GMC Yukon Denali XL Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 16, 2025 · 490 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 490 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the GMC Yukon Denali XL, across 16 model years (2003–2018). The 2011 model year has the most complaints (69). The most reported problem area overall is air bags.

Peak: 2011, with 69 complaints
2003: 322003322004: 49492005: 342005342006: 11112007: 612007612008: 42422009: 222009222010: 29292011: 692011692012: 23232013: 132013132014: 552015: 652015652016: 29292017: 4201742018: 22

n = 490 complaints · Source: NHTSA

GMC Yukon Denali XL years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Yukon Denali XL year: 2007, 2011, 2015. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2011 Yukon Denali XL: 69 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2015 Yukon Denali XL: 65 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2007 Yukon Denali XL: 61 complaints, 0 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2018 Yukon Denali XL: 2 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2017 Yukon Denali XL: 4 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2014 Yukon Denali XL: 5 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common GMC Yukon Denali XL problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Air Bags problems100104
Electrical System77111
Structure68121
Exterior Lighting5961
Service Brakes4595
Engine41131
Electronic Stability Control (esc)33101
Power Train27112
Vehicle Speed Control1692
Steering1461
Engine and Engine Cooling1261
Latches/locks/linkages1230
Suspension1250
Service Brakes, Hydraulic931
Wheels750
Fuel/propulsion System660
Visibility540
Fuel System, Gasoline440
Seats440
Tires320
Parking Brake220
Seat Belts210
Traction Control System220
Visibility/wiper220
Equipment110
Interior Lighting110
Trailer Hitches110

All GMC Yukon Denali XL model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2018 Yukon Denali XL20—Electronic Stability Control (esc)
2017 Yukon Denali XL40—Exterior Lighting
2016 Yukon Denali XL290—Exterior LightingAbout as many complaints as other years
2015 Yukon Denali XL650—Exterior LightingFar more complaints than other years
2014 Yukon Denali XL50—Unknown or Other
2013 Yukon Denali XL130—Unknown or OtherFar fewer complaints than other years
2012 Yukon Denali XL230—Unknown or OtherFewer complaints than other years
2011 Yukon Denali XL690—Unknown or OtherFar more complaints than other years
2010 Yukon Denali XL290—Unknown or OtherAbout as many complaints as other years
2009 Yukon Denali XL220—Unknown or OtherFewer complaints than other years
2008 Yukon Denali XL420—Air BagsMore complaints than other years
2007 Yukon Denali XL610—Air BagsFar more complaints than other years
2006 Yukon Denali XL110—Service BrakesFar fewer complaints than other years
2005 Yukon Denali XL340—Electrical SystemAbout as many complaints as other years
2004 Yukon Denali XL490—Electrical SystemMore complaints than other years
2003 Yukon Denali XL320—Service BrakesAbout as many complaints as other years

More from GMC: all GMC models · GMC VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which GMC Yukon Denali XL years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2007 (61), 2011 (69), 2015 (65) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Yukon Denali XL year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the GMC Yukon Denali XL?

Air Bags, with 100 complaints across 10 model years.

How many recalls does the GMC Yukon Denali XL have?

0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.