The Lemon Index2011 GMC Yukon XL.
The 2011 GMC Yukon XL is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 7 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 24, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 12 to 17 mpg combined. The best GMC Yukon XL year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 129 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Yukon XL year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 56K to 99K miles on the car (93 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 60K–107K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 51K–95K miles
Recalls 3
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2021
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- electrical 2014
In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 1517 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Chevrolet/gmc/cadillac: rear axle pinion bearing noise, gear noise and/or pinion bearing…
- The third row seat is difficult to remove and install because of various floor latch situations
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Yukon SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon XL 1500 SUV 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon XL 1500 SUV RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3800–5350 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2011 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4.2× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 24; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Yukon XL year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2011 GMC Yukon XL problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (57%), speed control (29%) and transmission & drivetrain (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Yukon XL have?
3 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 GMC Yukon XL get?
12 to 17 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2011 GMC Yukon XL safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2011 GMC Yukon XL problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 56,000 and 99,000 miles. The middle report was at 74,000 miles, from 93 complaints.
Does the 2011 GMC Yukon XL have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 GMC Yukon XL cost in fuel a year?
About $3800 to $5350 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 GMC Yukon XL have?
5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What GMC Yukon XL year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2012 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works