2012 GMC Yukon Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

3 safety recalls on file

The 2012 GMC Yukon has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 63 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash.

The most-reported problem area is Unknown Or Other (35 reports).

3Recalls
63Owner complaints
1Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Yukon?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2012 GMC Yukon recalls

Passenger airbag inflator can explode, sending metal fragments

Recall 21V051Feb 5, 2021284,645 vehicles affected

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles uses a propellant that can degrade over time when exposed to high humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature changes.

Passenger air bag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments

Recall 21V054Feb 5, 20211,778,128 vehicles affected

The front passenger air bag inflator in these vehicles uses phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant, which can degrade after long exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and repeated temperature cycling.

Electrical System:Ignition

Recall 14V827Dec 30, 201484,192 vehicles affected

Most common 2012 GMC Yukon problems

Problem areas named in the 63 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Unknown Or Other35
Air Bags17
Structure14
Electrical System5
Vehicle Speed Control4
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Engine3
Seat Belts2
Fuel System, Gasoline1
Seats1

What owners report

2026-08-24, Engine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the radiator and the water pump were previously replaced due to an overheating failure. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine made a knocking sound. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed with engine lifter failure. The contact replaced the spark plugs on several occasions; however, the failure persisted, and oil contamination was found on the spark plugs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
2026-02-10, Engine
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that years ago, the engine was replaced with a rebuilt engine. Recently, after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the engine. The banging sound continued, and the vehicle shut off without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that an engine bearing had failed, and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
2025-10-28, Engine
Driving on loop 20 overpass on Hwy 59 in Laredo Texas suddenly the engine lost power and started to skip and miss fire while a loud tapping noise was generated, due to the loss of power and skipping, alarms showed in the main console requiring immediate service to the engine, traction and braking sys, the lack of engine power place me in a very critical and unsafe situation wherein I was about to be rear collision by the vehicle behind me. This event happened on October 17th, 2025 . I brought the vehicle to Powell Watson Motors who is the GMC dealership in Laredo Texas for inspection but they refused to accept the vehicle due to the age of the vehicle. I feel this safety issue must me corre
2024-08-19, Unknown Or Other
Yesterday while unloading the rear of our 2021 GMC Yukon Denali the tailgate came down on me without warning and with force. I googled to see what might have caused this to happen and it stated that the struts might be worn out. (I am having that checked out today) Fortunately, I am a 6 foot 220 pound man and was not hurt but just the day before my 14 year old, 100 pound grand daughter was taking things things out of the rear of the vehicle. If the rear door would have come down on her it would have been a lot worse
2024-01-17, Unknown Or Other
Dashboard cracked, afraid that if airbag deploys shards of dashboard will come flying at both driver and passenger. It started as a little crack, than expanded across the entire dashboard

2012 GMC Yukon questions

Does the 2012 GMC Yukon have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2012 GMC Yukon: Passenger airbag inflator can explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger air bag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Electrical System:Ignition. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

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

Based on 63 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (35), Air Bags (17), Structure (14).

How do I check if a recall on my 2012 GMC Yukon has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other GMC Yukon years

Other 2012 GMC models