2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › GMC › Yukon Denali XL › 2015
These records cover every 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
65 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine and engine cooling
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the engine and oil warning lights illuminated, and the contact pulled over. There was no indication of oil leaking on the ground. The contact had her son-in-law, an independent mechanic to check…
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL Denali. The contact stated while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the engine and oil warning lights illuminated, and the contact pulled over. There was no indication of oil leaking on the ground. The contact had her son-in-law, an independent mechanic to check the oil and it was determined that the oil level was low. The contact stated that oil was added; however, three days later the oil level was low again. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was notified of an excessive oil consumption failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The warranty company declined to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, gasoline would leak out of the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: 14858 (High-Pressure Fuel Pump). The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL. The contact stated that the passenger’s side taillight failed to illuminate intermittently while depressing the brake pedal. Over time, the driver’s side taillight also would fail to illuminate with the brake pedal depressed. The contact then received a…
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL. The contact stated that the passenger’s side taillight failed to illuminate intermittently while depressing the brake pedal. Over time, the driver’s side taillight also would fail to illuminate with the brake pedal depressed. The contact then received a warranty notice from the local dealer about the failure however, the contact was informed when speaking to the dealer that due to the mileage on her vehicle, the vehicle no longer qualified under the warranty program. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
- Exterior lighting
The passenger side taillight started 'going out' right after the warranty expired-meaning, it would work off and on at various times. Then the drivers side taillight has started doing the same thing. This IS a known issue with the GMC taillights and yet GMC has yet to recognize any issue. this IS a major safety issue for anyone driving these models with failing taillights. This needs to be investigated
- Suspension · Wheels
The wheels have corrosion and sharp edges have started to form. these sharp edges are putting pressure on the the tires causing them to lose air. we were required to purchase new wheels as the only solution. wheels should last the life of a vehicle, not four years.
- Power train
My yukon makes very hard shifts when accelerating and decelerating. The tcm was reprogrammed after vehicle shut off on the high way last november. Now the truck shudders between 25 and 45mph especially when climbing or filled with passengers. Vibration can be felt through the cabin.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Faulty brake-light and costly fix. Dealership has taillight on back order so a replacement isnt even available. dealership wants $675 just for the part that cant even be ordered. dangerous to drive the vehicle with no solution available.
- Electrical system
Rear passenger brake light works intermittantly while driving.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Tail lights intermittently go out without notice. This can happen while driving or stationary
- Exterior lighting
We have had both our taillights fail. The blinkers still function but because they are led they say they must replace the whole unit. Each side cost $672. That IS outrageous for a taillight. There needs to be a way to replace each piece.
- Exterior lighting
Vehicle has under 45,000 miles and both headlights need to be replaced due to malfunctioning led's from water intrusion. This happens after washing my car and now it will not pass state inspection due to driver side daytime led not turning on, and passenger side drl not turning off. I can not get…
Vehicle has under 45,000 miles and both headlights need to be replaced due to malfunctioning led's from water intrusion. This happens after washing my car and now it will not pass state inspection due to driver side daytime led not turning on, and passenger side drl not turning off. I can not get this fixed because the passenger side light IS on backorder, yet my local dealer said this isn't a known problem. take a look on the internet and it's clearly a manufacturing issue (hence backordered headlights)
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2015 GMC yukon denali XL. While attempting to shift the vehicle from park into drive, the transmission made a hard clunking sound. Also, while driving between 30-50 mph, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to lewis chevrolet buick of liberal (located at 202…
TL* the contact owns a 2015 GMC yukon denali XL. While attempting to shift the vehicle from park into drive, the transmission made a hard clunking sound. Also, while driving between 30-50 mph, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to lewis chevrolet buick of liberal (located at 202 n grant ave, liberal, ks 67901, (620) 624-2584) where it was diagnosed that the transmission fluid needed to be flushed and refilled. The vehicle was serviced, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Exterior lighting
Both rear light assemblies have had issues. Drivers side was first, brake light stopped working. Replaced under warranty. Passenger side brake light and parking light have now stopped working, just out of warranty. Problem comes and goes depending on temperature. I would think this would be considered a safety issue and be the subject of a recall since it IS wide spread.
- Exterior lighting
Driver's side, rear tail light failed to light when parked, or when depressing the brake pedal. dealership quoted just under $800 to replace. had light replaced, and the same thing IS happening again. dealer states that "lights go out sometimes."
- Electrical system · Power train
At 75,000 miles I wouldn't expect to have this many issues out of such a nice expensive truck... The check engine lights comes on and off and it pleases. When the check engine light IS on the remote start doesn't work. The tail lights work when they want to and to fix a tail light just 1 IS…
At 75,000 miles I wouldn't expect to have this many issues out of such a nice expensive truck... The check engine lights comes on and off and it pleases. When the check engine light IS on the remote start doesn't work. The tail lights work when they want to and to fix a tail light just 1 IS $800.00. While driving all types of warnings and lights start coming on in a rapid warning annoyance. I've never hooked a trailer to this truck and it keeps giving me some type of trailer braking system warning. The cruise control works when it wants to. Big issue!!!!! The transmission IS slipping!!!!!!!!!!!! When driving it will give a hard jerk as if it's having trouble shifting. Doing this at any speeds, anytime during accelerating. So many issues out of this truck it's to the point we are throwing away a ton of money onthis thing!!!!!
- Exterior lighting
Both rear tail lights have gone out.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Approximately 51,000 miles on vehicle: rear passenger tail light IS inop. We were on a trip when we noticed, if you tap the side of it the light would come on for just a second. Led strip for brake light IS defective. Replacement cost IS about $800 dollars. lots of complaints and online forums regarding this issue. GMC really need to resolve this isssue. These rigs cost way to much for that poor quality!
