Most common 2005 GMC Yukon XL problems
Share of the 42 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Yukon XL complaints by model year
Best Yukon XL years: 2014, 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2015, 2024. Compare all years →
2005 GMC Yukon XL recalls (5)
Engine and engine cooling
On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip May fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2006. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC trucks at 1-866-996-9463.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
On certain sport utility vehicles, the brake pedal pushrod retainer May be missing. If the retainer is missing, the brake booster pushrod could disengage from the brake pedal.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for the brake pedal pushrod retainer and install one if it is missing free of charge. The manufacturer began contacting owners by telephone on March 10, 2005.
Power train › Manual transmission › Shift pattern indicator
Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock and transmission braking effect." under certain vehicle starting conditions, the shift lever position indicator…
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. The recall began on February 14, 2005. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with Bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator May crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with 5.3l (rpo l59) v8 engines, the engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws were not manufactured to specifications and May break.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel rail crossover tube and, if necessary, replace the retainer screws. Owners were notified by telephone on July 30, 2004, with a followup owner letter began August 5, 2004.
What 2005 GMC Yukon XL owners say
Electrical system
Instrument panel cluster gauge needle -- speedometer gauge -- works intermittently. It sticks on 0mph, on a previous rate of speed regardless of increase or decrease, or displays rate of speed at 100+ MPH. Very inconsistent. When the speedometer does decide to work it is about 10-15 MPH off of accurate rate of speed. (compared to GPS that displays current rate of speed) it was taken to dealer and contact stated that it is same cluster panel gauge of 2003-04 year models currently in recall although has not extended to 2005-06 year models at this time.
Vehicle's instrument panel fails to operate properly. Vehicle is out of warranty coverage. Speedometer registers ~40 MPH when vehicle is standing still. Oil pressure gauge 'pegs out'. Gas gauge is unreliable. Vehicle is 2005 year, GMC has recalled instrument panels on 2003 and 2004 model years, but not 2005. With unreliable instrument panel, this is a safety hazard. Made a visit to dealer. Diagnosed as needing new instrument panel at cost exceeding $600. We feel that GMC should consider extending recall to encompass 2005 models as well.
Brakes
I have a brake problem, the dynamic electronic brake system turns on at times during running and the rim heats up and a strong smell of brakes comes out, on two occasions the rear tires exploded and I caused an accident on the highway. When the vehicle was new in 2005, the dealer changed the brakes, ABS and other components, but they were not responsible for the problem, then in 2010 again, I changed all the components related to the brakes but it remains the same. Sometimes the dynamic brake is activated and the rings and rear rubbers are heated. I do not use the vehicle for long roads for safety. I bought it in 2005 and it now has 73,100 miles. I am looking for if any dealer or owner in the USA has or had the same problem. Thank you..
Driving home, leaving our current locality the brakes failed to work. Were able to press brake to the floor without having the vehicle stop. Investigated the next day (after having to borrow a vehicle) and brake lines are flaking and leaking fluid. Took to repair shop after putting on "temporary" break line (which we found out will not work on our vehicle). Having it replaced but shop called and can not do it and we have to take it to the dealer to fix since the body has to be taken off and brake lines replaced.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that there was a flapping noise that came from the exhaust. There were exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle as well. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where they determined that the manifold bolts were corroded fractured. The failure had also occurred in the past. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. The current mileage was 69,000.
This vehicle has been in and out of the shop several times for the same reason, "reduced engine power". It puts me in a dangerous position sometimes because the vehicle will suddenly go into this "limp mode" I have spent several thousand dollars in repairs and fixes by qualified mechanics and yet this problem will not go away. After much research I find that I among many people with the same problem. It happened three times yesterday!
2005 GMC Yukon XL engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 GMC Yukon XL a good car?
Based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Yukon XL rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Yukon XL 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 2005 GMC Yukon XL?
The electrical system — 13 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the brakes (8) and engine & cooling (7).
How many recalls does the 2005 GMC Yukon XL have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2005 GMC Yukon XL, the most recent from August 3, 2006 (engine and engine cooling). 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?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2012 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2015 and 2024. See the full GMC Yukon XL years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 GMC Yukon XL problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 31% 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.