MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 GMC Yukon Safety Ratings

The 2019 GMC Yukon scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 50 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

2Recalls
50Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

For the 2019 model year, the GMC Yukon demonstrates strong side-impact crash protection, contributing to its overall four-star safety rating from NHTSA. However, this performance is tempered by a below-average rollover resistance score. The vehicle's safety profile is further defined by a recall record that includes a park-outside advisory. The NHTSA Safety Index for the 2019 Yukon stands at 77 out of 100, positioning it in the Average band.

The 2019 GMC Yukon received a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100 and a three-out-of-five-star rollover rating from NHTSA.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 GMC Yukon ranks 75 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2019 GMC Yukon safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index77 / 100 (Average)
Overall crash rating4 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover4 / 5 / 3 stars
Rollover risk22.8%
Recalls on file2 (includes park-outside)
Owner complaints50 (unverified allegations)
Class rank75 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 GMC Yukon?

The 2019 GMC Yukon's safety profile is significantly affected by its three-star rollover rating and 23 percent rollover risk probability, a critical point for a vehicle of its size. This contributes to a crash protection score of 57 out of 70, despite strong five-star side-impact results and solid four-star frontal and overall ratings published by NHTSA. Its overall Safety Index stands at 77 out of 100, placing it within the Average band. The Yukon's avoidance technology sub-score is a modest 6 out of 10, largely because both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems are optional rather than standard features for this model year. While electronic stability control is standard, the optional nature of other key safety technologies means many vehicles in operation may lack these protective measures. The defect record sub-score of 13.5 out of 20 reflects two recall campaigns. One of these carries a "park-outside" or "do-not-drive" designation from NHTSA, indicating an elevated risk that demands immediate attention. Further, 50 unverified owner complaints have been registered, with engine and powertrain issues most frequently cited, suggesting potential areas of concern for prospective owners.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 GMC Yukon perform in crash tests?

The 2019 GMC Yukon achieved a five-star rating in side impact protection, the highest possible score. Its overall crash-test rating from NHTSA is four out of five stars, matching its performance in frontal protection. The vehicle's weakest area of performance is in rollover resistance, where it scored three out of five stars. This rating corresponds to a 23 percent risk of rollover, though the Yukon did return a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 22.8%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13129

Index breakdown

Crash protection57/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record13.5/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 GMC Yukon have any recalls?

The 2019 GMC Yukon carries two NHTSA recall campaigns. The first, issued in October 2019, targets the hydraulic antilock and traction control wheel speed sensor and tone ring across multiple GM platforms including this Yukon. The second is a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign involving the powertrain transfer case on related GM vehicles. Owners should verify remedy status by VIN.

Park outside / do not drive This vehicle has a recall advising owners to park away from structures or stop driving until repaired. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)26V289000

Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recal

Reported 2026-05-07

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING19V761000

Risk: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.

Reported 2019-10-24

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 GMC Yukon?

NHTSA has received 50 unverified owner complaints for the 2019 GMC Yukon. Alleged problem areas, in descending order, are the engine with 26 reports, powertrain with 10, and electrical system with 9. Consumers also allege issues with brakes and steering. These are unverified allegations, not established defects.

50 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
1reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 26Power Train 10Electrical System 9Unknown Or Other 5Service Brakes 4Steering 4

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 GMC Yukon?

The 2019 GMC Yukon's recall record demands close scrutiny. Of particular note is a park-outside campaign, a rare and serious advisory, which necessitates verification that the prescribed remedy has been completed for any specific vehicle. An unresolved park-outside recall leaves an unmitigated risk that prospective owners must confirm has been addressed.

  • The 2019 GMC Yukon carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall tied to the powertrain transfer case, one of only two recall campaigns assigned to this model year but the more urgent one to resolve by VIN check.
  • NHTSA's rollover rating for this specific model year is three out of five stars with a 23 percent rollover risk probability, the lowest-scoring crash-test category and a meaningful consideration for a large SUV.
  • Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were both optional, not standard, on the 2019 model year, so individual used examples may lack these avoidance technologies and should be inspected for their presence.
  • Unverified owner complaints to NHTSA for this model year are led by alleged engine issues with 26 reports, followed by powertrain at 10 and electrical system at 9, a pattern worth noting when evaluating a specific used unit.

RANKINGSWhere the 2019 GMC Yukon places

The 2019 GMC Yukon qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2019 GMC Yukon safety questions

Was the 2019 GMC Yukon crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 GMC Yukon, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.

What are the 2019 GMC Yukon crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2019 GMC Yukon earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 22.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2019 GMC Yukon have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 GMC Yukon, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 GMC Yukon?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 50 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 GMC Yukon. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a fire.

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Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Yukon years

Rivals in SUV (2019)

Safest SUV rivals, 2019 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2019 Tesla Model X 60d94/1005 of 50
2019 Tesla Model X 75d94/1005 of 50
2019 Tesla Model X 90d94/1005 of 50
2019 Tesla Model X P100d94/1005 of 50
2019 Tesla Model X P90d94/1005 of 50
2019 Nissan Murano93/1005 of 51
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13129), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Yukon 2019.
  • SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 75 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
  • EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
  • VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.