Is the 2011 GMC Yukon XL reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 GMC Yukon XL is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Yukon XL?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Yukon XL have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 GMC Yukon XL

▲ Better than typical

2011 GMC Yukon XL
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:45:50.109Z

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: 47
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2011: 47 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

45% · 21 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while starting vehicle, the air bag warning indicator light illuminated. The contact detected an abnormal burning odor in vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-11-06

Dash is cracking badly on its own. Is cracking also where airbag is held. Pieces can fly as projectiles and cause bodily harm when airbag deploys.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-08

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16V381000 (Air bags). The part to do the repair was unavailable.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-01-09

Structure

17% · 8 reports

Most commonly citing body.

Show complaint excerpts

As I was driving I noticed in the reflection of my windshield a crack in the dashboard. Upon further inspection I saw that there was a crack that ran from the vent on the dashboard up toward the steering wheel.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-29

Also filed under Visibility

The vehicle's dashboard near the passenger airbag cracked and then created a hole with no physical damage to it being done. There have been several other reports of this happening to similar vehicles by other customers.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-26

Power train

9% · 4 reports

Engine

6% · 3 reports

Visibility

6% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing electrical heating element and rear window.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

2015-02-12Electrical system14V827000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015.

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 →
R

2021-05-11Air bags21V054000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the...

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 25, 2021.

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

Buy-smart checklist

2011 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 21 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 8 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V827000 · Electrical system
Recall 21V050000 · Air bags
Recall 21V054000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 GMC Yukon XL reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 GMC Yukon XL is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Yukon XL?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Yukon XL have?: 3 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.