Owners have filed 216 complaints
about the 2011 GMC Yukon with NHTSA between 2012 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 21 of 34 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 — 57
Against the median year of the GMC Yukon. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 26
5.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 13
8% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
2184.0%
Blind Spot Detection
14.0%
Interior/Under Dash
14.0%
GAS Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve)
14.0%
Door
14.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
43.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3328.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2521.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1916.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2824.1%
150,000+ miles
76.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2011 GMC Yukon SUV 4WD
22.8% risk
2011 GMC Yukon SUV RWD
24.6% risk
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.
Feb 2012peak 10Jan 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2011 GMC Yukon
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.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Recalls on the 2011 GMC Yukon
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2021028295,974 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Action: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the passenger-front airbag. Note: The Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all airbag inflators will be replaced before their function would be affected.
Recall 20205919,660 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: Long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, may eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger-front airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. If the airbag inflator ruptures, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants or cause damage to the airbag assembly, preventing its proper function. Note: This recall is for vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain areas of the United States that experience high or moderate levels of heat and humidity, and that were subsequently imported into Canada. Affected states: American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), Virginia and West Virginia. Safety Risk: If the vehicle is involved in a crash requiring an airbag deployment, the airbag inflator could rupture and create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the passenger-front airbag inflator. Note: This recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk. It is expected that all air
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 20163077,809 units in Canada
Airbag
This Safety Improvement Program was replaced by Transport Canada Recall No. 2020-591. General Motors Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Program involving passenger airbag inflators in vehicles that were originally sold or ever registered in certain areas of the United States that experience high or moderate levels of heat and humidity, and that were subsequently imported into Canada. Dealers will replace the passenger inflator on affected vehicles. Owners who believe their vehicles may have been originally purchased or registered in the states listed below should contact a General Motors dealer. This action is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Affected states: American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), Virginia and West Virginia.
Recall 201500210,651 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition lock cylinder could cause the key to stick in the "start" position if the vehicle interior temperature is sufficiently high. If the vehicle is operated in this condition and the interior temperature cools or the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event, the key could move out of the "start" position, rotate past the "run" position and into the "accessory" position. If this were to occur, engine power, power steering and power braking would be affected, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. The timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may also result in the airbags not deploying in a subsequent collision, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the steering column for identifying information and replace if necessary.
Recall 201124097 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts may not have received adequate tightening torque during vehicle assembly. This could allow the joint to separate, resulting in a loss of steering capability. A loss of steering control could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will tighten the intermediate steering shaft bolts to specifications.
Recall 20104543,945 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the rear axle cross pin was improperly heat treated (during the manufacturing process) and could fracture and become displaced within the rear differential. As a result the driver may hear a banging noise emanating from the rear axle. Also, if the pin shifts out of position it could create an interference and cause the rear axle to lock. This could cause a loss of vehicle control, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear axle cross pin.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Pittsburgh, PA2 injured2 killed
SEATS
Engine coolant is usually water–based, and may also be oil. A three–valve–per–cylinder was originally slated for the LS7, and was abandoned imputable to design complexities. E85 ethanol should is an understatement to the ‘war on fossil fuels.’ The L98 is a modified version of the L76, with increased power and reduced redundant hardware. A Vee engine is common configurations of internal combustion consisting of two cylinder banks connected to a common crankshaft.
NHTSA complaint #11555752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA2 injured2 killed
ENGINE
Engine coolant is usually water–based, and may also be oil. A three–valve–per–cylinder was originally slated for the LS7, and was abandoned imputable to design complexities. E85 ethanol should is an understatement to the ‘war on fossil fuels.’ The L98 is a modified version of the L76, with increased power and reduced redundant hardware. A Vee engine is common configurations of internal combustion consisting of two cylinder banks connected to a common crankshaft.
NHTSA complaint #11555752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA2 injured2 killed
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine coolant is usually water–based, and may also be oil. A three–valve–per–cylinder was originally slated for the LS7, and was abandoned imputable to design complexities. E85 ethanol should is an understatement to the ‘war on fossil fuels.’ The L98 is a modified version of the L76, with increased power and reduced redundant hardware. A Vee engine is common configurations of internal combustion consisting of two cylinder banks connected to a common crankshaft.
NHTSA complaint #11555752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesST Paul, MNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURY AND HAD TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVABLE AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HIS HOME ADDRESS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11416501 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Asdfsf, ALCrash
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG
NHTSA complaint #11067277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Asdfsf, ALCrash
ENGINE
AIR BAG
NHTSA complaint #11067277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Fort Worth, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Recurring System Problems: My vehicle continues to exhibit intermittent system failures, causing unpredictable and potentially dangerous driving conditions. These issues have included: engine stalling, braking issues, electronic system malfunctions].
NHTSA complaint #11638185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
ENGINE
Recurring System Problems: My vehicle continues to exhibit intermittent system failures, causing unpredictable and potentially dangerous driving conditions. These issues have included: engine stalling, braking issues, electronic system malfunctions].
