Most common 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500 problems
Share of the 12 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 →
2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500 recalls (2)
Steering › Linkages
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
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…
What 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500 owners say
Body & structure
I am having issues with the antenna in my truck. The radio is constantly going in and out. My OnStar has stopped working completely. My Bluetooth drops calls within a few min of taking the call if I can even get it to answer the call. Cosmetically the issues I am having is the dash has a huge crack right behind the steering wheel it goes all the way across to the passenger airbag. If I was to have a front end crash shards of plastic would go flying this is a safety hazard. I just purchased this vehicle about 2 weeks ago 3/11/17 and have had these issues since purchased. Any recommendations are welcomed. Thank you.
Dash board panel has cracked open for unknown reasons causing a safety concern with sharp edges and openings that allow opportunities for foreign objects/items to enter vehicle controls and instrumentation panels. Passenger air bag at dash board seems defective due to cracked dash board panels and associated trim pieces. It appears than upon air bag deployment there would be possible additional occupant/passenger injuries due to the broken/loose fitting/sub-standard dash board plastic pieces.
Air bags
Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
I have a 2011 Yukon XL, dash cracked below the airbag and was replaced under warranty in 2012. On November 13, 2016 the new dash cracked above the airbag. I am currently fighting with the dealership and GMC corporate. I'm being told that as a second owner GMC will not replace the dash, regardless that I've put 55,000 of the 66,000 miles on the vehicle and have owned 90% of its time on the road. From everything I've read, the dash will become a projectile if the airbag is deployed and quite possibly seriously injure any vehicle occupants. This is a very common, dangerous situation that GMC needs to correct via recall.
2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 6.2L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | AWD | 13 / 18 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500 a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 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 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500?
The body & structure — 3 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the air bags (3) and electrical system (2).
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500 have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500, the most recent from June 28, 2011 (linkages). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the 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 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 61,000 miles; 38% 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.