2008 GMC Yukon
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 4WD Denali, 4dr SUV RWD Sl/Sle, Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD, Hybrid 4dr SUV RWD
- Engines
- 6.0L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline, FFV, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 21 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- 202–222.4 in
- Curb weight
- 5,265–5,838 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints298 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 74 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 GMC Yukon is a SUV - offered with 4 engines (6.0L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
It measures about 202 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 116-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 5,525 lb (4dr SUV 4WD Denali).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (21 city / 22 highway), 11% better than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 298 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2008
- New hybrid version
- Best combined MPG up from 17 to 21
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Yukon →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 4WD Denali | 202 in | 79.1 in | 77.2 in | 116.1 in | 68.1 / 67.3 in | 5,525 lb | 52/48 |
| 4dr SUV RWD Sl/Sle | 202 in | 79.1 in | 76.8 in | 116.1 in | 68.1 / 67.3 in | 5,265 lb | 52/48 |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV 4WD | 202 in | 79.1 in | 77.2 in | 116.1 in | 68.1 / 67.3 in | 5,787 lb | |
| Hybrid 4dr SUV RWD | 202 in | 79.1 in | 76.8 in | 116.1 in | 68.1 / 67.3 in | 5,540 lb | |
| -Xl 4dr SUV 4WD Denali | 222.4 in | 79.1 in | 77.2 in | 129.9 in | 68.1 / 67.3 in | 5,838 lb | 50/50 |
| -Xl 4dr SUV RWD Sl/Sle | 222.4 in | 79.1 in | 76.8 in | 129.9 in | 68.1 / 67.3 in | 5,606 lb | 50/50 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon 1500 Hybrid 2WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 22 / 21 | +11% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Yukon 1500 Hybrid 4WD Hybrid | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 20 / 20 | +15% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Yukon 1500 2WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -15% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Yukon 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -15% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -15% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Yukon 1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -15% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -15% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Yukon 1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -8% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Yukon XL 1500 4WD FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -8% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | -26% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Yukon Denali 1500 AWD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -20% | $5,850 | 635 |
| Yukon XL 1500 4WD | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | -20% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Yukon 1500 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 19 / 14 | -26% | $5,850 | 635 |
| Yukon XL 1500 2WD | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 19 / 14 | -26% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 GMC Yukon under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 GMC Yukon (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Ford Expedition | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | 17 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Dodge Durango | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V052000 · 557,023 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and 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." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming 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.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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 23, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 20, 2021. 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 N212328780.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Feb 5, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V050000 · 2,641,272 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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 notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. 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 N212328760.
Electrical System · Jun 4, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V240000 · 1,365,070 vehicles
- Problem
- GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
- Risk
- IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Not every 2008 GMC Yukon is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 GMC Yukon buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 181 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Structure › Body — 30 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 24 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 105,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 GMC Yukon. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Yukon years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Yukon | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2026 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | Not rated | 3 | 84 |
| 2025 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 85 |
| 2024 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 181 |
| 2023 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 472 |
| 2022 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 359 |
| 2021 Yukon | 23 | 209.8 in | ★★★★★ | 14 | 572 |
| 2020 Yukon | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 84 |
| 2019 Yukon | 18 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 126 |
| 2018 Yukon | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 130 |
| 2017 Yukon | 19 | 203.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 359 |
| 2016 Yukon | 19 | 203.9 in | Not rated | 5 | 519 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →