GMC Yukon XL Denali Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 80 consumer complaints across the 3 model years of the GMC Yukon XL Denali (2001–2003) that have at least 5 complaints. 2003 has the most, with 32. Across all years, the part named most often is brakes (36 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Yukon XL Denali model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 32 | 67,000 | 0 | 101 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 26 | 106,600 | 0 | 77 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 22 | 97,532 | 1 | 69 | — | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Brakes36 43%
- Electrical system15 18%
- Engine cooling10 12%
- Transmission and drivetrain7 8.3%
- Tires6 7.1%
- Electronic stability control4 4.8%
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)3 3.6%
- Vehicle speed control3 3.6%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2002: “While under vehicle to replace gas filter it had become evident to me that the brake lines where they enter the ABS unit were fairly rusted. As I investigated further to areas not easily visible I had discovered that all the hydraulic brake lines are extremely rusted and imminent failure is evident. In mentioning this to a friend he suggest I check on line as he had heard of this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10493678, filed 2013-01, 146,247 miles2003: “Driving 65 MPH on the highway and all of a sudden my car loses power. This is very dangerous! The dash says reduced engine power. Engine light comes on. Codes for the problem p0120, p0171, p0174, p0300, p2135. I got everything done that was suggested the codes are gone and it's still happening!! Not sure what the Gmc dealership is up to but they don't have a clue to what's causing it or how to fix it!”
NHTSA complaint #10489118, filed 2012-12, 117,900 miles2001: “While driving my 2001 denali xl my brakes failed and was fortunate that I was not in traffic. Once I crept home I was able to see the under carriage and there were large amount of corrosion on all the equipment. Car is still laid up until I can afford repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #10554627, filed 2013-12, 112,210 milesOther GMC models
9,038 complaintsGMC Acadia
5,595 complaintsGMC Yukon
5,018 complaintsGMC Sierra
3,929 complaintsGMC Terrain
3,138 complaintsGMC Jimmy
2,712 complaintsGMC Envoy
2,456 complaintsGMC Yukon XL
2,443 complaints
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology