The Lemon Index2011 GMC Yukon.
The 2011 GMC Yukon is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 15 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 38, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about body structure, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 15 to 21 mpg combined. The best GMC Yukon year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 259 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Yukon 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 48K to 95K miles on the car (153 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 47K–102K miles
- body structure complaints mostly came at 43K–92K miles
Recalls 5
- 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.
Show all 5 recalls
- steering 2011
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.
- suspension 2011
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 VE…
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 1671 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…
- Water may enter the passenger area because of a leak in the hvac air inlet
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 Hybrid SUV 4WD | not rated | ★★★★★ | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV RWD | not rated | ★★★★★ | not rated | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–4300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Left a parking lot and heard a loud pop, the dashboard above the steering wheel cracked!
2011 GMC Yukon owner · NHTSA complaint 10608028
Quick answers
Is the 2011 GMC Yukon reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 38; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Yukon year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2011 GMC Yukon problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are body structure (20%), transmission & drivetrain (13%) and suspension (13%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Yukon have?
5 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 get?
15 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2011 GMC Yukon 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 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 48,000 and 95,000 miles. The middle report was at 72,000 miles, from 153 complaints.
Does the 2011 GMC Yukon have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2011 GMC Yukon cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $4300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 GMC Yukon have?
5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What GMC Yukon year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2020 and 2019.
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