2011 GMC Yukon Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 GMC Yukon, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags7949.1%
- Body & structure2716.8%
- Engine148.7%
- Driver assistance85.0%
- Powertrain (other)74.3%
- Fuel system74.3%
- Brakes53.1%
- Electrical42.5%
- Other / unspecified31.9%
- Interior & seats21.2%
- Steering21.2%
- Visibility10.6%
- Suspension10.6%
- Exterior lighting10.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
As per Tread Act that confirms reimbursement for recalled items, I replaced the Takata airbag on 09/18/2019 after a recall issue by NHTSA, but prior to GMC manufacture initiating the repair. General Motors refused to reimburse the cost of the replacement of the airbag. Under Tread Act the manufacturer is required to reimburse any repair prior to actual recall.
Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 GMC Yukon. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V054000 (Air Bags) however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified of the recall; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
DASH IS CRACKED NEXT TO THE AIR BAG TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD AND IS DROPPED DOWN. AFRAID IF IT KEEPS DROPPING DOWN OR IS BUMPED HARD WILL SET THE AIR BAG OFF. IF THE AIR BAG GOES OFF THE DASH COULD SHATTER CAUSING DAMAGE TO WHOEVER IS IN THE VEHICLE. AFRAID IT BEING NEXT TO THE AIR BAG.
DASHBOARD CRACKED ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER AIRBAG. *TR
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Recurring System Problems: My vehicle continues to exhibit intermittent system failures, causing unpredictable and potentially dangerous driving conditions. These issues have included: engine stalling, braking issues, electronic system malfunctions].
There are several incidents reported regarding ongoing assessment with GMC interplay activity I have noticed this have become a dangerous drive ability inside acceleration controls Governor sets whiling driving engine play transmission shifts this have gone beyond everyday practices during drive times this have been very noticeable during anyone time RPM gauges constantly disrupted radio functions remote controls are at play many problems are being serious illegal assessed during drive compulsive fuel guagement.I have been placed at dangerous risk by interplay noticability. Now slight tick sounds after full services sparkplug and wire as tuneup oil changes fuel services and coolant same recurring problems continued after serviced alignment services.controls are very strong
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Recurring System Problems: My vehicle continues to exhibit intermittent system failures, causing unpredictable and potentially dangerous driving conditions. These issues have included: engine stalling, braking issues, electronic system malfunctions].
There are several incidents reported regarding ongoing assessment with GMC interplay activity I have noticed this have become a dangerous drive ability inside acceleration controls Governor sets whiling driving engine play transmission shifts this have gone beyond everyday practices during drive times this have been very noticeable during anyone time RPM gauges constantly disrupted radio functions remote controls are at play many problems are being serious illegal assessed during drive compulsive fuel guagement.I have been placed at dangerous risk by interplay noticability. Now slight tick sounds after full services sparkplug and wire as tuneup oil changes fuel services and coolant same recurring problems continued after serviced alignment services.controls are very strong
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am writing to express my concerns and frustrations regarding the recurring issues with my vehicle despite multiple service appointments at Classic GMC Arlington. Despite numerous attempts to address these problems, I continue to experience issues with Continuity of service and performance Fueling system and coolant system problems (twice in six months) Stabilizer link light illumination during startup RPM acceleration while slowing down or stopping Ticking sound from the engine. Each time I bring my vehicle in for service, I am told that there are no issues with the performance, idle, or spark plugs, despite having recently received a full service tune-up. I suspect that there may be intentional damage or tampering with my vehicle, which is causing these persistent problems.I have not had any prior issues or service lights illuminated before, and there were no incidents reported by the previous owners. I believe there may be fraudulent activity involving the manufacturer and service providers. schedule a thorough inspection and diagnosis to address these recurring issues.
I have replaced the battery and alternator. My door locks keep locking and unlocking on the own while driving, all my electrical in my car dim and keep resetting, my gauges are going all over the place. My car will turn itself off. While stopped at a red light, it seems to want to go on its own. While not running, I get in to leave, and my key at times don’t want to turn over. Then at times I try to start it and it will tell me theft control and won’t crank. When I’m out of my vehicle at home, my car will lock itself when the setting is turned off. The problem has been going on for a year but only getting worse now.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Recurring System Problems: My vehicle continues to exhibit intermittent system failures, causing unpredictable and potentially dangerous driving conditions. These issues have included: engine stalling, braking issues, electronic system malfunctions].
There are several incidents reported regarding ongoing assessment with GMC interplay activity I have noticed this have become a dangerous drive ability inside acceleration controls Governor sets whiling driving engine play transmission shifts this have gone beyond everyday practices during drive times this have been very noticeable during anyone time RPM gauges constantly disrupted radio functions remote controls are at play many problems are being serious illegal assessed during drive compulsive fuel guagement.I have been placed at dangerous risk by interplay noticability. Now slight tick sounds after full services sparkplug and wire as tuneup oil changes fuel services and coolant same recurring problems continued after serviced alignment services.controls are very strong
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
R and R shifter cables needed fixed exhaust needed fix brakes needed fixed. Still need air conditioning fixed was told the hoses are all cut this is how the sold us the Yukon. I took it back twice and they would not fix it. I have tried calling and talking to people to see what to do. Could you please help me.we used all our money for down payment at time.
the towing brakes system fails every day, the blind spot warning fails with every rain day, dashboard is cracking and falling apart, the Crome rims provided by gm the Crome is peeling off and cause loss of air daily
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have replaced the battery and alternator. My door locks keep locking and unlocking on the own while driving, all my electrical in my car dim and keep resetting, my gauges are going all over the place. My car will turn itself off. While stopped at a red light, it seems to want to go on its own. While not running, I get in to leave, and my key at times don’t want to turn over. Then at times I try to start it and it will tell me theft control and won’t crank. When I’m out of my vehicle at home, my car will lock itself when the setting is turned off. The problem has been going on for a year but only getting worse now.
I HAVE A 2011 GMC YUKON, I RECENTLY LEARNED FROM GMC THAT THEY HAVE A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES BY WHERE THEY SHUT OFF RANDOMLY WHEN AN RFID KEY TAG IN OR AROUND THE VEHICLE INTERRUPTS THE VEHICLES ELECTRONICS. OUR VEHICLE HAS TURNED ITSELF OFF ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS WHICH HAS CREATED A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR MY FAMILY DRIVING OUR YUKON. GMC DISCOVERED/REPORTED THIS ISSUE INTERNALLY IN JUNE OF 2015, AND OUR DEALERSHIP RELUCTANTLY PROVIDED ME WITH A COPY OF THE GMC BULLETIN (SEE ATTACHED). GM SAYS THEY CANNOT FIX THE ISSUE AND WILL NOT REPURCHASE OUR VEHICLE. GM SAYS IT IS NOT A SAFETY CONCERN BUT WILL NOT PUT THAT IN WRITING, THEIR EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK DOES NOT PERMIT THEM TO PUT MATTERS LIKE THIS IN WRITING AS IT CAN BE USED AGAINST THEM IN THE EVENT OF A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. I'VE CONTACTED EVERY LEVEL WITHIN GM, UP TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE, IN AN ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE MY ISSUE AND THEY HAVE RUN ME IN CIRCLES AND DENIED THE KNOW PROBLEM IS A RISK TO THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. THIS MESSAGING WAS REPORTED DOWN FROM THE GM EXECUTIVE LIAISON, LAWANDA DEAN, FROM A MAN NAMED ROD (WILL NOT DISCLOSE HIS LAST NAME) WHO IS THE REGIONAL MANAGER OF GMC, OVER CALIFORNIA. I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHY THIS IS NOT A RECALLABLE ISSUE, WHY GM IS ALLOWED TO NOT FIX SUCH AN ISSUE AND IF THE NHTSA WILL ASSIST ME WITH THIS MATTER. HAD GMC TOLD ME THAT MY YUKON WOULD RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WE NEVER WOULD HAVE PURCHASED IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
the towing brakes system fails every day, the blind spot warning fails with every rain day, dashboard is cracking and falling apart, the Crome rims provided by gm the Crome is peeling off and cause loss of air daily
THE CHROME MAGS ON MY TIRES/VEHICLE WEAR DOWN AT THE TIRE LINE CAUSING MY TIRES TO LOSE AIR. THIS COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. ALTHOUGH I WILL RECORD LAST OCCURRENCE, THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN PAST 5 YEARS RESULTING IN THE NEED FOR REPAIR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Engine coolant is usually water–based, and may also be oil. A three–valve–per–cylinder was originally slated for the LS7, and was abandoned imputable to design complexities. E85 ethanol should is an understatement to the ‘war on fossil fuels.’ The L98 is a modified version of the L76, with increased power and reduced redundant hardware. A Vee engine is common configurations of internal combustion consisting of two cylinder banks connected to a common crankshaft.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG HOUSING. COACHELLA VALLEY BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 78960 VARNER RD, INDIO, CA 92203, (760)610-0449, WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REMEDY PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. *BF*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
GMC 2011 YUKON CRACKED DASH OVER STEERING COLUMN. WAS NOT DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE CRACK HAS SLOWLY GROWN UP THE DASH. *TR
CAR WAS PARKED IN AN OPEN PARKING LOT FOR MORE THAN 7 HOURS IN BELOW FREEZING WEATHER (LESS THAN 20 F) WEATHER WITH HIGH WIND. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED IN THE EVENING, THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED "SERVICE STEERING; SERVICE BATTERY". WHEN SHIFTED IN REVERSE THE STEERING WOULD NOT RESPOND AND BEHAVED LIKE IT WAS LOCKED. AFTER A FEW MINUTES (3 TO 5 MINUTES), THE VEHICLE WAS BACK TO NORMAL. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE REAR DEFROST WIRES KEPT FALLING OFF OF THE WINDOW. I HAD THEM SOLDERED BACK ON SEVERAL TIMES UNTIL I FINALLY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE GLASS, BECAUSE THERE WASN'T ENOUGH MATERIAL TO BE ABLE TO RE-SOLDER IT. WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF REPLACING THE GLASS, ONE OF THE WIRES FELL OFF. I HAD IT FIXED. THEN A FEW WEEKS LATER THE OTHER ONE FELL OFF. IN TOTAL OVER THE NEXT YEAR I HAD BOTH WIRES RE-SOLDERED AT LEAST TWICE EACH, UNTIL JUST LAST WEEK WHEN I HAD TO REPLACE THE GLASS AGAIN! I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A BAD DESIGN BY GM AND THAT THEY TEND TO FALL OFF BECAUSE THEY GET TOO HOT WHEN IN USE. HOWEVER, THE WIRES EVEN FELL OFF IN THE SPRING AND SUMMER WHEN THE DEFROST WASN'T IN USE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
DASHBOARD IS CRACKING AND WILL POSSIBLY CUT AIRBAG OR DRIVER IN A CRASH. PLASTIC IS BRITTLE AND COULD SHATTER. SUSPENSION HAS POOR DAMPENING. TRUCK WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES BY DEALER ONLY TO FAIL SOON AFTER REPAIRS. TRUCK BOUNCES OVER SHARP BUMPS AND BECOMES DANGEROUS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS AND SHAKES
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS NO LONGER WORK. BUT IT'S NOT THE BULBS OR THE FUSES. THOSE ARE GOOD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .