2005 GMC Yukon: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 85 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (29% of complaints); the 2006 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The third row seat attachment from the seat to the frame has broken. It is a hook type mechanism that holds the entire row of seats to the latch in the floorboard. This car was not in an accident and the seats broke when the vehicle stopped. There should be a recall. Also the back seatbelt was on a recall for this vehicle but doesn't show up anymore. Please restore the recall. Thank you”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2024
“The contact owns a 2005 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after his wife turned off the vehicle, the blower motor control module continued to operate and would not shut off as needed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back home and had a mechanically inclined friend to disconnect the blower motor wiring harness. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where he was provided an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2022
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon. The contact stated that the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard abnormally when depressed. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer (keyes woodland hills buick gmc, 6133 topanga canyon blvd, los angeles, ca 91367) who informed the contact that a recall did not exist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 05v103000 (service brakes), but the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“When driving my truck the traction control comes on frequently when in motion. Sometimes it even completely doesn't move for a few seconds even when given gas then lurks forward, which frightens me because it has happened in the middle of an intersection which could possibly cause an accident. I've been reading up on this issue and it seems pretty common, this is alarming that a recall has not been put into effect! Besides that my truck runs beautiful, what can I do? This is an ongoing thing.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Dec 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon. While driving unknown speeds, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there were holes in the fuel line due to the lines being too close and rubbing together. The fuel lines were replaced. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the warranty had expired. No further assistance was offered by the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 275,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jul 2017
“Lost brakes completely. The was a catastrophic failure in the cluster of brake lines in front of ABS module due to rust which left a puddle containing all of the brake fluid on the ground. Luckily the vehicle was in a church parking lot when it happened and a sudden stop was not needed from a higher speed. This could have been bad if that were the case. Too bad gm did to spend a few extra dollars on rust-proof brake lines given how exposed to the elements they are.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2016
“3 of the 13 exhaust manifold bolts are broken off flush with the block. I have done research online and thousands of owners are experiencing the same thing. Looking for gmc to cover the costs to fix this (should be recall) issue.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon. While driving approximately 30 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated continuously. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon. The contact noticed a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was completely rusted from the elbow on the top of the fuel tank and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Aug 2015
“The 2005 yukon brake lines have rusted through, and while driving of all places to the inspection station in upstate ny. While in the shop for repair, it was advised that the aluminum antilock distribution box has major corrosion as well. It needs to be replaced.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 5 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).
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER MAY BE MISSING. IF THE RETAINER IS MISSING, THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER AND INSTALL ONE IF IT IS MISSING FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER BEGAN CONTACTING OWNERS BY TELEPHONE ON MARCH 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
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 2005 GMC Yukon reliable?
NHTSA has 85 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 GMC Yukon. The most complained-about area is electrical system (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 GMC Yukon problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,900 miles or less.
Does the 2005 GMC Yukon have open recalls?
5 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.