Most common 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 problems
Share of the 18 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 →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500:
Non-crash engine compartment fires
In response to an information request letter sent by the office of defects investigation(odi) during preliminary evaluation pe08-010, GM provided odi with 41 allegations of non-crash engine compartment fires including 16 allegations of fires originating with the ignition in the off position.one of the fires was determined to be caused by an arson event.odi has also received 5 reports, 4 of which are of duplicative…
Non-crash engine compartment fires
In a letter dated August 27, 2008, general motors corp. (GM) notified NHTSA that it will conduct a safety recall (NHTSA recall number 08v-441) to address a safety relateddefect that can result in engine compartment fire in approximately 850,000 vehicles equipped with a heated windshield washer fluid option.the subject vehicles of this investigation comprise over three-quarters of the recall population.
What 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 owners say
Locks & latches
2008 GMC Yukon XL - door lock actuators repeated failure - safety issue as the doors will not lock automatically while underway and become a hazard. Also in the event of needing to unlock the doors in emergency it requires manual operation. This is a tremendous hazard and a known problem by GM and they fail to find adequate solution to the problem. They also refuse to replace the units out of 36K warranty. This is a chassis wide issue from Chevy, Cadillac, GMC SUV for this model year.
The left front and the left rear door locks on my vehicle do not work. I am very worried that one of my children will open the door while I am driving. The vehicle is out of warranty and it will be a few weeks until I can save enough to have it fixed. This seems to be a very common problem with GMC. I have been told that it is the door lock actuator. There should be a recall and GMC should pay to have this fixed. This is a serious safety issue.
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle exhibited mixed signals and various warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic (aamco transmission in glendale, ca, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the computer system was faulty and needed to be repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (camilo real Chevrolet in los angeles, ca, 323-2643-050) and the contact was informed to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call NHTSA to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 250,000.
Rear passenger door actuator failed. Now, the other 3 actuators are failing as well. This is a safety concern because in case of an accident, passengers and driver can have their doors remain locked. My biggest concern is that the children in the 2nd & 3rd row can become trapped when the actuators fail. The door lock knob is way back in the rear door, making it not accessible from the front seat or front door. This is clearly a quality issue. To have one fail might be just bad luck, to have all 4 fail is clearly a design & quality issue that needs to be addressed. I hope GMC does not wait until children are hurt due to locked door before they admit it is an issue & just fix it.
Air bags
Takata recall...electrical is always messing up. Always fuel emmisions system light, which then messes up the radio that shuts off and on and gets warm, signals then do not click. The struts and shocks give me problems. I have spent a lot of money fixing one thing after another. This SUV is my means of transportation with my family of 8. I feel it is unsafe to be driving. The truck is affected with driving in a street, highway or making a turn.
Takata recall in July of 2016 I received a notice re Takata airbags from GMC that they were defective but safe to drive. Since 2016 I have called several times and as of 1/7/2019 we are still be told that GMC is continuing to fight against the recall and refuses to fix a defective unsafe car. Over 2 years with an unsafe vehicle that cannot be sold either.
2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 19 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 a good car?
Based on 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Yukon XL 1500 rates average: 1.3× 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 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500?
The locks & latches — 5 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (5) and air bags (4).
How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 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 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 65,000 miles; 47% 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.