Lp., Oxford, MS 38655), who informed the contact about the dashboard possibly being cracked and the associated fees. The ve…”
NHTSA complaint #11594210, 2024

Structure 44

“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 wan…”
NHTSA complaint #11472498, 2022

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11465544, 2021

“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. Deale…”
NHTSA complaint #11441909, 2021

Engine 13 1 crash 1 injury

“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 th…”
NHTSA complaint #11494401, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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, th…”
NHTSA complaint #11671134, 2025

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11497876, 2022

Electrical System 12

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11749296, 2026

“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 vehic…”
NHTSA complaint #11719491, 2026

“Odometer Fraud. The contact owned a 2013 GMC Yukon. The contact sold a vehicle to an independent company, Pedal.com; however, was advised that the vehicle was sold to an individual and the odometer appeared to be altered. The contact stated that another individual discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was an independent dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 119,000. It was later discovered that the mileage was 273,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11691022, 2025

Power Train 5 1 crash 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING IN A RESIDENTIAL GARAGE, SHE WALKED AROUND TO REMOVE A SMALL CHILD FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT STARTED TO ROLL AWAY IN REVERSE. THE KEYS WERE NOT IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WAS SECURED IN PARK. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO ROLL AWAY UNTIL CRASHING INTO A FENCE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WAS STILL OPEN AND WAS PUSHED UNTIL ABNORMALLY BENDING THE DOOR FORWARD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISED ANKLE WHEN THE DOOR SLAMMED INTO HER. THE CHILD WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE MANUFACTURER…”
NHTSA complaint #10548784, 2013 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 vehic…”
NHTSA complaint #11719491, 2026

“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, th…”
NHTSA complaint #11671134, 2025

Steering 5

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11532374, 2023

“UNKNOWN. Truck would not move out of gear as the gear shift was just moving up and down and not catching any gears”
NHTSA complaint #11525259, 2023

“Monday 5th 2022, (2pm)I was driving with the AC on high as I had just left the mall. The interior was hot. As I left the mall and came to a stop light...the car would rev at stop, and continue to do so until the light changed. I had the oil and transmission fluid changed at 135000. It is currently at 138000. I turned off the AC because it did not seem to work (to cool the car down) and rolled the windows down and open the sun roof. Tuesday 6th, I was leaving the store (4pm) and again I turned the AC on and approached a stop light. When I stopped at the light, the car started revving or idling…”
NHTSA complaint #11483232, 2022

Service Brakes 3 2 crash 1 injury

“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 th…”
NHTSA complaint #11494401, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE IGNITION OFF, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD POP EMIT FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE THEN BEGAN TO ROLL AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK WALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY, BUT SHE WAS ABLE TO GET BACK IN THE VEHICLE AND STOP IT BEFORE IT BEGAN TO ROLL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE IMPACT OF THE TRAILER THAT WAS HITCHED TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A P…”
NHTSA complaint #10794639, 2015 · crash

“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 F…”
NHTSA complaint #11255044, 2019

Fuel/Propulsion System 2 1 crash 1 injury

“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 th…”
NHTSA complaint #11494401, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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 TW…”
NHTSA complaint #10937926, 2016

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“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 vehic…”
NHTSA complaint #11719491, 2026

“2013 GMC YUKON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DOOR HANDLE MALFUNCTION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE DOOR FROM OPENING. UPDATED 10/31/2017*JS”
NHTSA complaint #10985328, 2017

Tires 2

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11457612, 2022

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11462768, 2020

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11097750, 2018

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10937793, 2016

Seat Belts 1

“THE DRIVER'S SEATBELT WILL NOT LOCK. THE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO WEAR A SEATBELT WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME.”
NHTSA complaint #11015311, 2017

Seats 1

“TRIPPED ON EXPOSED BOLTS. DEALER STATED THAT ALL OF THE GMC YUKON'S ON THE LOT WERE THE SAME. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10521223, 2013

Vehicle Speed Control 1

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10937793, 2016

Visibility 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS SEIZED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO WAIT FOR THE RAIN TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. UPDATED 10/19/16*LJ THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WOULD BE NO CONSIDERATION BEYOND 36,000 MILES. UPDATED 10/25/16.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10893950, 2016

Visibility/Wiper 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11157149, 2018

Wheels 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10786583, 2015