AI Damage2019 GMC Yukon: common problems
Owners of the 2019 GMC Yukon filed 55 complaints with NHTSA, most often about engine and powertrain. The maker issued 669 service bulletins for this year. We found 2 repair videos on YouTube. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 55
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 669
- YouTube repair videos
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Engine 51% of all complaints
- 2 Powertrain 24% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 16% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 7% of all complaints
- 5 Steering 7% of all complaints
- 6 Equipment 2% of all complaints
- 7 Engine and cooling 2% of all complaints
- 8 Structure 2% of all complaints
- Engine: 28 complaints (51% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 68.
- Powertrain: 13 complaints (24% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 99.
- Electrical system: 9 complaints (16% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 104.
- Service brakes: 4 complaints (7% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 19.
- Steering: 4 complaints (7% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 10.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 5.3 L · petrol · 8 cyl
- 6.2 L · petrol · 8 cylnamed in 4 complaints
- automatic, 6-speed
- automatic, 10-speed
Drive: RWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 55 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 28 | 0 | 68 |
| Powertrain | 13 | 0 | 99 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 | 104 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 0 | 19 |
| Steering | 4 | 0 | 10 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 196 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 110 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 37 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 18 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 15 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 8 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 5 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 5 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Check engine light came on. Took it to my mechanic. Check engine light was flashing which indicated an active misfire. A running compression test found little to no compression from cylinder 6. Further investigation found that cylinder 5 had been repaired in 2022. Mechanic recommends engine replacement.
The failure escalated rapidly from initial minor slipping to a severe loss of vehicle propulsion. A loss of acceleration while driving poses an immediate crash hazard, as the vehicle cannot safely maintain speed with surrounding traffic or accelerate out of dangerous situations.
Complete engine failure. The dealership kept the engine. This happened at a low rate of speed but it would have been much worse if on the highway. Yes the engine was completely replaced. The check engine light came on and their was a loud ticking noise coming from the engine.
The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds in a parking lot, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that when the gear shift lever was shifted to drive(D), the vehicle failed to function as designed.
Check engine light came on in route to work on March 5, 2026. Immediately took vehicle to Auto Zone to scan for codes. Multiple codes were returned. I drove it directly to a repair shop for further diagnostics. Return Results were massive lifter failure and cam shaft damage.
Automatic emergency braking system deployed unexpectedly on acceleration from a traffic light stop. Vehicle was about 10-15 MPH and system operated with no brake pedal input. A vehicle behind had to do a panic stop to avoid collision. Deployment disengaged when accelerator pedal was released.
I just purchased this 2019 gmc yukon denali. About 3 weeks after; the message "service trailer brake system" started beeping...didn't really pay bother me at 1st since I weren't planning to pull anything. Then it started doing it more frequently. Now it is constantly doing it every few days.
The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 829 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 39% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Yukon has 130 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 55, below average.
What to check before buying
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size…
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a…
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic…
This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
- This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning…
This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
- This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255
Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
- This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic…
- This Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip for an issue where the starter stays engaged…
This Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip for an issue where the starter stays engaged after the engine starts. Dealers are to suspect/monitor the crankshaft position sensor.
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities
NHTSA lists 669 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Repair videos
We do not copy videos: these are YouTube links credited to their authors. Amounts are as stated by the author and not verified by us.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2019 GMC Yukon?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: engine, powertrain, electrical system. Total complaints: 55. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: warning lights, check engine (31%), engine failure or replacement (18%), knocking, grinding or other noise (16%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2019 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA lists 669 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2019 GMC Yukon from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2019 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.