MotorDeets

2012 GMC Yukon Xl: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2012 GMC Yukon Xl: 4 recalls, 13 owner complaints.

4vehicle recalls
13owner complaints
0mention a crash
–best combined mpg
No free-license photo yet

Recalls

4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Steering Vehicle recall #12V112000 · 2012 · 6,159 vehicles

What's wrong: The steering gear pitman shaft May not have been adequately hardened and could fracture.

Why it matters: If this condition occurs, a loss of steering could result, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

Electrical Vehicle recall #14V827000 · 2014 · 84,192 vehicles

What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator May bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "start" position.

Why it matters: 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.

The fix: 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.

Airbags Vehicle recall #21V054000 · 2021 · 1,778,128 vehicles

What's wrong: " 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,…

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: 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…

Airbags Vehicle recall #21V051000 · 2021 · 284,645 vehicles

What's wrong: S. Virgin islands or "zone a." 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.

Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

The fix: 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…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Other / unknown5
Airbags5
Body & structure3
Electrical3
Engine2
Steering1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1
Brakes1

What owners describe

The 2012 GMC Yukon Xl has 13 owner complaints, ranking #26 of 28 Yukon Xl model years for complaints (well below the 86 average). Complaints peaked in 2017 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 95,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (47 complaints, 3 recalls), 2013 (22 complaints, 4 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 GMC Yukon Xl.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2012 GMC Yukon Xl manual

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FAQ

Does the 2012 GMC Yukon Xl have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2012 GMC Yukon Xl. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2012 GMC Yukon Xl problems?

Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (5), airbags (5), body & structure (3).

Where can I get a 2012 GMC Yukon Xl repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Yukon Xl years

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