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2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 69 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL, most often about the other or unspecified (51% of complaints, typically around 79,500 miles). It is the most complained-about Yukon Denali XL model year since 2000.

Complaints69
Recalls0
Crashes reported1
Fires reported1
Injuries reported2

Most common 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL problems

  1. Other or unspecified

    35 complaints · 51%

    Half of these problems showed up before 79,500 miles.

    Our yukon has a crack on the corner of the passenger side airbag, and also a very large crack on the instrument panel hump of the dash. This crack continues to lengthen daily. We have real fears of the plastic breaking apart into sharp shards in the case of an accident. I worry about my teenagers riding in the front…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 79,300 miles
    Our 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL has developed large cracks in the dashboard. One is located behind the instrument panel and at the corner of the airbag. We have concerns if the passenger side airbag ever deploys, sharp pieces of the broken dash may break loose and injure passengers in our vehicle.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 80,000 miles

  2. Air bags

    27 complaints · 39%

    Half of these problems showed up before 79,500 miles.

    Our 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL has developed large cracks in the dashboard. One is located behind the instrument panel and at the corner of the airbag. We have concerns if the passenger side airbag ever deploys, sharp pieces of the broken dash may break loose and injure passengers in our vehicle.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 80,000 miles
    Our yukon has a crack on the corner of the passenger side airbag, and also a very large crack on the instrument panel hump of the dash. This crack continues to lengthen daily. We have real fears of the plastic breaking apart into sharp shards in the case of an accident. I worry about my teenagers riding in the front…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 79,300 miles

  3. Body and structure

    20 complaints · 29%

    Half of these problems showed up before 71,500 miles. Parts named most often: body.

    There is a large crack in the dashboard. The crack is located over the area over the driver's air bag which is a safety concern. If the air bag would deploy, broken pieces of plastic could harm the driver as the safety features are weakened. Crack occurred when vehicle was parked in a garage. No one , nothing caused…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 72,500 miles
    The contact owns a 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL. The contact stated that the rear hatch came down with force without warning. The latch button was applied, but failed to prevent the hatch from coming down. The vehicle was not diagnosed by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 70,000 miles

  4. Electrical

    4 complaints · 6%

    The seat heater in the rear right seat overheated and caught on fire while my 10 yr. Old child was seated in it. We were in motion at the time on the interstate. I believe the heat mechanism failed and overheated and would not shut off causing the cushion to catch on fire. My insurance will not cover it (I did get a…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 100,000 miles
    While driving the vehicle, the door locks began to cycle, nav system and radio on and off. After stopped, remote car lock inoperative, tried to start vehicle and there was no indication of any electrical power with the key on....I thought is was a dead battery. After cycling the ignition key several times, electrical…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 99,072 miles

  5. Engine

    3 complaints · 4%

    Valve lifters need replaced. Researched and this is a common issue several people are having with this type of vehicle. Repair shop also said a common repair for this model.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 91,000 miles
    Truck started sputtering while driving. I had it towed home and then towed to the dealer and they stated the lifters in the engine were broke and there was damage to the can shaft. Told me this is normal and happens to vehicles like mine regularly. I have only owned the truck three years and have maintained it well…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2018, at 112,097 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL

What are the most common problems with the 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL?
By NHTSA owner complaints: other or unspecified (35 complaints, typically around 79,500 miles); air bags (27 complaints, typically around 79,500 miles); body and structure (20 complaints, typically around 71,500 miles).
How many recalls does the 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 GMC Yukon Denali XL. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2011 a bad year for the GMC Yukon Denali XL?
It is the most complained-about Yukon Denali XL model year since 2000, with 69 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other GMC Yukon Denali XL years

GMC Yukon Denali XL problems by year