GMC Yukon XL Problems: 23 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2000-2024 model years · 1,670+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,670+ owner reports, the 2000-2024 GMC Yukon XL has 23 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Brake Line Corrosion and Failure (GMT900 Platform) ($600-$2,000 repair), 6L80/6L90 Transmission Cooler Line Leak at Crimp/Fitting (Fluid Loss) ($250-$900 repair), Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Shock/Strut Fluid Leak and 'Service Suspension System' Warnings ($900-$3,200 repair), Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure and Tick ($1,500-$4,500 repair), Steering Column Lock Actuator Click and Binding ($300-$800 repair) and Front Hub Bearing and ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Corrosion Causing Unwanted ABS Activation ($180-$900 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Brake Line Corrosion and Failure (GMT900 Platform) with 420 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $4,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 23 Known Issues

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When Issues Typically Appear

Transmission Torque Converter Shudder (8L90/10L80)

9K-30K

AC Compressor and Rear AC System Failure

24K-80K

Intermediate Steering Shaft Clunk and Binding Over Bumps or During Turns

30K-140K

Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Shock/Strut Fluid Leak and 'Service Suspension System' Warnings

40K-120K

Instrument Cluster Stepper Motor Failure Causing Inaccurate Gauges

50K-140K

Door Handle/Linkage Failure (Exterior Handle Pulls but Door Won’t Open)

50K-160K

6L80/6L90 Transmission Cooler Line Leak at Crimp/Fitting (Fluid Loss)

60K-160K

Front Hub Bearing and ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Corrosion Causing Unwanted ABS Activation

60K-170K

Cracked Exhaust Manifold Bolts / Manifold Leak (5.3L/6.2L V8) Causing Cold-Start Tick

60K-180K

Knock Sensor Water Intrusion Under Intake Causing Check Engine Light

60K-180K

Rear Wiper Motor/Washer Hose Failure (No Rear Wipe or Washer Spray)

60K-170K

Rear Air Suspension (Auto-Leveling) Compressor Failure / Air Shock Leaks (Z55/Z95 equipped)

70K-160K

050K100K150K200K mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common GMC Yukon XL problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,670+ owner reports, the 2000-2024 GMC Yukon XL has 23 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Brake Line Corrosion and Failure (GMT900 Platform), 6L80/6L90 Transmission Cooler Line Leak at Crimp/Fitting (Fluid Loss), Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Shock/Strut Fluid Leak and 'Service Suspension System' Warnings. Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the GMC Yukon XL reliable?

The 2000-2024 GMC Yukon XL has 23 known issues documented across 1,670+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Brake Line Corrosion and Failure (GMT900 Platform) and 6L80/6L90 Transmission Cooler Line Leak at Crimp/Fitting (Fluid Loss) and Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) Shock/Strut Fluid Leak and 'Service Suspension System' Warnings and Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure and Tick and Steering Column Lock Actuator Click and Binding and Front Hub Bearing and ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Corrosion Causing Unwanted ABS Activation. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common GMC Yukon XL problems?

Repair costs for known GMC Yukon XL issues range from $50 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Brake Line Corrosion and Failure (GMT900 Platform), typically costs $600-$2,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year GMC Yukon XL is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the GMC Yukon XL. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2000-2024 GMC Yukon XL with 23 documented issues from 1,670+ owner reports.