Owners have filed 94 complaints
about the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL with NHTSA between 2017 and 2025.
The largest single group is the lights.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 91
Against the median year of the GMC Yukon Denali XL. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 23
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2015 compares with every other GMC Yukon Denali XL
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
56.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1417.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4554.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1113.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
78.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
May 2017peak 11Jun 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE18012Opened 20 Nov 2018Closed 10 Apr 2022SERVICE BRAKES
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 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, extendi...
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 85,000 milesBurrows, IN
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11667092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesGenoa, OH
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.
NHTSA complaint #11449781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesTazewell, TN
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11426853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 32,000 milesRock Springs, WY
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
NHTSA complaint #11222648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesVictoria, MN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11221505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesVictoria, MN
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11221505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,534 milesJamaica, NY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11219096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesNaples, FL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11218774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesNaples, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11218774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,500 milesLansing, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TAIL LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT WITHOUT NOTICE. THIS CAN HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #11218606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,500 milesLansing, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAIL LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY GO OUT WITHOUT NOTICE. THIS CAN HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #11218606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Remlap, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
REAR PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT WORKS INTERMITTANTLY WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11218693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesFarmington, NM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11216937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Guymon, OK
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 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.
NHTSA complaint #11210540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,500 milesPoquoson, VA
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 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)
NHTSA complaint #11210566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesHickory, NC
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.
NHTSA complaint #11209404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesKansas City, KS
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."
NHTSA complaint #11206599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesFort Collins, CO
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 $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!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11204356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesFort Collins, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11204356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesKilgore, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BOTH REAR TAIL LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11197341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesElko, NV
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!
NHTSA complaint #11192777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesElko, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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!
NHTSA complaint #11192777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,368 milesTHE Dalles, OR
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.
NHTSA complaint #11192167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesDaytona Beach Shore, FL
POWER TRAIN
SUV SHUTTERING AND SHAKING WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11191809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesDaytona Beach Shore, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SUV SHUTTERING AND SHAKING WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREETS AND HIGHWAY
NHTSA complaint #11191809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.