Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 GMC Yukon XL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2008 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at an intersection, another vehicle unexpectedly cut into the middle lane. As a result, the contact crashed into the passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained hematomas on his knee and hip while the passenger sustained a busted knee. Medical treatment was required. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and the contact filed a complaint. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21V050000 (Air bags). The failure mileage was 227,000.
Sorry I speak Spanish Le cambiaron sensor bolsa de aire pero sigue teniendo lo el mismo problema y despu s de eso no se si le esta afectando porque ya no me sirve la alarma, el tablero en ocasiones se detiene o no prende nada, el stereo derrepente deja de o rse incluso lo de navegaci n yo regrese ese mismo d a y reclame pero me dijo la se ora de atenci n a clientes que con el tiempo se iba arreglar hasta que acepte el sensor y ya paso algo de tiempo y cada vez m s ah problemas si llega a explotar la bolsa de aire yo tengo el recibo por cualquier acci n que tenga que hacer por si llega haber un accidente que dios no lo quiera espero respuesta de ustedes y por dentro por no hablar ingles
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Yukon XL. While driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed that another vehicle was swerving towards her vehicle. The contact had to depress the accelerator pedal to increase speed and avoid a collision; however, the other vehicle lost control and crashed into the contact's vehicle. The front frame, front passenger side, and rear frame of the contact's vehicle were damaged. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact was knocked unconscious and required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene. The contact stated that the vehicle was inspected by a mechanic friend who confirmed the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact stated that the case had closed. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V381000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the air bag system failed to operate as designed. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact called local dealer gunn Buick GMC located at 16440 interstate 35 frontage rd, selma, tx 78154, [phone], where it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 277,000.
There has been an outstanding recall to replace the airbag(s) in this vehicle. Understanding that it is a widespread recall that affects many vehicles but what is concerning is that the recall states that it is most affected by "long term exposure in hot and humid regions" which this vehicle has always been in florida. I periodically check with the dealer and they always advise that there's no update. I would think it should be handled more expeditiously due to this vehicle qualifying to the exact conditions of the recall notice and that this vehicle is now twelve years old all which has been in florida (a hot and humid region). Please advise... Thanks in advance, [redacted]
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V383000 (air bags). The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Dave sinclair Buick GMC (5655 south lindbergh blvd, st louis, mo 63123, [phone]) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts would be available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was 155,000.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V381000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that recently, the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. Frank kent Chevrolet (401 I-45, ennis, tx 75119) was contacted and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that he was assured by the dealer that the vehicle was safe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 16V383000 (air bags). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called love Buick GMC (736 Saturn pkwy, columbia, sc 29212-2265, [phone]) and was informed that the parts were not available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 192,250. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
NHTSA has not resolved the Takata airbag issue on these vehicles even though it has been more than 4 years and 1 year since GM's last petition to ignore the safety issue. When is NHTSA going to act on NHTSA-2016-0124?
NHTSA-2016-0124 has been pending since 2016. GM has filed a petition of inconsequentiality. When is NHTSA going to reach a conclusion on this? It is well past the deadlines NHTSA set for GM to prove their case.
Related recalls
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas,…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 23, 2021.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021.
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Airbag complaints in other Yukon XL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2008 GMC Yukon XL?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the air bags of the 2008 GMC Yukon XL, 61% of the model year's 69 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 GMC Yukon XL airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 21V-052 (inflator module, Feb 5, 2021); NHTSA recall 21V-050 (inflator module, Feb 5, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 GMC Yukon XL airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 145,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.