The GMC Yukon XL Years To Avoid
We examine the GMC Yukon XL years to avoid through its various generations based on common issues. See which ones (and which Yukon XL years are considered reliable instead).
The GMC Yukon XL is a popular choice for full-size SUVs with cavernous cargo space, roomy third-row seating, and impressive towing capability. As the extended length version of the standard GMC Yukon, the XL provides an additional 20+ cubic feet of cargo volume behind the third row. That makes it a favorite of large families who need to tote around lots of luggage and gear.
However, before you rush out to snag a used Yukon XL, there are specific model years you should steer clear of due to troubling reliability concerns and owner complaints. While the standard Yukon and stretched XL share the same platforms, engines, and many components, some model years of the XL have developed their own problematic quirks. Let’s take a closer look at the GMC Yukon XL years to avoid when browsing the used car market.
Which GMC Yukon XL Years to Avoid?
For this guide, we look at the various generations of the Yukon XL and determine which years should be avoided due to reliability red flags. Be advised that we won’t cover the first generation Yukons since they’re older and won’t be as reliable as the later years.
If you want a quick list, the GMC Yukon XL years to avoid are:
- 2003-2005
- 2007-2013
- 2015-2016
Second Generation Yukon XL (2000-2006)
The second-gen Yukon XL’s 2000-2002 model years were reasonably solid, but things started going downhill in 2003. Owners lodged frequent complaints about transmission issues, including clunking, whining, slipping, and complete failure at under 90,000 miles. Adding insult to injury, rebuilding the 4L60-E 4-speed automatic was an expensive $3,000 fix.
The 2004 and 2005 Yukon XLs exhibited similar gearbox gremlins and a scary issue where the transmission would suddenly drop into first gear while cruising at highway speeds, causing rapid deceleration and putting passengers at risk. Other headaches included oil consumption from the 5.3L Vortec V8, window motors shorting out, and excessive rust on the undercarriage and rockers.
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Third Generation Yukon XL (2007-2014)
While the redesigned third-gen Yukon XL looked more modern and came with an improved 6L80 6-speed transmission, the repairs bills were still plentiful. The 2007-2009 models struggled with rampant AFM (active fuel management) failures on the 5.3L V8. The AFM system would deactivate cylinders to save fuel, but the faulty lifters and DOD solenoids would cause misfires and ticking at around 75,000-90,000 miles.
Mechanics would have to perform an expensive “AFM delete” procedure to eliminate the constant ticking. The 2007 XL also had a nasty habit of prematurely burning through its front wheel bearings. Other sore spots included poor-wearing leather interiors that cracked and ripped and a laggy and buggy navigation system.
If you shifted to the gutsier 6.2L V8 in the 2010-2013 Yukon XL Denali, there was still no escaping engine mayhem. In this case, it was prone to stretched timing chains, which would trigger several expensive engine damage if not caught early and fixed preemptively for $3,000-$4,000. The 2013 model with 20” or 22” wheels also suffered from widespread hub bearing failures.
Fourth Generation Yukon XL (2015-2020)
GM’s latest redesign raised hopes that it would address the issues with the Yukon XL. Indeed, the fourth-generation models delivered significant improvements, although a few problems persisted for a few years.
The 2015 Yukon XLs with the 6.2L L86 V8 could suffer from leaking transmission pan seals, oil pan gaskets, and transfer case leaks. Many 2015 XL owners found their factory tires cupping or wearing unevenly, requiring replacement before 30,000 miles. There was also a spate of cracked dashboard trim panels.
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The 2016 model was a bit better, although some units were still prone to front axle seal leaks. The redesigned 8L90 8-speed transmission was neither immune to hard shifting nor shuddering. Complaints about wind noise from the front windows and general build quality were common for 2015-2016 Yukon XLs.
The 2017 XL got an updated infotainment system, nicer cabin materials, and improved build quality that carried over through the 2020 refresh. These later fourth-gen Yukon XLs provided a substantially better ownership experience, although scattered reports of radio screen glitches and A/C blend door actuator squeaks persisted.
Fifth Generation Yukon XL (2021-Present)
The latest fifth-gen Yukon XL launched for 2021 and finally swapped the old live axle rear suspension for an independent setup, vastly improving ride quality and handling. The cabin is also much more hushed and premium-feeling, with top-notch tech features. So far, reliability has been commendable for the 2021-2023 models.
The only notable drawbacks are a few owner accounts of a sticking fuel door on the 2021 XL that can be fixed under warranty and some 2022 units with intermittent trailer brake controller failure and rough oil-burning turbocharged 3.0L Duramax diesel engines. However, the small number of reports suggests these are rare issues.
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Which GMC Yukon XL Years are Safe to Buy as Used?
Now that you know which GMC Yukon XL years to avoid like the plague, let’s end on a high note with the model years that provide the most reliable ownership experience:
- 2000-2002: These early second-gen XLs are old, but if well-maintained, they can still make reliable workhorses, aside from some pesky ABS module failures and intake manifold gasket leaks on the 5.3L.
- 2014: As the finale of the third generation, many of the bugs had been worked out. The 2014 XL had far fewer complaints about engine and transmission woes.
- 2017-2020: These fourth-gen models offer a good balance of modernity and reliability, particularly in 2018-2020. Just watch for leaky transfer cases and axle seals, along with the occasional shuddering transmission.
- 2021-2023: The fifth-generation Yukon XL is one of the most well-rounded full-size SUVs on the market. Aside from some scattered initial quality snags, these appear poised to provide a long service life.
Arm yourself with this knowledge before signing on the dotted line, and you will find a Yukon XL that will serve your family for the long haul. Stay away from the most problematic years, as this guide outlines, and you’ll most likely be fine.
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