2001 GMC Yukon

The 2001 GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and towing capabilities. It was available with three engine options: a 4.8L Vortec V8 (275 hp, 290 lb-ft of torque), a 5.3L Vortec V8 (285 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque), and a 6.0L Vortec V8 (320 hp, 360 lb-ft of torque). All engines were paired with a 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Yukon’s versatility and roominess, but common complaints often revolve around fuel economy, some mechanical issues related to age, and the cost of maintenance. Many owners also appreciate the old-school styling of the vehicle but don’t like some of the comfort/tech features that weren’t available during that model year.

Engine

4.8L Vortec V8

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erroneous oil pressure readings, oil pressure gauge fluctuating wildly or reading zero, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the oil pressure sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per injector, $500+ for a full set

5.3L Vortec V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Burning oil, blue smoke from the exhaust, low oil levels between oil changes. Can be caused by faulty valve stem seals or piston rings.
  • Solution: Valve stem seal replacement, piston ring replacement. May require an engine rebuild if the condition is severe.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve stem seals $800 - $1,500+, Piston rings $2,000 - $4,000+ (or engine rebuild)
• Knock Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, poor fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the knock sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Lifter Tick
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise coming from the engine, typically more noticeable when cold.
  • Solution: Often requires lifter replacement. Sometimes oil additives can help mitigate the noise.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+

6.0L Vortec V8

• Exhaust Manifold Bolts Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Exhaust leak sound, ticking noise (especially when cold), reduced fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace broken exhaust manifold bolts and potentially the exhaust manifold itself if warped.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
• Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, stalling, reduced engine power.
  • Solution: Replace the fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+

Transmission

4L60E (All Engine Options)

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, harsh or delayed shifting, RPM flares during gear changes.
  • Solution: Could be due to low fluid, worn clutches, or a faulty valve body. Requires transmission service, repair, or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Service $100 - $300, Repair $800 - $1500+, Rebuild $2,000 - $4,000+
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds, stalling at stoplights, poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Complete Transmission Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission stops working completely, vehicle unable to move.
  • Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+

Suspension

• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise from the front end, especially when turning or going over bumps, loose steering.
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side
• Idler Arm/Pitman Arm Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering on the road, difficulty keeping the vehicle in a straight line.
  • Solution: Replace the idler arm and/or pitman arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
• Shock Absorber/Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the shock absorbers/struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per axle

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.) not working properly, flickering or dimming display.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
• Power Window/Door Lock Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows or door locks not working, intermittent operation. Often caused by worn switches or failing motors.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty switch or motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per window/door
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery draining overnight, difficulty starting the vehicle. Caused by parasitic draw from a faulty component or wiring.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the source of the drain, $100 - $500+
• ABS Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: ABS light on, reduced braking performance, or ABS engaging inappropriately.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ABS sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per sensor

Exterior

• Rust on Rocker Panels and Quarter Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower body panels, especially in areas exposed to road salt.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on severity
• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles breaking, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per handle

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blower motor not working on all speeds, no air blowing from the vents.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor or blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard cracking due to sun exposure and age.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+

Recalls:

• Campaign Number: 04V582000
  • Defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FULL SIZE SPARE TIRE, THE REAR WHEEL COMPARTMENT MAY NOT DRAIN ADEQUATELY. THIS CAN CAUSE WATER ACCUMULATION AND CORROSION OF THE SPARE TIRE RETENTION CABLE.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A DRAIN TUBE ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
  • Notes: GMC RECALL NO. 04068.
• Campaign Number: 00V407000
  • Defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, “TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.” THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS (LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR “B” PILLAR) CONTAIN INCORRECT TIRE SIZE AND TIRE PRESSURE INFORMATION.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 18, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
  • Notes: GMC RECALL NO. 00072.
• Campaign Number: 00V004000
  • Defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, “OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.” IN CERTAIN SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES, THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER WOULD BE MORE LIKELY TO EXCEED THE HEAD INJURY CRITERION DUE TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYING AT A HIGHER LEVEL.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG MODULE WITH A NEW ONE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 4, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
  • Notes: GMC RECALL NO. 99071.

The 2001 GMC Yukon, while a capable and spacious SUV, is showing its age. Common issues range from engine oil consumption and transmission problems to electrical glitches and suspension wear. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, such as engine rebuilds or transmission replacements, can be quite costly. Due to the age of the vehicle, it is important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle to ensure that any pre-existing issues are known before purchase.