Model year record

2012 GMC Yukon XL recalls & problems

The 2012 GMC Yukon XL has 4 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is unknown or other (5 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints13filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Air bagsFeb 5, 2021

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 21V051000284,645 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328770.

Air bagsFeb 5, 2021

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 21V0540001,778,128 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.

Electrical systemDec 30, 2014

Ignition

Recall 14V82700084,192 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.
Risk: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.

SteeringMar 22, 2012

Gear box › Shaft pitman

Recall 12V1120006,159 vehicles

Problem: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND SUBURBAN VEHICLES, AND GMC SAVANA AND YUKON XL HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES. THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY HARDENED AND COULD FRACTURE.
Risk: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, A LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 4, 2012.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2012 GMC Yukon Xl 2500 SUV 4WD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2012 GMC Yukon Xl 2500 SUV RWD

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Yukon XL 2500 2WD

12mpg combined

City / highway	10 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,600/year to fuel

Yukon XL 2500 4WD

12mpg combined

City / highway	10 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $5,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Typical mileage*
Unknown or other	5	78,000 mi
Air bags	5	72,500 mi
StructureBody; Interior panels › Dashboard	3	—
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery	3	—
Engine	2	—
Steering	1	—
VisibilitySun/moon roof assembly	1	—
Service brakes	1	—
Power trainAutomatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
The contact owns a 2012 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while in a parking lot, the contact attempted to shift the vehicle into drive however, the transmission failed to shift into gear. The contact stated that the gear shifter cable had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 248,000.
Nov 1, 2023 · 248,000 miles
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC YUKON XL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MIDWAY CHEVROLET (2323 W BELL RD, PHOENIX, AZ 85023) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS BATTERY RELATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 116,000.
Apr 28, 2021 · 116,000 miles
Structure › Interior panels › Dashboard
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC YUKON XL. THE CONTACT STATED THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED IN THREE PLACES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V051000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED ALLEN GMC (28332 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA 92677, (949) 391-9094) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Feb 1, 2019 · 75,000 miles
Air bags
DASH HAS 2 CRACKS. ONE ABOVE SPEEDOMETER. THE OTHER IS CRACKED ON THE TOP LEFT CORNER OF THE DASH THAT SURROUNDS THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 1/16/19. I AM SIMPLY ADDING MINE TO THE LARGE VOLUME OF COMPLAINTS BECAUSE I BELIEVE IT MAY BE A SAFETY HAZARD. NOT SURE HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN THERE, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED AND GARAGED IT'S WHOLE LIFE.
Jan 16, 2019
Service brakes
REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ARE INOPERABLE. DEALER SAYS ASSEMBLIES MUST BE REPLACED AT $2K. SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD ISSUE AND AN EXTREME SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE ENSURE GMC RECALLS AND REPAIRS THIS WIDESPREAD ISSUE.
Oct 12, 2018
Air bags
ABOUT ONE YEAR AGO WE NOTICED A SMALL CRACK AT THE CORNER OF THE 'LID' TO THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG. NOW WE HAVE A CRACK AT THE HUMP OF THE STEERING WHEEL THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN TO US AS IT COULD RESULT IN TERRIBLE INJURY IN ANY NUMBER OF WAYS. 1THE AIR BAG COULD EXPLODE AT ANY TIME DUE TO THE CRACK IN THE LID AREA, WITHOUT ANY WARNING AND WITHOUT THE RESULT OF BEING IN AN ACCIDENT THUS HARMING ANYONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT 2THE BROKEN DASH COULD RESULT IN TERRIFIC INJURY IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AS THE BRITTLE PIECES AND SHARP EDGES OF CRACKED PLASTIC BECOME FLYING IN THE CAR 3THE AIRBAG COULD MISFIRE DUE TO THE DAMAGED LID (FOR EXAMPLE; HITTING AND…
Aug 1, 2017 · 78,000 miles
Air bags
AT SOME POINT NEAR 65000 MILES, A VERY LARGE CRACK APPEARED OVER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AS WELL AS A SMALL CRACK EXTENDING INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AREA. I WORRY ABOUT MY CHILDREN'S SAFETY IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT AND PLASTIC PIECES GO FLYING.
May 1, 2015 · 65,000 miles
Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE DRIVING, THE SUN ROOF INADVERTENTLY EXPLODED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT HEARD WIND BLOWING THROUGH THE SUN ROOF. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED A HOLE IN THE SUN ROOF GLASS. THE CONTACT CALLED BRIAN HARRIS CHEVROLET AT (225) 910-6907 (15015 FLORIDA BLVD, BATON ROUGE, LA 70819) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE DEALER WAS CLOSED AND HE WOULD BE CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Dec 4, 2017 · 98,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled…
EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021