Is the 1997 GMC Yukon reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 GMC Yukon is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC Yukon?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Yukon have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

1997 GMC Yukon

● Typical for this model

1997 GMC Yukon
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:34:44.159Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 133
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 5
Top problem: Steering

Complaints per year

1997: 133 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1986	1
1987	1
1992	19
1993	17
1994	59
1995	90
1996	70
1997	133
1998	80
1999	204
2000	166
2001	197
2002	158
2003	204
2004	158
2005	85
2006	27
2007	428
2008	187
2009	94
2010	105
2011	158
2012	62
2013	117
2014	56
2015	529
2016	269
2017	196
2018	70
2019	55
2020	37
2021	340
2022	184
2023	243
2024	105
2025	55
2026	43
2027	1

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Steering

42% · 56 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and steering wheel/handle bar.

Service brakes

25% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURY

Power train

14% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

I put my 1 year old in his car seat and went around the other side to continue fastening in my other two toddlers, brooke, 4, and mason, 3, into their seats as well.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-26

Electrical system

10% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and alternator/generator/regulator.

FIRE

Suspension

9% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing front and multiple axle.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 5 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

I
1999-05-12Engineering analysisClosed 2001-02-27 Erratic power steering assist while driv
I
1999-12-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-05-02 Battery leaks acid
I
2000-05-02Engineering analysisClosed 2002-06-28 Battery leaks acid
I
2001-07-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2001-12-20 Seat belt anchorage separation
I
2001-12-20Engineering analysisClosed 2002-12-09 Seat belt anchorage separation
R

2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

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).

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 GMC Yukon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Steering: 56 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 33 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 18 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 GMC Yukon reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 GMC Yukon is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC Yukon?: The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Yukon have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.