FaultScore

GMC Yukon steering problems

258 of the 6,468 complaints filed about the GMC Yukon are about the steering — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1997.

258

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

8

Crashes

0

Fires

Steering complaints by model year

1987 Yukon 1 0.4%
1992 Yukon 1 0.4%
1994 Yukon 1 0.4%
1995 Yukon 2 0.8%
1996 Yukon 2 0.8%
1997 Yukon 57 22.1%

Median failure at 87,000 miles

1998 Yukon 11 4.3%

Median failure at 102,500 miles

1999 Yukon 22 8.5%

Median failure at 97,500 miles

2000 Yukon 10 3.9%

Median failure at 65,171 miles

2001 Yukon 10 3.9%

Median failure at 82,000 miles

2002 Yukon 8 3.1%

Median failure at 49,448 miles

2003 Yukon 11 4.3%

Median failure at 28,185 miles

2004 Yukon 6 2.3%

Median failure at 47,000 miles

2005 Yukon 4 1.6%

Median failure at 27,200 miles

2006 Yukon 5 1.9%

Median failure at 111,400 miles

2007 Yukon 8 3.1%

Median failure at 48,000 miles

2008 Yukon 1 0.4%

Median failure at 194,000 miles

2009 Yukon 6 2.3%

Median failure at 143,475 miles

2010 Yukon 3 1.2%

Median failure at 155,000 miles

2011 Yukon 2 0.8%

Median failure at 27,000 miles

2013 Yukon 4 1.6%
2014 Yukon 3 1.2%

Median failure at 109,300 miles

2015 Yukon 34 13.2%

Median failure at 71,704 miles

2016 Yukon 10 3.9%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

2017 Yukon 2 0.8%

Median failure at 28,000 miles

2018 Yukon 4 1.6%

Median failure at 28,450 miles

2019 Yukon 4 1.6%

Median failure at 6,408 miles

2021 Yukon 11 4.3%

Median failure at 41,726 miles

2022 Yukon 6 2.3%

Median failure at 10,000 miles

2023 Yukon 5 1.9%
2024 Yukon 2 0.8%
2025 Yukon 2 0.8%

What owners said

2025 GMC Yukon Greenville, TX

STEERING

The progressive failure of the factory steering wheel adhesive on my 2025 GMC Yukon creates an immediate, active safety hazard during vehicle operation. The material failure and sticky glue are localized directly around the integrated heating element of the steering wheel. This failure severely impacts driving maneuvers as well as a potential electrical fire hazard. The liquefied glue residue is incredibly sticky and continually transfers to the driver’s hands, resulting in a compromised, slippery grip on the steering wheel. During active driving maneuvers, such as hand-over-hand turning, navigating sharp curves, the loose edges of the peeling leather and separating trim physically catch on the driver's palms. This restricts smooth wheel rotation, disrupts natural hand movement, and threatens a sudden, temporary loss of steering control. This manufacturing defect introduces severe driver distraction and physical interference with critical steering components while driving, compounded by a potential thermal or electrical defect in the steering wheel heating assembly.

NHTSA complaint #11754669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Yukon Higbee, MO

STEERING

The power steering went out. The dealership said it's the rack and pinion. This part is not available anywhere in the United States. I have been waiting over 3 weeks. I feel the part is unavailable as there is an issue with the rack and pinion and others who have the same vehicle ran into the same problem.

NHTSA complaint #11752500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Yukon Rockville, IN

STEERING

The engine tries to die when in park. While stopped at a red light, it died and stated conditions not met to shift. Had to hit park button then restart it. This has happened 4 times. With & without auto start feature on

NHTSA complaint #11751858 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Yukon Sicklerville, NJ

STEERING

Power steering intermittently and unexpectedly stops working.

NHTSA complaint #11751501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Yukon Ellenboro, NC Crash 2 injured

STEERING

My 6 year old son and I were coming down the road and came up on 2 deer and I was coming up on a sharp curve and when I hit my brakes my steering wheel LOCKED up completely and the steering wheel is so bent where I tried my best to control it but I failed and we hit a tree head on. Broke my nose and my sons leg broke in between the back seat air bag and door air bag

NHTSA complaint #11735916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Yukon Gilbertsville, PA

STEERING

My 2023 Yukon AT4 was taken to certified GMC dealer in November 2025 for the engine recall. The dealership gave my vehicle a clean bill of health at that time and the recall repair was cleared. On Friday, 2/13/26, myself and 5 other family members were en route to my godfather's veteran funeral service in Newtown, PA. We were going 75mph in the middle lane of the PA Turnpike when the motor seized up and vehicle lost all steering control and power. Since it was the side of the turnpike, we were limited in resources and stranded, missing the funeral service due to the length of time it took to get the vehicle loaded on a tow truck. Since the vehicle was unable to release the parking brake, the tow driver(s) were struggling to tow it. My husband, ended up having to go under the vehicle (on the side of the turnpike) to disengage the parking brake to help the tow drivers. This could have been a catastrophic situation. My vehicle was taken to a different GMC dealer than the original one that did the recall check. There are no rental vehicles available, so I am too out of a vehicle necessary for my work and family, with no time frame on the repair of my engine that only has 31,000 miles on it.  

