Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2009 GMC Yukon Reliability ReportB- grade · moderate risk · system-by-system breakdown

82/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: B-

A powerhouse SUV that offers immense utility but requires vigilance against its notorious engine and transmission vulnerabilities.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2009 GMC Yukon

  • The system most likely to surface first: active fuel management (afm) system (major severity).
  • Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
  • Outscores the 2008 GMC Yukon by 7 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.

Is the 2009 GMC Yukon Worth Buying?

The 2009 GMC Yukon presents a compelling package of utility and V8 power, making it a capable workhorse for families or towing needs. While fundamentally robust, its Achilles' heel is the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, which can lead to costly engine repairs, making careful pre-purchase inspection and ongoing maintenance absolutely critical.

Biggest Strengths

  • Robust body-on-frame construction
  • Powerful and durable V8 engine (when AFM is managed)
  • Excellent towing and cargo capacity

What Tends to Fail First on the 2009 GMC Yukon

The systems that break first on the 2009 GMC Yukon. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
Active Fuel Management (AFM) Systemmajor
2
Automatic Transmission (6L80E)major
3
HVAC System & Actuatorsmoderate
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

2009 GMC Yukon Recall History

5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles 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." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles 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." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." 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.

What breaks on the 2009 GMC Yukon?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Other GMC Yukon Years to Consider

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the GMC Yukon. Click any year for its full report.

2009 GMC Yukon Alternatives

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

Relevant Products for Your 2009 GMC Yukon

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Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report

2009 GMC Yukon

7-system breakdown, mileage danger zones, repair cost projections, buyer checklist, and expert verdict.

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