2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Yukon Denali XL › 2005
These records cover every 2005 GMC Yukon Denali XL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
34 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Started car in the morning to go to work. As I do every day. Foot on brake as usual, shift to drive, to begin a turn in my driveway, in making the left turn, which IS a downward grade, applied brake, which went to floor. No resistance whatsoever, complete failure of brakes. Kept foot on brake and…
Started car in the morning to go to work. As I do every day. Foot on brake as usual, shift to drive, to begin a turn in my driveway, in making the left turn, which IS a downward grade, applied brake, which went to floor. No resistance whatsoever, complete failure of brakes. Kept foot on brake and steered up the grade, then put car into park. Got out, opened hood. Checked master cylinder- no fluid visible at usual line. Checked under vehicle, brake fluid trailing on driveway under path of vehicle, and slow drip from under forward front driver side . Brake lines and connector completely corroded and rusted. Had I been on the road I would have been unable to stop, vehicle IS driven by my son as well. Our lives and those of others in the vehicle as well as others that mead been in our path were clearly in danger. This problem should not occur, and IS completely unacceptable.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
The vehicle's engine shuts off while driving. without warning. this happens at various speeds. loss of brakes and power steering occurs after engine shuts off. this has happened on several occasions at varying speeds. Speed varying between 30 mph to 70 mph. engine will restart (be turned…
The vehicle's engine shuts off while driving. without warning. this happens at various speeds. loss of brakes and power steering occurs after engine shuts off. this has happened on several occasions at varying speeds. Speed varying between 30 mph to 70 mph. engine will restart (be turned back on after wait time at the ignition) and drive following these incidents, however incidents reoccur. also upon taking it to a GMC chevrolet dealership for inspection, service department was unable to find any "codes" related to this. fuel pressure was tested in stationary position and in driving and fuel pressure appeared fine. dealership noted no issues. upon picking the vehicle up after inspection the engine cut out again while driving on the way home, again without warning. incidents occurred on dry roads. outside temperatures have varied from 50 f to 90 f and length of drive time has also varied from three hours at time of occurrence to only minutes after start up. incidents happen at random and not every time vehicle IS driven.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
While driving I noticed that the speedometer needle was erratic going from zero to 120 mph. When I stopped the needle was stuck at 30 mph. At the same time the gear shift indicator light went from dull to non existent preventing me from knowing what gear I was in. This was happening sporadically…
While driving I noticed that the speedometer needle was erratic going from zero to 120 mph. When I stopped the needle was stuck at 30 mph. At the same time the gear shift indicator light went from dull to non existent preventing me from knowing what gear I was in. This was happening sporadically but now the speedometer needle IS always on zero and the gear shift indicator IS never lit. I saw online that there has been a recall for the instrument panel for the same speedometer problem I am having but the recall ended with 2004 vehicles even though there IS a lot of complaints online with the 2005 models also. I saw a recall (#05023) for the gear shift indicator light. I tried calling GMC to have it fixed and was told it IS vin specific. I explained that the recall did not specify specific vin numbers. Was rudely told I am out of luck. I tried to address both issues with GMC to no avail. They don't want to know when there IS a problem. Maybe they will listen when someone IS killed. I just hope it IS not me!
- Electrical system · Engine · Vehicle speed control
While driving on the highway with my cruise control set between 50-70mph, I began noticing my speedometer beginning to jump between 0-120mph causing the limiter to kick in and me losing the ability to control speed. keep in mind I'm only going between 50-70mph. this later began occurring without…
While driving on the highway with my cruise control set between 50-70mph, I began noticing my speedometer beginning to jump between 0-120mph causing the limiter to kick in and me losing the ability to control speed. keep in mind I'm only going between 50-70mph. this later began occurring without the cruise control on. shortly after this began happening another problem started. now when the cruise control was set between 50-70mph, the engine would automatically accelerate maxing out the rpm's and sending the vehicle to approximately 80-90mph before I had to hit the brakes or completely cut off the cruise control. later on when I would set the cruise control the vehicle would begin to jerk violently, revving high then going back to normal before revving high again and me shutting off the cruise control. there was never a check engine light the whole time this was happening. I immediately took it in to the dealer I purchased it from, randy marion GMC in huntersville, nc, to be checked. I was told that I had a bad mass air flow sensor. that was replaced but the problem was still occurring. I took it back a second time and they could not find anything wrong so I began reading blogs to see if anyone else has had this same problem. some had similar issues and said the ignition coils may be bad. I had those checked and all were good. this vehicle has never been in an accident and I am the only owner. I've contacted gm, general motors, about this and was told that there were no recall issues but have yet to have my calls returned by the person handling this case. this vehicle IS not safe and no one seems to be listening.
