MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 GMC Yukon Safety Ratings

The 2023 GMC Yukon scores 75 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 205 owner complaints on file.

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

4Recalls
205Complaints
3Investigations
VERDICT

The 2023 GMC Yukon registered a 75/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, a notable decline from the 2022 model's 82/100. This places the vehicle in the Average safety band. While crash protection remains solid, a lower assessment of its avoidance technology significantly impacted the overall score.

The 2023 GMC Yukon received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 75/100, based on NHTSA data.

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

Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 GMC Yukon ranks 128 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2023 GMC Yukon safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index75 / 100 (Average)
Overall crash rating4 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover4 / 5 / 3 stars
Rollover risk0%
Recalls on file4
Owner complaints205 (unverified allegations)
Class rank128 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 GMC Yukon?

The 2023 GMC Yukon sees its Safety Index drop to 75 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. This marks a 7-point decline from the 2022 model year's 82 out of 100. A primary factor in this reduction is the avoidance-tech sub-score, which registers at a low 2 out of 10. This figure significantly impacts the overall index despite a solid crash-protection score of 57 out of 70. A 5-star rating in the side-crash test stands as a particular strength for this model year. However, the 3-star rollover rating warrants attention for those prioritizing that specific safety metric. NHTSA records four recall campaigns for the 2023 Yukon, covering diverse vehicle systems. These range from engine hard parts, indicative of a broader GM platform recall, to rear suspension components specific to the T1 platform's body-on-frame design. Two of these four recalls were addressed via over-the-air software updates, which, while convenient for owners, still require verification of successful implementation. Owner complaints total 205 for this model year, with a notable concentration in the engine category, accounting for 133 allegations. This concentration is particularly relevant given that one of the four recalls also targets engine hard parts.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 GMC Yukon perform in crash tests?

The 2023 GMC Yukon received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its frontal crash protection was rated at 4 stars, while side impact protection earned a full 5 stars. Rollover assessment, however, presents a more nuanced picture with a 3 out of 5-star rating. Despite this, the dynamic tip test indicated no tip, translating to a 0% rollover risk.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 0%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17218

Index breakdown

Crash protection57/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record16/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: Standard & OptionalStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 GMC Yukon have any recalls?

Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components involved include internal engine hard parts, a brake-fluid-low warning lamp software issue (resolved via OTA update), rear suspension components, and a lighting control module software fault (also OTA-eligible). No do-not-drive or park-outside directive appears in the data provided for this vehicle.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V274000

Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevro

Reported 2025-04-24

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP24V674000

Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.

Reported 2024-09-12

SUSPENSION:REAR23V642000

Risk: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. 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 N232415910.

Reported 2023-09-20

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V903000

Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous

Reported 2022-12-08

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 GMC Yukon?

Owners have filed 205 unverified complaints with NHTSA. Alleged problem areas are dominated by the Engine category at 133 reported cases, followed by Power Train at 35 and Electrical System at 22. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.

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

1reported crash
0reported fire
2reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 133Power Train 35Electrical System 22Unknown Or Other 16Engine And Engine Cooling 12Fuel/Propulsion System 10

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 GMC Yukon?

The 2023 GMC Yukon has been the subject of four recall campaigns. Any prospective owner should verify completed recall service, particularly confirming successful over-the-air software updates for the specific vehicle by running its VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup tool.

  • The Safety Index dropped 7 points year-over-year, from 82/100 in 2022 to 75/100 in 2023, driven largely by a 2/10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
  • Four recalls are on record for this model year, covering engine hard parts, brake-fluid warning lamp software, rear suspension, and lighting control module software, two of which were issued as OTA fixes requiring delivery confirmation.
  • The rollover star rating of 3 out of 5 is the lowest individual crash-test result for this model year, contrasting sharply with the 5-star side-crash score.
  • Owner complaints total 205 unverified allegations, with 133 of those targeting the Engine category, a concentration that overlaps with the engine hard-parts recall campaign active on this model year.

RANKINGSWhere the 2023 GMC Yukon places

The 2023 GMC Yukon qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2023 GMC Yukon safety questions

Was the 2023 GMC Yukon crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 GMC Yukon, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 75 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 2023 GMC Yukon crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2023 GMC Yukon have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 GMC Yukon. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 GMC Yukon?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 205 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 GMC Yukon. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.

READ MORE

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

Other Yukon years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

Safest SUV rivals, 2023 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2023 Tesla Model X Later Release100/100not rated0
2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release100/1005 of 50
2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release100/1005 of 50
2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release100/1005 of 50
2023 Buick Envision96/1005 of 51
2023 Lexus Rz 450e96/1005 of 50
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17218), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Yukon 2023.
  • 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 128 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
  • 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.