2008 GMC Yukon XL
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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 69 |
| 2001 | 120 |
| 2002 | 95 |
| 2003 | 102 |
| 2004 | 87 |
| 2005 | 42 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2007 | 95 |
| 2008 | 69 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2011 | 47 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 306 |
| 2016 | 199 |
| 2017 | 143 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 62 |
| 2020 | 43 |
| 2021 | 198 |
| 2022 | 149 |
| 2023 | 184 |
| 2024 | 57 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 22 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
61% of complaints: air bags — 42 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20180321
16% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow 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, 20200817
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, 20120921
10% of complaints: latches/locks/linkages — 7 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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, 20120921
7% of complaints: structure — 5 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow 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, 20150414
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120219
4% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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, SI
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 HTTP://WW
Campaign 08V441000 — check if this car was fixed
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 E
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 BEE
Campaign 10V240000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V050000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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.
Campaign 21V052000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for latches/locks/linkages issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 08V441000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V240000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V050000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V052000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.