2008 GMC Yukon Denali Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 9%of 58 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali, 9% of the 58 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,500 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.
“Intermittent electrical issues. Doors locks and windows don't always work. Sometimes when I shut my car off it dies. Like I can't turn it back on. Running boards don't go up, can't lock it, nothing. Dead. Then 15 minutes later it's fine. Sometimes when driving, it's like it's cutting out, not getting enough power or different warning lights will randomly flash. I just never know when it's going to be working properly. I'm just afraid something will happen while we are driving. We also use the yukon to tow a trailer. I need to be able to depend on it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11206510, filed 2019-05, 115,000 miles“Vehicle has transmission defect. Merging into traffic is very dangerous. The transmission often selects too high of a gear and there is no power for the vehicle to accelerate. This puts the driver/passengers in danger due to oncoming traffic. After several seconds, the vehicle will sometimes downshift into too low of a gear, causing it to lunge forward at an extremely high rate of speed that is difficult to control. Happens all the time. Dealer and Gmc have looked at the vehicle several times and refuse to fix the problem saying it is normal operation.”
NHTSA complaint #10341631, filed 2010-07, 1,000 miles“Vehicle has transmission defect. Merging into traffic is very dangerous. The transmission often selects too high of a gear and there is no power for the vehicle to accelerate. This puts the driver/passengers in danger due to oncoming traffic. After several seconds, the vehicle will sometimes downshift into too low of a gear, causing it to lunge forward at an extremely high rate of speed that is difficult to control. Happens all the time. Dealer and Gmc have looked at the vehicle several times and refuse to fix the problem saying it is normal operation.”
NHTSA complaint #10341620, filed 2010-07, 600 miles“The contact owns a 2008 Gmc Yukon Denali. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle idled, but failed to accelerate. The contact had to pull over to the side of the road and shut the engine off. After a few minutes, the vehicle restarted and was driven home. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10904703, filed 2016-09, 102,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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…
- 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…
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10250347Feb 2, 2024This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10248721Dec 18, 2023This bulletin advises the technician that the 6L50 (MYB), 6L80 (MYC) and 6L90 (MYD) Transmission Oil Filter and Seal Kit part number 24236933 is currently transitioning from a…
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10247768Sep 1, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician of a complaint of a sag or hesitation when accelerating. The concern is present when coasting at…
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 17% |
| 2016 | 4 | 22% |
| 2015 | 8 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 5 | 9% |
| 2007 | 7 | 6% |
| 2006 | 2 | 10% |
| 2005 | 6 | 12% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% |
| 2000 | 1 | 6% |
| 1999 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali
22 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsElectrical system
7 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
7 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 GMC Yukon Denali
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