Electronic stability control and seat belt issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The 2020 GMC Yukon is an eight-passenger SUV that is designed for busy families. The automaker wants consumers to know that it creates an “unmistakable presence.” With the electronic stability control and seat belts, the problems are downright dangerous, causing many troubles to owners.
Click on other model years to view more problems: 2021 2022 2023
Electronic stability control is needed to keep the SUV on the road safely. When any part of this system fails, occupants are put in danger.
That’s what is shown with this NHTSA review. “Lane Keep Assist not working properly. Assistance systems for parking or backing not working properly. Lane Change Alert not working properly.”
It turns out that the problems go even deeper than this. NHTSA Campaign Number 19V761000 shows that more than 650,000 vehicles might have a major defect with a wheel speed sensor. When this fails between 41 and 60 mph and while four-wheel or automatic mode is engaged, the Electronic-Brake Control Module software could unintentionally activate the driveline-protection system. If this happens, owners can expect the vehicle to pull to one side, which might cause an accident. If the Yukon causes a massive accident, there’s no question that the SUV’s presence will be unmistakable.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Power Train | |
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Exterior Lighting | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Air Bags | |
| Back Over Prevention | |
| Electronic Stability Control | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling |
If a crash were to occur, occupants are counting on the seat belts to keep them safe. However, this is a basic system that is failing with the Yukon as well.
Here is an NHTSA complaint to look at. “The rented 2020 [Yukon] was stationary. A passenger sitting in the left third row seat became stuck in the seat belt. She was unable to open the seat belt clasp as it got stuck and failed to unlatch. The more the passenger struggled to unlatch the seat belt, the progressively tighter it became. Passenger could not disengage the seat belt clasp by pressing the tiny red button. Three other passengers tried to release the seat belt and could not. Passenger was trapped with a tight seat belt holding her in. Other passengers called emergency personnel who also could not release the ever tightening seat belt. Passenger was released when the Ranger cut the seat belt with a seatbelt cutting emergency tool, it was a very scary and dangerous experience. Later, some of our guests figured out that you have to press the tiny red button on the left latch with a piece of the right buckle. A passenger should be able to release the seat belt by depressing the red button. A passenger cannot even reach the button from the seated position as the button is tiny and cannot accommodate an adult finger to depress it. This is the worst example of engineering I have ever experienced. I am frankly amazed that this design passed any safety tests. Please address the issue before someone is hurt or killed by being trapped in the vehicle and unable to escape.”
It’s a very scary situation to get trapped inside of a vehicle, but what would be worse is getting stuck when the vehicle is on fire. However, that’s not normally a concern with most new vehicles, except with the Yukon. It turns out that NHTSA Campaign Number 19V837000 states that this is a real possibility. Some vehicles have a fuel pump that wasn’t installed with a pressure regulator. Because of this design, it’s simple for the fuel system to become over-pressurized. If this occurs, the fuel pump can create a leak and, possibly a fire. Imagine the devastation if this fire happens with someone trapped in the vehicle. If the Yukon wants to be “unmistakable,” it might be better if it was done in a positive light instead of by being known for something so damaging.
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Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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