Most common 1996 GMC Yukon problems
Share of the 70 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Yukon complaints by model year
Best Yukon years: 2014, 2020, 2019. Years to avoid: 2023, 2021, 2015, 2022, 2024. Compare all years →
1996 GMC Yukon recalls (3)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
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.
Remedy: 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…
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.
Vehicle speed control
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."
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 8 possible defects involving the 1996 GMC Yukon:
Front seat recliner bolt failure
Battery leaks acid
Odi has received 21 complaints where owners allege that the standard GM factory supplied ac delco battery case failed, resulting in the leakage of sulfuric acid.of the 21 complaint vehicles, six suburban, three tahoes, and one yukon owner(s) complained about a loss of brake fluid from deterioration of the right frontbrake line as a result of sulfuric acid contamination.the remaining 11 complaints pertain primarily…
Seat belt anchorage separation
Odi has received one (1) complaint alleging that the 2nd row passenger-side seat belt release buckle anchor detached from seat frame during a side impact crash.during the crash, the occupant was thrown from his seat, partially ejected through the rear quarter window of the vehicle.occupant sustained injury.GM has subsequently changed seat belt anchoring design in my 2000.
HEADLIGHT
Based on the reports received by odi from consumers, failure of the headlight electrical circuit May occur in the subject vehicles, and May result from repeated adjustment ofthe tilt steering wheel in the subject vehicles.repeated adjustment of the steering wheel position May strain the wiring in the headlight circuit to the point of failure where they are attached to the multi-function switch, resulting in the…
Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, GM has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
Seat belt anchorage separation
HEADLIGHT
Battery leaks acid
There is no summary currently available
What 1996 GMC Yukon owners say
Brakes
While trying to come to a stop from 55 MPH consumer had applied brakes. Slowed down to 30-35 MPH and pedal went to floor. No braking action and vehicle rear ended vehicle in front. $ 5100 damage. Seat belt did not lock and the driver bruised his chest. The air bags failed to deploy as well. The vehicle had been repaireed and the belts, air bag and brake system had been checked.
No braking action is experienced for over 1 second after emergency hard braking. Try brakes hard, with full body weight, when moving 3 MPH in simulated emergency and then letting of--the vehicle will not show down. I had a accident last year in which a additional 3-5' of stopping distance would have prevented the accident. I avoided an accident last week by swerving after an elderly lady rolled in front of me while I was traveling 25mph. I avoided it by swering, the brakes did not start slowing the vehicle until it was to late. I have demonstrated this same problem in a friends Yukon also. The dealer told me that this was the way the vehicle was designed and that there was nothing that could be done to correct the problem.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Windshield wipers worked intermittently and then failed completely making operation of the vehicle unsafe. Contacted dealer and replaced wiper module and cover at owners expense. On 7-5-00 contacted GMC to inquire about recall id #98V150001 as it May apply to vehicle. GMC said that there was nothing they could do because this vehicle was not included in campaign per VIN search. GMC cannot do anything even though this is the same make, model, and year with the same problem as those included in recall #98V150001..????
While driving in a heavy storm, the windshield wipers work intermittently. Wipers stop occasionally on the windshield causing dangerous driving hazard. Contacted dealer, vehicle was not under warranty.
Engine & cooling
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.
Braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance, which almost resulted in a crash. Dealer could not determine the cause of the problem. Common problem. Also oil leak/ rear differential failure/misaligned rear right door, and rear axle shaft seal leaking.
1996 GMC Yukon engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5L 8-cyl turbo diesel | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 16 / 14 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 GMC Yukon a good car?
Based on 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Yukon rates better than average: 48% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Yukon at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 GMC Yukon?
The brakes — 14 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (12) and engine & cooling (9).
How many recalls does the 1996 GMC Yukon have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1996 GMC Yukon, the most recent from April 28, 2003 (windshield wiper/washer). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Yukon?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2020 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2021, 2015, 2022 and 2024. See the full GMC Yukon years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Yukon problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 88,000 miles; 11% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.