NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 GMC Yukon Safety Ratings
The 2026 GMC Yukon scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 18 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 GMC Yukon achieved a perfect five-star overall crash rating from NHTSA. This, along with its NHTSA Safety Index of 86/100, places it in the Strong band, reflecting a four-point gain over the 2025 model. However, three active recalls, including one advising owners to park outdoors due to fire risk, warrant review before acquisition.
The 2026 GMC Yukon received a five-star overall crash protection rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 GMC Yukon ranks 99 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 18 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 99 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 GMC Yukon?
The 2026 GMC Yukon marks a measurable step forward in the NHTSA Safety Index, climbing from 82 in 2025 to 86 this year, both within the Strong band but with the gap reflecting improvement across the defect record component, which scored 13.75 out of 20. Crash protection contributed the bulk of the index at 62 out of 70, anchored by five-star frontal and side results from NHTSA. Avoidance technology earned a perfect 10 out of 10, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard equipment on this configuration. The rollover score of three stars and a 22 percent rollover risk is a consistent trait of large body-on-frame SUVs and is worth weighing for buyers who prioritize that metric. The three recalls, particularly the park-outside transfer case campaign issued in May 2026, prevent a higher defect record score and represent live safety obligations on new inventory. The 18 reported complaints, led by alleged engine and power train concerns, arrived while this model year is still current, suggesting owners are encountering issues early in the vehicle life cycle. The overall picture for 2026 is stronger than 2025 on the index, but the open recall burden is real and immediate.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 GMC Yukon perform in crash tests?
The 2026 GMC Yukon achieved five out of five stars in NHTSA's overall crash safety rating, matching its performance in both frontal and side protection tests. Its rollover rating of three out of five stars, however, presents a notable contrast. This rating is accompanied by a 22 percent rollover risk, despite the Yukon yielding a "No Tip" result in NHTSA's dynamic tip testing. All categories for this model year received a published rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21875
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 GMC Yukon have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2026 GMC Yukon. One is a park-outside or do-not-drive directive tied to the power train transfer case in 4-wheel-drive systems. A second addresses the wheels and hub assembly across several GM full-size platforms. A third involves an owners, service, or other manual equipment issue. The transfer case campaign carries the most urgent safety classification.
WHEELS:HUB26V304000
Risk: A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front left and right wheel hub bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 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 recall is N262554630. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became sea
Reported 2026-05-14
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
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL26V114000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle
Reported 2026-02-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 GMC Yukon?
Eighteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 GMC Yukon. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently alleged problem components are the engine, cited in 11 reports, and the power train, cited in 7. One allegation involves an injury. No deaths or fires are alleged.
18 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 GMC Yukon?
Three open recall campaigns, including a park-outside transfer case directive, necessitate a VIN check through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. Shoppers should confirm all remedy work has been completed at a GM dealership prior to purchase.
- The 2026 model year index of 86/100 is four points higher than the 2025 Yukon's 82/100, driven primarily by crash protection scores of 62/70 and a perfect avoidance technology score of 10/10.
- A park-outside or do-not-drive recall covering the power train transfer case was issued in May 2026 and applies specifically to certain 2026 Yukon units, making VIN verification essential before driving.
- The rollover star rating of three out of five, paired with a 22 percent rollover risk figure from NHTSA, is the weakest crash-test result for this model year and stands in contrast to the five-star frontal and side scores.
- Eighteen unverified complaints have already been reported to NHTSA for this still-current model year, with engine and power train components accounting for 18 of the 24 total component citations across those reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 GMC Yukon places
The 2026 GMC Yukon qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 GMC Yukon safety questions
Was the 2026 GMC Yukon crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 GMC Yukon, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 GMC Yukon crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 GMC Yukon earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 21.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 GMC Yukon have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 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 2026 GMC Yukon?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 18 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 GMC Yukon. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Yukon years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21875), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Yukon 2026.
- 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 99 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.