Owners have filed 27 complaints
about the 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500 with NHTSA between 2008 and 2019.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 10 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 35
Against the median year of the GMC Yukon XL 1500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 19
3.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 31
18% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2008 compares with every other GMC Yukon XL 1500
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Doors, Latches & Locks
518.5%
Median failure at 37,000 miles
Electrical System
518.5%
Median failure at 42,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
414.8%
Median failure at 126,000 miles
Airbags
414.8%
Median failure at 120,000 miles
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
27.4%
Median failure at 155,000 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
27.4%
Median failure at 38,000 miles
Body & Structure
27.4%
Median failure at 91,150 miles
Stability & Traction Control
13.7%
Tires
13.7%
Median failure at 2,500 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
13.7%
Median failure at 222,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
14.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
940.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
522.7%
150,000+ miles
627.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2008peak 3Jul 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 GMC Yukon XL 1500
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA08010Opened 12 Jun 2008Closed 8 Sep 2008ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
IN A LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-441) TO ADDRESS A SAFETY RELATEDDEFECT THAT CAN RESULT IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN APPROXIMATELY 850,000 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID OPTION.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES OF THIS INVESTIGATION COMPRISE OVER THREE-QUARTERS OF THE RECALL POPULATION. ACCORDING TO GM, A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID HEATER MODULE MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE. THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES...
PE08010Opened 4 Feb 2008Closed 12 Jun 2008ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER SENT BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION(ODI) DURING PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE08-010, GM PROVIDED ODI WITH 41 ALLEGATIONS OF NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES INCLUDING 16 ALLEGATIONS OF FIRES ORIGINATING WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.ONE OF THE FIRES WAS DETERMINED TO BE CAUSED BY AN ARSON EVENT.ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED 5 REPORTS, 4 OF WHICH ARE OF DUPLICATIVE OF REPORTS PROVIDED BY GM, ALLEGING NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN TOTAL, ODI IS AWARE OF 41 NON-CRASHENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 222,000 milesWinthrop, ME1 injured
POWER TRAIN
SEVERE VIBRATION ISSUE. STARTED AT ABOUT 65 MPH AND LET OFF ABOUT 74. AT IT'S PEAK, ABOUT SAME AS HOLDING A JACK HAMMER INSTEAD OF A STEERING WHEEL.. DEALERS ARE BLAMING TIRES, ONE IDIOT TOLD ME VIBRATION WAS NORMAL. IT IS NOT. THE SOUND SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM PASSENGER REAR QUARTER AREA. THREE DEALERS CANNOT DIAGNOSE. IT WAS A FAILING U-JOINT ON THE REAR OF THE MAIN DRIVESHAFT. MINE FAILED I LOST THE YOKE ASSEMBLY AND THE DRIVESHAFT, AND IF GOING QUICKER - WOULD HAVE LIKELY PUNCTURED THE GAS TANK. LIKELY RESULTING IN A FIREBALL.
NHTSA complaint #10899835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Madera, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL...ELECTRICAL IS ALWAYS MESSING UP. ALWAYS FUEL EMMISIONS SYSTEM LIGHT, WHICH THEN MESSES UP THE RADIO THAT SHUTS OFF AND ON AND GETS WARM, SIGNALS THEN DO NOT CLICK. THE STRUTS AND SHOCKS GIVE ME PROBLEMS. I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY FIXING ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. THIS SUV IS MY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION WITH MY FAMILY OF 8. I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVING. THE TRUCK IS AFFECTED WITH DRIVING IN A STREET, HIGHWAY OR MAKING A TURN.
NHTSA complaint #11231797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madera, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TAKATA RECALL...ELECTRICAL IS ALWAYS MESSING UP. ALWAYS FUEL EMMISIONS SYSTEM LIGHT, WHICH THEN MESSES UP THE RADIO THAT SHUTS OFF AND ON AND GETS WARM, SIGNALS THEN DO NOT CLICK. THE STRUTS AND SHOCKS GIVE ME PROBLEMS. I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY FIXING ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. THIS SUV IS MY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION WITH MY FAMILY OF 8. I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVING. THE TRUCK IS AFFECTED WITH DRIVING IN A STREET, HIGHWAY OR MAKING A TURN.
