1996 GMC Yukon Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 13, 2016 · 70 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Yukon years
Fewer complaints than other years 24th of 33 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 GMC Yukon. That ranks 24th out of 33 Yukon model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (14 complaints, 20%). Complaints mention 8 crashes, 1 fire, 11 injuries. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 8 defect investigations involving it.

GMC Yukon
25 GMC Yukon XL Denali - Shot at Earnhardt Buick GMC in Mesa AZ. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: HJUdall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 1996 GMC Yukon problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic14
Visibility13 · ~84,690 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling9 · ~68,000 mi
Air Bags8 · ~84,000 mi
Power Train8
Seats6 · ~178,500 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline4 · ~88,000 mi
Structure4
Electrical System3
Latches/locks/linkages3
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1420%———
Visibility1319%84,690——
Engine and Engine Cooling913%68,000——
Air Bags811%84,000——
Power Train811%———
Seats69%178,500——
Fuel System, Gasoline46%88,000——
Structure46%———
Electrical System34%———
Latches/locks/linkages34%———
Seat Belts34%———
Steering23%———
Unknown or Other23%85——
Exterior Lighting11%———
Suspension11%———
Vehicle Speed Control11%———
Wheels11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 1997, with 18 complaints
1996: 4199641997: 181997181998: 4199841999: 111999112000: 9200092001: 102001102002: 2200222003: 7200372004: 3200432012: 1201212016: 120161

n = 70 complaints · Source: NHTSA

1996 GMC Yukon recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washerApr 28, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V159000 · 1,755,876 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.

Fix: 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.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washerJul 1, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V150001 · 1,557,585 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.

Vehicle speed controlApr 4, 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V057000 · 379,004 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Risk: Consequence of non-compliance: the engine speed may not return to idle increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Windshield wiper failure (EA02006) — opened May 31, 2002, closed Jul 23, 2003, led to recall 03V159000.
  • Seat belt anchorage separation (EA01018) — opened Dec 20, 2001, closed Dec 9, 2002.
  • Seat belt anchorage separation (PE01023) — opened Jul 17, 2001, closed Dec 20, 2001.
  • Headlight (EA00024) — opened Sep 26, 2000, closed Dec 21, 2001.
  • Battery leaks acid (EA00013) — opened May 2, 2000, closed Jun 28, 2002.
  • Headlight (PE00017) — opened Apr 11, 2000, closed Sep 26, 2000.
  • Battery leaks acid (PE99073) — opened Dec 3, 1999, closed May 2, 2000.
  • Front seat recliner bolt failure (RQ99015) — opened Jul 14, 1999, closed Dec 28, 2001, led to recall 99V130000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Seats · received Sep 13, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10906254

This vehicle has been sold to people by scamming they out of vehicle been sold four times. *tr

Unknown or Other · received Feb 22, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10448977

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

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Jun 30, 2004 · NHTSA complaint 10079072

When driving in the rain rear windshield wipers failed. Consumer contacted the dealership, but problem recurred. *ak

Visibility · received Jun 16, 2004 · NHTSA complaint 10079353

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

Seats · received Apr 26, 2004 · NHTSA complaint 10071509

Other GMC Yukon years

← 1995 Yukon · 1997 Yukon →

See all GMC Yukon problems by year, every GMC model, or the GMC VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 1996 GMC Yukon?

Owners most often report service brakes, hydraulic, visibility, engine and engine cooling problems. The top one, service brakes, hydraulic, accounts for 14 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 1996 GMC Yukon?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 1996 GMC Yukon a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Yukon model years, the 1996 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.