NHTSA complaint #11718202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Yukon Eaton, CO

STEERING

When making a slow turn in drive or reverse the park assist screen shows it’s not working. Then all screens in the car turn black and the steering locks while driving. Making it impossible to turn or move. This is happening while driving, while parking. Putting my safety and others at risk due to not being able to control the steering. Park assist failure screen pops up then all screens turn black. Car is still on just unable to move. I have not had it checked by a mechanic yet.

NHTSA complaint #11714221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 GMC Yukon Middletown, OH

STEERING

This has happened twice. Once in November 2025 and then in January 2026. With super cruise engaged while going around a curve super cruse disengages and the steering wheel turns to driving straight. You have about one or two seconds to take control or crash. This happened while driving about 70 mph on interstate I 70 and next on Ohio 122 going about 45 mph. On I 70 it was a gentle curve and on 122 it was a much sharper curve. Super cruse must give a warning that it about to disengage that is much longer than one or two seconds.

NHTSA complaint #11712431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 GMC Yukon Grosse Pointe, MI

STEERING

November 12, 2025 - Turned on car and immediately noticed multiple system failure notices and very slow ability to brake. Immediately took to dealership - said battery needed to be re-charged. December 9, 2025 - turned on car and once again immediately noticed multiple system failures and very slow ability to brake. Failures were "Brake System Failure, 43 MPH Top Speed, Forward Collision System Unavailable, Service Brake Pad Monitor, Service ESC, Service Traction Control, Service Sterring Column Lock" Immediately took to dealership. Over the last 25 days in service all the dealership has told me is that their master technicians have looked it over and do not know the root cause. They are waiting for a new technician from GM. They also have another Yukon at the dealership with the same safety symptoms. No issues with the car prior to these two instances of failures. Car should not be driven.

NHTSA complaint #11708489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Yukon Jasper, IN

STEERING

Vehicle lost steering and brakes suddenly. Many errors on screen such as: Brake System Failure, ABS Failure, ESC Failure, Traction Control Failure, Maximum Vehicle Speed 43mph. Was able to slowly get home with no power assisted brakes. Did not drive it any more until it was taken to dealer 2 days later and the dealer could not replicate the errors. Dealer was able to see stored error codes; however, they could not verify any errors in any of the modules or computer. Dealer wants us to take it back and wife is scared to drive it due to no fixes or repairs. Loss of brakes and steering is NOT a situation to ask an owner to 'bring back when it happens again"

NHTSA complaint #11705535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Yukon Ricon, GA

STEERING

After noticing a "groaning/moaning" sound from the vehicle when turning sharp at low speeds the vehicle was brought into a dealership to be inspected. After inspection, the mechanic stated that the sound is coming from the rear differential and that it would need to be flushed/cleaned up to three times as a potential correction. If the clean/flush does not correct the issue, they would need to replace the entire rear differential. When asked what happens if the rear differential fails, we were advised that we could experience total failure and lock up. This is a safety issue in that if we are driving and the wheels lock up the potential for collision or major accidents is high. I also understand that the differential is meant to last the life of the vehicle and had 123k miles, the life of the vehicle is far from over. Another issue we are experiencing is excessive oil burning. The vehicle "add engine oil" light comes on after 2,500 miles when being regularly maintenanced. The vehicle should not require the addition of oil after that many miles, more so should not require oil at all unless you weren't properly maintaining the vehicle (which is not the case). I understand issues arise and things happen; I just want this to be acknowledged as a potential safety issue and corrected. Thank you,

NHTSA complaint #11705356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Yukon Humble, TX

STEERING

Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist was lost while I was driving the vehicle. As a result, I had difficulty steering the vehicle without power steering and almost caused a crash.

NHTSA complaint #11701192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 GMC Yukon South Gate, CA

STEERING

This is a follow-up to two previous complaints. The first complaint was filed around 5/22/25, and the second complaint was filed around 7/08/25. The complaint is related to a 2022 GMC Yukon that we purchased new. As reported in the previous complaints, we experienced several problems with the suspension and steering of the vehicle. The SUV continues to have a knocking, cracking, snapping noise coming from the front suspension when making a right or left turn, or u-turn. The dealer has made several attempts to fix it, but continues to occur. The warning lights continue to be set on and off, but not as often. The infoentertainment system as well. One of the other reported issues was the low oil warning light coming up and thus oil consumption. The SUV was taken to the dealer on 9/11/25, and the GMC service staff reported the SUV, during the summer hot days, was 1.9, almost two quarts. They asked to drive the SUV for an additional 2000 miles, and it was short by .9 quart. GMC claimed it is normal, but per their recommendations on oil changes, the vehicle would be 7 quarts between oil changes unless the driver checks the level every 1500 to 2000 miles. Not only was the information misleading as they denied to perform any services, but also is a safety concern for the damages it can cause to the vehicle, especially if it goes on safety mode. Around 7/24/25, we submitted a request for a buy-back to GM, which they approved 30 days later; however, they still have not made good on the promise, and the vehicle remains with these safety, operational, and mechanical issues.

