2005 GMC Yukon XL: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 42 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (29% of complaints); the 2006 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“This vehicle has been in and out of the shop several times for the same reason, "reduced engine power". It puts me in a dangerous position sometimes because the vehicle will suddenly go into this "limp mode" I have spent several thousand dollars in repairs and fixes by qualified mechanics and yet this problem will not go away. After much research I find that I among many people with the same problem. It happened three times yesterday!”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2021
“After getting full tune up my engine starts ticking when I start my my car after a while of driving the ticking stops car stalls while driving and check engine blinks on and off . Already changed coils from instructed read still get stalling. Brake booster light is on and I have a fuel smell that comes and goes while driving”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2018
“While driving I hear a winding sound coming from wheel area while driving I smell fuel that comes and goes recently had full tune up now car starts to tick after a while of driving or even pressing on gas while in park it stops while driving car stalls and indicates coil is bad from check engine light being on I had changed coils and car still stalls”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“At 70 mph on a freeway, reduced engine power message came on and vehicle lost power slowing to 20mph. Dangerous with all the traffic around.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2017
“Driving home, leaving our current locality the brakes failed to work. Were able to press brake to the floor without having the vehicle stop. Investigated the next day (after having to borrow a vehicle) and brake lines are flaking and leaking fluid. Took to repair shop after putting on "temporary" break line (which we found out will not work on our vehicle). Having it replaced but shop called and can not do it and we have to take it to the dealer to fix since the body has to be taken off and brake lines replaced. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2014
“Middle row passenger seat does not click into place with out shoving it back several times until it "latches" (after allowing children in the back seat then trying to put seat back into place). If not clicked in the seat slides back and forth. *tr”Owner report · Seats · Jul 2014
“2005 gmc yukon. Consumer writes in regards to various electronic problems including service air bag indicator. *smd the consumer stated he experienced chronic problems with speedometer, starting problems, wheel hub and traction control sensor. Also, the transfer case was replaced. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon xl. The contact stated that there was a flapping noise that came from the exhaust. There were exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle as well. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where they determined that the manifold bolts were corroded fractured. The failure had also occurred in the past. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000. The current mileage was 69,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jun 2012
“Yukon xl has a constant vibration, knocking/rattling noise, that is felt in the steering column/shaft. Gmc is and has been aware of faulty steering shafts and will not pay for replacement if your vehicle is out of warranty. Gmc has even sued the manufacturer of the steering shaft, yet will not recall this item. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2012
“Step on brake went to floor no brakes. Brake line and ac line rusted drivers side. Replaced brake line still have no air.$60,000 truck and they can't use s/s lines? Ya! Am pissed, won't buy gm again. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER MAY BE MISSING. IF THE RETAINER IS MISSING, THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER AND INSTALL ONE IF IT IS MISSING FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER BEGAN CONTACTING OWNERS BY TELEPHONE ON MARCH 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.3L (RPO L59) V8 ENGINES, THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE RETAINER SCREWS WERE NOT MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY BREAK.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE RETAINER SCREWS. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON JULY 30, 2004, WITH A FOLLOWUP OWNER LETTER BEGAN AUGUST 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463. NOTE: THE GM BULLETIN LISTS THE TAHOE AND YUKON MODELS BECAUSE CANADIAN VEHICLES ARE INCLUDED IN THE BULLETIN. NO U.S. TAHOE OR YUKON VEHICLES ARE INCLUDED IN THE U.S. CAMPAIGN.
How other years compare
Check your exact Yukon XL 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 2005 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 GMC Yukon XL. The most complained-about area is electrical system (29% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 GMC Yukon XL problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,500 miles or less.
Does the 2005 GMC Yukon XL have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages. 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.