GMC Yukon XL years to avoid and best years
Newer GMC Yukon XL years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2023 has the most complaints per year, at 46 (216 complaints). Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 2 (from 47 complaints), 2022 at 6 (from 166 complaints), and 2021 at 11 (from 225 complaints). The GMC Yukon XL 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet. On the 2023 GMC Yukon XL, 91 of 216 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
2020
2022
2021
2025–26
GMC Yukon XL reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market GMC Yukon XL. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Too early | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | — |
| 2025 → Too early | 14 | 27 | 1 | Engine | — |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | — |
| 2023 → Most | 46 | 216 | 4 | Engine | — |
| 2022 → Fewest | 6 | 166 | 4 | Engine | — |
| 2021 → Fewest | 11 | 225 | 12 | Engine | — |
| 2020 → Fewest | 2 | 47 | 2 | Engine | — |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | — |
| 2018 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | — |
| 2017 | 0 | 0 | 1 | — | — |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 | 3 | — | — |
| 2015 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — | — |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (5.3L and 6.2L) · 8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 265/65R18, 275/55R20, 285/45R22 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Recall 18V-673 covers certain 2018-2019 GMC Yukon XL vehicles among other GM models: certain second-row or third-row seatbelt retractors may not automatically lock when the belt is fully pulled out, which can keep a child seat from securing properly. Dealers inspect and replace retractors as needed.
- Body styles
- SUV
- Oil
- 0W-20 (5.3L and 6.2L gas; confirm diesel viscosity in manual) · 8 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 265/65R18, 275/60R20, 275/50R22 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
Owner complaints for the 2021 launch year concentrate on the engine. Safety recall 21V-739 covers certain 2021 Yukon XL vehicles among other GM full-size SUVs: the fuel-pump power control module can fail or run intermittently and stall the engine; dealers replace that module. Safety recall 21V-455 covers certain 2021 Yukon XL vehicles among the same family: software can lose power-steering assist at startup or while driving; dealers or an OTA update the power-steering module software. Safety recall 22V-036 covers certain 2021 Yukon XL vehicles among other GM SUVs whose rear driveshaft parts may not have been heat-treated properly and can fail, causing sudden loss of drive; dealers replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies. Safety recall 25V-274 covers certain 2021-2024 Yukon XL vehicles with the 6.2L V8 among other GM trucks and SUVs: connecting-rod or crankshaft manufacturing defects can damage or fail the engine; dealers inspect and repair or replace the engine, or for trucks that pass inspection change oil viscosity and related items as stated in the campaign.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Yukon XL years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 2 (from 47 complaints), 2022 at 6 (from 166 complaints), and 2021 at 11 (from 225 complaints).
Which GMC Yukon XL year has the most owner complaints?
2023 has the most complaints per year, at 46 (216 complaints). On the 2023 GMC Yukon XL, 91 of 216 complaints name Engine.
How do GMC Yukon XL owner complaints compare by year?
Newer GMC Yukon XL years have more owner complaints per year than the older ones.
Which GMC Yukon XL years are too early to compare?
The GMC Yukon XL 2025 and 2026 model years are too early to compare: none has had 3 full years on the road yet.
What oil does a GMC Yukon XL take?
0W-20 for the common 5.3L and 6.2L gas engines on both K2XX (2015-2020) and T1XX (2021-on). Confirm diesel viscosity in the manual if equipped.
What does safety recall 21V-739 cover on 2021 Yukon XL?
Certain 2021 Yukon XL vehicles among other GM full-size SUVs: the fuel-pump power control module can fail or run intermittently and stall the engine; dealers replace that module.
When did the T1XX Yukon XL generation start?
Model year 2021 (after K2XX 2015-2020).