Most common 2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500 problems
Share of the 29 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Yukon XL 1500 complaints by model year
Best Yukon XL 1500 years: 2000, 2006, 2012. Years to avoid: 2007, 2003, 2004, 2005. Compare all years →
What 2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500 owners say
Brakes
Upon applying my brakes at low speeds (under 10mph) on my 2001 Yukon XL, there is shuddering from the front and at times the brakes seem to become ineffective. It is as if the ABS is pumping the brakes, but it is occurring on dry pavement. I recently ((7/16/08) brought the vehicle in for service and was informed that one of the ABS sensors needed to be replaced. After being informed of this, I checked the internet and found out there is a recall due to potential corrosion of the ABS sensors but it is effective for only specific states. I live in northern virginia and have driven through the affected states numerous of times during winter where salt, etc. Is used on the roads. In the northern va area, salt is also heavily used. I believe that the recall should be expanded to those state that border the "salt belt" states. …
I needed to slow down on the belt parkway and when I applied my brakes, the pedal went straight to the floor. Figuring I May have some brakes, I attempted to brake again. There was no response other than a sickening feeling that I would rear-end someone. To slow down, I dropped the gear shifter to lower drive positions and put on the 4-way flashers. Upon exiting the parkway, I was barely able to stop for the traffic light. Fortunately no one was ahead of me and there was an uphill grade to slow me. Visual inspection of the brake system revealed hydraulic fluid soaking the area of the rear diferential on the driver's side. A hard steel brake line was severly rusted and fragile to the point of rupture. There was still some fluid in the master brake reservoir.
Body & structure
Tl contact owns a 2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500. The contact stated that the roof of the vehicle leaks whenever it rains. The roof is leaking from the factory made roof rack because it is corroded and created a hole. Water accumulates in the seats and under the mats, causing mildew and mold. As a result, his family becomes ill when the failure occurs. The dealer stated that due to the salt water rain, the fact that the vehicle is kept outside and has excessive mileage, and the contact is not the original owner, they will not repair the vehicle for free. The dealer also stated that the vehicle has not been serviced since the time it was purchased. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist with the repairs; therefore, the contact must pay out of pocket. The failure mileage was 105,000.
I usually open the whole tailgate to access the rear cargo area, however since I was towing a trailer I opened the rear glass to retrieve an item. When I pushed down to close the rear glass, I noticed that the glass did not fit to close properly. I opened the glass and saw that the passenger side hinge on the rear glass was broken and partially separated from the rear glass. This results in an unsafe condition, as the rear glass is now secured to the truck with a single hinge and the latch. I am worried that if I drive the truck on the highway the whole rear glass will have a catastrophic failure and injure drivers behind me. Using a plastic hinge at a point under heavy load seems like an obvious design flaw.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500. While attempting to open the rear liftgate window, the window detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 189,000.
Drivers side power window will not go up and down. The mechanism broke and the window slowly opens as I am driving. This same problem has happened to two other owners of a GMC Yukon XL that I know.
2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 15 / 13 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 11 / 15 / 12 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500 a good car?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Yukon XL 1500 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Yukon XL 1500 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 2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500?
The brakes — 14 complaints, 48% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module. Next are the body & structure (5) and windows, wipers & sunroof (5).
How many recalls does the 2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Yukon XL 1500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2000, 2006 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007, 2003, 2004 and 2005. See the full GMC Yukon XL 1500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 GMC Yukon XL 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 127,000 miles; 8% 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.