GMC Yukon XL Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Avoid the 2015, 2021, 2022, and 2023 GMC Yukon XL, which carry complaint index scores of 87, 93, 80, and 100 against a 16-year field of 1,911 complaints and 35 recalls. The 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2020 model years score lowest and are the best picks.
Avoid 2015Avoid 2021Avoid 2022Avoid 2023Best 2012Best 2013Best 2014Best 2020
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 1,911
- Recall campaigns
- 35
- Crashes reported
- 46
- Fires reported
- 11
- Top problem area
- Engine
Yukon XL Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
GMC Yukon XL problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Good | 27 | 65 | 1 | 0 | 3 | Airbags | 16 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 47 | 128 | 1 | 2 | 5 | Airbags | 15 | — |
| 2012 | Best | 13 | 41 | 0 | 1 | 4 | Airbags | 15 | — |
| 2013 | Best | 7 | 35 | 1 | 0 | 4 | Structure & Body | 15 | — |
| 2014 | Best | 0 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 3 | Airbags | 16.5 | — |
| 2015 | Avoid | 87 | 372 | 6 | 3 | 2 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2016 | Caution | 73 | 230 | 9 | 2 | 3 ! | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2017 | Caution | 60 | 151 | 7 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2018 | Good | 33 | 55 | 5 | 1 | 2 ! | Engine | — | — |
| 2019 | Good | 40 | 67 | 4 | 0 | 2 ! | Engine | — | — |
| 2020 | Best | 20 | 47 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Engine | — | 4★ |
| 2021 | Avoid | 93 | 225 | 2 | 1 | 12 | Engine | 16.5 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Avoid | 80 | 166 | 3 | 0 | 4 | Engine | 16 | 4★ |
| 2023 | Avoid | 100 | 216 | 2 | 0 | 4 | Engine | 16.5 | 4★ |
| 2024 | Caution | 67 | 70 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Engine | 16.5 | 4★ |
| 2025 | Caution | 53 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 16.5 | 5★ |
Yukon XL years to avoid: what went wrong
2023 GMC Yukon XL Index 100 · 216 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2023 Yukon XL has the worst complaint index of any year, 100, from 216 complaints. Engine problems lead at 73%, median mileage 44,000. Transmission complaints are 18%, median mileage 67,000, and Electrical System issues are 17%, median mileage 39,000. Three recalls cover the 6.2L V8 engine, electronic brake control module software, and improperly torqued rear suspension control arm bolts. Owners also reported unintended acceleration and unexpected airbag deployment without a collision.
2023 engine problems →2023 transmission & powertrain problems →2023 electrical system problems →
2021 GMC Yukon XL Index 93 · 225 complaints · 12 recalls
The 2021 Yukon XL has 225 complaints and the second-highest complaint index at 93, despite carrying 12 recalls, the most of any year. Engine problems make up 70% of complaints, median mileage 73,000, including reports of engines shutting off mid-drive shortly after purchase. Transmission complaints are 21% of the total, median mileage 66,000. Recalls cover the 6.2L V8 engine, transmission control module software, and daytime running lights that failed to deactivate. Owners also reported an electrical fire while parked.
2021 engine problems →2021 transmission & powertrain problems →2021 fuel system problems →
2015 GMC Yukon XL Index 87 · 372 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2015 Yukon XL logged 372 complaints and a complaint index of 87. Electrical System issues dominate at 60% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 66,500. Owners reported transmission problems, including unexpected shifts into neutral while driving, in some cases leading to crashes. Brakes account for 18% of complaints, median mileage 72,000. Two recalls hit this year, covering seat belt sensing diagnostic module software and airbag control module reflashing. Fires were reported in 3 cases, including a rear tailgate module fire after warranty.
2015 electrical system problems →2015 brakes problems →2015 transmission & powertrain problems →
2022 GMC Yukon XL Index 80 · 166 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2022 Yukon XL shows 166 complaints with a complaint index of 80. Engine issues are 74% of complaints, median mileage 60,995, with owners describing loss of power while driving. Transmission complaints follow at 18%, median mileage 90,000. Four recalls apply, including transmission control module software and body control module updates. One owner reported an ABS warning with reduced braking effectiveness at low mileage after purchase.
2022 engine problems →2022 transmission & powertrain problems →2022 electrical system problems →
Most common GMC Yukon XL problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine712 (37%)
- Electrical System523 (27%)
- Transmission & Powertrain289 (15%)
- Other275 (14%)
- Brakes193 (10%)
- Airbags131 (7%)
- Structure & Body108 (6%)
- Fuel System102 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires55 (3%)
- Steering53 (3%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years should I avoid for the GMC Yukon XL?
- NHTSA data flags 2015, 2021, 2022, and 2023 as the years to avoid, with complaint index scores of 87, 93, 80, and 100 respectively, the highest among all 16 model years covered.
- What are the best GMC Yukon XL model years?
- The 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2020 model years are rated Best, with complaint index scores as low as 0 to 20, the lowest in the lineup.
- What is the most common problem area for the GMC Yukon XL?
- Engine complaints lead overall at 712 complaints (37% of all reports), followed by Electrical System issues at 523 complaints (27%).
- Does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have a lot of recalls?
- Yes, the 2021 model year has 12 recall campaigns, more than any other Yukon XL model year, covering the engine, transmission control module, and daytime running lights.
- Is the 2023 GMC Yukon XL reliable based on complaints?
- The 2023 Yukon XL has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, driven mainly by engine complaints making up 73% of its 216 total complaints.