GMC Yukon XL 1500 Problems by Year

We compared every GMC Yukon XL 1500 model year from 2000–2012 using 309 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2007, 2003, 2004 and 2005, which drew far more complaints than other Yukon XL 1500 years at the same age. The best years are 2000, 2006 and 2012.

13model years
309complaints
2recalls
2007, 2003worst years
2000, 2006best years

Complaints by model year

200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201215292363362456018118125
Owner complaints per model year, GMC Yukon XL 1500. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20125−48%—Wheel & TireGood
201112typical2BodyAverage
20108−26%—AirbagAverage
200911typical—AirbagAverage
2008181.3×—Door Lock & LatchAverage
2007603.9×—AirbagAvoid
20065−48%—ElectricalGood
2005241.7×—ElectricalCaution
2004362.2×—ElectricalAvoid
2003633.5×—ElectricalAvoid
200223typical—BrakeAverage
200129typical—BrakeAverage
200015−56%—BrakeGood

* Complaints compared with the median Yukon XL 1500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common GMC Yukon XL 1500 problems

  • Electrical systemworst: 2003
    7725%
  • Brakesworst: 2003
    6220%
  • Air bagsworst: 2007
    3913%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2007
    3411%
  • Body & structureworst: 2007
    3210%
  • Other / not specified
    268%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2003
    248%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2001
    186%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2005
    165%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2005
    155%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2003
    145%
  • Steeringworst: 2003
    134%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2001
    114%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 2008
    72%
  • Lightsworst: 2005
    41%
  • Suspensionworst: 2004
    31%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2002
    21%
  • Seatsworst: 2007
    21%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2007
    10%

Latest GMC Yukon XL 1500 recalls

Steering › Linkages

NHTSA recall 11V-339 · Jun 28, 2011 · 739 vehicles

GM is recalling certain model year 2011cadillac escalade, escalade esv; Chevrolet silverado hd, silverado ld, suburban, tahoe; and GMC sierra hd, sierra ld, yukon, and yukon xl vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts May not have been tightened to the proper specification.

Remedy: GM dealers will inspect and ensure that the intermediate steering shaft bolts are tightened to the proper specification. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about July 13, 2011.

Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle

NHTSA recall 11V-007 · Jan 6, 2011 · 30,566 vehicles

General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado, suburban, tahoe; and GMC canyon, sierra, savana, yukon and yukon xl vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and at the…

Frequently asked questions

What years of the GMC Yukon XL 1500 should you avoid?

2007, 2003, 2004 and 2005 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Yukon XL 1500 years at the same age, led by air bags problems in the 2007.

What is the best year for the GMC Yukon XL 1500?

2000 has the fewest complaints compared with other Yukon XL 1500 years at the same age, followed by 2006 and 2012. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common GMC Yukon XL 1500 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (77), brakes (62) and air bags (39). Electrical complaints peak in the 2003 model year.

How many recalls has the GMC Yukon XL 1500 had?

2 recalls across 2000–2012. The model year with the most is 2011.

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.