NHTSA complaint #11638185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Recurring System Problems: My vehicle continues to exhibit intermittent system failures, causing unpredictable and potentially dangerous driving conditions. These issues have included: engine stalling, braking issues, electronic system malfunctions].
NHTSA complaint #11638185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
There are several incidents reported regarding ongoing assessment with GMC interplay activity I have noticed this have become a dangerous drive ability inside acceleration controls Governor sets whiling driving engine play transmission shifts this have gone beyond everyday practices during drive times this have been very noticeable during anyone time RPM gauges constantly disrupted radio functions remote controls are at play many problems are being serious illegal assessed during drive compulsive fuel guagement.I have been placed at dangerous risk by interplay noticability. Now slight tick sounds after full services sparkplug and wire as tuneup oil changes fuel services and coolant same recurring problems continued after serviced alignment services.controls are very strong
NHTSA complaint #11610673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
ENGINE
There are several incidents reported regarding ongoing assessment with GMC interplay activity I have noticed this have become a dangerous drive ability inside acceleration controls Governor sets whiling driving engine play transmission shifts this have gone beyond everyday practices during drive times this have been very noticeable during anyone time RPM gauges constantly disrupted radio functions remote controls are at play many problems are being serious illegal assessed during drive compulsive fuel guagement.I have been placed at dangerous risk by interplay noticability. Now slight tick sounds after full services sparkplug and wire as tuneup oil changes fuel services and coolant same recurring problems continued after serviced alignment services.controls are very strong
NHTSA complaint #11610673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
There are several incidents reported regarding ongoing assessment with GMC interplay activity I have noticed this have become a dangerous drive ability inside acceleration controls Governor sets whiling driving engine play transmission shifts this have gone beyond everyday practices during drive times this have been very noticeable during anyone time RPM gauges constantly disrupted radio functions remote controls are at play many problems are being serious illegal assessed during drive compulsive fuel guagement.I have been placed at dangerous risk by interplay noticability. Now slight tick sounds after full services sparkplug and wire as tuneup oil changes fuel services and coolant same recurring problems continued after serviced alignment services.controls are very strong
NHTSA complaint #11610673 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Numerous difficulties have arisen during the process of driving on multiple occasions. The tablet/Radio continues to reset, and the traction control sensor light continues to illuminate. I have communicated with the GMC service center on several occasions, and each time, no issues were found. During an oil change at another dealership, no service recommendations were mentioned, yet a list of offset services was listed on Mopar. As I continued to drive, I noticed that the speed controls were limiting speeds, necessitating self-serviced accelerated drives. This has been ongoing for some time while driving and has required ongoing fuel adjustments. I have received tune-up services, coolant services, fuel services, wheel balancing, and several alignments, which have recently caused significant inconvenience. Routine maintenance has been performed, and the RPM gauge remains constant during operation. Make a unsafe drive.
NHTSA complaint #11606013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Numerous difficulties have arisen during the process of driving on multiple occasions. The tablet/Radio continues to reset, and the traction control sensor light continues to illuminate. I have communicated with the GMC service center on several occasions, and each time, no issues were found. During an oil change at another dealership, no service recommendations were mentioned, yet a list of offset services was listed on Mopar. As I continued to drive, I noticed that the speed controls were limiting speeds, necessitating self-serviced accelerated drives. This has been ongoing for some time while driving and has required ongoing fuel adjustments. I have received tune-up services, coolant services, fuel services, wheel balancing, and several alignments, which have recently caused significant inconvenience. Routine maintenance has been performed, and the RPM gauge remains constant during operation. Make a unsafe drive.
NHTSA complaint #11606013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Numerous difficulties have arisen during the process of driving on multiple occasions. The tablet/Radio continues to reset, and the traction control sensor light continues to illuminate. I have communicated with the GMC service center on several occasions, and each time, no issues were found. During an oil change at another dealership, no service recommendations were mentioned, yet a list of offset services was listed on Mopar. As I continued to drive, I noticed that the speed controls were limiting speeds, necessitating self-serviced accelerated drives. This has been ongoing for some time while driving and has required ongoing fuel adjustments. I have received tune-up services, coolant services, fuel services, wheel balancing, and several alignments, which have recently caused significant inconvenience. Routine maintenance has been performed, and the RPM gauge remains constant during operation. Make a unsafe drive.
NHTSA complaint #11606013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
POWER TRAIN
I am writing to express my concerns and frustrations regarding the recurring issues with my vehicle despite multiple service appointments at Classic GMC Arlington. Despite numerous attempts to address these problems, I continue to experience issues with Continuity of service and performance Fueling system and coolant system problems (twice in six months) Stabilizer link light illumination during startup RPM acceleration while slowing down or stopping Ticking sound from the engine. Each time I bring my vehicle in for service, I am told that there are no issues with the performance, idle, or spark plugs, despite having recently received a full service tune-up. I suspect that there may be intentional damage or tampering with my vehicle, which is causing these persistent problems.I have not had any prior issues or service lights illuminated before, and there were no incidents reported by the previous owners. I believe there may be fraudulent activity involving the manufacturer and service providers. schedule a thorough inspection and diagnosis to address these recurring issues.
