repaired · 2023 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
2009 GMC Yukon XLProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 24 owner complaints about the 2009 GMC Yukon XL, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-050 the manufacturer reports only 28% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 7, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2009 GMC Yukon XL has problems
24 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
10Air bags
4Engine
3Structure1 crash/fire/injury
1Fuel/propulsion system
1Fuel system, other
1Power train
1Steering
1Traction control system
1Visibility/wiper
44 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 10 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Structure | 3 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel system, other | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| Traction control system | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| 4 other systems | 4 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2009 GMC Yukon XL recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. WATER IN THE MODULE COULD CAUSE A SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT, ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP, SETTING OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES OR THE ENGINE MAY BE…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.
Best & worst years
2009 vs. every other Yukon XL year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Yukon XL median. How we score
'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2009 GMC Yukon XL safety ratings
2009 GMC Yukon XL 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 3 stars (23.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2009 GMC Yukon XL, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Yukon XL owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC YUKON XL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V053000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…
I WORK IN A DEALERSHIP AND PURCHASED MY VEHICLE USED IN APRIL 2016. AT THE TIME IT HAD SMALL CRACKS THAT EXTENDED FROM THE DASH AIRBAGS ABOUT 1" OR SO TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACKS ARE NOW QUITE LARGE. IF THE AIRBAGS WERE TO DEPLOY, THE PLASTIC FROM THE DASH WOULD ALSO BECOME AIRBORNE. THIS…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC YUKON XL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V381000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL…
Own a 2009 Yukon XL?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.