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 federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The warranty company declined to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The worst 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Lights36
- Electrical16
- Transmission9
- Engine5
- Suspension5
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Lights36
- Electrical16
- Transmission9
- Engine5
- Suspension5
- Acceleration3
- Steering3
- Body2
- Brakes2
- Fuel system2
- Wheels2
- Driver assistance1
- Visibility1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
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, extending the subject vehicle stopping distance. GM stated that the root cause of pump failures was due to foreign debris such as oil sludge in the engine oil. GM stated that this debris can become trapped by the oil inlet filter screen. Under normal operation, this screen allows a small amount of oil into the brake vacuum pump. The foreign debris can, over time, clog the pump which can cause a loss of lubrication and a reduction in the amount of vacuum produced leading to a hard pedal and extended stopping distance.On December 13, 2018, GM issued a Special Coverage (N182202780) for the brake vacuum pump issue in MY 2014-2017 trucks and 2015-2017 SUVs on the K2XX platform for 6 years or 72,000 miles. Special Coverage repair includes the replacement of the vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt. Consumers received notification of the coverage via mail. On September 6, 2019, GM notified the federal safety agency that it was conducting safety recall 19V‑645 which reprograms the electronic brake control module (EBCM) and included approximately 3.5 million trucks and SUVs. In October 2019, GM extended the terms of special coverage N182202780 to 10 years or 150,000 miles as well as now including the entire scope of recall 19V‑645. In October 2020, GM expanded the scope of coverage N182202780 to include the MY 2018 Escalade and 2019 Tahoe.The remedy implemented in GM recall 19V‑645 appears to be sufficient in addressing the safety-related concerns of this issue. Loss of vacuum assist now occurs at a progressive rate as well as there being a more timely warning of a brake problem to the driver through the driver information center (DIC). In view of the recall action and revision to the special coverage, this Preliminary Evaluation is closed. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.
PE18012
Technical service bulletins for the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL 405
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Unknown or other
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- Unknown or other
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
What 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Rear passenger brake light works intermittantly while driving.
Tail lights intermittently go out without notice. This can happen while driving or stationary
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.
Compare the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL
Other model years
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Questions about the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL
Is the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL reliable?
Owners have filed 65 complaints about the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL, 2.2 times a typical Yukon Denali XL model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL year score?
The 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL scores 46 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Yukon Denali XL: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL?
Lights, with 36 complaints, typically around 61,000 miles. Next is electrical (16).
How many recalls does the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali XL have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the GMC Yukon Denali XL have the most lights problems?
The GMC Yukon Denali XL model years with the most lights complaints are 2015 (36 complaints) and 2016 (15 complaints).
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