1996 GMC Yukon Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Yukon years
- Fewer complaints than other years 24th of 33 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 3 recalls: check your VIN
- 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.

- 70owner complaints
- 3safety recalls
- 8NHTSA investigations
- 8complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 1996 GMC Yukon problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 14 | 20% | — | — | — |
| Visibility | 13 | 19% | 84,690 | — | — |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 9 | 13% | 68,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 8 | 11% | 84,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 8 | 11% | — | — | — |
| Seats | 6 | 9% | 178,500 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | 6% | 88,000 | — | — |
| Structure | 4 | 6% | — | — | — |
| Electrical System | 3 | 4% | — | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 4% | — | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 4% | — | — | — |
| Steering | 2 | 3% | — | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | 3% | 85 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Suspension | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 1% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
1996 GMC Yukon recalls (3)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer
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/washer
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 control
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…
This vehicle has been sold to people by scamming they out of vehicle been sold four times. *tr
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
When driving in the rain rear windshield wipers failed. Consumer contacted the dealership, but problem recurred. *ak
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
Other GMC Yukon years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Yukon | 1 | 0 |
| 2026 Yukon | 41 | 3 |
| 2025 Yukon | 56 | 2 |
| 2024 Yukon | 106 | 3 |
| 2023 Yukon | 244 | 4 |
| 2022 Yukon | 183 | 5 |
| 2021 Yukon | 337 | 13 |
| 2020 Yukon | 36 | 4 |
| 2019 Yukon | 55 | 2 |
| 2018 Yukon | 69 | 3 |
| 2017 Yukon | 196 | 3 |
| 2016 Yukon | 270 | 5 |
| 2015 Yukon | 529 | 10 |
| 2014 Yukon | 56 | 3 |
| 2013 Yukon | 117 | 4 |
| 2012 Yukon | 63 | 3 |
| 2011 Yukon | 158 | 5 |
| 2010 Yukon | 105 | 3 |
| 2009 Yukon | 94 | 5 |
| 2008 Yukon | 187 | 4 |
| 2007 Yukon | 428 | 4 |
| 2006 Yukon | 27 | 2 |
| 2005 Yukon | 85 | 3 |
| 2004 Yukon | 159 | 2 |
| 2003 Yukon | 204 | 4 |
| 2002 Yukon | 158 | 3 |
| 2001 Yukon | 197 | 6 |
| 2000 Yukon | 166 | 6 |
| 1999 Yukon | 204 | 1 |
| 1998 Yukon | 80 | 2 |
| 1997 Yukon | 133 | 0 |
| 1996 | 70 | 3 |
| 1995 Yukon | 90 | 6 |
See all GMC Yukon problems by year, every GMC model, or the GMC VIN decoder.
Similar GMC models
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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.