2015 GMC Yukon Denali
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › GMC › Yukon Denali › 2015
These records cover every 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
73 complaints2 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the passenger’s side of the vehicle.…
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the passenger’s side of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact arrived at the residence and used a personal diagnostic reader and retrieved information related to misfires in cylinder #2 and #4. The contact replaced the spark plugs and the ignition coils. The contact test drove the vehicle, and the check engine warning light later illuminated. The contact swapped the ignition coils; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) had failed and caused the lifters to fail. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
- Power train
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the contact heard an abnormal grinding sound, and the transmission was shifting hard. While making a turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. There were unknown warning lights…
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the contact heard an abnormal grinding sound, and the transmission was shifting hard. While making a turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. There were unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V152000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the transmission. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not available.
- Engine
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle started decelerating with a slight clunking sound coming from underneath the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. The contact coasted to the side of…
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle started decelerating with a slight clunking sound coming from underneath the front passenger’s side of the vehicle. The vehicle then lost motive power. The contact coasted to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. After waiting for a while, the vehicle was started and the contact became aware that the instrument panel and all other electrical systems were activated as expected; however, the engine failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a failure with the engine. The vehicle had not been repaired. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the engine had failed, and the starter needed to be replaced. The starter had been replaced; however, while starting the vehicle the engine emitted a loud rumbling noise which the dealer described as rocks being tossed around. The contact stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,150.
- Power train
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was inoperable. The contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into reverse, the vehicle would drive forward. The contact also stated that when the gear shifter was…
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was inoperable. The contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted into reverse, the vehicle would drive forward. The contact also stated that when the gear shifter was in neutral, the vehicle would reverse instead. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the transmission fluid had leaked onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that the fuel tank was leaking fuel. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
- Electrical system
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving the air condition system was blowing hot air and then became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the A/C condenser…
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving the air condition system was blowing hot air and then became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the A/C condenser and A/C control module needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
- Service brakes
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while his mother was driving approximately 50 MPH, the brake service warning light illuminated and the vehicle started to decelerate as if the brakes were engaged. The contact's mother was able to pull over safely and turned the…
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while his mother was driving approximately 50 MPH, the brake service warning light illuminated and the vehicle started to decelerate as if the brakes were engaged. The contact's mother was able to pull over safely and turned the vehicle off and on and was able to continue driving to her destination. The brake failure persisted. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
- Electrical system
Tail lights sometimes work and most of the time does not work. I see hundreds of complaints about this and nothing IS being done about it! This will be my first and last time buying a GMC car. This IS very dangerous and a very expensive problem to have!
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting › Brake lights
TL* the contact owns a 2015 GMC yukon denali. While reversing the vehicle, the contact was informed that the brake lights were not illuminating. However, when the vehicle was in drive, the brake lights illuminated. Also, when the contact depressed the brake pedal to slow or stop the vehicle, the…
TL* the contact owns a 2015 GMC yukon denali. While reversing the vehicle, the contact was informed that the brake lights were not illuminating. However, when the vehicle was in drive, the brake lights illuminated. Also, when the contact depressed the brake pedal to slow or stop the vehicle, the brake lights did not illuminate. The contact called coulter buick GMC phoenix (1202 e camelback rd, phoenix, az 85014, (602) 396-5994) and was informed that there were no recalls. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 64,000.
- Exterior lighting
Tail light circuit (led internal to housing) cracks, causing rail/brake light outage with no warnings on the dash for the driver. this IS a material defect in the metal stamping used for the led power circuit. exacerbated by heat and vibration.
- Exterior lighting
The passenger side brake/tail lights intermittently do not work. they work about 60 percent of the time and the other 40 percent they do not. I have read many complaints online about this issue and gm needs to step up and get it fixed. it IS a safety issue.
- Exterior lighting
Brake/tail lights have gone out. My car isn't even 5 years old. The repair IS astronomical'at least $1500!!!
- Exterior lighting
My driver's side tail light flickered for about 2 months before finally going out. The other side IS now doing the same thing. It has 82,301 miles on it.
- Exterior lighting
I have been having issues for about a year with the lights working intermittently. as of today, june 12 2019, they are out completely!!!! after going to a local mechanic he said the whole circuit was gone & would have to be replaced!!! I am in between jobs and do not have 2000.00 dollars to fix…
I have been having issues for about a year with the lights working intermittently. as of today, june 12 2019, they are out completely!!!! after going to a local mechanic he said the whole circuit was gone & would have to be replaced!!! I am in between jobs and do not have 2000.00 dollars to fix said problem. I have found several message boards who have all had the same problem with no help what so ever from GMC!!!!! this IS ridiculous. when you may thousands of dollars for a SUV you expect it to last longer than 88,000!!! this isn't the first problem I have had with this SUV. so this needs to become a recall issue and GMC or the part supplier needs to fix this.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakes
The left brake light failed with 57K miles. the right one then failed at 61K miles. the dealer wanted $735 each to fix them, as they claim they need to replace the entire led housing. the dealer IS well-aware that this IS a common problem, and it would appear based on googling the issue that many others have experienced this failure from gm.
