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GMT900 · SUV

2012 GMC Yukon

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2012 GMC Yukon.

Common problems

What to watch for on the 2012 GMC Yukon

major·GM 6L80 6-speed automatic

6L80 Transmission Failure

Torque converter shudder and valve body faults are the 6L80's weak points, usually fixed with a rebuild.

Typical repair cost
$2,500 – $4,500

Which of these apply to your 2012 Yukon?

Your guide shows which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2012 GMC Yukon

Recall·14V827000

Electrical system: ignition

In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the…

Recall·21V054000

Air bags: inflator module

" Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban,…

Recall·21V051000

Air bags: inflator module

S.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 138 owners reported

Air bags39
Structure24
Electrical system10
Power train4

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2012 GMC Yukon at a glance

Trims
DenaliDenali HybridHybridSLESLT
Engine
6.2L 8-Cylinder, 6.0L 8-Cylinder Hybrid, 5.3L 8-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd, CVT
Drivetrain
RWD, AWD, 4WD
Fuel
Gasoline, Hybrid
Body style
SUV
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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2012 GMC Yukon?

Owners have filed 138 complaints about the 2012 GMC Yukon with NHTSA, most often about the air bags. There are 3 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include 6l80 transmission failure. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2012 GMC Yukon reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 3 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2012 GMC Yukon?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2012 GMC Yukon listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.