2011 GMC Yukon XL

▲ Better than typical
2011 GMC Yukon XL
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:36:03.418Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, GMC Yukon XL Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2011 highlighted. 1999: 3 complaints 1999 2000: 69 complaints 2001: 120 complaints 2002: 95 complaints 2003: 102 complaints 2003 2004: 87 complaints 2005: 42 complaints 2006: 17 complaints 2007: 97 complaints 2007 2008: 69 complaints 2009: 23 complaints 2010: 28 complaints 2011: 47 complaints 2011 2012: 13 complaints 2013: 22 complaints 2014: 11 complaints 2015: 306 complaints 2015 2016: 200 complaints 2017: 146 complaints 2018: 52 complaints 2019: 67 complaints 2019 2020: 46 complaints 2021: 219 complaints 2022: 163 complaints 2023: 210 complaints 2023 2024: 69 complaints 2025: 25 complaints 2026: 31 complaints 2026
2011: 47 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19993
200069
2001120
200295
2003102
200487
200542
200617
200797
200869
200923
201028
201147
201213
201322
201411
2015306
2016200
2017146
201852
201967
202046
2021219
2022163
2023210
202469
202525
202631

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

AIR BAGS 45%

45% of complaints: air bags — 21 distinct reports on file.

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, 20201106

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, 20240708

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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, 20180109

STRUCTURE 17%

17% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file, 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, 20140929

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, 20140826

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 6%

6% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY 6%

6% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing electrical heating element and rear window.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20150212 — electrical system

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.

Campaign 14V827000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210301 — air bags

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

R 20210511 — air bags

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.

Campaign 21V054000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20210917 — EA (open)

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2011 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for structure issues (8 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (4 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 14V827000 (electrical system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V050000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V054000 (air bags) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2026 ▲ 2005 ▲ 2020

WORST YEARS

■ 2015 ■ 2021 ■ 2023

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.