NHTSA complaint #11231797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madera, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TAKATA RECALL...ELECTRICAL IS ALWAYS MESSING UP. ALWAYS FUEL EMMISIONS SYSTEM LIGHT, WHICH THEN MESSES UP THE RADIO THAT SHUTS OFF AND ON AND GETS WARM, SIGNALS THEN DO NOT CLICK. THE STRUTS AND SHOCKS GIVE ME PROBLEMS. I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY FIXING ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. THIS SUV IS MY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION WITH MY FAMILY OF 8. I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVING. THE TRUCK IS AFFECTED WITH DRIVING IN A STREET, HIGHWAY OR MAKING A TURN.
NHTSA complaint #11231797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearblossom, CA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL IN JULY OF 2016 I RECEIVED A NOTICE RE TAKATA AIRBAGS FROM GMC THAT THEY WERE DEFECTIVE BUT SAFE TO DRIVE. SINCE 2016 I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND AS OF 1/7/2019 WE ARE STILL BE TOLD THAT GMC IS CONTINUING TO FIGHT AGAINST THE RECALL AND REFUSES TO FIX A DEFECTIVE UNSAFE CAR. OVER 2 YEARS WITH AN UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT CANNOT BE SOLD EITHER.
NHTSA complaint #11164938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,300 milesStockton, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
CRACKED DASHBOARD ON MY 2008 GMC YUKON XL 1500. I HAVE TWO BIG CRACKS ALONG SIDE THE DRIVERS SIDE CONSOLE AND ONE LARGE CRACK RUNNING ALONG THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG UNIT. DEALER WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT, DEALER TELLS ME I HAVE TO REPLACE THIS AT MY COST OUT OF POCKET.
NHTSA complaint #11066052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC YUKON XL 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED MIXED SIGNALS AND VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC (AAMCO TRANSMISSION IN GLENDALE, CA, 818-247-8024) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (CAMILO REAL CHEVROLET IN LOS ANGELES, CA, 323-2643-050) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
NHTSA complaint #11019588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesAustin, TX
AIR BAGS
THE DASH BOARD KEEP CRACKING BY THE AIR BAGS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND ON THE TOP OF THE CLUSTER.
NHTSA complaint #10915543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesAustin, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE DASH BOARD KEEP CRACKING BY THE AIR BAGS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND ON THE TOP OF THE CLUSTER.
NHTSA complaint #10915543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesOsprey, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TOP DASH BOARD CRACKED ADJACENT TO AIR BAG THEREBY POSSIBILITY INTERFERING WITH AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. A SAFETY HAZARD. A DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. NOT OF MERCHANTABLE QUALITY OR FIT FOR THE PURPOSE, AS THESE UNIT ARE SOLD THROUGHOUT THE US FOR ALL CLIMATES,
NHTSA complaint #10909372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesOsprey, FL
STRUCTURE:BODY
TOP DASH BOARD CRACKED ADJACENT TO AIR BAG THEREBY POSSIBILITY INTERFERING WITH AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. A SAFETY HAZARD. A DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. NOT OF MERCHANTABLE QUALITY OR FIT FOR THE PURPOSE, AS THESE UNIT ARE SOLD THROUGHOUT THE US FOR ALL CLIMATES,
NHTSA complaint #10909372 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 222,000 milesWinthrop, ME1 injured
POWER TRAIN
SEVERE VIBRATION ISSUE. STARTED AT ABOUT 65 MPH AND LET OFF ABOUT 74. AT IT'S PEAK, ABOUT SAME AS HOLDING A JACK HAMMER INSTEAD OF A STEERING WHEEL.. DEALERS ARE BLAMING TIRES, ONE IDIOT TOLD ME VIBRATION WAS NORMAL. IT IS NOT. THE SOUND SEEMS TO BE COMING FROM PASSENGER REAR QUARTER AREA. THREE DEALERS CANNOT DIAGNOSE. IT WAS A FAILING U-JOINT ON THE REAR OF THE MAIN DRIVESHAFT. MINE FAILED I LOST THE YOKE ASSEMBLY AND THE DRIVESHAFT, AND IF GOING QUICKER - WOULD HAVE LIKELY PUNCTURED THE GAS TANK. LIKELY RESULTING IN A FIREBALL.
NHTSA complaint #10899835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesMemphis, TN
AIR BAGS
I HAVE A CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD THAT IS LOCATED RIGHT AT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM OF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRUCK.....
NHTSA complaint #10819200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesMemphis, TN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAVE A CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD THAT IS LOCATED RIGHT AT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM OF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRUCK.....
NHTSA complaint #10819200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesMemphis, TN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
I HAVE A CRACK IN THE DASHBOARD THAT IS LOCATED RIGHT AT THE AIRBAG SYSTEM OF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRUCK.....
NHTSA complaint #10819200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesNorwalk, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
REAR PASSENGER DOOR ACTUATOR FAILED. NOW, THE OTHER 3 ACTUATORS ARE FAILING AS WELL. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, PASSENGERS AND DRIVER CAN HAVE THEIR DOORS REMAIN LOCKED. MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT THE CHILDREN IN THE 2ND & 3RD ROW CAN BECOME TRAPPED WHEN THE ACTUATORS FAIL. THE DOOR LOCK KNOB IS WAY BACK IN THE REAR DOOR, MAKING IT NOT ACCESSIBLE FROM THE FRONT SEAT OR FRONT DOOR. THIS IS CLEARLY A QUALITY ISSUE. TO HAVE ONE FAIL MIGHT BE JUST BAD LUCK, TO HAVE ALL 4 FAIL IS CLEARLY A DESIGN & QUALITY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. I HOPE GMC DOES NOT WAIT UNTIL CHILDREN ARE HURT DUE TO LOCKED DOOR BEFORE THEY ADMIT IT IS AN ISSUE & JUST FIX IT.
NHTSA complaint #10541706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesElizabethton, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ONE BY ONE THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. ALL BEFORE 60,000 MILES. THE DOORS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK ELECTRONICALLY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE DOORS DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN GEAR. A CHILD COULD OPEN THE DOOR AS YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. NEEDS A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10520366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 37,000 milesElizabethton, TN
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
ONE BY ONE THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. ALL BEFORE 60,000 MILES. THE DOORS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK ELECTRONICALLY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE DOORS DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY LOCK WHEN YOU PUT THE CAR IN GEAR. A CHILD COULD OPEN THE DOOR AS YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. NEEDS A RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10520366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesBrinkley, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TWO DOOR LOCKS QUIT WORKING, THEN WOULD LOCK AND UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10496455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 31,000 milesBrinkley, AR
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
TWO DOOR LOCKS QUIT WORKING, THEN WOULD LOCK AND UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #10496455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesOrange Beach, AL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