NHTSA complaint #11599554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to express my concerns and frustrations regarding the recurring issues with my vehicle despite multiple service appointments at Classic GMC Arlington. Despite numerous attempts to address these problems, I continue to experience issues with Continuity of service and performance Fueling system and coolant system problems (twice in six months) Stabilizer link light illumination during startup RPM acceleration while slowing down or stopping Ticking sound from the engine. Each time I bring my vehicle in for service, I am told that there are no issues with the performance, idle, or spark plugs, despite having recently received a full service tune-up. I suspect that there may be intentional damage or tampering with my vehicle, which is causing these persistent problems.I have not had any prior issues or service lights illuminated before, and there were no incidents reported by the previous owners. I believe there may be fraudulent activity involving the manufacturer and service providers. schedule a thorough inspection and diagnosis to address these recurring issues.
NHTSA complaint #11599554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am writing to express my concerns and frustrations regarding the recurring issues with my vehicle despite multiple service appointments at Classic GMC Arlington. Despite numerous attempts to address these problems, I continue to experience issues with Continuity of service and performance Fueling system and coolant system problems (twice in six months) Stabilizer link light illumination during startup RPM acceleration while slowing down or stopping Ticking sound from the engine. Each time I bring my vehicle in for service, I am told that there are no issues with the performance, idle, or spark plugs, despite having recently received a full service tune-up. I suspect that there may be intentional damage or tampering with my vehicle, which is causing these persistent problems.I have not had any prior issues or service lights illuminated before, and there were no incidents reported by the previous owners. I believe there may be fraudulent activity involving the manufacturer and service providers. schedule a thorough inspection and diagnosis to address these recurring issues.
NHTSA complaint #11599554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There have been several signal within system to have beyond service diagnostic and this have gone through many GMC SERVICE CENTERS EVERY TIME I HAVE SERVICE ARE NO ISSUES TO PROVIDE EVERY TIME AFTER THERE ARE MANY CONTINUED ISSUES ARISE. DEACTIVATIONS ARE OCCURRING MORE FREQUENT THAN BEFORE PURCHASE.CONSTANT PLAY WITH COMPUTER SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11588344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbert, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Cracked dash. Very weak
NHTSA complaint #11569519 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbert, AZ
ENGINE
GMC shuts down while driving. Almost caused 2 accidents. Then it starts back up. Very dangerous!!!
NHTSA complaint #11569513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gilbert, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
GMC shuts down while driving. Almost caused 2 accidents. Then it starts back up. Very dangerous!!!
NHTSA complaint #11569513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA2 injured2 killed
SEATS
Engine coolant is usually water–based, and may also be oil. A three–valve–per–cylinder was originally slated for the LS7, and was abandoned imputable to design complexities. E85 ethanol should is an understatement to the ‘war on fossil fuels.’ The L98 is a modified version of the L76, with increased power and reduced redundant hardware. A Vee engine is common configurations of internal combustion consisting of two cylinder banks connected to a common crankshaft.
NHTSA complaint #11555752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA2 injured2 killed
ENGINE
Engine coolant is usually water–based, and may also be oil. A three–valve–per–cylinder was originally slated for the LS7, and was abandoned imputable to design complexities. E85 ethanol should is an understatement to the ‘war on fossil fuels.’ The L98 is a modified version of the L76, with increased power and reduced redundant hardware. A Vee engine is common configurations of internal combustion consisting of two cylinder banks connected to a common crankshaft.
NHTSA complaint #11555752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA2 injured2 killed
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine coolant is usually water–based, and may also be oil. A three–valve–per–cylinder was originally slated for the LS7, and was abandoned imputable to design complexities. E85 ethanol should is an understatement to the ‘war on fossil fuels.’ The L98 is a modified version of the L76, with increased power and reduced redundant hardware. A Vee engine is common configurations of internal combustion consisting of two cylinder banks connected to a common crankshaft.
NHTSA complaint #11555752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Marino, CA
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11540799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Wenatchee, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Front dash is cracking by air bag compartment and vents.
NHTSA complaint #11530337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Butler, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
R and R shifter cables needed fixed exhaust needed fix brakes needed fixed. Still need air conditioning fixed was told the hoses are all cut this is how the sold us the Yukon. I took it back twice and they would not fix it. I have tried calling and talking to people to see what to do. Could you please help me.we used all our money for down payment at time.
NHTSA complaint #11509606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Butler, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
R and R shifter cables needed fixed exhaust needed fix brakes needed fixed. Still need air conditioning fixed was told the hoses are all cut this is how the sold us the Yukon. I took it back twice and they would not fix it. I have tried calling and talking to people to see what to do. Could you please help me.we used all our money for down payment at time.
NHTSA complaint #11509606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chatham, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Manufacturing flaw in the dash in certain model years causing dash to crack in multiple places without any outside influence.
NHTSA complaint #11486316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manila, AR
WHEELS
the towing brakes system fails every day, the blind spot warning fails with every rain day, dashboard is cracking and falling apart, the Crome rims provided by gm the Crome is peeling off and cause loss of air daily
NHTSA complaint #11481910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.