2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 69 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (45% of complaints); the 2010 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
69
owner complaints
1
fire reports
76,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsOne of the most complained-about Yukon Denali XL years (#2 of 9, age-adjusted)Weak spot: structure (45%)1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 69 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)45% · 19 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)40% · 17 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)5% · 2 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)5% · 2 complaints
Seats2% · 1 complaint
Visibility/Wiper (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)2% · 1 complaint
“Vehicle shut off while driving on the highway. No warning signals and happened multiple times over the course of the day. Speed was 70 mph”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2020
“My dash has been slowly cracking, the crack is now in two places, by the air bag and steering wheel and has completely released so it vibrates the whole time I'm driving. Just this week the airbag light is now coming on too.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2019
“Takata recall dash board has cracked despite being well cared for.gmc wants $1500 to replace! A cracked dashboard, particularly one that is damaged around the passenger-side airbag, can yield flying projectiles in the event that an accident triggers the airbag to deploy.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“The dashboard has crack completely at the airbag and over the instrument panel. The suv has developed these cracks over the last 2 years. Cracks kept expanding until total separation has occurred if loose pieces.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2019
“Dashboard cracked - gmc yukon denali xl dashboard is cracking. Concerned about the safety hazard of the displaced dashboard and the ability of the passenger side airbag to deploy without sending shards of dashboard into the passenger's face, neck and upper body.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2018
“Takata recall: the dashboard on our vehicle is cracked at the air bag on the passenger side and at the steering wheel on the driver side. There is also a takata recall which gmc does not have a remedy. These 2 items have potential to be disastrous when combined together. The inflator exploding and the dash board breaking into pieces and sent throughout the cabin. We are asking for gmc to replace the inflator and replace the dashboard.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2018
“Power liftgate won't open, unlock or lock. Actuator has been changed along with both struts. Could it be the power lift gate module?”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2018
“Two dashboard cracks. First crack located at passenger airbag and second crack located on dashboard above instrument cluster on driver side. Dashboard may break apart if airbag ever deployed.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2011 gmc yukon denali xl. The contact stated that the rear hatch came down with force without warning. The latch button was applied, but failed to prevent the hatch from coming down. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000. *tt *tr”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2018
“The seat heater in the rear right seat overheated and caught on fire while my 10 yr. Old child was seated in it. We were in motion at the time on the interstate. I believe the heat mechanism failed and overheated and would not shut off causing the cushion to catch on fire. My insurance will not cover it (I did get a estimate to fix cover and cushion) and they suggested gm should investigate and fix the seat due to a major defect. Gm was no help and wanted to charge me $800 to fix or turn it into insurance. They acted like they have never seen this before and I caused it somehow.”Owner report · Seats · Dec 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
How other years compare
Check your exact Yukon Denali XL by VIN
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Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL reliable?
NHTSA has 69 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL. The most complained-about area is structure (45% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 76,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.