GMC Yukon XL 1500 Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 10, 2022 · 309 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 309 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the GMC Yukon XL 1500, across 13 model years (2000–2012). The 2003 model year has the most complaints (63). The most reported problem area overall is electrical system.

Peak: 2003, with 63 complaints
2000: 152000152001: 292001292002: 232002232003: 632003632004: 362004362005: 242005242006: 5200652007: 602007602008: 182008182009: 112009112010: 8201082011: 122011122012: 520125

n = 309 complaints · Source: NHTSA

GMC Yukon XL 1500 years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Yukon XL 1500 year: 2003, 2004, 2007. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2003 Yukon XL 1500: 63 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2007 Yukon XL 1500: 60 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2004 Yukon XL 1500: 36 complaints, 0 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2006 Yukon XL 1500: 5 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2012 Yukon XL 1500: 5 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2010 Yukon XL 1500: 8 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 XL 1500 problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Electrical System77112
Air Bags39104
Service Brakes3472
Structure32122
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2762
Power Train24103
Engine2150
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1570
Vehicle Speed Control1441
Visibility1460
Engine and Engine Cooling1361
Steering1360
Tires970
Latches/locks/linkages720
Fuel System, Gasoline660
Wheels650
Fuel/propulsion System551
Visibility/wiper430
Exterior Lighting320
Suspension320
Seat Belts220
Seats210
Service Brakes, Electric220
Traction Control System220
Child Seat110
Equipment110
Interior Lighting110
Parking Brake110

All GMC Yukon XL 1500 model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2012 Yukon XL 1500504★Unknown or Other
2011 Yukon XL 1500122—Unknown or OtherFewer complaints than other years
2010 Yukon XL 150080—Air Bags
2009 Yukon XL 1500110—Air BagsFewer complaints than other years
2008 Yukon XL 1500180—Electrical SystemAbout as many complaints as other years
2007 Yukon XL 1500600—Air BagsFar more complaints than other years
2006 Yukon XL 150050—Electrical System
2005 Yukon XL 1500240—Electrical SystemMore complaints than other years
2004 Yukon XL 1500360—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years
2003 Yukon XL 1500630—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years
2002 Yukon XL 1500230—Service BrakesMore complaints than other years
2001 Yukon XL 1500290—Service Brakes, HydraulicMore complaints than other years
2000 Yukon XL 1500150—Service Brakes, HydraulicFewer complaints than other years

More from GMC: all GMC models · GMC VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which GMC Yukon XL 1500 years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2003 (63), 2004 (36), 2007 (60) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Yukon XL 1500 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 XL 1500?

Electrical System, with 77 complaints across 11 model years.

How many recalls does the GMC Yukon XL 1500 have?

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