Makes›GMC›Yukon›2012

2012 GMC Yukon

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

GMC Yukon
Pictured: 2020 GMC Yukon SLT 4WD in silver, front left. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
2500-Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt, 2500-Xl 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt, 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt/Denali, 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, FFV, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 20 city / 23 hwy
Length
202–222.4 in
Curb weight
5,300–6,479 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 GMC Yukon is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (6.0L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 222 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 130-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 6,479 lb (2500-Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 23 highway), 0% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 130 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Yukon — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Yukon →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–6.2L 8-cyl
Engine–5.3L 8-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD · RWD

Trims

XL DenaliDenaliXL SLT

Built in: Arlington, Texas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Yukon configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2500-Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt222.4 in79.1 in77.2 in129.9 in68.1 / 67.3 in6,479 lb50/50
2500-Xl 4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt222.4 in79.1 in76.8 in129.9 in68.1 / 67.3 in6,160 lb50/50
4dr SUV 4WD Sle/Slt/Denali202 in79.1 in77.2 in116.1 in68.1 / 67.3 in5,536 lb52/48
4dr SUV RWD Sle/Slt202 in79.1 in76.8 in116.1 in68.1 / 67.3 in5,300 lb52/48
Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD/Denali202 in79.1 in77.2 in116.1 in68.1 / 67.3 in5,836 lb54/46
Hybrid 4dr SUV RWD202 in79.1 in76.8 in116.1 in68.1 / 67.3 in5,617 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Yukon 1500 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Rear-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 210%$3,200423
Yukon 1500 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+11%$3,200423
Yukon Denali 1500 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid6.0L 8-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel Drive20 / 23 / 21+11%$3,200423
Yukon 1500 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-19%$3,950523
Yukon XL 1500 2WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-19%$3,950523
Yukon XL 1500 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-11%$3,950523
Yukon 1500 4WD FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive15 / 21 / 17-11%$3,950523
Yukon 1500 2WD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16-23%$4,200555
Yukon XL 1500 2WD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16-23%$4,200555
Yukon Denali 1500 AWD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15-21%$4,450592
Yukon XL 1500 AWD FFV6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdAll-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 14-26%$4,800635
Yukon XL 2500 2WD6.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive10 / 16 / 12-43%$5,600741
Yukon XL 2500 4WD6.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel Drive10 / 16 / 12-37%$5,600741
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 GMC Yukon.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 GMC Yukon (this car)21 MPGNot rated4
2012 Chevrolet Suburban17 MPGNot rated4
2012 Chevrolet Captiva23 MPGNot rated2
2012 BYD e6122 miNot rated0
2012 Chevrolet Avalanche17 MPGNot rated3
2012 Saab 9-420 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (4)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V051000 · 284,645 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328770.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V054000 · 1,778,128 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
Electrical System › Ignition · Dec 30, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V827000 · 84,192 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Risk
If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.
Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Pitman · Mar 22, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V112000 · 6,159 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND SUBURBAN VEHICLES, AND GMC SAVANA AND YUKON XL HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES. THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY HARDENED AND COULD FRACTURE.
Risk
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, A LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 4, 2012.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 GMC Yukon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

130Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
68,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other66
Air Bags37
Structure › Body26
Electrical System9
Engine8
Vehicle Speed Control5
Structure4
Power Train3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/06: 220/07: 320/08: 120/09: 320/11: 220/12: 121/01: 121/02: 121/03: 121/04: 121/06: 221/07: 121/08: 121/12: 122/04: 123/03: 123/04: 123/11: 123/12: 224/01: 124/08: 125/10: 126/02: 126/08: 120/0620/0921/0121/0421/0823/0323/1225/10max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 GMC Yukon buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 37 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Structure › Body — 26 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Electrical System — 9 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 68,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 GMC Yukon. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Yukon years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Yukon23–Not rated01
2026 Yukon23209.8 inNot rated384
2025 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★285
2024 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★3181
2023 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★4472
2022 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★5359
2021 Yukon23209.8 in★★★★★14573
2020 Yukon18203.9 in★★★★★484
2019 Yukon18203.9 in★★★★★3126
2018 Yukon19203.9 in★★★★★5130
2017 Yukon19203.9 in★★★★★3359
2016 Yukon19203.9 in★★★★★5519

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →