Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 | 7% | 20,000 miles |
| 2015 | 5 | 8% | 55,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 8% | 138,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2011 | 3 | 4% | 112,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 7% | 101,000 miles |
| 2009 | 3 | 14% | 180,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 12% | 111,000 miles |
| 2007 | 7 | 11% | 103,000 miles |
| 2006 | 3 | 27% | 102,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 18% | 120,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 12% | 123,000 miles |
| 2003 | 9 | 28% | 160,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
1. While driving steering wheel was making a clicking noise when turning. Dealer replaced upper steering column bearing and turn signal. Three months later dealer replaced steering column again due to same issue. 2. One month later both front coil springs were replaced. 3. When replaced springs, dealer found that left front upper ball joint was loose so replaced upper ball joint and upper control arm. 4. After replacing above mentioned parts, noise was still present when driving so dealer replaced both left and right front struts. 5. The following month right front strut was replaced again due to noise while driving. 6. One month after that service the radiator began leaking while on the road and the dealer replaced the radiator. 7. 07/12/2017 left front strut was replaced again. This is the 4th strut put in this vehicle. 8. 07/12/2017 A/C stopped working. …
One week after purchasing the vehicle I broke down due to an oil pressure sensor. Two weeks after that I broke down (stalled out in the road) due to 2 lifters collapsing and the camshaft being damaged. After replacing all lifters, the camshaft, spark plugs and wires, as well as another oil pressure sensor just in case the other one was bad I still have low oil pressure. This cost $3,000.00! I left the shop and broke down on my way home with a flashing engine light and the stabilitrak light and message flashing. It shook so hard I thought it would explode in the road and then stalled out! It was towed back to the shop where it continues to sit. Its been there 3 weeks. Its been at the shop longer than I've gotten to drive it. After googling what might be causing the problem it appears this is not uncommon and GMC/Chevrolet is well aware of the faulty engine. …
Truck started sputtering while driving. I had it towed home and then towed to the dealer and they stated the lifters in the engine were broke and there was damage to the can shaft. Told me this is normal and happens to vehicles like mine regularly. I have only owned the truck three years and have maintained it well with low mileage.they told me it would be $6700 to fix. When I complained, the rep told me $5500. I asked for a supervisor who then stated that GMC would offset the cost and it was now $3311. It would seem that if this is a regular occurrence in vehicles like mine, GMC would do something to ensure it doesn't happen. In addition there is still no remedy available for the tamara inflator.
I was driving on the highway and all of a sudden a message on the dashboard said ''engine power is reduced" and my engine shut off, brakes were hardly working and I could hardly steer or turn the wheels. My car copmletly lost control and I was lucky there were no cars by me otherwise an accident would have been inevitable. When I went to the dealer they told me they have no answer and they suggested to replace my ignition switch and camshaft sensor to begin with. No guaranty that it'll fix my problem they said. Reading online forums looks like I am not the only one. Please do something about it otherwise sooner or later lifes will be lost.
Driving at roughly 50 MPH. Went to pass car on two lane highway. Accelerator stuck to floor (not stuck on floor mat or other object). Vehicle accelerated to 95 MPH, slowed to 70 with brake depressed fully. Slowed to 50 with brake and emergency brake depressed. Accelerated when downshifted into manual. Finally put in neutral and was able to stop. Had complained of rough idle, stalling and reduced power for 3 years (since we had car for only a few months). See some discussion that a dirty throttle body could lead to all of these problems. 3 years with 3 different GM service shops and no solution. Fortunately the road was not crowded and was straight. Obviously, this could have been a fatal problem for us. It was my wife, myself, and our three children under 4 years of age in the vehicle.
Engine failure at 64,000 miles. Drove vehicle from home and then vehicle immediately began shaking violently. Truck driving fine up until that point. No warning signs. No check engine light beforehand. Vehicle now at GMC dealership and needs new engine for up to $10,000. GMC is not covering the expense. Gave $2,000 towards the repair. Vehicle past warranty period. Engine should last longer than 64,000 miles. Regularly maintained.
Driving at 70 MPH on highway. Vehicle gauges begin to act erratically, vehicle heaves and lurches, then 100% power failure. Nothing worked, even hazzard lights. Airbag light flashing on and off. Was able to put vehicle in neutral and move to the side of the road where the vehicle stopped. There was no power at all, had to manually open door locks. After 10-15 minutes, the power came back on and I was able to restart the vehicle and drive home. Happened again on 3/23/14. Again driving at highway speeds, the electric components (radio, gauges, power cord accessories) begin acting erratically and then 100% complete power failure while driving. The GM dealer cannot duplicate or find the problem. I feel 100% unsafe in the vehicle especially with my kids.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Yukon Denali XL years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (9), 2007 (7), 2004 (6), 2005 (6) and 2008 (5) model years. Engine complaints make up 28% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for GMC Yukon Denali XL engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any GMC Yukon Denali XL model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do GMC Yukon Denali XL engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 117,000 miles; 14% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the cooling system (1 mentions), followed by the cooling system › radiator assembly (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.