Is the 2012 GMC Yukon reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 GMC Yukon is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Yukon?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Yukon have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 GMC Yukon

▲ Better than typical

2012 GMC Yukon
RENDERED 2026-11-01T14:45:05.710Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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: 62
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2012: 62 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.

Air bags

27% · 17 reports

Show complaint excerpts

The problem started a couple of years ago as a small crack in the dashboard at the upper left corner of the airbag. The crack widened and lengthened after replacement of the air bag last year.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-11

Also filed under Structure

The contact's son owned a 2012 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V051000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list as her son no longer owns the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-09

Large crack in dash at corner of passenger air bag cover appeared in sept 2013. Another large crack appeared over steering wheel column in August 2014.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-11-07

Structure

23% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Show complaint excerpts

Starting in aug 2012 I have had to replace all four door handles and as of today started on the second round of replacing the defective door handles, they continue to pop out when you open the door.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-24

Electrical system

8% · 5 reports

Vehicle speed control

6% · 4 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

5% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

2015-02-12Electrical system14V827000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-05-11Air bags21V051000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-05-11Air bags21V054000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2012 GMC Yukon — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 17 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 14 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V827000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V051000 · Air bags
Recall 21V054000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 GMC Yukon reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 GMC Yukon is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 GMC Yukon?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Yukon have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

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