Home · 2011 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500 · Complaints

What 399 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (399)Crash / fire / injury (8)Airbags (161)Body & structure (74)Engine (20)Electrical system (16)Transmission & drivetrain (13)Brakes (9)Fuel system (8)Speed control (7)Wheels (5)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (4)

Newest first · 399 complaints · page 1 of 16

Apr 27, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngine

My Yukon Denali XL GM engine that was put in on 07/2022 has already failed. It failed as I was driving down highway at 65 mile per hour. It failed on 04/12/2025. I paid almost $7,000 to have my engine replace due to the original engine failing in early 2022. Now the engine that I paid thousands of dollars for has already failed and has no compression in cylinder 4. I have researched this and can see GM is currently in litigation over car owners reporting engine failure due to either liftors or cams. My car should be considered in this class action lawsuit against GM. It's wrong for a company to take so much money from owners and use an engine that GM knew had issues and was faulty to place it into my vehicle only to have it fail and now make my vehicle undriveable and I am told it's another $8,000 to repair it. GM should address this issue with my vehicle and replace this engine that I had put in in 07/2022. GM was aware of this engine problem with my model car Yukon. GM knew this particular engine that they used in my vehicle on 07/22 (A GM engine) had the issue that GM is being sued for and sure enough the engine has now failed in my Yukon. Please hold GM accountable for this and include my car in this lawsuit.

NHTSA ODI 11733987

Aug 22, 2025SuspensionBody & structure

The contact owns a 2011 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while attempting to refuel the vehicle at the gas station, fuel was leaking out of the fuel tank. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was lifted. The mechanic then informed the contact that the fuel pump was rusted and that the frame were severely rusted. The contact was informed that the frame was fractured and had holes and was being held up by the body. Additionally, the mechanic informed the contact that the alignment had failed due to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The used car dealer where the vehicle was purchased was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 271,000.

NHTSA ODI 11682477

Jan 24, 2025Speed controlEngineFuel system

Recurring System Problems: My vehicle continues to exhibit intermittent system failures, causing unpredictable and potentially dangerous driving conditions. These issues have included: engine stalling, braking issues, electronic system malfunctions].

NHTSA ODI 11638185

Aug 25, 2024Speed controlEngineFuel system

There are several incidents reported regarding ongoing assessment with GMC interplay activity I have noticed this have become a dangerous drive ability inside acceleration controls Governor sets whiling driving engine play transmission shifts this have gone beyond everyday practices during drive times this have been very noticeable during anyone time RPM gauges constantly disrupted radio functions remote controls are at play many problems are being serious illegal assessed during drive compulsive fuel guagement.I have been placed at dangerous risk by interplay noticability. Now slight tick sounds after full services sparkplug and wire as tuneup oil changes fuel services and coolant same recurring problems continued after serviced alignment services.controls are very strong

NHTSA ODI 11610673

Aug 2, 2024Speed controlFuel system

Numerous difficulties have arisen during the process of driving on multiple occasions. The tablet/Radio continues to reset, and the traction control sensor light continues to illuminate. I have communicated with the GMC service center on several occasions, and each time, no issues were found. During an oil change at another dealership, no service recommendations were mentioned, yet a list of offset services was listed on Mopar. As I continued to drive, I noticed that the speed controls were limiting speeds, necessitating self-serviced accelerated drives. This has been ongoing for some time while driving and has required ongoing fuel adjustments. I have received tune-up services, coolant services, fuel services, wheel balancing, and several alignments, which have recently caused significant inconvenience. Routine maintenance has been performed, and the RPM gauge remains constant during operation. Make a unsafe drive.

NHTSA ODI 11606013

Jul 8, 2024Airbags

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 11600217

Jul 6, 2024Transmission & drivetrainFuel system

I am writing to express my concerns and frustrations regarding the recurring issues with my vehicle despite multiple service appointments at Classic GMC Arlington. Despite numerous attempts to address these problems, I continue to experience issues with Continuity of service and performance Fueling system and coolant system problems (twice in six months) Stabilizer link light illumination during startup RPM acceleration while slowing down or stopping Ticking sound from the engine. Each time I bring my vehicle in for service, I am told that there are no issues with the performance, idle, or spark plugs, despite having recently received a full service tune-up. I suspect that there may be intentional damage or tampering with my vehicle, which is causing these persistent problems.I have not had any prior issues or service lights illuminated before, and there were no incidents reported by the previous owners. I believe there may be fraudulent activity involving the manufacturer and service providers. schedule a thorough inspection and diagnosis to address these recurring issues.

NHTSA ODI 11599554

May 12, 2024

There have been several signal within system to have beyond service diagnostic and this have gone through many GMC SERVICE CENTERS EVERY TIME I HAVE SERVICE ARE NO ISSUES TO PROVIDE EVERY TIME AFTER THERE ARE MANY CONTINUED ISSUES ARISE. DEACTIVATIONS ARE OCCURRING MORE FREQUENT THAN BEFORE PURCHASE.CONSTANT PLAY WITH COMPUTER SYSTEM.