THE LEFT FRONT AND THE LEFT REAR DOOR LOCKS ON MY VEHICLE DO NOT WORK. I AM VERY WORRIED THAT ONE OF MY CHILDREN WILL OPEN THE DOOR WHILE I AM DRIVING. THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IT WILL BE A FEW WEEKS UNTIL I CAN SAVE ENOUGH TO HAVE IT FIXED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH GMC. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL AND GMC SHOULD PAY TO HAVE THIS FIXED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10406173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesCorinth, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2008 GMC YUKON XL - DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS REPEATED FAILURE - SAFETY ISSUE AS THE DOORS WILL NOT LOCK AUTOMATICALLY WHILE UNDERWAY AND BECOME A HAZARD. ALSO IN THE EVENT OF NEEDING TO UNLOCK THE DOORS IN EMERGENCY IT REQUIRES MANUAL OPERATION. THIS IS A TREMENDOUS HAZARD AND A KNOWN PROBLEM BY GM AND THEY FAIL TO FIND ADEQUATE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO REFUSE TO REPLACE THE UNITS OUT OF 36K WARRANTY. THIS IS A CHASSIS WIDE ISSUE FROM CHEVY, CADILLAC, GMC SUV FOR THIS MODEL YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10402313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 42,000 milesCorinth, MS
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2008 GMC YUKON XL - DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS REPEATED FAILURE - SAFETY ISSUE AS THE DOORS WILL NOT LOCK AUTOMATICALLY WHILE UNDERWAY AND BECOME A HAZARD. ALSO IN THE EVENT OF NEEDING TO UNLOCK THE DOORS IN EMERGENCY IT REQUIRES MANUAL OPERATION. THIS IS A TREMENDOUS HAZARD AND A KNOWN PROBLEM BY GM AND THEY FAIL TO FIND ADEQUATE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO REFUSE TO REPLACE THE UNITS OUT OF 36K WARRANTY. THIS IS A CHASSIS WIDE ISSUE FROM CHEVY, CADILLAC, GMC SUV FOR THIS MODEL YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10402313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,500 milesIdaho, ID
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
REAR LEFT DOOR LOCK UNLOCKS/LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY WHEN DRIVING OR EXITING VEHICLE. SAFETY ISSUE FOR CHILD IN REAR SEAT AS WELL AS SECURITY ISSUE IF UNLOCKED AT HOME OR PARKING LOT. 2ND OR 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED ON THIS VEHICLE. NOW AT 38,000 MILES AND PAST WARRANTY!
NHTSA complaint #10401126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 234,000 milesPhiladelphia, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY 2008 YUKON XL ON THE WAY HOME IS POWERED DOWN WITH SEVERAL ERROR MESSAGES. TRACTION CONTROL OFF, STABLE TRAC OFF, AND ENGINE POWER REDUCED. COULD NOT GO MORE THEN 25 MPH. WENT TO FAULKNER GMC DEALER IN TREVOSE, PA NEXT DAY. PAID $122.00 TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. IT WAS THROTTLE BODY FAILURE. WAS TOLD THAT THIS PART IS A BACK ORDER AND GMC DON'T HAVE A MANUFACTURER WHO'S GONNA PRODUCE THIS PARTS FOR GM. HAD TO PAY ANOTHER $100.00 TO CLEAN THIS PART AND SERVICE ADVISER TOLD ME IT SHOULD LESS FOR AT LEAST 2 WEEKS AND UP TO FEW MONTHS. IT TOOK ME ONLY 2 WEEKS. NOW I CAN'T EVEN GET OUT FROM MY DEVELOPMENT. HAVE TO RESTART THE ENGINE EVERY STOP SIGN. I AM IN LIMOUSINE BUSINESS AND CAN'T STAY HOME AND JUST WAIT TILL GM WILL FIND A MANUFACTURER. FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLES. SHOULD THERE BE A RECALL ON THIS PART?
NHTSA complaint #10381047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesCohutta, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2008 GMC YUKON XL .NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM AIR VENTS AND SMELLING HOT. THEN FEW DAYS PAST, WHILE DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WE PULL OVER TO SIDE. WAITED 15 MINUTES THEN STARTED. DROVE ANOTHER 10 OR 15 MILES SHUTS OFF AGAIN WAIT 10 15 MINUTES FINALLY MAKE IT HOME . WE TRY TO START ENGINE AFTER TWO DAY PASS .THE ENGINE WILL TURN OVER AND TRY TO START BUT WILL NOT. CALLED A DEALER, HAD IT TOWED UP TO THEM ,THEY DECIDE IT IS THE FUEL CONTROL MODULE . I HAVE LOOKED FOR A RECALL FOR THIS BUT ON A 2008 I COULD NOT FIND ONE BUT ON THE 2009 I DID FIND ONE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM I AM DESCRIBING.
NHTSA complaint #10320373 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.