This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 GMC Yukon electrical problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1fire
1injury
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the speedometer needle appears to be inaccurate. Dealer should advise the customer the specification for speedometer needle accuracy is +/- 2 MPH at any given speed when looking straight at the needle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a 2009 GMC Yukon electrical system prone to sudden, unpredictable failures. The most dangerous pattern is complete loss of power while driving—one owner reported the vehicle shut down and restarted on an interstate, causing rapid deceleration and forward lunge. Battery drain persists despite three replacements and twice-replaced terminal cables. Dashboard displays flash on and off, radio and navigation cycle, power door locks jump up and down, and AC switches to heat mode without input. One vehicle caught fire in its fuse box while parked at 14,000 miles; another experienced an ECM failure at 40,000 miles.
Electronic door lock actuators fail on up to three of four doors, preventing FOB operation and disabling the automatic child-safety locking feature when the vehicle is in gear. Owners report spending $350+ per door for repairs; some say replacement actuators fail again. This is extensively documented in owner forums but GM has not recalled the vehicle.
Engine stalls occur intermittently with no fault codes appearing in dealer diagnostics. Lifter noise gets progressively louder. One owner reports excessive oil consumption.
Dealers consistently cannot replicate the electrical faults or identify root causes, even after multiple visits. One owner was told a TSB bulletin exists but no recall was issued.
Same GMC Yukon electrical reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent electrical shorts and power loss
Recurring electrical faults causing battery drain, flickering dashboard displays, radio/navigation cycling on and off, and complete loss of engine power while driving. One owner reported engine shut-down and restart on an interstate, creating dangerous rapid deceleration and forward lunge.
When: Every 3 months over 3-year ownership period; one instance at 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies repeatedly despite replacement; Dashboard display flashing on and off; Radio and navigation system cycling; Power door locks cycling up and down; AC switching to heat mode; Complete electrical shutdown while driving; Engine stalling during operation; Dimming lights; Intermittent power loss as if key removed
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced three times; battery terminal cables replaced twice; dealers unable to identify root cause after three separate visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V614000 (Electrical System) exists but owner's VIN reportedly excluded; GM suggested repeated dealer visits with no resolution
Electronic door lock actuator failure
Power door lock actuators fail to operate electronically, forcing owners to unlock doors manually. Multiple doors fail on same vehicle. Affects rear passenger doors preventing child safety lock function. Widespread issue documented in owner forums; appears to stem from poor actuator design or manufacturing quality.
When: Various mileages; one owner at 44,000 miles, another at 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear driver side door stops locking electronically; Multiple doors (up to 3 of 4) fail electronic lock function; Power door locks inoperable via FOB; Manual manipulation required to unlock doors; Automatic locking feature disabled when vehicle put in gear; Door locks fail during vehicle operation
Repairs/costs cited: Lock actuators replaced at cost; one owner reported $350+ per door repair; aftermarket repair videos available online; some owners report replacement actuators failing again
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite well-documented online forums; GM offers no warranty coverage; suggests owners visit dealer for out-of-pocket repair
Electrical fuse box fire
Vehicle caught fire in the electrical fuse box while parked in garage for 20 hours with no owner action. Fire started without any triggering event. Represents catastrophic electrical system failure.
When: At 14,000 miles while vehicle parked
Symptoms owners cite: Fire originating from electrical fuse box; No warning signs prior to fire
Repairs/costs cited: Delayed by parts availability from dealer; vehicle not completely repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer refused to repair; manufacturer unable to provide assistance, transferred calls between departments
Chassis electronic control module failure
Electronic control module failure causing battery drain and complete electrical system failure while vehicle parked.
When: At 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery failure without warning; Failure recurring multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed ECM replacement needed; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated VIN not included in NHTSA Campaign 14V614000
Fuel system and engine running issues
Engine stalls and cuts out intermittently with no fault codes detected. Owner reports vehicle consuming excessive oil, a known issue with this model year.
When: Over 2-year period
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving; Vehicle cuts out due to suspected fuel system problem; Engine lifters tick and clack loudly; Excessive oil consumption; Check engine light comes on sporadically
Repairs/costs cited: No fault codes found by dealer; issue cannot be replicated by service department
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB bulletin announced by GMC but no recall issued
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Locks just stopped working. *tr
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 GMC Yukon?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2009 GMC Yukon?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 31,000 and 85,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 31,000; a quarter make it past 85,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/GMC/Yukon.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.