2012 GMC Yukon XL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Yukon XL › 2012
These records cover every 2012 GMC Yukon XL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2012 GMC Yukon XL. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
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 and remedy
Risk
If this condition occurs, a loss of steering could result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
13 complaints
What owners report most
Latest 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…
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.
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · 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)…
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.
- Air bags · 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…
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.
- Air bags · Structure › Body
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.
- Electrical system · 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.
- Air bags · Unknown or other
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…
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 breaking the windshield and not protecting the head of the passenger) causing further injury and harm 4THE crack in the plastic of the dashboard could be even more extensive than we can see. the entire dashboard could be defective and cracked and suddenly fall off as the result of a bump or pothole causing injury and possible accident 5THE defective dashboard plastic could have cracks that would cause wiring to be pinched, cut or severed causing heat, fire, and possible accidents and injuries 6SUN shining thru the windshield could cause the cracks to widen 7OUR favorite 87 year old mom usually rides in the passenger seat. she IS irreplaceable and invaluable. 8this IS and has been a 'known' issue to GMC. 9WE are both disabled and on fixed incomes. we are unable to repair this ourselves and should not have to. safety and dependability IS one of the reasons we always purchased GMC yukons. this IS our 4TH GMC yukon/suburban. we never doubted that GMC made quality products that were consumer safe. now this dashboard airbag issue has us very worried and concerned for our health and safety and the health and safety of all our family and passengers
- Air bags · Unknown or other
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.
- 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…
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.
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
While driving car at random times it will shutoff and you will loose steering and all electronics momentarily and then car will turn back on. It only does this while driving straight or turning on rougher pavement. Once this happens the next time you turn off the car and try to start the car the…
While driving car at random times it will shutoff and you will loose steering and all electronics momentarily and then car will turn back on. It only does this while driving straight or turning on rougher pavement. Once this happens the next time you turn off the car and try to start the car the key will not turn on any of the electronics and will not start the vehicle. If you continuously take the key out and reinsert until and the car will eventually start.
- Unknown or other
The dashboard spontaneously cracked above the instrument panel section. there are multiple sections to the crack and IS approximately 6"-8" in length. The vehicle was parked at the time of the crack. subsequently, the dashboard makes various vibration, chattering, and rattling noises.
- Unknown or other
Dash IS cracking around airbags. Airbags have never been deployed
- Air bags · Structure › Body
Dash has cracked above instrument panel. crack IS approximately 6-8-inches in length. dash IS also cracked in two locations on the passenger side. I feel these cracks could be a safety concern when the airbags are deployed. these cracks occurred under normal driving conditions are not the result of a previous accident or being struck by an object.
- Unknown or other
I am the owner of a 2012 GMC yukon denali XL. I purchased this SUV in sept 2013 used with less than 2000 miles. I noticed a hairline cracked above my airbag module on the dash board at the beginning of the end of april 2015. I feel that this cracked dash IS a safety concern. If there was an…
I am the owner of a 2012 GMC yukon denali XL. I purchased this SUV in sept 2013 used with less than 2000 miles. I noticed a hairline cracked above my airbag module on the dash board at the beginning of the end of april 2015. I feel that this cracked dash IS a safety concern. If there was an accident where the airbags was to deploy it can cause shrapnel and major damage or harm to anyone in the truck. I have 4 kids in which two of them are teenagers that sit in that front passenger seat.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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…
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 inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010566This service bulletin provides frame coating repair information to correct a customer concern of wax coating on frame peeling, metal shows corrosion/rusting (U.S. and Canada Only).
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 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).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 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.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
- 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.
- 11006511This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 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.
- 11006282This service bulletin provides information on Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels.
- 11006278This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
- 11005339This service bulletin explains the difference in oil filters for gas engines with new oil pump control systems and the possibilities of what may happen using the incorrect filter.
- 11005311This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 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.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Every GMC Yukon XL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.