- Exterior lighting
There IS a flaw in the led strip of the rear tail lights. The led strip breaks over time disabling the tail lights. The tail light assembly IS sealed and must either be replaced or broken into so a jumper can be soldered across the break to repair the tail light.
- Engine · Power train · Unknown or other
SUV shuttering and shaking while in motion on city streets and highway
- Electrical system · Visibility/wiper
Led brake lights failed in both tail lamps. Led IS supposed to be a longer lasting alternative to standard lights. Unfortunately the way gm designed these you cannot service or repair them like you can with a traditional bulb. After much research it appears that there IS a thin strip that breaks in…
Led brake lights failed in both tail lamps. Led IS supposed to be a longer lasting alternative to standard lights. Unfortunately the way gm designed these you cannot service or repair them like you can with a traditional bulb. After much research it appears that there IS a thin strip that breaks in the circuit causing both taillamps to loose functionality, there IS no bulb out warning so the driver IS not alerted. And with no brake lamps this could result in a crash or injury.
- Unknown or other
Ac condenser leaking at 72000 miles, so outside of warranty. should be covered regardless of mileage due to a known issue in special program 17336. bought this certified from dealer in 2017. ac just stopped cooling a couple of weeks ago, just blows warm air. impacts defrosting.
- Exterior lighting · Structure › Body
Faulty, poorly made tail lights that need to be entirely replaced (not just the bulb) at more than $700 each. When spending so much on a car, this IS literally insane not to be covered under any warranty. GMC drivers deserve more than this poorly made led light system. The plastic window trim…
Faulty, poorly made tail lights that need to be entirely replaced (not just the bulb) at more than $700 each. When spending so much on a car, this IS literally insane not to be covered under any warranty. GMC drivers deserve more than this poorly made led light system. The plastic window trim pieces also detach due to cheap plastic clips. I've had to literally use double sided tape and glue to stick them back on a $70K+ car. It's hundreds of dollars to replace pieces that are literally part of the body of the vehicle.
- Exterior lighting
Our passenger taillight went out and the dealership cost to replace it was $811. I called GMC customer service and after 4 days and multiple phone calls the best they could offer in financial assistance was $80. I asked the dealership if I could have the broken light and they wanted me to pay $50…
Our passenger taillight went out and the dealership cost to replace it was $811. I called GMC customer service and after 4 days and multiple phone calls the best they could offer in financial assistance was $80. I asked the dealership if I could have the broken light and they wanted me to pay $50 to take it with me. a google search turned up many instances of this happening. The dealership told me that they replace 1-2 per week. The taillight replacement on the yukon family IS a scam. It IS unethical for them to charge that much for a replacement when it IS inown to be defective. The car IS less than 4 years old and has 66K miles and has not been in any collisions. Just normal routine use resulted in a costly repair and, more importantly, irresponsible customer service from the GMC employees who were in charge of handling my case.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Service brakes
'Takata recall' we just purchased our 2015 yukon dinali XL december 20, 2018 and have had nothing but problems with brake light ( while in motion ) on driver-side working intermittently, so we replaced both taillights with brand new ($700) enclosed rear light assembly and now we are having an…
'Takata recall' we just purchased our 2015 yukon dinali XL december 20, 2018 and have had nothing but problems with brake light ( while in motion ) on driver-side working intermittently, so we replaced both taillights with brand new ($700) enclosed rear light assembly and now we are having an issue with driver side once again. I'm very proud to buy american made products but after seeing how many GMC monthly complaints with this same issue, you would think that gm would stand behind their product. I know myself being in business if I had a complains more than three times a month I would try my best to correct the problem to keep from having a bad reputation and have a future customers!! I take pride in my work for what our customer pays, and expect the same for what I pay!!
- Electrical system
Car was parked in covered garage for 2 months. battery went dead. attempted to charge battery with 20 amp charger and battery would not take a charge. attempted to start car with battery booster pack and lights would come on, but car would not start sitting in vehicle with key fob. console…
Car was parked in covered garage for 2 months. battery went dead. attempted to charge battery with 20 amp charger and battery would not take a charge. attempted to start car with battery booster pack and lights would come on, but car would not start sitting in vehicle with key fob. console display said that steering wheel was locked. called aaa and they came out to replace battery. it was the original battery...but had worked perfectly when car was parked earlier. new battery allowed lights and all other functions to work, but car would still not start. I closed doors....hood and then was able to start car with key fob remote starter. car worked perfectly. shut car off and tried to start again and would not start normally, but would start fine remotely. called dealership and they had not heard of this issue, and I made appointment to bring in. two days before appointment, car would not even start remotely. only thing that happened was that outside mirrors would retract when I tried to start remotely. paid $90 to have car flatbed towed to delearship. Paid $234.99 for dealership to clear all codes and reprogram. have called GMC several times and they refuse to acknowledge problem or reimburse me. Dealership had never seen this issue before and told me when they spoke with GMC technical department that this issue had never occurred. I find that very suspicious. how could a bad battery trigger a computer to not allow the car to start. this IS a very dangerous situation because if I was stranded on a highway and the battery went dead and a new battery or jump start would not allow computer to start car, there could be unfortunate consequences. I have owned dozens of cars with theft deterrent systems and a bad battery that has been replaced has never triggered the system to make the vehicle unable to start. please advise. thanks
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).
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 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).
Every GMC Yukon Denali XL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.