- Exterior lighting
The tail light failed with no physical damage. I feel this IS a latent defect that gm IS aware of but will not take responsibility for it. this a sealed unit causing owners to pay exorbitant amounts to replace the unit. there are many reports of this item failing in the field within an…
The tail light failed with no physical damage. I feel this IS a latent defect that gm IS aware of but will not take responsibility for it. this a sealed unit causing owners to pay exorbitant amounts to replace the unit. there are many reports of this item failing in the field within an unacceptable time period. production date on our unit IS apr/24/14, so just over a five year period on a vehicle with less than 80K miles.
- Exterior lighting
We purchased a used 2015 yukon denali less than 6 months ago and both tail lights have now gone out. After reading about the issue, it seems like this IS a very common issue with lights on this vehicle. Very unfortunate that GMC refuses to do anything about it.
- Electrical system
Drivers side led taillight stopped working and the whole assembly has to be replaced at $800. led's should last life of the vehicle that IS why you can't just replace a bulb. I have read hundreds of posts with the same issue. gm should do a recall or offer a steep discount on the replacement.
- Exterior lighting
Taillights working intermittent. This IS a safety issue. I have google and there over a 100 complaints on car gurus with the same problem. This IS a GMC safety problem. These yukon's are expense and I should feel safe while driving it. Taking it to the dealership this morning. I am asking a…
Taillights working intermittent. This IS a safety issue. I have google and there over a 100 complaints on car gurus with the same problem. This IS a GMC safety problem. These yukon's are expense and I should feel safe while driving it. Taking it to the dealership this morning. I am asking a customer of GMC--- do the right thing and look into this as someone IS going to get killed - no taillights could be a life threating safety issue. GMC do the right thing. Look at all of the complaints with the exact same issue
- Exterior lighting
The rear driver side taillight does not work. Took it to the dealership and they said it was a problem they saw frequently, to just hit the light and it might start working. Otherwise it was a 800 dollar light to replace....if it IS a frequent problem GMC should be fixing it... Are they going to…
The rear driver side taillight does not work. Took it to the dealership and they said it was a problem they saw frequently, to just hit the light and it might start working. Otherwise it was a 800 dollar light to replace....if it IS a frequent problem GMC should be fixing it... Are they going to pay for a ticket if I get pulled over or worse someone crashes into me? The problem comes and goes but has seemed to get worse and IS not safe or legal to drive with the light how it IS. Bad design of the light. And from what I have seen online I am not the only one. There a whole forums that people have the same issue.
- Exterior lighting
Passenger side rear tail light/ brake light inoperable. problem occurred at 44,580 miles.
- Exterior lighting
Led brake light works intermittently.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
The passenger side tail light IS intermittent the dealer said that it would cost $875.00 for the part to fix. He said that it was a bad manufacturing job. And he also said that there were a lot of suv's coming in with the same problem. thank you
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Rear drive side break light IS out because of poor construction.
- Exterior lighting
Led tail light and brake light stopped working at approx. 50,000 miles.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado…
On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, and GMC Yukon SUVs.If the brake assist vacuum pump fails to operate as intended, the amount of brake power assist supplied to the driver can be significantly reduced, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified NHTSA that it was conducting safety recall 19V-645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V-645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V-645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011989This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011900This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11011119This Preliminary information communicates to dealers GM is working on a solution for outdated Apps
- 11010576This service bulletin provides information on All hazmat parts being returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) must be shipped using Central Transport. Hazardous materials should never be sent by air transportation to the WPC.
- 11010566This service bulletin provides frame coating repair information to correct a customer concern of wax coating on frame peeling, metal shows corrosion/rusting (U.S. and Canada Only).
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010495This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010488This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on the Global Warranty Management (GWM) Warranty Parts Center (WPC) Parts Return Program.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11009037This service bulletin provides information on Enhancing Field Product Reports with Digital Pictures.
- 11008966This technical bulletin provides a procedure for the techs to replace the forward check ball and separator plate if found the cause of the customers concern of No Forward Gear When Shifting from Park to Drive and/or Reverse to Drive.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007721This service bulletin provides information on AGM batteries that require less frequent charging in storage.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007155This informational bulletin advises the technician that the engine and related parts will be debited if found that the tech did not properly prepare the engine block from dirt and debris in bolt holes or if found that the block was damaged by the tech.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006849This service bulletin provides information on regular inspection of the Seat Belt Lap Anchor.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
Every GMC Yukon Denali model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.