Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2013 GMC Yukon XL 2500Recalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 133 owner complaints for the 2013 GMC Yukon XL 2500. Most complaints involve air bags (37) and structure (31). The EPA rates it 12 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
12mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
133
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$5,000est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2013 GMC Yukon XL 2500 as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
133 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2013 – Jul 2025
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Air bags
37 reports1 crash
“I received a safety recall notice for my vehicle and scheduled an appointment for repair, #N212328790. Upon arriving, the dealer advised me there was a very small crack in the dash and if the dash cracked during the removal or installation, GM would NOT reimburse for any damage to the dash. The default was with the manufacturer and if they didn't replace it correctly, I'd be out serious money to replace and maintain the value of the vehicle.”
Structure
31 reports
“Was told by my local dealer that they did not have to complete to recall unless I signed a document holding them blameless if they cracked my dashboard or cracked it worst than it already is. I declined to sign until I could investigate why I absolutely had to sign a document absolving GM of their bad design. I believe it to be unjust and insulting that we are required to choose between the safety of our vehicles vs the possible destruction of the interior due to GM's poor design. I did not get a picture of the document before I left the dealer but was told I could bring it back later if I wanted it fixed but I would have to sign the document.”
Engine
11 reports1 crash
“Vehicle equipped with 6.2l v8 engine. Have been experiencing hesitation upon acceleration, decrease in power/reduced performance, trouble starting, abnormal shifting (particularly from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th gear) for about two months. On two separate occassions(once about 1yr ago and the second time about a week ago) during normal use of the vehicle, the car started to shudder and the CEL began flashing. Both times I immediately pulled over and shut off the vehicle. Fluids were good, car has never overheated, regular maintenance has been performed as well. When I turned the car back on, the light was off and didn't show any signs that there was an issue. Two days ago during normal use of the car at about 35mph, a loud knocking/ticking sound started. I was about 1/8 mile from my destination so I attempted to make it there. Driveway is uphill and when I accelerated to get up the hill the sound got much louder and ticking was twice as fast. Shut off the car, let it cool, and knocking sound was just as bad the next time I started the car. Had the car towed to prevent damaging the vehicle further. This car is financed and i have three payments left on the 54…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 6.0L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon XL 2500 2WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 10 | 16 | 12 | $5,000 | 714 |
| Yukon XL 2500 4WD Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 10 | 16 | 12 | $5,000 | 724 |
- 12mpg comb.
- 12mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2013 GMC Yukon XL 2500 as of Nov 12, 2026.
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| 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 |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2013 Yukon XL 2500 questions
How many recalls does the 2013 GMC Yukon XL 2500 have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2013 GMC Yukon XL 2500 problems?
Owners filed 133 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (37), structure (31), engine (11). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2013 GMC Yukon XL 2500 get?
The EPA rates the 2013 GMC Yukon XL 2500 at 12 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026