Head-to-head reliability
GMC Yukon XL vs Toyota Camry
How the GMC Yukon XL and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
GMC Yukon XL vs Toyota Camry: The Yukon XL averaged 75.8 complaints per year over 10 years, while the Camry averaged 205.6. The Yukon's top issue is engine (488 complaints), and the Camry's is power train (385). Both have recalls, but the Camry has more crash-related complaints (171 vs 10). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Yukon XL or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Yukon XL
The GMC Yukon XL is a large, heavy SUV that owners often rely on for family hauling and towing. Over 10 years, it has averaged about 76 complaints per year, with the engine being the most complained-about area by far. Owners report serious issues like engine misfires, transmission failures, and electrical glitches that can leave the vehicle inoperable. While recalls address some problems, the volume of engine and power train complaints suggests a higher risk of costly repairs.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan known for its everyday dependability, but it still generates a high number of complaints—about 206 per year over the last decade. The most common trouble spots are the power train, engine, and brakes, with owners describing shuddering, delayed acceleration, and electronic parking brake failures. There are also many complaints about advanced driver-assist systems malfunctioning. Despite the higher complaint count, the issues tend to be less severe than the Yukon XL's engine and transmission failures.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Yukon XL | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 758 Better | 2,056 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 33 | 31 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 10 Better | 171 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 75.8 Better | 205.6 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 26 Better | 158 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
GMC Yukon XL
- 01ENGINE488
- 02POWER TRAIN144
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM88
- 04FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM76
- 05ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING56
Owners report flashing check engine lights, misfires, and repeated engine problems even on brand-new vehicles with low mileage. This can lead to sudden power loss or expensive repairs, making it a major concern for buyers.
Complaints describe transmission failure while driving, causing the vehicle to become inoperable and require towing. Another owner experienced a sudden shutdown on the highway, losing propulsion entirely. These failures pose a serious safety risk.
Multiple owners report the entire electronic dashboard, GPS, climate controls, and heads-up display failing while driving. This leaves the driver without speed, fuel level, or other critical information, which is dangerous.
Some complaints involve fuel system issues that trigger check engine lights and engine problems. These can lead to stalling or reduced performance, and may be related to the engine complaints.
“[XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] [Date] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, D.C. 20590 Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali – Repeated Engine…”
“Vehicle Status: Brand New Current Mileage: Approximately 10,000 miles Incident Description On 1/8/26, while operating the vehicle on the interstate at highway speeds with cruise control engaged, the Check Engine light began to flash. Simultaneously, the vehic…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN385
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER323
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES285
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM237
Owners report the ignition key getting stuck and unable to be removed even when the car is in Park, requiring battery disconnection. Others describe hesitation and shuddering while driving, often with a check engine light.
Complaints include delayed throttle response when pressing the accelerator, with the car taking several seconds to move. This can be dangerous when merging or crossing traffic, and may indicate a deeper engine or transmission issue.
The electronic parking brake may fail to disengage, requiring a tow to the dealer. Owners also hear clicking and vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which the manufacturer says is normal but owners find concerning.
Multiple advanced systems—smart stop, stability control, power steering, blind spot monitoring, and lane keeping—can malfunction simultaneously. This leaves the driver without key safety aids and can be alarming.
“My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in Park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating and shuddering, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
GMC Yukon XL — 33 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deform…
The risk: A bolt that loosens or breaks during vehicle operation can result in loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front left and right wheel hub bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental…
The risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, C…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
The risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC custome…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake…
The 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.
The fix: 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-…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
GMC Yukon XL or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The GMC Yukon XL has far fewer complaints per year (about 76) compared to the Toyota Camry (about 206), but the Yukon's issues are more often severe, involving engine and transmission failures that can strand drivers. The Camry's higher complaint count includes many less critical problems, though it still has serious brake and power train complaints. In practice, the Yukon XL may have fewer overall problems but they tend to be more costly and dangerous when they occur.
Key differences
- The GMC Yukon XL's most common complaint is engine problems (488 complaints), often involving misfires and check engine lights, while the Toyota Camry's top issue is power train (385 complaints), including stuck keys and shuddering.
- Yukon XL owners report sudden transmission failures and highway shutdowns, whereas Camry owners more often describe delayed acceleration and electronic parking brake failures.
- The Camry has far more crash-related complaints (171) and injuries (158) than the Yukon XL (10 crashes, 26 injuries), though the Yukon's failures may be more likely to cause a crash.
- Both vehicles have electrical complaints, but the Yukon's involve dashboard and display failures, while the Camry's involve multiple driver-assist systems malfunctioning at once.
- Check for any history of engine misfires or flashing check engine lights, especially on low-mileage models, as these can indicate recurring engine defects.
- Test drive at highway speeds and listen for transmission slipping or sudden shutdowns; also verify all electronic displays and gauges work consistently.
- Test the ignition key removal in Park—if it sticks, it could be a sign of the reported power train defect.
- Check the electronic parking brake operation and listen for clicking or vibrating noises from the brake pedal area, which may indicate ABS issues.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and look for repeated engine or transmission repairs on the Yukon XL.
- For the Camry, test all advanced safety systems (blind spot, lane keeping, stability control) during a test drive to ensure they function.
- Have a mechanic inspect the Yukon XL's engine and transmission for signs of misfires or fluid leaks.
- On the Camry, verify the electronic parking brake engages and disengages smoothly, and check for any brake pedal noises.
- Ask the seller for all recall repair documentation, as both vehicles have multiple recalls that may affect safety.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | GMC Yukon XL | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 27 | 163 |
| 2024 | 70 | 50 |
| 2023 | 218 | 64 |
| 2022 | 169 | 61 |
| 2021 | 227 | 157 |
| 2020 | 47 | 274 |
| 2019 | 0 | 395 |
| 2018 | 0 | 744 |
| 2017 | 0 | 148 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific GMC Yukon XL or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Yukon XL vs Toyota Camry
- GMC Yukon XL total complaints
- 758
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,056
- GMC Yukon XL total recalls
- 33
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- GMC Yukon XL avg complaints/year
- 75.8
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 205.6
- More reliable overall
- GMC Yukon XL
- GMC Yukon XL top complaint area
- ENGINE
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN