MYRModel Year Report

2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL

▲ Better than typical
2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:38:39.799Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, GMC Yukon Denali XL Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2005 highlighted. 2003: 32 complaints 2003 2004: 49 complaints 2005: 34 complaints 2005 2006: 11 complaints 2007: 61 complaints 2007 2008: 42 complaints 2009: 22 complaints 2009 2010: 29 complaints 2011: 69 complaints 2011 2012: 23 complaints 2013: 13 complaints 2013 2014: 5 complaints 2015: 65 complaints 2015 2016: 29 complaints 2017: 4 complaints 2017 2018: 2 complaints 2018
2005: 34 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
200332
200449
200534
200611
200761
200842
200922
201029
201169
201223
201313
20145
201565
201629
20174
20182

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 29%

29% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

Show complaint excerpts

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY SPEEDOMETER BEGAN ACTING ERRATICALLY. FOR WEEKS, IT WOULD GET STUCK AT CERTAIN SPEEDS, THEN BEGIN WORKING AGAIN. AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS, IT STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120403

SERVICE BRAKES 24%

24% of complaints: service brakes — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

WAS DRIVING ABOUT 30MPH AND HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND WE RAN INTO A TRAILER. THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED SO BAD THAT THEY BUSTED, AND CAUSED THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK OUT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150411

Also filed under STRUCTURE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 12%

12% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.

Show complaint excerpts

THE HEADLAMPS ON BOTH SIDES HAVE BEEN REPLACED SIX TIMES. THE DEALER WANTED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY TO THE TUNE OF $450 THAT, WE WERE TOLD, WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20061127

POWER TRAIN 12%

12% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gear position indication (prndl) and cooling unit and lines.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102 CONCERN TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER. THE SHIFT INDICATOR IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DOES NOT ILLUMINATE. WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER DOES NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.

NHTSA ODI report, 20101112

ENGINE 9%

9% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (4 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2003 ● 2008 ● 2004

WORST YEARS

◆ 2011 ◆ 2015 ◆ 2007

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.