2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 14%of 65 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL, 14% of the 65 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When coming to a stop there would be a sudden surge and it felt like the vehilce was being pushed forward. There has been a few occasions where we almost hit something in front of us because of this surge. There was a bad shutter though out the vehicle at 30 to 50 MPH. Made complaints to dealer. They couldn't duplicate the problem. This was at roughly 6k miles at the time of the first oil change. At 10k miles the vehicle stalled out and died in our drive way after putting it into reverse to back out. …”
NHTSA complaint #11153413, filed 2018-11, 10,000 miles“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!!!!!!!!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #11204356, filed 2019-04, 75,000 miles“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, filed 2019-06, 33,534 miles“Right side tail light is not working transmission is clunks when selecting drive from reverse. When rolling slow in a parking lot, sometimes the transmission has a very harsh clunk as if someone has hit me in the rearend. The steering column has a popping noise when turning left.”
NHTSA complaint #11097952, filed 2018-05, 61,500 miles“Active fuel management system in 2015 Gmc Yukon Denali Xl-- engine was running in traffic and stalled out at intersection making a turn. Dealership diagnosed as bent push rod, broken valve spring, broken lifter. This has been linked to faulty active fuel management system with Gmc engines. There is an active service bulletin from GM concerning this problem. Under existing powertrain warranty, GM agrees to fix the broken engine components, but will not address the underlying root cause of the problem, the afm system. …”
NHTSA complaint #11056107, filed 2017-12, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11014353Feb 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This 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…
- 11008966Sep 9, 2024This 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…
- 11006473Jul 30, 2024This 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…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 10% |
| 2015 | 9 | 14% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 5% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 9% |
| 2005 | 4 | 12% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL
36 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology