NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 393 owner complaints for the 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500. Most complaints involve air bags (161) and structure (73). The EPA rates it 14–17 mpg combined.
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV; CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC SIERRA HD, SIERRA LD, YUKON, AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ATTACHING BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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.”
“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.”
“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…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,550 | 523 |
| Yukon XL 1500 4WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,550 | 523 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | $3,750 | 555 |
| Yukon XL 1500 AWD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L · All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 14 | $4,300 | 635 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 393 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (161), structure (73), engine (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2011 GMC Yukon XL 1500 at 14–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).