Most common 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL problems
Share of the 42 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Yukon Denali XL complaints by model year
Best Yukon Denali XL years: 2006, 2014, 2003. Years to avoid: 2011, 2015. Compare all years →
What 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL owners say
Air bags
I was rear ended at approximately 8:00 am this morning. Both my vehicle and the truck that hit me likely suffered damage that will result in them being totaled by the insurance companies. I have a major concern about my airbags not deploying. I have not yet read the police report, but the Dodge Ram truck that hit me while I was stopped at a light hit my Yukon with great force. This was on a highway (204th street) in elkhorn, ne
I bought this SUV from legends auto sale. After I bought it, I notice the engine bay was real rusty like its been in water or driven over lots of water. I didnt get a car fax at time of purchases but did car fax myself , and it appeared that vehicle is from new orleans. With all the dirt and grim coming out of vehicle its diffently from new orleans. So far I replaced new pads and rotors, master cylinder, brake switch, new spark plugs and wires. The problem occurring now is that my trac light and ABS light will come on after half hour of driving and car seizes up and I'm unable to accelerate. I would have to shut off engine and let rest for half hour to an hour before lights goes away and I'm able to move again. I'm not sure but it might be due to it being in the flood thus causing corrosion and rusting in all parts of vehicle. …
Body & structure
The dash above the gauge cluster has a huge crack and there is also another crack by the passenger side airbag. I noticed it when I started the vehicle after it had been parked all night in my driveway. There is no other damage to the vehicle.
Our 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL has developed 3 separate cracks in the dashboard. One is right in the middle of the top of the passenger side airbag, one is a very large crack near the windshield and running up over the instrument panel and one is on driver side near large crack at instrument panel. We have concerns if the passenger side airbag ever deploys, sharp pieces of the broken dash May break loose and injure passengers in our vehicle.
Engine & cooling
Engine failure at 64,000 miles. Drove vehicle from home and then vehicle immediately began shaking violently. Truck driving fine up until that point. No warning signs. No check engine light beforehand. Vehicle now at GMC dealership and needs new engine for up to $10,000. GMC is not covering the expense. Gave $2,000 towards the repair. Vehicle past warranty period. Engine should last longer than 64,000 miles. Regularly maintained.
Driving at 70 MPH on highway. Vehicle gauges begin to act erratically, vehicle heaves and lurches, then 100% power failure. Nothing worked, even hazzard lights. Airbag light flashing on and off. Was able to put vehicle in neutral and move to the side of the road where the vehicle stopped. There was no power at all, had to manually open door locks. After 10-15 minutes, the power came back on and I was able to restart the vehicle and drive home. Happened again on 3/23/14. Again driving at highway speeds, the electric components (radio, gauges, power cord accessories) begin acting erratically and then 100% complete power failure while driving. The GM dealer cannot duplicate or find the problem. I feel 100% unsafe in the vehicle especially with my kids.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL a good car?
Based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Yukon Denali XL rates average: 1.2× as many complaints as a typical year of the Yukon Denali XL at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL?
The air bags — 17 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the body & structure (6) and engine & cooling (5).
How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Yukon Denali XL?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 2014 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011 and 2015. See the full GMC Yukon Denali XL years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 87,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.