1996 GMC Yukon: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 70 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The cable release for the rear seats freeze up and the cables break. This could trap someone in the back if riding in rear, or 3rd row seats. If the car catches on fire and a person who can't climb forward over the seats, it would be devastating on what could happen. I feel as this should be a recall on general motors. Mine broke and I am unable to fold my seats forward. This is a bad design and the cables rust and snap when bottom of seat is folded forward, which is supposed to release this way.”Owner report · Seats · Sep 2016
“While driving and hitting a bump in the road electrical seat disconnected and fell to the floor. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2004
“This vehicle only had 68,000 miles on the odometer and the intake manifold gasket went out allowing coolant to enter the engine. This happens on alot of these 5.7 liter 350 engines. Repair was approximately 500 dollars. Crazy. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“1996 gmc yukon struck tree head on @ 30 mph, airbag did not deploy. I am original owner. Vehicle was collision free prior to incident. *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2003
“Consumer was checking alternator and he accidently touched heater hose nipple that is attached to engine manifold. Nipple is made of aluminium and broke. Water gushed out all over consumer.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2002
“While driving about 35 mph rear axle disattached from vehicle without prior warning. Vehicle had to be towed to a garage, and they told consumer that cause was some bubbles on axle.*ak *slc”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2001
“Windshield wipers work intermittently. When windshield wipers stop working consumer can hear motor still running. Currently, windshield wipers don't work at all. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2001
“While trying to come to a stop from 55 mph consumer had applied brakes. Slowed down to 30-35 mph and pedal went to floor. No braking action and vehicle rear ended vehicle in front. $ 5100 damage. *ak seat belt did not lock and the driver bruised his chest. The air bags failed to deploy as well. The vehicle had been repaireed and the belts, air bag and brake system had been checked. *yh”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2001
“When starting car airbag light stayed on. Took vehicle to dealer, and they said it was airbag module. *ak they refuse to fix a safety device at their expence. *yh”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2001
“>last october (10-19-2000) we were returning from a trip to yosemite with the trailer. Just as we. Nosafety defect listed within summary. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH THE THROTTLE CABLE CONTACTING THE DASH MAT WHICH COULD BIND THE THROTTLE. THIS DOES NOT MEET WITH THE MAXIMUM RETURN TIMES REQUIRED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, "ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR ADEQUATE THROTTLE CABLE TO DASH MAT CLEARANCE, AND IF THERE IS INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE, CUT OUT A PORTION OF THE DASH MAT TO PROVIDE PROPER CLEARANCE.
How other years compare
Check your exact Yukon by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 GMC Yukon reliable?
NHTSA has 70 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 GMC Yukon. The most complained-about area is visibility (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Yukon problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 90,000 miles or less.
Does the 1996 GMC Yukon have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.