The 2014 GMC Yukon on the GMT900 platform is generally reliable, but suffers from catastrophic AFM-related engine failures and persistent transmission fluid cooling issues that can destroy both powertrain components if ignored.
Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Collapse and Engine Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from engine at idle, often cylinder 1 or 7, Check engine light with P0300-P0308 misfire codes or P0521 oil pressure code, Rough idle and loss of power under acceleration, Metal shavings in oil, catastrophic failure if driven after symptoms appear
Fix: AFM lifters fail, wiping camshaft lobes and sending debris through the engine. Repair requires cam, lifters, and often complete engine rebuild or replacement. 20-35 labor hours for full engine rebuild, 12-18 hours for longblock swap. AFM delete kit during repair is mandatory to prevent recurrence.
Estimated cost: $4,500-$8,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure and Cross-Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant reservoir (strawberry milkshake appearance), Coolant in transmission causing slipping, delayed engagement, Overheating transmission or engine temperature spikes, Harsh or erratic shifting before complete failure
Fix: Internal transmission cooler in radiator fails, mixing coolant and ATF. Requires radiator replacement, external cooler installation, complete transmission flush or rebuild if contamination occurred. If caught early (fluid flush only): 4-6 hours. If transmission damaged: 12-18 hours for rebuild.
Symptoms: Burning 1+ quart of oil every 1,000-2,000 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Fouled spark plugs requiring frequent replacement, Low oil pressure warnings if level drops critically
Fix: Piston rings wear or carbon-lock in grooves, particularly on AFM-equipped engines. Requires engine disassembly, new rings, cylinder honing, often pistons if scoring present. 18-28 labor hours depending on block condition.
Estimated cost: $3,800-$6,500
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible transmission sag or movement when shifting, Drivetrain shudder during acceleration
Fix: Rubber deteriorates in transmission crossmember mount, allowing excessive movement. Replacement is straightforward: support transmission, remove crossmember, replace mount. 1.5-2.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $250-$450
Air Conditioning Compressor Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud grinding or squealing from serpentine belt area, AC blows warm air or cycles on/off rapidly, Compressor clutch won't engage or stays engaged constantly, Metal debris visible in refrigerant when gauges attached
Fix: Compressor bearings fail or clutch seizes. Requires compressor replacement, full system flush to remove debris, receiver-drier and expansion valve replacement to prevent contamination damage. 4-6 hours labor including evacuation and recharge.
Estimated cost: $1,200-$1,800
Throttle Body Carbon Buildup and Idle Issues
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Rough or fluctuating idle, especially when cold, Hesitation or stumble on initial acceleration, Check engine light with P0506 (idle too low) or P0507 (idle too high), Stalling when coming to a stop
Fix: Carbon deposits restrict airflow past throttle blade. Remove throttle body, clean with throttle body cleaner, perform idle relearn procedure with scanner. 1-1.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $150-$280
Owner tips
Disable AFM with a Range Technology device or similar at purchase to prevent lifter failure—$400 now saves $6,000 later
Install auxiliary transmission cooler immediately and bypass factory radiator-mounted cooler to prevent cross-contamination
Check transmission and coolant fluids every oil change for signs of mixing—early detection is critical
Use quality full-synthetic oil and change every 5,000 miles maximum to combat AFM wear and carbon buildup
Budget $500-800/year for deferred maintenance if buying above 100,000 miles—these are expensive to neglect
Buy only if AFM has been deleted and auxiliary trans cooler installed, or budget $5,000-7,000 for inevitable powertrain work—otherwise solid truck that's maintenance-intensive.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Group 48 (H6) commonly used; some configurations may use Group 65; located under hood on passenger side
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Control Modules — 2014 GMC Yukon
Every control module on the 2008-2014 GMC Yukon — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 6L80/6L90: integrated with valve body inside transmission (TEHCM). 6L50 Hybrid: external on driver side of transmission case.
🔧 GM SPS via Tech 2 or MDI
⚠️ TEHCM (Transmission Electro-Hydraulic Control Module) requires transmission pan removal, fluid change. VIN programming mandatory. Adaptive learn drive cycle required.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Control Module (HVCM)3.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center instrument panel, integrated with HVAC unit above transmission tunnel
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Automatic climate control calibration and actuator relearn required. Dual-zone or tri-zone depending on trim.
Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM)3.0 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr4WD/AWD models▸ programming details
📍 Inside transfer case, integrated with shift motor assembly
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket
⚠️ Transfer case encoder motor calibration required. 2WD models do not have this module.
