VehicleVerdict

2001 GMC Yukon Xl Denali problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 29 complaints on file for the 2001 GMC Yukon Xl Denali — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

29

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Yukon Xl Denali years?

Yukon Xl Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted42 complaints2001: 29 complaints2002: 35 complaints2003: 42 complaints
Yukon Xl Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon Xl Denali years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 GMC Yukon Xl Denali problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1241%
Engine414%
Steering310%
Tires & Wheels310%
Transmission27%
Seats13%
Electrical System13%
Seat Belts13%
Airbags13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 2001 GMC Yukon Xl Denali have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

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.

“LOW SPEED BRAKE FAILURE RESULTING IN A REAR END COLLISION. I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT AS THE 5 VEHICLE IN LINE TO TRAVEL THROUGH THE LIGHT. I WAS BRAKING LIGHTLY TO CONTROL MY SPEED AS TO ASSUME MY POSITION IN LINE TO TRAVEL THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. AS THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I DID NOT NEED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 4, 2006 · crash

“CONSUMER STARTED VEHICLE EARLY IN THE MORNING AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE. AFTER FIFTEEN MINUTES WHEN VEHICLE WARMED UP THERE WAS NO NOISE. DEALER STATED THAT THIS TYPE OF NOISE WAS COMMON TO ANY VEHICLE BEING STARTED EARLY IN THE MORNING.*AK 2001 GMC YUKON XL DENALI EXPERIENCES KNOCKING DURING COLD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 8, 2003

“FIRST THERE WAS A TIRE BLOWOUT, TIRE SEPARATED WITH 11/32 THREAD LEFT. SECOND AT LEAST 1 SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD. THIRD NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF. FOURTH THE ROOF CAVED IN LIKE A "V" SHAPE IN THE DRIVERS COMPARTMENT, BY THE WINDSHIELD. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · July 16, 2006 · crash

“INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THEY HAD RECALLS ON SAME SUV BUT OF DIFFERENT YEARS, BUT FAILED TO INCLUDE THE 2001 YUKON XL DENALI. STEERING WHEEL COMES LOOSE!!!*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 26, 2005

“VEHICLE ROLLS WHILE IN PARK. HAD PARKING PAWL REPLACED, PROBLEM PERSISTED. PROBLEM IS MORE OBVIOUS THE GREATER THE INCLINE. VEHICLE IS NOT FREEWHEELING BUT HAS SOME RESISTANCE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 4, 2013

2001 GMC Yukon Xl Denali — common questions

Is the 2001 GMC Yukon Xl Denali reliable?

The record is thin — 29 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2001 Yukon Xl Denali problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (12 complaints), engine (4 complaints), steering (3 complaints).

Does the 2001 GMC Yukon Xl Denali have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2001 GMC Yukon Xl 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 Xl Denali under NHTSA investigation?

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

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.