2005 GMC Yukon XL Problems
- Complaints
- 42filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 68,500miles, 32 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 GMC Yukon XL (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 2005 GMC Yukon XL. The part named most often is electrical system, with 13 complaints (31% of the total), followed by brakes (8) and engine (7). 32 of the complaints include a mileage, and 31% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 68,500 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 565 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 125 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns and 18 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system13 31%
- Brakes8 19%
- Engine7 17%
- Fuel system4 9.5%
- Other or unknown4 9.5%
- Steering4 9.5%
- Suspension3 7.1%
- Air bags2 4.8%
- Wheels2 4.8%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (1), Exterior lighting (1), Interior lighting (1), Seats (1), Body and structure (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Went on a vacation this past summer to idaho and noticed that the speedometer quite working. It would be 60 MPH while sitting still and over 120 when moving. Of course we were pulled over for going over the speed limit. By the end of the day, the fuel gauge and temperature gauge also went. Now all the gauges are not working. Took it a GM dealer and had to pay close $690 to have repaired. After reading online this sounds like it has been quite an issue with several GM vehicles. I believe that this should be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10308605, filed 2010-02, 43,071 milesBrakes: “Driving home, leaving our current locality the brakes failed to work. Were able to press brake to the floor without having the vehicle stop. Investigated the next day (after having to borrow a vehicle) and brake lines are flaking and leaking fluid. Took to repair shop after putting on temporary break line (which we found out will not work on our vehicle). Having it replaced but shop called and can not do it and we have to take it to the dealer to fix since the body has to be taken off and brake lines replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10667532, filed 2014-12, 101,000 milesEngine: “While driving I hear a winding sound coming from wheel area while driving I smell fuel that comes and goes recently had full tune up now car starts to tick after a while of driving or even pressing on gas while in park it stops while driving car stalls and indicates coil is bad from check engine light being on I had changed coils and car still stalls”
NHTSA complaint #11152375, filed 2018-11Fuel system: “After getting full tune up my engine starts ticking when I start my my car after a while of driving the ticking stops car stalls while driving and check engine blinks on and off . Already changed coils from instructed read still get stalling. Brake booster light is on and I have a fuel smell that comes and goes while driving”
NHTSA complaint #11152374, filed 2018-11Mileage when problems were reported
31% of the 32 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 44,265 and 95,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 GMC Yukon XL. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon XL · sedan | not rated | 4 / 3 | — | — | 3 · 21.9% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
- 06V289000Aug 3, 2006Engine and engine coolingCovers: GMC Yukon XL 2004–2006, Chevrolet Silverado 2004–2006, GMC Sierra 2004–2006 +6 more
On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-vin g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.
- 05V103000Mar 18, 2005Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkagesCovers: GMC Yukon XL 2005, Chevrolet Tahoe 2005, GMC Yukon 2005 +1 more
On certain sport utility vehicles, the brake pedal pushrod retainer may be missing. If the retainer is missing, the brake booster pushrod could disengage from the brake pedal.
- 05V055000Feb 14, 2005Power train › Manual transmission › Shift pattern indicatorCovers: GMC Yukon XL 2005, Chevrolet Tahoe 2005, GMC Yukon 2005 +7 more
Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock and transmission braking effect." under…
- 05V043000Feb 8, 2005Service brakes, hydraulicCovers: GMC Yukon XL 2004–2005, Chevrolet Silverado 2004–2005, GMC Savana 2004–2005 +7 more
Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
- 04V376000Aug 2, 2004Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: GMC Yukon XL 2005, Chevrolet Silverado 2005, GMC Sierra 2005 +1 more
On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with 5.3l (rpo l59) v8 engines, the engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws were not manufactured to specifications and may break.
Recall details for the 2005 GMC Yukon XL → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 565 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11008956Sep 9, 2024Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
Other model years of the GMC Yukon XL
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 40 | 2,650 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 28 | 33,500 | 1 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 75 | 24,000 | 2 | 4 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 226 | 46,730 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 174 | 60,995 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 84 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 230 | 65,000 | 12 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 47 | 86,000 | 2 | 4 | — | 17 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 68 | 102,194 | 2 | 4 | — | 28 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2018 | 56 | 38,714 | 2 | 4 | — | 35 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2017 | 147 | 54,498 | 1 | 4 | — | 61 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 202 | 55,300 | 3 | 4 | — | 93 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 308 | 70,000 | 2 | 4 | — | 74 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 11 | 52,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 2013 | 22 | 65,000 | 4 | 4 | 16 | — | Rising |
| 2012 | 13 | 95,000 | 4 | — | 12 | — | Not enough data |
| 2011 | 47 | 72,200 | 3 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 28 | 108,461 | 3 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 23 | 53,500 | 5 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2008 | 69 | 110,165 | 4 | — | — | 2 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 97 | 100,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 17 | 103,884 | 2 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2005 | 42 | 68,500 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 87 | 45,500 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 102 | 70,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 95 | 63,350 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 120 | 62,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 69 | 69,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
All GMC Yukon XL model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 GMC Yukon XL have?
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 2005 GMC Yukon XL as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 GMC Yukon XL is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 13 complaints (31% of the total), followed by brakes with 8.
Has the 2005 GMC Yukon XL been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 GMC Yukon XL reported?
Among the 32 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 68,500 miles and the middle half falls between 44,265 and 95,000 miles; 31% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.