NHTSA ODI 11588344

Feb 2, 2024EngineFuel system

GMC shuts down while driving. Almost caused 2 accidents. Then it starts back up. Very dangerous!!!

NHTSA ODI 11569513

Feb 2, 2024

Cracked dash. Very weak

NHTSA ODI 11569519

Nov 17, 2023SeatsEngineFuel system2 injuries2 deaths

Engine coolant is usually water–based, and may also be oil. A three–valve–per–cylinder was originally slated for the LS7, and was abandoned imputable to design complexities. E85 ethanol should is an understatement to the ‘war on fossil fuels.’ The L98 is a modified version of the L76, with increased power and reduced redundant hardware. A Vee engine is common configurations of internal combustion consisting of two cylinder banks connected to a common crankshaft.

NHTSA ODI 11555752

Aug 25, 2023Airbags

As per Tread Act that confirms reimbursement for recalled items, I replaced the Takata airbag on 09/18/2019 after a recall issue by NHTSA, but prior to GMC manufacture initiating the repair. General Motors refused to reimburse the cost of the replacement of the airbag. Under Tread Act the manufacturer is required to reimburse any repair prior to actual recall.

NHTSA ODI 11540799

Jul 4, 2023

Front dash is cracking by air bag compartment and vents.

NHTSA ODI 11530337

Jun 10, 2023

We were driving on the freeway and our sunroof unexpectedly exploded. I didn't see any rock or object. It caught us all off guard.

NHTSA ODI 11526389

Feb 28, 2023Brakes

R and R shifter cables needed fixed exhaust needed fix brakes needed fixed. Still need air conditioning fixed was told the hoses are all cut this is how the sold us the Yukon. I took it back twice and they would not fix it. I have tried calling and talking to people to see what to do. Could you please help me.we used all our money for down payment at time.

NHTSA ODI 11509606

Sep 25, 2022

Manufacturing flaw in the dash in certain model years causing dash to crack in multiple places without any outside influence.

NHTSA ODI 11486316

Sep 22, 2022Seat belts

When attempting to install car seats on the 3rd row, the seat belts do not remain locked after pulled all the way out. Pulling all the way out should activate the ALR, but it does not. I am unable to seat belt install on my 3rd row which is required when a child is over 40lbs.

NHTSA ODI 11485952

Aug 30, 2022WheelsBrakesLane Departure

the towing brakes system fails every day, the blind spot warning fails with every rain day, dashboard is cracking and falling apart, the Crome rims provided by gm the Crome is peeling off and cause loss of air daily

NHTSA ODI 11481910

Jun 6, 2022

I, like thousands of other GMC owners have been frustrated to no end, having to deal with a cracked and highly unsafe vehicle dashboard. I own a 2011 GMC Yukon and my dashboard has cracked so bad, that it’s not only aesthetically unappealing but it poses a grave danger to myself and all passengers inside. If I were to be involved in an accident and the airbag deploy, it would send shards of hard sharp plastic through our faces. You can imagine how much pressure would be behind those sharp pieces as they embed into someone’s face. GMC owes it to its consumers to recall these dashboards and make it right. I feel GMC is intentionally and wrecklessly placing my family in danger by blatantly refusing to recall this obvious problem. As an American consumer, can you help me with this please? Thank you

NHTSA ODI 11467688

Jun 6, 2022

Dash board is cracking in multiple spots. Have contacted GMC multiple times over the years to get it fixed. GMC will not fix or replace even though I have been having the same problem since 2014-2015. New cracks keep appearing.

NHTSA ODI 11467851

Apr 14, 2022

Crack in dashboard at the passenger airbag location.

NHTSA ODI 11460715

Mar 10, 2022Airbags

Takata Recall. The contact owns a 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V050000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11456020

Feb 17, 2022

Vehicle has a cracked dash in three places. One over speed odometer the other right at the air bag passenger another in middle. Vehicle is garage kept all year round.

NHTSA ODI 11452362

Feb 4, 2022Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 60-65 MPH, the check engine warning light, the ABS warning light, the emergency parking brake warning light, the stability tract warning light, the warning indicator “Service Brake System” and other unknown warning lights illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed but felt rigid and failed to respond. The contact depressed the brake pedal with more pressure, but it hesitated to respond, causing 40 feet in stopping distance delay. The contact continued to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the EBCM module, the BPCM module and the valve ABS unit needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 131,814.

NHTSA ODI 11450419

Feb 3, 2022Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Keep getting traction control and stability issue warnings along with reduced engine power. Idles up and down and rough Car was parked haven’t moved

NHTSA ODI 11450278

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Working with the data? Download all 399 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 25, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2011 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500 verdict →