Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
My 2007 GMC Yukon XL; self combusted while parked in my driveway. My wife drove it on an errand, returned to our home, parked and locked the vehicle. Within 20 minutes or so, the vehicle began to smoke eventually the entire engine compartment caught fire. The vehicle was parked, off, key was out and the vehicle was unattended. Luckily, the horn blew which alerted us to the fire. Otherwise, additional property loss or injuries could have been sustained. We have a security camera video evidence (from our neighbors security system) of the entire incident. While I am uncertain as to the exact cause; state farm investigated the vehicle and is giving a settlement check for the estimated value. The truck was equipped with a "washer fluid heater" and there were two recalls by GM because of the risk of fire.
Stab, ABS light and engine lights either going on one at a time or simultaneously. Car wouldn't start & when it did all of the dashboard gauges were at "zero" car seemed off but drive-able--gas, MPH, RPM, gas/oil gauges remained at zero while driving. Later that day when car was restarted-the gauges were at normal readings. Stabiltrack light keeps going on & off. Electrical doesn't work well, almost every power door has failed & actuator has been replaced, rear back hatch door will not open & we have no access to our cargo/trunk area. Keyless entry works occasionally. Interior and exterior chrome handles have sharp edges.
Incident date: front cabin / in dash fire 11/25/2011 at 5:20 pm vehicle: 2005 GMC Yukon XL slt with approximately 120K miles vehicle was parked in driveway; had just been driven however the engine was off; 15-30 minutes later heard loud bang and glass breaking; front cabin of the vehicle was engulfed in flames; opened doors and sprayed water on until fire department got there. Insurance company has requested that the vehicle remain at place of incident until adjuster can investigate. Fire department best assumption at this point is that this was an electrical fire that started somewhere in the dash between the front center console and the steering column. We are the original owner; bought the vehicle new; no aftermarket options; other than tires and brakes, all original mftr equipment, all warranty work done at GMC dealership. …
This basic incident has occurred approximately ten times. The 4wd control module malfunctions at random. The vehicle message center will display "service 4wd," and a clicking sound can be heard as the lights on the transfer case control panel switch on and off, switching the vehicle in and out of gear. Several times this has happened in such a way that the truck shifted into 4lo at moderate speed. Once, the vehicle stalled in an intersection with the abrupt shift. I am convinced that this is a systematic issue with GM 4wd trucks, but it is in no way being addressed. It is an extreme safety hazard when a 5400 lb. Vehicle suddenly shifts into low range or neutral without advance warning. A simple internet search shows that this has happened to many other GM vehicle owners. …
Our Yukon on numerous occasions will just display reduced engine power and speed will decrease rapidly. I have pulled off the road and turned vehicle off removed key waited a few minutes then started the truck and it May run fine or May just continue to have reduced engine power. Between the tow bills and shop fees I have spent more than the truck is worth. We have taken to the shop and spent over 5K for them to state the can not find an issue. They say there are no codes. Then it May or May not run normal for a short period and there is no pattern. It has on numerous occasions just completely shut down and therefore loss of power steering and brakes occurs. Making this very dangerous. The last time it happened I was on the highway traveling at 80 MPH. The result could have been deadly. I am not sure why GMC has done nothing to fix this issue. …
Blower motor resistor failed in the truck..when the car is off motor will run and eventually kill the battery... Made several attempts to fix it but the company no longer make this resistor because of the malfunction... So not years later still can't fix it..can't find the resistor and now I have no air no heat for 3 years now.
NHTSA investigations
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Yukon XL 1500 years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (24), 2004 (18), 2007 (11), 2005 (10) and 2008 (5) model years. Electrical complaints make up 38% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for GMC Yukon XL 1500 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any GMC Yukon XL 1500 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do GMC Yukon XL 1500 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the instrument cluster/panel (27 mentions), followed by the 12v/24v/48v battery (1).
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.