2000 GMC Yukon XL 1500
The 2000 GMC Yukon XL 1500 is a full-size SUV known for its spaciousness, towing capacity, and truck-based durability. Engine options included the 5.3L Vortec V8 (285 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque), the 5.7L Vortec V8 (255 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque), and the 6.0L Vortec V8 (300 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque). All engines were paired with the 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the Yukon XL’s large cargo area, comfortable ride, and ability to haul passengers and cargo. Common complaints revolve around fuel economy, age-related component failures, and the vehicle’s overall size, which can make it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Engine
5.3L Vortec V8
- Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, sometimes exceeding 1 quart per 1,000 miles. Blue smoke from the exhaust may be present.
- Solution: Depending on the cause, solutions can range from replacing the PCV valve to replacing valve stem seals or piston rings.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $2000+
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak at the front or rear of the engine, causing a loss of coolant and potential overheating.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
5.7L Vortec V8
- Fuel Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, and poor fuel economy.
- Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per injector
- Recalls: None Found
- Distributor Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, misfires, or complete engine failure. Issues related to worn distributor gear or faulty ignition module.
- Solution: Replace distributor cap, rotor, ignition module, or entire distributor assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
6.0L Vortec V8
- Exhaust Manifold Bolts Breaking
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking or hissing sound, especially when the engine is cold, due to exhaust leaks.
- Solution: Replace broken exhaust manifold bolts and potentially the exhaust manifold itself.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4L60E Four-Speed Automatic
- Slipping or Erratic Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping between gears, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Solution: Could be caused by low fluid level, worn clutches, or a faulty valve body. A transmission flush and filter change may help, but a rebuild or replacement is often necessary for severe cases.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for flush, $1500 - $3500+ for rebuild or replacement
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at certain speeds, particularly during torque converter lockup. Stalling or difficulty maintaining speed.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Sagging Rear Suspension
- Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sitting lower than the front, especially when loaded. Worn or broken leaf springs or coil springs.
- Solution: Replace the worn leaf springs or coil springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the front suspension, especially when turning. Excessive tire wear.
- Solution: Replace worn ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Instrument Panel Gauge Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic or non-functional gauges (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.). Common issue with the stepper motors in the instrument cluster.
- Solution: Replace the faulty stepper motors in the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window/Door Lock Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of power windows or door locks. Caused by worn switches or faulty door lock actuators.
- Solution: Replace faulty switches or door lock actuators.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per switch/actuator
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Rocker Panels and Quarter Panels
- Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower body panels, especially around the wheel wells and rocker panels.
- Solution: Rust repair, including cutting out rusted sections and welding in new metal, followed by body filler and paint.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ depending on severity
- Recalls: None Found
- Headlight Lens Clouding
- Description/Symptoms: Headlight lenses becoming cloudy or yellowed, reducing headlight output.
- Solution: Headlight restoration kit or replacement of the headlight assemblies.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $50 for restoration kit, $100 - $300+ per headlight assembly
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, especially in hot climates.
- Solution: Dashboard cover or replacement of the dashboard.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 for a cover, $500 - $1500+ for replacement
- Recalls: None Found
- HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of some or all blower motor speeds. Usually results in only the high setting working.
- Solution: Replace the blower motor resistor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2000 GMC Yukon XL 1500, while a capable and comfortable SUV, is prone to certain age-related issues. Engine problems such as oil consumption and intake manifold leaks are common, while the 4L60E transmission can suffer from slipping and torque converter failure. Suspension issues like sagging rear springs and failing ball joints are also frequent. Electrical problems such as instrument panel gauge failure and power window issues can also occur. Rust is a common exterior concern. While some of these issues can be addressed with relatively inexpensive repairs, others may require more significant investment. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these common problems before purchasing.