Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2011 GMC Yukon Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid

78/ 100

KeepScore

MODERATE RISK

Grade: C+

A capable full-size SUV with robust bones, but watch out for its Achilles' heel: the engine's AFM system and specific transmission vulnerabilities.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2011 GMC Yukon

  • Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2009 GMC Yukon earns a 82.
  • The system most likely to surface first: active fuel management (afm) system (critical severity).
  • Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.

2011 GMC Yukon: Buy or Avoid?

The 2011 GMC Yukon offers a commanding presence and robust utility, making it a viable option for those needing serious towing and passenger capacity. While its body-on-frame construction provides durability, prospective owners must be acutely aware of the pervasive Active Fuel Management (AFM) issues and common transmission woes that can lead to significant repair bills. If you’re prepared for proactive maintenance and potential costly fixes, it can be a valuable workhorse.

Biggest Strengths

  • Rugged body-on-frame construction
  • Exceptional towing and hauling capabilities
  • Spacious and comfortable interior for long trips

2011 GMC Yukon — Known Trouble Spots

The systems that break first on the 2011 GMC Yukon. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

1
Active Fuel Management (AFM) Systemcritical
2
Automatic Transmission (4L60E/4L70E)major
3
HVAC System Actuatorsmoderate
Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

Safety Recalls on the 2011 GMC Yukon

5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles 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." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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.

What breaks on the 2011 GMC Yukon?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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GMC Yukon — Year-by-Year Comparison

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the GMC Yukon. Click any year for its full report.

Competing 2011s Worth a Look

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Full Report

2011 GMC Yukon

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