- Unknown or other
Several days ago - gear shift indicator did not illuminate or was "dull". the illumination/dimness of instrument was sporadic. after a few days same problem with digital odometer. today, took vehicle to faulker GMC, trevose pa (purchased this vehicle from them new- original owner) only 92,000…
Several days ago - gear shift indicator did not illuminate or was "dull". the illumination/dimness of instrument was sporadic. after a few days same problem with digital odometer. today, took vehicle to faulker GMC, trevose pa (purchased this vehicle from them new- original owner) only 92,000 miles on vehicle. was told no "recalls" for my vin - charge IS $323.11 to replace "instrument cluster". there IS a specific recall for this problem - but was told my vin not included in recall. see nhtsa reference #10010038
- Service brakes · Structure › Body
Was driving about 30mph and hit the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floor and we ran into a trailer. the brake lines were rusted so bad that they busted, and caused the brake fluid to leak out. The estimate to repair the brake lines alone IS $2800. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
(3-17-2015) I was driving my 2005 GMC denali XL, (with under 35000 miles) the brake light comes on, when I go to pull over, I realize my brake pedal bottoms out, I get it to a GMC dealer, they tell me my brake lines are faulty do to bad undercarriage corrosion and rust, and inform me that it may…
(3-17-2015) I was driving my 2005 GMC denali XL, (with under 35000 miles) the brake light comes on, when I go to pull over, I realize my brake pedal bottoms out, I get it to a GMC dealer, they tell me my brake lines are faulty do to bad undercarriage corrosion and rust, and inform me that it may take thousands of dollars just to correct the brake lines, and that other parts or systems may also fail....they also say it's not worth repairing. the vehicle was in maryland up until may 2014, when I relocated to florida, the vehicle was not driven much on a daily bases...mostly on long trips out of town. *tr
- Service brakes
I was traveling on a local highway at the posted speed limit when I was caused to slow due to traffic. When I pressed the brake pedal the pedal went completely to the floor. Scared to death I almost engaged the emergency brake to ensure the vehicle would stop in time. Mind you I was traveling with…
I was traveling on a local highway at the posted speed limit when I was caused to slow due to traffic. When I pressed the brake pedal the pedal went completely to the floor. Scared to death I almost engaged the emergency brake to ensure the vehicle would stop in time. Mind you I was traveling with three children and my spouse in the vehicle all of whose lives could have been affected not to mention my own. There was no indication of any brake service needed until this occurred at the point my foot was literally on the floor the service brake signal showed and dinging occurred. I arrived home without incident an hour later but still no pressure to the brake pedal and each time in order to stop I had to apply tons of pressure so the brake pedal would touch the floor. I checked the brake fluid and it was much lower than when we started our trip just a few hours prior. I immediately added fluid. The following day a large spot in the driveway was noticed at the left rear of the vehicle. My spouse checked the line and sure enough the line had rusted causing a leak. I do not reside in a high salt area nor did the previous owners. Northern va for prior owners and I reside in the "central" va area. This IS not only a major issue but a huge safety concern. I had not realized that there were thousands of complaints for the same exact issue as what I now have. Regardless of warranty a vehicle less than 10yrs of age should not have corroded brake lines and fail to warn the owner and operator until it IS in fact too late. Luckily I did not cause an accident but easily there could have been one. Yet again another gm vehicle has succeeded in being nothing but a safety issue, death trap and extreme disappointment. *tr
- Electronic stability control (esc)
Was driving home from work and the truck lost power and did a sharp left with the steering and braking was low. *js
- Service brakes · Steering
I live in san francisco and was driving down my street. I live on a steep hill and my brakes and power steering failed. I had my truck towed to the nearest repair shop and found that there IS a known defect in the gasket between the power steering and the brake system. It fails. GMC knows this. I have had this gasket replaced three times in 5 years and it has failed again. What can I do? *tr
- Electrical system
Speedometer moves to 0 after 40 minutes of driving, even at freeway speed. Once speedometer needle reaches 0, it stays there, even while vehicle IS moving at 60-70 mph. Turning engine off then back on again does not reset it. after letting vehicle sit overnight, it becomes operational again, then will go back to 0 after 30-35 minutes of driving. denali has very few miles on it for its age. *tr
