Is the 2008 GMC Yukon XL reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 GMC Yukon XL is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 GMC Yukon XL?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Yukon XL have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 GMC Yukon XL

● Typical for this model

2008 GMC Yukon XL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:52:34.349Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 69
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2008: 69 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.

Air bags

61% · 42 reports

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 GMC Yukon XL. While driving 65 MPH, the contact noticed that another vehicle was swerving towards her vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-21

Electrical system

16% · 11 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle unexpectedly caught fire in the front passengers side. The vehicle had been parked for several hours at the time of the fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-08-17

We have owned this vehicle since brand new. Three of the door lock actuators from three different doors were defective and had to be replaced at different times during the years of ownership.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-21

Also filed under Latches/locks/linkages

Structure

12% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing body and door.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Interior door handles - chrome plating is peeling away from plastic underneath on the front passenger handle. This peeling chrome cuts flesh.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-04-14

Chrome over plastic is coming off or peeling and this problem resulted in several people having their fingers cut while opening the door. The chrome covering where it has peeled is like a razor blade when pressure is applied to unlatch the door.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-02-19

Latches/locks/linkages

10% · 7 reports

Engine

4% · 3 reports

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

2008-09-12Electrical system08V441000 GM is recalling 857,735 my 2006-2008 Buick lucerne; Cadillac dts; hummer H2; my 2007-2008 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; Chevrolet avalanche, silverado, suburban, tahoe; GMC Acadia…

Remedy: Dealers will install a wire harness with an in-line fuse free of charge. The recall began on September 12, 2008. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080; Cadillac at 1-800-982-2339 or…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2010-06-11Electrical system10V240000 GM is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Buick, lucerne; Cadillac dts; hummer H2; model year 2008-2009 Buick enclave; Cadillac cts; model year 2007-2009 Cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade…

Remedy: Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-03-01Air bags21V050000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500,...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2021-09-20Air bags21V052000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 23, 2021.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 42 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 08V441000 · Electrical system
Recall 10V240000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V050000 · Air bags
Recall 21V052000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 GMC Yukon XL reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 GMC Yukon XL is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 GMC Yukon XL?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Yukon XL have?: 4 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.

2008 GMC Yukon XL

Complaints per year

Known problem areas

Air bags

Electrical system

Structure

Latches/locks/linkages

Engine

Safety timeline

Buy-smart checklist

Inspect

Verify these recalls were completed

Other years of this model

▲Best years3 years

■Worst years3 years

FAQ

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years