VehicleVerdict

2001 GMC Yukon Denali problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2001 GMC Yukon Denali sits mid-pack among Yukon Denali years: 40 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 40, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 43% of all reports (17 of 40), far ahead of fuel system at 5.

40

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Yukon Denali years?

Yukon Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted175 complaints1999: 38 complaints2000: 22 complaints2001: 40 complaints2002: 31 complaints2003: 97 complaints2004: 141 complaints2005: 68 complaints2006: 24 complaints2007: 175 complaints2008: 75 complaints2009: 59 complaints2010: 75 complaints2011: 117 complaints2012: 32 complaints2013: 40 complaints2015: 90 complaints2016: 28 complaints2017: 15 complaints2018: 2 complaints2019: 4 complaints
Yukon Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon Denali years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 GMC Yukon Denali problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1743%
Fuel System513%
Electrical System410%
Tires & Wheels38%
Engine38%
Suspension25%
Steering25%
Transmission13%
Seat Belts13%
Speed Control13%
Body & Structure13%

Does the 2001 GMC Yukon Denali have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E025000LightingMarch 21, 2006 · 1,450 units

Defect

CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.

01V107000Electrical SystemMarch 17, 2001 · 301 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A MISROUTED POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE ASSEMBLY THAT COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH THE STEERING SHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT.

Consequence

OVER TIME THIS CONTACT COULD CAUSE A WEAR-THROUGH OF THE CABLE ASSEMBLY CONVOLUTED CONDUIT AND CABLE INSULATION EXPOSING THE WIRE CORE AND RESULTING IN INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL SHORTING. THIS COULD RESULT IN ERRATIC MOVEMENT OF THE VOLTAGE GAGE, TOTAL BATTERY DISCHARGE IN A FEW HOURS, OR THE CABLE INSULATION AND CONDUCT COULD IGNITE IF ENOUGH CURRENT IS DISCHARGED AT THE POINT OF CONTACT, RESULTING IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE FOR PROPER ROUTING AND RE-ROUTE THE CABLE IN NECESSARY. THE CABLE WILL ALSO BE INSPECTED FOR WEAR OF THE CONDUIT AND CABLE INSULATION, AND WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 23, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I HAVE A YUKON DENALI 2001. I HAD AN ACCIDENT. THE ANTILOCK BRAKES ACTIVATE AT LOW SPEEDS. I SAW THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION # PEO5-020 UNDERWAY SINCE A RECALL WAS IN EFFECT IN CANADA. THE ACCIDENT WAS MINOR AND INVOLVED NO INJURTY. IT WAS DUE TO INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE WHERN APPROACHING MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 6, 2005 · crash

“AFTER STARTING VEHICLE CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL LEAKING FROM DRIVER SIDE OF VEHICLE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALER, THE CONNECTOR TO FUEL TANK HAD SEPARATED. *AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE FUEL LINE ON THE PRESSURE SIDE OF FUEL PUMP FAILED, FUEL PUMP WAS PUMPING FUEL ONTO DRIVEWAY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 22, 2002

“THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ENGAGES AT LOW SPEEDS EVERY TIME I STOP. THIS COULD CAUSE FRONT END COLLISION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLETELY STOP WHEN BRAKING AND I DO NOT HAVE CONTROL. GM WOULD NOT FIX THE ISSUE ON MY VEHICLE DUE TO HIGH MILEAGE EVEN THOUGH MILEAGE WAS NOT A FACTOR. OTHER YUKON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 17, 2010

“WHILE DRIVING, THEIR WAS A NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER TOOK VEHCILE TO THE DEALERSHIP AN D THEY INDICATED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD CAME APART. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT,AT TIME OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE DEALERSHIP NOTICED THE SERPENTINE BELT HAD CAME APART, WHEN INSPECTNG THE VEHICLE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 1, 2002

“WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY 59 NORTHBOUND BEFORE THE LOUISE, TX EXIT, THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM MY BACK DRIVER SIDE TIRE CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY FENDER AREA AND BACK DRIVER SIDE DOOR. MY FIRESTONE STEELTEX AT LT245/75R16 TIRE WAS NOT FLAT, THE TREAD JUST CAME OFF. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 6, 2006

2001 GMC Yukon Denali — common questions

Is the 2001 GMC Yukon Denali reliable?

It is close to typical for the Yukon Denali: 40 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2001 Yukon Denali problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (17 complaints), fuel system (5 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints).

Does the 2001 GMC Yukon Denali have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 GMC Yukon Denali. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 GMC Yukon Denali under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Yukon Denali years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon Denali years to avoid are 2007, 2004, 2011, 2003, 2015, 2010, 2008, 2005. The cleanest record among Yukon Denali years belongs to 2018.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.