Body Control Module (BCM)2.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.0 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center of instrument panel, above center floor console
🔧 GM SPS via Tech 2 or MDI
⚠️ Security link to ECM and SDM required. All accessory and option configuration must be programmed. Theft deterrent relearn mandatory.
Hybrid Powertrain Control Module (HPCM)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.8 hrHybrid models only (2008-2013)▸ programming details
📍 Under rear cargo floor, above hybrid battery pack
🔧 GM SPS via MDI
⚠️ High voltage system. Requires HV safety procedures. VIN programming and hybrid system calibration mandatory. Works with separate TPIM (Transmission Power Inverter Module).
Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPSCM)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.4 hr2009-2014 models with electric power steering▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with steering column assembly, below instrument panel
📍 Behind center instrument panel, above center console or behind glove box
🔧 GM SPS via Tech 2 or MDI
⚠️ OnStar subscription activation required. VIN programming mandatory. 2G/3G cellular; many 2008-2011 units no longer functional due to network sunset.
Door Control Module (DCM)1.2 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hrwith memory seats or power-folding mirrors▸ programming details
📍 Inside each front door, behind door panel near latch
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket
⚠️ Two modules (driver and passenger). Window auto-up/down relearn required. Memory seat programming via BCM.
Magnetic Ride Control Module (MRCM)1.2 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrDenali and SLT models with Magnetic Ride Control▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, driver side behind trim panel
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket
⚠️ Controls adaptive damping only. Calibration automatic after ignition cycle. Also manages Autoride on non-Magnetic Ride equipped models.
Instrument Panel Cluster / Driver Information Center (IPC)1.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.4 hr▸ programming details
📍 Instrument panel, behind gauge cluster face
🔧 GM SPS via Tech 2 or MDI
⚠️ VIN programming required. Odometer mileage must be programmed to match vehicle. Configuration for options (DIC features, tow package displays) required.
Serial Data Gateway Module (SDGM)1.0 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind instrument panel, left of steering column, mounted to junction block bracket
🔧 GM SPS via Tech 2 or MDI
⚠️ Translates between high-speed and low-speed CAN networks. Critical for module communication.
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)1.0 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrwith automatic headlamp leveling or HID headlamps▸ programming details
📍 Behind headlamp assemblies, integrated with headlamp housing
🔧 Tech 2 or MDI for aiming calibration
⚠️ Controls headlamp leveling and HID ballasts. Headlamp aiming calibration recommended after replacement.
Park Assist Module (PAM)1.0 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrwith rear park assist▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, driver side behind trim panel near liftgate
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket
⚠️ Ultrasonic sensor calibration automatic. Front park assist added on some 2012+ models with separate front sensors.
Radio / Infotainment Control Module (RCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Center instrument panel, integrated with radio/navigation head unit
🔧 Tech 2 or aftermarket
⚠️ VIN learn and theft deterrent relearn required. Navigation units require separate DVD/SD card. Bose audio systems have external amplifier.
📍 Integrated within BCM and ignition lock cylinder sensor
🔧 GM SPS via Tech 2 or MDI
⚠️ Passlock III system. Theft relearn procedure required after BCM or ignition cylinder replacement. 10-minute relearn cycle.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 21V054000
2021-02-05 · EA15001
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A."
Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B."
Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C."
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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 14V614000
2014-10-01
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the chassis electronic module may be internally contaminated, resulting in an electrical short.
Consequence: If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-458-006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GMs number for this recall is 14515.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC · 13V342000
2013-08-06
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles manufactured July 9, 2013, through July 22, 2013; and 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured July 16, 2013, through July 23, 2013; and model year 2014 GMC Yukon vehicles manufactured July 13, 2013, through July 18, 2013; and model year 2014 GMC Yukon XL vehicles manufactured on July 22, 2013. The rear brake caliper bolts may not be fully tightened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: Loose caliper bolts may cause reduced braking performance and result in lengthened stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts on both rear brake caliper brackets. Any bolts found loose will be replaced and tightened. This service will be performed, at no charge. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC at 1-800-462-8782. GM's recall number is 13247.
Vehicle Info — 2014 GMC Yukon
Performance
Horsepower
420hp
Torque
460lb-ft
0–60 mph
6.2sec
Quarter mile
14.6sec
Top speed
112mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
14mpg
Highway
18mpg
Combined
16mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
8,300lb
Payload
1,594lb
Curb weight
5,653lb
Seating
9seats
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Wiper blades
GMT900 generation (2007-2014). Standard full-size SUV does not have rear wiper.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2014 GMC Yukon 6.2L V8 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.