2001 GMC Yukon Denali: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 35 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Having low speed (under 8mph) ABS activation regardless of weather/road conditions. Basically the same issue as NHTSA campaign id number : 05v379000 but apparently my VIN is not covered, I live in illinois. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2016
“The brake lines have rusted and at least 1 has ruptured leaving vehicle without any brakes. Brake petal goes directly to the floor and no brake fluid was found in the master cylinder reservoir. I have read that many other similar vehicles have had the same issue.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2015
“Tires were purchased sept. 25, 2009 and now have extensive weather cracking. Costco refused to replace the tires when I reported the quality defect in august, 2014, just 59 months after purchase. I have appealed that decision and expect to find out tomorrow if they will make good on the defective tires. They claim that although there is weather cracking that the tires are safe. I doubt they would use cracked tires like that on the vehicle carrying their own family. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“While sitting at a traffic light the brake pedal went to the floor and my truck rolled into the intersection. I was able to stop it after I was halfway in the intersection. I found out that the rear brake line above the fuel tank rotted away. I also had to have both steel lines to the rear wheels and the two steel line to the front replaced. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2014
“The antilock braking system activates most every time the brakes are applied, especially if the brakes are applied while the wheels are turned. This causes extended braking distances. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2012
“My brake line ruptured on route 287 in new jersey when I needed to brake behind a stopping vehicle in front of me. My foot went down to the floor and I had no stopping power. Gm inspected the vehicle and stated it had multiple flaws in the brake system and needed to be completely replaced. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2012
“Pulled out of a parking lot,and drove down a street. As I approached a stop sign and started to slow down the brake pedal went to the floor,and I went through an intersection avoiding cars and then slamming into a curb to try to stop this big suv with no brake. I had it towed to the closest repair shop ,and then I was informed that not just the one brake line rusted out,but all were rusting out and could break any day now. Since day one this suv was serviced at a gmc dealer,and not even 7 days just went by it was at the dealer for service and not once did anyone mention the rusted brake lines. This suv was at the dealer at least 3 to 4 times a year and they never mention the problems. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2012
“Gas guage not working on 2001 yukon denali. Tank was filled up & the fuel gauge read @ 'e'. The low fuel light came on & the sound came on. It has occured all the time now & then it re-reads the correct amt of fuel in the tank. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Jun 2010
“The anti-lock brakes engages at low speeds every time I stop. This could cause front end collision because the vehicle does not completely stop when braking and I do not have control. Gm would not fix the issue on my vehicle due to high mileage even though mileage was not a factor. Other yukon vehicles were included in the recall but my VIN for some reason was not included. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2010
“2001gmc yukon denali - ABS brakes engage at parking lot speeds increasing stopping distances at slow speeds. There appears to be a recall for this (66163) and NHTSA recall campaign (o5v-379000) for 2002+ cars but not 2001. I believe that 2001 was the model year changeover where some 2001s were old body style and some new. Mine is the newer style. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A MISROUTED POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE ASSEMBLY THAT COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE STEERING SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE FOR PROPER ROUTING AND RE-ROUTE THE CABLE IN NECESSARY. THE CABLE WILL ALSO BE INSPECTED FOR WEAR OF THE CONDUIT AND CABLE INSULATION, AND WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
How other years compare
Check your exact Yukon Denali by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2001 GMC Yukon Denali reliable?
NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 GMC Yukon Denali. The most complained-about area is service brakes (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 GMC Yukon Denali problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 96,000 miles or less.
Does the 2001 GMC Yukon Denali have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.