GMC Yukon XL problems by model year

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 1,377 owner complaints and 36 recalls on file for the GMC Yukon XL (2005–2026). The 2023 Yukon XL has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints
1,377
Recalls
36
Model years
22
Worst year
2023

Complaints by model year

320055362007218200961520113220132148201510611320174864201947227202116921920237128202536
NHTSA complaints per GMC Yukon XL model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst GMC Yukon XL years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

  1. 2023 GMC Yukon XL — 219 complaints, 2 crashes; top problem: Engine
  2. 2021 GMC Yukon XL — 227 complaints, 2 crashes, 1 fire; top problem: Engine
  3. 2022 GMC Yukon XL — 169 complaints, 3 crashes; top problem: Engine
  4. 2015 GMC Yukon XL — 148 complaints, 2 crashes, 2 fires; top problem: Lighting
  5. 2017 GMC Yukon XL — 113 complaints, 4 crashes; top problem: Lighting

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2013 (2 complaints).

Every GMC Yukon XL model year

YearComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesRecallsTop problem
2026 Yukon XL360003Engine
2025 Yukon XL281001Engine
2024 Yukon XL710002Engine
2023 Yukon XL21920134Engine
2022 Yukon XL1693074Engine
2021 Yukon XL22721512Engine
2020 Yukon XL472112Engine
2019 Yukon XL643032Engine
2018 Yukon XL484152Engine
2017 Yukon XL1134021Lighting
2016 Yukon XL1064213Lighting
2015 Yukon XL1482212Lighting
2014 Yukon XL20013Electrical System
2013 Yukon XL20004Airbags
2012 Yukon XL30004Airbags
2011 Yukon XL150103Airbags
2010 Yukon XL61043Airbags
2009 Yukon XL80004Airbags
2008 Yukon XL211133Airbags
2007 Yukon XL362023Airbags
2006 Yukon XL51000Electrical System
2005 Yukon XL31000Engine

Most common GMC Yukon XL problem areas (all years)

  • Engine
    694 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    245 complaints
  • Electrical System
    185 complaints
  • Lighting
    125 complaints
  • Brakes
    114 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    101 complaints
  • Airbags
    72 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    60 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    37 complaints
  • Steering
    36 complaints

Complaint trend

2020202120222023202420252026
Complaints about the GMC Yukon XL received by NHTSA each month.

GMC Yukon XL recalls

  • Recall 26V304000May 14, 20262,457 vehiclesModel years 2025–2026

    Risk: A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 26V289000May 7, 202666 vehiclesDo not driveModel years 2018–2026

    Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 26V114000Feb 26, 20265,861 vehiclesModel years 2026

    Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

  • Recall 26V085000Feb 13, 202643,743 vehiclesModel years 2022

    Risk: Rear wheels that lock up while driving increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 25V274000Apr 24, 2025597,571 vehiclesModel years 2021–2024

    Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V797000Oct 24, 2024463,295 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 24V674000Sep 12, 2024449,671 vehiclesModel years 2023–2024

    Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 23V642000Sep 20, 2023189 vehiclesModel years 2023

    Risk: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V903000Dec 8, 2022740,108 vehiclesModel years 2022–2023

    Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V827000Nov 3, 2022338,735 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 22V617000Aug 11, 2022484,155 vehiclesModel years 2021–2022

    Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

  • Recall 22V036000Jan 27, 20221,789 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V739000Sep 23, 202114,939 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V455000Jun 17, 202126,847 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V421000Jun 10, 2021285,622 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 21V190000Mar 18, 202194,641 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

  • Recall 21V115000Feb 25, 202133,838 vehiclesModel years 2020

    Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

  • Recall 21V054000Feb 5, 20211,778,128 vehiclesModel years 2010–2014

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 21V050000Feb 5, 20212,641,272 vehiclesModel years 2007–2011

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 21V051000Feb 5, 2021284,645 vehiclesModel years 2012

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 21V052000Feb 5, 2021557,023 vehiclesModel years 2007–2009

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 21V053000Feb 5, 2021692,526 vehiclesModel years 2009–2013

    Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

  • Recall 20V811000Dec 23, 2020470 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

  • Recall 20V792000Dec 17, 2020624,216 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

  • Recall 20V735000Nov 25, 202094 vehiclesModel years 2021

    Risk: If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.

Other GMC models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology