RoadVitals

2015 GMC Yukon Denali Xl

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
65
Latest Jun 16, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
0
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 65 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali Xl, most frequently naming the exterior lighting, electrical and powertrain (other) categories. 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 402 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

No recalls in our database for this model year

That does not guarantee a specific vehicle is unaffected — recalls are issued against VINs, and new campaigns are announced regularly. Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov.

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE18012ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Brake Vacuum Pump Failure

Opened Nov 20, 2018
Closed Apr 10, 2022

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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.

SERVICE BRAKESLed to recall 19V645000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Engine
Filed Jun 16, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11667092
Incident
Feb 1, 2025
Mileage
85,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 1, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID
11449781
Incident
Feb 1, 2022
Mileage
126,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jul 28, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID
11426853
Incident
Aug 1, 2017
Mileage
40,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 26, 2019

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

NHTSA ID
11222648
Incident
Jun 1, 2017
Mileage
32,000 mi
Other / unspecifiedSuspension
Filed Jun 20, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID
11221505
Incident
Jun 4, 2019
Mileage
60,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 10, 2019

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 ID
11219096
Incident
Jun 6, 2019
Mileage
33,534 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jun 9, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID
11218774
Incident
Jun 6, 2019
Mileage
65,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 8, 2019

REAR PASSENGER BRAKE LIGHT WORKS INTERMITTANTLY WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ID
11218693
Incident
May 1, 2019

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIP6104

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

PIP4902V

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIP4902U

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIT5214G

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General Motors Technical Assistance Center. If valid vibration frequency or Road Force Variation data has been collected and a repair attempt does not correct the customer complaint, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support. For any vehicles that remains unrepaired after being at the dealer for three days or more and a related bulletin or PI is not found, contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further support.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

GMC Yukon Denali Xl by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2018200
2017400
2016290140.3
2015Viewing650134.4
2014500
2013130028.7
2012230032.5
2011690033.2
2010290030.2
2009220031.8
2008420030.4
2007610143.6
2006110034.3
2005340035.0
2004490033.6
2003320035.7

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.