2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL

● Typical for this model
2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:58:11.163Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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.

Complaints
42
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Air bags

40% of complaints

Complaints per year

2003: 32 complaints 2003 2004: 49 complaints 2005: 34 complaints 2005 2006: 11 complaints 2007: 61 complaints 2008: 42 complaints 2008 42 2009: 22 complaints 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
2003: 32 complaints 2003 2004: 49 complaints 2004 2005: 34 complaints 2005 2006: 11 complaints 2006 2007: 61 complaints 2007 2008: 42 complaints 2008 42 2009: 22 complaints 2009 2010: 29 complaints 2010 2011: 69 complaints 2011 2012: 23 complaints 2012 2013: 13 complaints 2013 2014: 5 complaints 2014 2015: 65 complaints 2015 2016: 29 complaints 2016 2017: 4 complaints 2017 2018: 2 complaints 2018
2003: 32 complaints 2003 2004: 49 complaints 2004 2005: 34 complaints 2005 2006: 11 complaints 2006 2007: 61 complaints 2007 2008: 42 complaints 2008 42 2009: 22 complaints 2009 2010: 29 complaints 2010 2011: 69 complaints 2011 2012: 23 complaints 2012 2013: 13 complaints 2013 2014: 5 complaints 2014 2015: 65 complaints 2015 2016: 29 complaints 2016 2017: 4 complaints 2017 2018: 2 complaints 2018

2008: 42 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.

Air bags

40% · 17 reports
CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I was rear ended at approximately 8:00 am this morning. Both my vehicle and the truck that hit me likely suffered damage that will result in them being totaled by the insurance companies. I have a major concern about my airbags not deploying.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-05-10

Takata recall I have contacted and called every dealership about this airbag recall and they all tell me the same thing that it is at the mercy of General Motors and they can not do any work until GM give the green light.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-03

I understand that there is a safety recall for the air bag on my 2008 GMC yukon xl denali.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-10-31

Structure

14% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Engine

10% · 4 reports

Electrical system

10% · 4 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Driver side power door locks work intermittently. Horn sounds indicating door is locked however it doesn't lock. Also remote start does work leaving vehicle a target for theft.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-06-21

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL. When starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the computer was reset.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-06-16

Latches/locks/linkages

7% · 3 reports
Show complaint excerpts

Door lock failure. Power locks on 3 out of 4 doors have failed within the first 30,000 miles, under normal usage. Over $600 to repair two doors, but failed again.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-06-11

2008 Denali xl - door lock failures. 1ST repair was under warranty @ 34000 miles, replaced left rear door lock. 2ND repair was 8/4/10 for left front and right rear door locks replaced for $487.00 @ 40,000 miles (Over warranty).

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-08-04

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 4 reports on file for this year.

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali XL have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.