2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 34 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (24% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
34
owner complaints
1
fire reports
82,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest Yukon Denali XL years (#8 of 9 by complaints, age-adjusted)No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 82,000 mi)Weak spot: electrical system (24%)1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)24% · 8 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)15% · 5 complaints
Exterior Lighting (headlights, taillights)9% · 3 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)6% · 2 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)6% · 2 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)6% · 2 complaints
“Several days ago - gear shift indicator did not illuminate or was "dull". The illumination/dimness of instrument was sporadic. After a few days same problem with digital odometer. Today, took vehicle to faulker gmc, trevose pa (purchased this vehicle from them new- original owner) only 92,000 miles on vehicle. Was told no "recalls" for my VIN - charge is $323.11 to replace "instrument cluster". There is a specific recall for this problem - but was told my VIN not included in recall. See NHTSA reference #10010038”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2015
“Was driving about 30mph and hit the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floor and we ran into a trailer. The brake lines were rusted so bad that they busted, and caused the brake fluid to leak out. The estimate to repair the brake lines alone is $2800. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2015
“(3-17-2015) I was driving my 2005 gmc denali xl, (with under 35000 miles) the brake light comes on, when I go to pull over, I realize my brake pedal bottoms out, I get it to a gmc dealer, they tell me my brake lines are faulty do to bad undercarriage corrosion and rust, and inform me that it may take thousands of dollars just to correct the brake lines, and that other parts or systems may also fail....they also say it's not worth repairing. The vehicle was in maryland up until may 2014, when I relocated to florida, the vehicle was not driven much on a daily bases...mostly on long trips out of town. *tr”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Mar 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Speedometer moves to 0 after 40 minutes of driving, even at freeway speed. Once speedometer needle reaches 0, it stays there, even while vehicle is moving at 60-70 mph. Turning engine off then back on again does not reset it. After letting vehicle sit overnight, it becomes operational again, then will go back to 0 after 30-35 minutes of driving. Denali has very few miles on it for its age. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon denali xl. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the brakes failed as the check engine warning light illuminated. Also, the contact mentioned that the power steering fluid would need to be replaced every six months. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering cylinder, the power steering hoses, the master brake cylinder, and the braking system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 98,000. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2012
“Michelin ltx m/s p235/55r20 tires. All four tires are losing air (filled with nitrogen). Owner consistently have to take to costco to inflate tires to correct air pressure. The side walls show excessive cracks. Tires tread very good. Warranty will not address my concern. Vehicle is only use for long distance traveling. Dot info on tires: rear b39y 56ex 2511 and front b79y 4fjx 1609/0000. Michelin recall is only on one size tire: lt 225/75r16. Owner suspects other size tires manufactured during the same time period of 0210-2512 are affected also. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · May 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon denali xl. The contact stated that the gear indicator on the instrument panel no longer illuminated. As a result, the contact was unaware as to what gear the vehicle was engaged. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 7/16/12 *cn updated 07/18/12”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 2012
“The speedometer is erratic and is now pinned all the way to the right (over max). The speedometer shows +/- 120mph, even in park. I have no way to determine my speed. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon denali xl. The contact stated that the speedometer was inoperable and she was unable to determine how fast or slow she was traveling. The manufacturer was aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle had accrued more than 85,000 miles. The dealer was contacted and confirmed what the manufacturer advised the contact. No repairs were performed. The current mileage was 89,700 and the failure mileage was 85,600.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2011
“Vehicle safety standard no. 102 concern transmission shift lever. The shift indicator in the instrument panel does not illuminate. When the shift lever position indicator does not illuminate, the driver does not know which gear the vehicle is in. D,r,n,p..ect.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact Yukon Denali XL by VIN
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Is the 2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL reliable?
NHTSA has 34 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL. The most complained-about area is electrical system (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 82,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.