Is the 2005 GMC Yukon XL reliable?

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

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

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 GMC Yukon XL have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2005 GMC Yukon XL

▲ Better than typical

2005 GMC Yukon XL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:36:55.149Z

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: 42
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2005: 42 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1999	3
2000	69
2001	120
2002	95
2003	102
2004	87
2005	42
2006	17
2007	97
2008	69
2009	23
2010	28
2011	47
2012	13
2013	22
2014	11
2015	308
2016	201
2017	146
2018	56
2019	68
2020	47
2021	230
2022	172
2023	224
2024	74
2025	26
2026	38

Known problem areas

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

Electrical system

31% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

Service brakes

19% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

I have a brake problem, the dynamic electronic brake system turns on at times during running and the rim heats up and a strong smell of brakes comes out, on two occasions the rear tires exploded and I caused an accident on the highway.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-10

After getting full tune up my engine starts ticking when I start my my car after a while of driving the ticking stops car stalls while driving and check engine blinks on and off . Already changed coils from instructed read still get stalling.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-19

Also filed under Engine

Step on brake went to floor no brakes. Brake line and ac line rusted drivers side. Replaced brake line still have no air.$60,000 truck and they can't use s/s lines? Ya! Am pissed, won't buy GM again.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-30

Engine

17% · 7 reports

Show complaint excerpts

A bolt head for the exhaust manifold broke off and is causing emission problems.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-01-20

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that there was a flapping noise that came from the exhaust. There were exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle as well.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-15

Steering

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing column.

Fuel/propulsion system

7% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

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

R

2004-07-30Fuel system, gasoline04V376000 On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with 5.3L (Rpo L59) V8 engines, the engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws were not manufactured to specifications and may break.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel rail crossover tube and, if necessary, replace the retainer screws. Owners were notified by telephone on July 30, 2004, with a followup owner letter began August 5…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2005-02-22Power train05V055000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2005-03-10Service brakes, hydraulic05V103000 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.

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.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2005-03-23Service brakes, hydraulic05V043000 Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost…

Remedy: Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge. The…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-08-31Engine and engine cooling06V289000 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.

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 Certain federal-mogul replacement wheel hub assemblies with the brand names: national, carquest p/nos. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, and 515060, shipped between January 23, 2006…

Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify customers and will replace the hub assembly free of charge. The recall began on February 7, 2008. Owners can contact federal-mogul toll-free at 877-489-6659.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 8 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 7 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 04V376000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 05V055000 · Power train
Recall 05V103000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 05V043000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 06V289000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 07E106000 · Wheels

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 GMC Yukon XL reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 GMC Yukon XL is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Yukon XL?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 GMC Yukon XL have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

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