NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 GMC Yukon Xl Safety Ratings
The 2023 GMC Yukon Xl scores 72 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 183 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 GMC Yukon XL registers a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. This represents an eight-point decline from the 2022 model's 80 out of 100 Strong rating. This drop primarily reflects a weaker defect record and a low sub-score for its avoidance technology. Prospective owners should consider this decline.
The 2023 GMC Yukon XL received a NHTSA Safety Index of 72/100 and a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, with source data drawn from NHTSA federal records.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl ranks 131 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 72 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 183 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 131 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl?
The 2023 GMC Yukon XL marks a notable safety-profile shift relative to its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index fell from 80/100 in 2022 to 72/100 in 2023, moving the vehicle from the Strong band down to Average. The primary drag on the index is the avoidance-tech sub-score of just 2 out of 10, a striking gap given that forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as standard or optional equipment, suggesting those features are not universally standard across all trim configurations. The defect record sub-score of 13.25 out of 20 also reflects the weight of four active recall campaigns, spanning engine internals, brake-warning software, rear suspension, and lighting control software. Two of those four campaigns carry OTA fix designations, meaning remedies can be delivered without a dealer visit for equipped vehicles. Crash protection remains the strongest pillar at 57 out of 70, anchored by the 5-star side result. The 3-star rollover rating is the single weakest crash-test figure and is worth noting for a large, tall SUV body style. The 183 unverified owner complaints, concentrated heavily in engine-related categories, align directionally with the engine recall campaign issued in 2025.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl perform in crash tests?
The 2023 GMC Yukon XL earned a 4 out of 5 stars overall from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly strong, achieving a full 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection is rated at 4 stars. The vehicle's rollover rating stands at 3 out of 5 stars; however, NHTSA's dynamic tip test did not result in a tip, indicating a 0% rollover risk.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17224
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl have any recalls?
Yes, four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components involved are internal engine hard parts, a brake-fluid low-warning lamp software issue (resolved via OTA update), rear suspension, and a lighting control module software fault (also OTA-eligible). No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN at NHTSA.
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
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP24V674000
Risk: Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
Reported 2024-09-12
SUSPENSION:REAR23V642000
Risk: A broken suspension bolt can result in misalignment of the rear wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear suspension outer control arm bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 14, 2023. 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 N232415910.
Reported 2023-09-20
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl?
A total of 183 owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Yukon XL, including alleged reports of 1 crash and 13 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components are Engine with 120 reports, followed by Power Train and Electrical System, each with 31 reported allegations.
183 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl?
The 2023 Yukon XL has four recall campaigns on record. Two of these are eligible for over-the-air (OTA) fixes. Any shopper considering this vehicle should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Confirming that each remedy has been applied to that specific vehicle is a concrete, no-cost safety step.
- The Safety Index dropped 8 points year over year, from 80/100 in 2022 to 72/100 in 2023, shifting the vehicle from the Strong band to Average, a concrete change unique to this model year.
- Four recall campaigns are on record for this specific model year, covering engine hard parts, brake-fluid warning lamp software, rear suspension, and lighting control module software, two of which carry OTA fix designations.
- The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 is the single largest index weakness for this year, suggesting that safety-relevant driver-assist features are not fully standardized across all 2023 Yukon XL configurations.
- NHTSA's 183 unverified owner complaints for this model year are heavily concentrated in engine-related categories, with 120 alleged engine reports, a pattern that aligns with the engine hard-parts recall campaign that was issued after this vehicle entered the market.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl places
The 2023 GMC Yukon Xl qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 GMC Yukon Xl safety questions
Was the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 72 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 GMC Yukon Xl?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 183 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17224), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Yukon Xl 2023.
- 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 131 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.