- Power train · Service brakes
Winter 2014, connecticut - backing out of driveway peddle felt mushy and going down farther than normal. drove son to school quarter mile to school and noted the lack of braking ability. luckily rolling stops and keeping distance from other cars allowed me to get back home. looked under car…
Winter 2014, connecticut - backing out of driveway peddle felt mushy and going down farther than normal. drove son to school quarter mile to school and noted the lack of braking ability. luckily rolling stops and keeping distance from other cars allowed me to get back home. looked under car, dripping brake fluid from under middle of card. had the sense to have it towed to the dealer; for the $2400 estimate, they also said that my transmission lines were leaking so estimate also included the labor/parts to replace both sets of lines to fix both line related issues. I've also had the miss pleasure of having to replace the transmission ($3500) this year as well. slipping and eventually it was going to cause an accident so had to open the wallet for that. another issue (electrical) - I shut the car off with the blower motor on (heater in the winter) and the blower motor stayed on even after the car was shut off, no keys. it continued to run and would have drained the battery had I not disconnected the battery. pulling the fuse had no effect. ($600) I have also had to replace both the front airbag sensors in the front bumper. one went and two weeks later the other went. no impacts, they just died. ($1200 for both). I have also had to replace the rear air shocks ($2500) I bought this car used (supposedly gm certified)) from a chevy dealer not more than 3 years ago with 75K miles. I now have 99K miles. as I sit and type this all down for this submission, I realize just how much has gone wrong with this car & matches up with other owner statements on this website. *tr
- Tires · Wheels
Michelin ltx m/s p235/55r20 tires. all four tires are losing air (filled with nitrogen). owner consistently have to take to costco to inflate tires to correct air pressure. the side walls show excessive cracks. Tires tread very good. warranty will not address my concern. Vehicle IS only use for…
Michelin ltx m/s p235/55r20 tires. all four tires are losing air (filled with nitrogen). owner consistently have to take to costco to inflate tires to correct air pressure. the side walls show excessive cracks. Tires tread very good. warranty will not address my concern. Vehicle IS only use for long distance traveling. dot info on tires: rear B39Y 56EX 2511 and front B79Y 4FJX 1609/0000. Michelin recall IS only on one size tire: LT 225/75r16. owner suspects other size tires manufactured during the same time period of 0210-2512 are affected also. *tr
- Service brakes
My family and I were traveling south on I-95 near colonial heights, va: auto in front of me made a sudden stop and I slammed on the brakes. The brake pedal went to the floor; no brake warning lights, luckily the car in front proceeded and I missed hitting him by about 3 feet. Made it to the next…
My family and I were traveling south on I-95 near colonial heights, va: auto in front of me made a sudden stop and I slammed on the brakes. The brake pedal went to the floor; no brake warning lights, luckily the car in front proceeded and I missed hitting him by about 3 feet. Made it to the next exit ramp and had very little brakes, using parking brake, and now the warning lights were coming on. Pulled into gas station, big puddle under the vehicle; rear brake line rusted out and blown. This IS supposed to be a split braking system, but the front brakes would not hold either. Had the car towed 25 miles back to my home GMC dealer for repairs. They informed me that all of my brake lines needed replacement as they would not hold pressure and were rusted. To replace the brake lines was about $1,500.00. Due to using the parking brakes damage was also done to the rear rotors and parking brake pads, that was another $300.00. I've had this vehicle since 2008, it's a weekend or trip driver. Since I've had it has never been driven in snow or on the street until all the salt residue had been washed away. From my research this IS a virginia vehicle, not in the salt belt. I also have a 2004 GMC yukon slt; went under it yesterday and the brake lines are rusted on that too. Funny the fuel lines run next to them but they are not rusted. I will enter that one also in the database, they will surely fail if not replaced. *tr
- Engine · Service brakes · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2005 GMC yukon denali XL. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the brakes failed as the check engine warning light illuminated. Also, the contact mentioned that the power steering fluid would need to be replaced every six months. The vehicle was taken to a private…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 GMC yukon denali XL. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the brakes failed as the check engine warning light illuminated. Also, the contact mentioned that the power steering fluid would need to be replaced every six months. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering cylinder, the power steering hoses, the master brake cylinder, and the braking system needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 98,000. *tr
- Electrical system
The speedometer IS erratic and IS now pinned all the way to the right (over max). The speedometer shows +/- 120mph, even in park. I have no way to determine my speed. *tr
- Electrical system
Speedometer malfunctions. happened for several weeks, worked okay, then happened again. Sticks on 60 mph when going 0MPH. shows 120 mph when going 50 mph. mechanic quote to replace IS $640. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
TL* the contact owns a 2005 GMC yukon denali XL. The contact stated that the gear indicator on the instrument panel no longer illuminated. As a result, the contact was unaware as to what gear the vehicle was engaged. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 GMC yukon denali XL. The contact stated that the gear indicator on the instrument panel no longer illuminated. As a result, the contact was unaware as to what gear the vehicle was engaged. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the failure mileage was unknown. updated 7/16/12 *cn updated 07/18/12
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
While traveling on the highway, my speedometer began acting erratically. for weeks, it would get stuck at certain speeds, then begin working again. after a couple of months, it stopped working completely. later, other gauges such as oil pressure and water temperature also stopped working completely. the speedometer IS a basic safety necessity, and I would not expect to have to repair it. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 GMC yukon denali XL. the contact stated that the speedometer was inoperable and she was unable to determine how fast or slow she was traveling. the manufacturer was aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle had accrued more than 85,000…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 GMC yukon denali XL. the contact stated that the speedometer was inoperable and she was unable to determine how fast or slow she was traveling. the manufacturer was aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle had accrued more than 85,000 miles. the dealer was contacted and confirmed what the manufacturer advised the contact. No repairs were performed. the current mileage was 89,700 and the failure mileage was 85,600.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Gas gauge does not read properly. can fill up tank and reads on empty then will move to 1/2 full or full. gas gauge will drop to empty while driving then move back to original reading after driving for 10 minutes to an hour. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle safety standard no. 102 concern transmission shift lever. The shift indicator in the instrument panel does not illuminate. When the shift lever position indicator does not illuminate, the driver does not know which gear the vehicle IS in. D,r,n,p..ect.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
Exhaust manifold bolt heads are breaking on my 2005 yukon XL denali causing an exhaust leak, as well as engine error lights. GMC has denied knowledge of an issue, even though the problem seems wide spread. the bolts need to be removed and replaced. very expensive repair. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
My 2005 yukon denali speedometer fails to work or IS erratic and does not indicate the proper speed. *Tr
- Exterior lighting · Interior lighting
2005 GMC yukon XL, dashboard dimmer switch/interior light switch; does not illuminate in the dark. this presents a significant safety issue in that it does not allow the driver to adjust the dashboard lighting level or turn on interior lights in the dark. there have been repeated attempts to…
2005 GMC yukon XL, dashboard dimmer switch/interior light switch; does not illuminate in the dark. this presents a significant safety issue in that it does not allow the driver to adjust the dashboard lighting level or turn on interior lights in the dark. there have been repeated attempts to remedy the situation by the dealer, the conclusion of the dealer now IS that illumination IS not allowed by the way the switch was engineered. *Tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251887This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247748Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information.
- 10247747Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247693Suspension.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247093Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information.
- 10247092Speedometer Needle Accuracy Information
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10246624Car and Truck Fix it Right the First Time Issues
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 10245332Suspension.
Every GMC Yukon Denali XL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.