2005 GMC Yukon XL Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2005 GMC Yukon XL has a complaint index of 25, ranking 16th out of 21 model years, with a Good verdict. It has 100 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and its top problem area is the electrical system at 36% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 25/100
- #16 of 21 Yukon XL years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 100
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 8
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 14
- 13 city / 17 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
Top 2005 GMC Yukon XL problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System36 (36%)
- Brakes23 (23%)
- Engine14 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (11%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (11%)
- Fuel System7 (7%)
- Steering7 (7%)
- Structure & Body7 (7%)
- Airbags5 (5%)
- Other4 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brake pedal goes to the floor at low speed due to rusted or cracked brake lines, sometimes leading to a collision.
- Anti-lock brakes engage unexpectedly at 3-5 mph, causing the vehicle to travel farther before stopping.
- Brakes intermittently fail to engage at low speed, causing the vehicle to slide forward before dealers can duplicate the problem.
- Headlamp assemblies fail repeatedly and daytime running lights flicker on and off despite bulb replacement.
- Airbag warning light illuminates repeatedly without a confirmed fix, sometimes followed by an airbag deployment issue in a crash.
- Shift lever position indicator fails to illuminate, leaving the driver unsure which gear is selected.
2005 GMC Yukon XL recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 06V289000Aug 3, 2006Engine38,439 vehicles
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.
Risk: If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
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.
- NHTSA 05V103000Mar 18, 2005Brakes707 vehicles
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.
Risk: This could result in a loss of brakes which could result in a crash.
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. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
- NHTSA 05V055000Feb 14, 2005Transmission & Powertrain7,194 vehicles
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 located in the instrument panel cluster may not illuminate. If the shift lever position indicator does not illuminate, the driver may not know which gear the vehicle is in.
Risk: The vehicle may move in an unintended direction resulting in possible injury to others outside of the vehicle.
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.
2005 GMC Yukon XL fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 17 MPG
- Combined
- 14 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Yukon XL years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2005 model has a complaint index of 25 and ranks 16th out of 21 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other Yukon XL years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Yukon XL?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem area is the electrical system, making up 36% of complaints, followed by brakes at 23% and engine issues at 14%.
- Does the 2005 GMC Yukon XL have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2005 Yukon XL, covering the engine fuel rail pulse damper, brake pedal pushrod retainer, transmission shift lever indicator, hydro-boost brake booster, and fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- At what mileage do problems typically show up on the 2005 Yukon XL?
- Median mileage at failure varies by system: electrical issues at 63,000 miles, brakes at 93,000 miles, and engine problems at 124,000 miles, according to NHTSA complaint data.
- How does the 2005 Yukon XL compare to other years?
- The 2005 model's complaint index of 25 is far lower than the worst years, such as 2023 (index 100) and 2015 (index 90), both rated Avoid.