NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 GMC Yukon Xl Safety Ratings
The 2022 GMC Yukon Xl scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 149 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 GMC Yukon XL achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment is largely supported by its performance in crash avoidance technology, where it received full marks from NHTSA. Its recall record is also manageable, with only four issued. However, the rollover rating stands as a notable exception, tempering an otherwise solid safety profile.
The 2022 GMC Yukon XL received a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl ranks 99 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.2% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 149 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 99 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl?
The 2022 GMC Yukon XL achieved a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash avoidance technology, a contributing factor in its 8-point gain on the NHTSA Safety Index. This score reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The overall Safety Index score of 80 out of 100 places the vehicle in the Strong band, an improvement from the 2021 model year's 72 points. Its crash protection subscore stands at 57 out of 70. However, the rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars, with a 21 percent rollover risk, limits this subscore, a common outcome for large-body SUVs. The defect record subscore of 13.25 out of 20 reflects four active recall campaigns. These recalls address issues with transmission software, engine internals, lighting module software, and seat belt fasteners. The 2022 Yukon XL earns its Strong designation based on its active safety technology and multi-directional crash performance. Prospective buyers should note the rollover risk and the vehicle's recall record.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl perform in crash tests?
The 2022 GMC Yukon XL achieved a notable 5 out of 5 stars for side-impact protection in NHTSA's evaluations. Its overall safety rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with frontal crash protection also earning 4 stars. The vehicle's rollover rating was assessed at 3 out of 5 stars, indicating a 21 percent rollover risk, although NHTSA's dynamic tip testing did not result in a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16283
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components addressed include the automatic transmission control module software, internal engine hard parts, a lighting control module software fix issued as an over-the-air update, and seat belt critical fasteners. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data, but the seat belt fastener and engine hard parts campaigns warrant prompt VIN verification.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE26V085000
Risk: Rear wheels that lock up while driving increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module (TCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252536750. Vehicle Identification
Reported 2026-02-13
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V274000
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevro
Reported 2025-04-24
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V903000
Risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222386380. This recall expands previous
Reported 2022-12-08
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS22V617000
Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1
Reported 2022-08-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl?
NHTSA has received 149 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged problem areas are led heavily by the Engine category at 97 reported cases, followed by Power Train at 27 and Electrical System at 19. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and should be weighed accordingly.
149 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl?
An unresolved recall remedy shifts safety responsibility to the current owner, and shoppers of this four-year-old vehicle should verify the status of all four recall campaigns, particularly those addressing the seat belt fastener and engine hard parts, via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool.
- The 2022 model year jumped 8 Safety Index points over the 2021 Yukon XL, moving from an Average band score of 72 to a Strong band score of 80, driven by full crash-avoidance technology credit and improved crash-protection scoring.
- NHTSA's side-impact test produced a perfect 5-star result for this model year, while the rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars and a 21 percent rollover risk figure represent the most notable crash-test limitation specific to this vehicle.
- Four recall campaigns are active or were issued for this model year, covering automatic transmission software, internal engine components, lighting control module software with an over-the-air remedy, and seat belt critical fasteners, making VIN-specific recall verification essential.
- The 149 unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year are concentrated heavily in the Engine category at 97 alleged reports, a concentration worth noting when reviewing any pre-purchase inspection findings, though these remain unverified consumer allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl places
The 2022 GMC Yukon Xl qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 GMC Yukon Xl safety questions
Was the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 149 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 GMC Yukon Xl. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Yukon Xl years
Rivals in SUV (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16283), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Yukon Xl 2022.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 99 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.