NHTSA complaint #11699084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Yukon Dade City, FL

STEERING

I’m not happy with just a change in oil viscosity because the car has already been on the road for 70000 miles before we were aware of the recall on the engine. Changing the oil viscosity doesn’t help when there is a underlying engine problem it should be replaced not just change your oil and send you on your way because now I’m always wondering and worried if the engine will still fail when my kids and wife are in the car. Furthermore I just had it inspected and the oil changed to new viscosity a week ago and the oil level is already half way on the dipstick so I’m taking back to the dealership to express my concern. If I would have known this was going to be an issue with this suv I would have purchased something else. I’d just like the engine replaced so that I don’t have to worry every time I pull out of the driveway with my family. My power steering assist still whines and there is no open recall on it. I think GMC should be responsible for replacing engines and power steering assembly and power steering motors on 2021 GMC YUKON DENALIS because of the wear and tear they have endured before the recall was taken care of by adding a different viscosity oil because the damage has already been done.

NHTSA complaint #11698109 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Yukon Bellwood, IL

STEERING

Vehicle has issue turning at times message on dash says reduced steering had trouble turning and almost caused a accident

NHTSA complaint #11696715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 GMC Yukon Wichita, KS

STEERING

I am the owner of a 2024 GMC Yukon (VIN: [XXX] ), purchased from Hatchett Buick GMC on [XXX]. This vehicle was purchased at a high price with the expectation that it would provide reliability and keep my family safe. Unfortunately, that is clearly not happening. The Yukon continues to suffer from severe power loss that neither the dealership nor GM technicians have been able to diagnose or repair. In addition, this vehicle is subject to an unresolved engine recall, further undermining safety and confidence in the vehicle. Multiple times while driving I have had total power loss with no warning or indicators of this happening through lights or warnings on the vehicle. This is separate from the engine recall issues I am currently experiencing as well. While driving the Yukon will lose all electrical power. The vehicle is still currently at the dealership trying to be diagnosed. It has been 2 weeks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11687041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Yukon Bristow, VA

STEERING

1.    First incident While driving, the brakes failed and the entire infotainment/tablet system locked up. This presented a severe safety risk to my family and others on the road. The vehicle had to be towed to DEALER where I was told that “no problems were found.” I documented the incident with photos and videos showing the warning messages and system status.     2.    Second incident Approximately one week ago, after shutting off the vehicle, a “steering wheel lock” warning appeared and the truck became completely disabled. Even with jumper cables, it would not start. The vehicle had to be flatbed towed to DEALER. I again documented the incident with photos and videos showing the warnings.

NHTSA complaint #11679904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 GMC Yukon South Gate, CA

STEERING

On 5/22/2025, I filed a complaint with NHTSA, complaint number 11662650. In the complaint, I reported issues regarding safety concerns that began around October 2023 and were shortly after reported to GMC. Some of the reported issues were concerns with oil consumption due to warning lights coming on; parking warning sensors intermittently coming on; and what appears to be suspension issues as there continues to be a knocking, cracking, and snapping noise coming from the front suspension when making a left or right turn, along with a bumping when in motion, among other issues such as Infotertainment that continues to be an issue. Recently, we took our SUV to a GMC authorized dealer since it was still under warranty and these issues continued to persist and it is getting worse. The vehicle was left around 5/28/25 and picked up on 6/17/25. However, less than a couple of weeks after, we started experiencing the same issues with the suspension as the knocking, cracking, snapping, and bumping is getting more obvious and worse, and it appears is affecting the steering and alignment of the SUV. Please update this information as there is a major concern with safety of the vehicle. Attached are some of the service records related to these issues. Should you need any additional information, please advise. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11672126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 GMC Yukon at 10,000 miles Crawfordsville, AR

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 65 MPH, a wheel detached from the vehicle and the vehicle slid across the road. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the tie rod had detached. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that recently while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

NHTSA complaint #11658011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Yukon Minnetonka, MN Crash

STEERING

The contact owned a 2021 GMC Denali. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering. The vehicle failed to turn and crashed into a tree. There were no reported injuries. There were no warning lights. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V455000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to his residence. There was no police report filed, airbag deployment, or fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company deemed the vehicle to be a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA complaint #11657167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other GMC Yukon problems