Home · 2015 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500 · Complaints

What 977 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (977)Crash / fire / injury (24)Lights (489)Electrical system (168)Brakes (158)Transmission & drivetrain (102)Engine (63)Steering (51)Body & structure (28)Suspension (27)Fuel system (23)Visibility & wipers (11)

102 of 977 complaints match · Transmission & drivetrain · clear filters · page 1 of 5

Jun 4, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngineDriver assistance

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH to work, the vehicle shifted into neutral and into low and failed to drive at about 20 MPH. The check engine light was flashing. The front collision was unavailable. The contact left the vehicle at a gas station. Upon research, the contact located NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V374000 (Power Train), which was similar to the failure. The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed there were no open recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted via chat, who referred her to the local dealer and manufacturer service center. The contact informed her to confirm the coverage with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 283,000.

NHTSA ODI 11742098

Apr 15, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered. The contact stated that upon pulling into a parking lot, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pushed into a parking space with assistance. Additionally, the contact stated that while her husband was test-driving the vehicle in the driveway by driving forward and reversing several times, the transmission locked up while depressing the brake pedal the thirteenth time. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

NHTSA ODI 11731474

Mar 30, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission shuttering between 50-65 MPH.

NHTSA ODI 11727866

Oct 20, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The transmission shifts hard in low gears. I have done research, and it seems like this is a common problem that a vast amount of these vehicles have. I honestly think that this is has to be looked into for a recall. There is countless information on the web with videos, other owners, and transmission businesses explaining about it.

NHTSA ODI 11694623

Aug 25, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the transmission shifted hard from first to second gear while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving 80 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to an independent and several internal parts of the transmission were replaced, and the Transmission Control Module (TCM) was also replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the repairs had not addressed the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was likely related to the transfer case. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000.

NHTSA ODI 11682839

Jul 16, 2025Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Driving down the expressway at 65MPH, and the Vehicle completely stops, almost causing a collision. After researching the problem at the GMC Dealer, it appears that the entire engine has internally failed. Apparently it was a Complete Engine Failure.

NHTSA ODI 11673951

Jun 23, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The transmission failed at 59,700 miles. The transmission will shift up and down by itself. The transmission is revving up when trying to pass and the vehicle will go limp for a few seconds and then the gear with kick in really hard. In stop and go traffic the transmission slips constantly and could cause an accident due to the limp mode.

NHTSA ODI 11668506

Jun 11, 2025BrakesTransmission & drivetrainLights

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, added pressure was needed before the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated or jumped before coming to a stop. Additionally, the contact stated the transmission was slipping. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled before self-correcting. The contact also stated that while idling at a stop light and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated, but gradually accelerated as needed. The contact stated that the rear taillight intermittently failed to illuminate. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The transmission fluid was flushed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission was fractured, and the light bulbs needed to be replaced. The transmission was not repaired or replaced. The headlights were not replaced. The dealer confirmed that the brakes were included in NHTSA Campaign Number 19V645000 (Service Brake, Hydraulic) and the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was driven to the residence without further repairs. The contact stated that the vehicle had become inoperable. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 195,846.

NHTSA ODI 11666325

May 14, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

LOUD NOISES STARTED UNDER THE CAR AND EVENTUALLY SHUT OFF IN MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE, THANK FULLY ANOTHER PERSON HELP US MOVE THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER AND NOTHING HAPPENED

NHTSA ODI 11660860

May 13, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

My transmission is causing a lot of shaking and hard shifting and it's very detrimental to my physical and psychological health. I am a disabled veteran with back problems and every time my Yukon shakes (almost every single shift) it hurts my back and makes it difficult to do anything. This is a very, very common issue with this year make and model but nothing seems to be getting accomplished. GM needs to remedy these issues as a recall since most of us can't afford the $5000-$12000 that this type of repair is going to cost us and GM knows that this is an issue. I can't continue to risk my family's health and safety with this vehicle and it needs to be fixed immediately!

NHTSA ODI 11660633

Apr 10, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

As I was driving on the highway the check engine lights pops on and the engine starts stalling. The stability track light also came on and the truck was hard to maintain and drive. The truck has been maintained and serviced on a meticulous schedule. This is not the first major problem we have experienced with the truck, we had to do a full transmission replacement on the truck at an 118,000 miles mark. Me and my family have been the only drivers and owner of the vehicle and mostly on put highway miles. I am so frustrated and disappointed in the workmanship and quality of our vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11653977

Jan 11, 2025Transmission & drivetrainBackup camera & sensors

Steering jerks sometimes transmission would not go into gear just raves up and then there’s times when it drive normal transmission bangs shifts hard stutters late shift driver assist blocked

NHTSA ODI 11635409

Jan 9, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission failed and was replaced by GM dealership under warranty at 20,670 miles after rough shifts and jerking and lurching movements when driving and when putting vehicle in gear. Truck would also roll if on a hill in Park. Now at 53,438 miles, the same dangerous problems are occurring with only 33,000 miles on the replaced transmission and after inspection, the dealership says the transmission needs to be replaced again. Appears GMC transmission is faulty and dangerous to drive and needs replacement very early in cars lifespan and a transmission should not need replacement so early especially when maintained correctly. Transmissions should last more than 20,000 or 30,000 miles before failing. Estimate for new transmission is $10,000. Called GMC customer service and said nothing they can do out of warranty. Dealership inspected and confirmed problems both times. Check engine light appeared the 2nd time indicating transmission failure but not the first time.

NHTSA ODI 11635141

Jan 6, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission jolted before the vehicle accelerated as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted; however, the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The contact stated that unknown repairs were performed on the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle remained at the residence and had not been driven since the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11634461

Dec 4, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

My vehicle started out with a rumble and driving rough. Then it started jumping out of gear. Took it to Transmission shop and they said the have had a lot of SUV’s of the same model with the same problem. It was the transmission. Had it fixed, with a hefty price of 4,900 dollars.

NHTSA ODI 11628904

Oct 28, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11622331

Oct 19, 2024SteeringTransmission & drivetrainBrakes

Loss of power steering, loss of abs, loss of cruise control, loss of forward crash assist, loss of lane departure, lose of side detection, oil leak from oil cooler line connection leaking down engine, potential fire, parking sensor, arm rest phone charger short circuit potential fire, wires pinched off at hinge point of center counsel, trailer brake system, stabilitrac, all current errors make vehicle unsafe to drive, ongoing issues since purchase including service reports of the same issues from previous owner

NHTSA ODI 11620757

Sep 11, 2024Transmission & drivetrainLights

My vehicle is currently in the shop getting the motor worked on for a bad lifter. From the information the mechanic provided me this is a common issue with the vehicles that have the Active Fuel Management system. They are seeing many of these vehicles have to come in and have very expensive repairs. My first quote I received was $16, 000, they told me I needed a whole new motor and this assessment cost me $365 and a rental car while they looked at the truck. Now it is in the shop again and the estimate is $6000 to machine the cams as there are metal shavings in my oil. I had to again rent a rental vehicle and have not had my truck for a week. This is the third mechanic that has seen multiple of these motors have to be replaced or repaired due to this issue. I kept up on my oil changes and other recommended car maintenance and so did the owner before me. I had my last oil change approx. a week before the loud ticking noise began, then my vehicle began to have a noticeable loss of power when driving and eventually began shuttering and my check engine light began to blink and I took it to the shop. A year ago I had to replace my tail lights. I was able to find where others were recalled by my VIN for some reason was not included in the recall. They started shorting out and working only part of the time which is very dangerous when stopping, especially at night. I had them replaced and paid almost $700 for the two back lights.

NHTSA ODI 11613936

Jul 10, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

The radiator was replaced under PI1513F in 2020. I am currently experiencing the same coolant leak and thermostat issues. Coolant leaked into 4th cylinder and blew head gasket

NHTSA ODI 11600949

May 6, 2024Transmission & drivetrainBrakes

My 5 children and I experience a traumatic experience in afternoon traffic as my 2015 GMC Yukon failed to pick up speed while waiting to make a left turn at a traffic light. The vehicle - no matter how hard I pressed on the gas didn't accelerate immediately which almost cost an accident. The vehicle rode smoothly for a few minutes then out of nowhere - it started jerking and stuttering bad for 15 seconds or so then would go back to riding smooth. When pressing the brakes - it seems to "lock" to a certain extent, so I have to press really hard on the brake to slow down/stop the vehicle sometimes makes a strange noise when doing so. I took the vehicle to be accessed by a service center in my area - it was at that time that I was told that my vehicle issues are known common GMC issues in these vehicles & more unfortunately. It's unfair to be penalized with an expensive transmission repair when these issues are known to the manufacture but not the consumer - despite being "VIN specific" as told by GMC customer service. This vehicle is needed as it is utilized to transport my children however, it's unsafe at & parked in my driveway. I was directed to reach out to GMC for remedy of the identified issues.

NHTSA ODI 11587258

Mar 7, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Vehicle jumps when put in drive or reverse

NHTSA ODI 11576078

Feb 16, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11572365

Oct 30, 2023Transmission & drivetrain

While driving our GMC Yukon XL, the vehicle will begin shuttering, losing power, slip gears, or unable to shift gears. On one occasion, the vehicle lost was unable to accelerate and maintain speed causing my wife to quickly respond by changing lanes and pulling off on the shoulder of a road, in a very dangerous situation, all while coasting without engine power. Two independent mechanic shops have reported that the torque converted failed and had sent metal fragments throughout the transmission, and ruining the transmission. Both mechanics recommended a new transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11552667

Aug 8, 2023Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

Consuming a lot of oil, makes a funny clicking noise sometimes when accelerations, had lil pieces of metal in my oil, Transmisson problems, 1 front headlight and all rear tail lights went out, trailer brake system would come on and go off now it won’t stop dinging and makes a whole bunch of other lights come on (trailer brake system, park assist, low brake fluid, traction control, collision) dings some much I can’t drive it. Called a gm shop near me and they told me it would cost a whole bunch for each diagnosis for every warning that came on.

NHTSA ODI 11537059

Apr 24, 2023Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Vehicle had lifter and valve noise Lifters and valves became stuck due to Active Fuel Management system failure Transmission shifted poorly due to this condition. Resulting in engine failure and engine replacement at my expense Total cost $12,000

NHTSA ODI 11518586

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Working with the data? Download all 977 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 25, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2015 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500 verdict →