VehicleVerdict

1997 GMC Yukon problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1997 GMC Yukon sits mid-pack among Yukon years: 180 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 134, with a single recall and 5 closed investigations.

Steering leads the complaint categories with 57 reports (32% of the total).

180

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

5

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Yukon years?

Yukon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted682 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 1 complaints1992: 23 complaints1993: 19 complaints1994: 71 complaints1995: 117 complaints1996: 90 complaints1997: 180 complaints1998: 90 complaints1999: 262 complaints2000: 199 complaints2001: 258 complaints2002: 187 complaints2003: 251 complaints2004: 186 complaints2005: 101 complaints2006: 49 complaints2007: 581 complaints2008: 248 complaints2009: 116 complaints2010: 149 complaints2011: 216 complaints2012: 88 complaints2013: 148 complaints2014: 79 complaints2015: 682 complaints2016: 366 complaints2017: 253 complaints2018: 95 complaints2019: 69 complaints2020: 36 complaints2021: 421 complaints2022: 233 complaints2023: 283 complaints2024: 134 complaints2025: 69 complaints2026: 27 complaints
Yukon NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 GMC Yukon problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering5732%
Brakes3419%
Transmission1810%
Electrical System148%
Suspension127%
Visibility & Wipers106%
Fuel System95%
Engine74%
Seats32%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)32%
Airbags32%
Tires & Wheels32%
Speed Control21%
Other21%
Body & Structure21%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 1997 GMC Yukon have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AT SPEED, 20+MPH, THE STEERING WILL GO OUT FOR A SECOND OR 2 AS IF IT IS ON ICE. I HAVE NOTICED A RECALL ON 98 GMC YUKONS,(#97V142000), BUT NOT ON 97'S. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT COULD BE MY STEERING BOX. THESE VEHICLES SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION. STEERING WILL BE LOST IF STEERING BOX…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 20, 2004

“BRAKES FAILED AT LOW SPEED AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AT STOP LIGHT. PUSHED BRAKES TO THE FLOOR AND SEEMED TO PICK UP SPEED. AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. TOTALED THE OTHER CAR. WENT RIGHT UP ON TOP OF HIS BACK END. IT COST ME 200.00 TO FIX MY YUKON. HAD ALREADY REPLACE ABS SYSTEM ABOUT 8 YEARS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 25, 2006 · crash

“ I PUT MY 1 YEAR OLD IN HIS CAR SEAT AND WENT AROUND THE OTHER SIDE TO CONTINUE FASTENING IN MY OTHER TWO TODDLERS, BROOKE, 4, AND MASON, 3, INTO THEIR SEATS AS WELL. ONCE I GOT INSIDE THE DRIVERS SEAT, BEFORE STARTING THE VEHICLE, I HAD REALIZED THAT I HAD BETTER GET ANOTHER BOTTLE OUT OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 19, 2003 · crash

“WIFE WAS DRIVING VEHICLE WHEN STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING. PARKED & LEFT THE VEHICLE & IT CAUGHT FIRE NEAR THE FUEL TANK AREA. PRIOR TO IT CATCHING ON FIRE, IT WAS STALLING OUT SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. TOWED TO MECHANIC & CAUSE OF FIRE OR STALLING WAS NOT LOCATED. GM DIDN'T ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 7, 2000 · fire

“WHILE TRAVELING AT 45 MPH OR MORE AND PASSING OTHER VEHICLES VEHICLE WILL JUMP ERRATICALLY TO RIGHT WHEN PULLING BACK INTO RIGHT LANE. TCONSUMER HAS REPLACED TIRES AND FRONT END OF VEHICLE WAS ALIGNED - FAILING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. (REFERENCE: EA99011) PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION /…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · January 1, 1999

1997 GMC Yukon — common questions

Is the 1997 GMC Yukon reliable?

It is close to typical for the Yukon: 180 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 5 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1997 Yukon problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (57 complaints), brakes (34 complaints), transmission (18 complaints).

Does the 1997 GMC Yukon have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 GMC Yukon. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 GMC Yukon under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Yukon years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon years to avoid are 2015, 2007, 2021, 2016, 2023, 1999, 2001, 2017, 2003, 2008, 2022, 2011, 2010, 2013, 2024, 2009, 2012, 2014. The cleanest record among Yukon years belongs to 1987.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.