Top 5 Problems GMC Yukon SUV 4th Gen 2015-20

These are the top 5 problems with the GMC Yukon, specifically the 4th generation that was available in model years 2015 to 2020. In this video, Len points out the most common problems with the Yukon, and he also offers tips and suggestions on the best way to resolve or repair those issues! If you own a 4th generation Yukon, or are thinking of buying one, this is good information to know!

For problems not mentioned in the video, check out this playlist full of diagnostics you can do yourself at home!

0:00 Top Problems GMC Yukon 4th Gen 2015-20
0:17 Braking Issues
3:04 Taillights
5:12 Fuel Injector O-Rings
7:18 Smoke From Tailpipe
8:29 Seatbelts
10:21 Subscribe! | Shop 1AAuto Link Below!

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

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[TheRKHCollection]

My family has a 2016 GMC Yukon XL Denali that we got brand new and it currently has 136, 000 miles and the only issue we’ve had is the A/C condenser. Other than that, we’ve just done regular oil changes and other regular required maintenance. It’s been a great vehicle and it is still in great shape. It’s actually the same color as this Yukon in this video. The Crimson Red Tintcoat. Beautiful color. Its crazy when I see that so many people have had all kinds of issues with them. Over 6 years and a half years and 136, 000 miles, the only thing my family has had to deal with is the A/C condenser.

[racer]

2016 Yukon Denali. So far I’ve had:
1) taillights go out. After fighting with the dealer it was replaced under extended warranty.
2) charge mat go out. Didn’t replace.
3) AC condenser crack. Replaced myself and took to Firestone to recharge.
4) 3rd row automatic seats. Broken cable inside. Haven’t replaced.
5) Transmission fail. Had to pay out of pocket 7k to have replaced. Out of power train warranty at 70k miles.
6) rear DVD player screen fail. Haven’t replaced yet.
7) Magnaride shocks go out at 60k miles.

Honestly this car has given me so many issues I’ll never buy a gm vehicle again. Just sharing my experiences.

[lemuelransom]

It is sad we have to pay so much for these vehicles and they poorly make them.

[mansontillman]

Just replaced the taillights on 2016 yukon One of the easiest repairs ive ever done. Took it 15 min in my driveway

[anthonykicinski]

I had the brake problem, exactly as you described, so was the fix. Problem is it took weeks for the dealership to figure it out after throwing a lot of other parts at it. It wasn't UNTIL I HAD TO FIND IT doing some research online. In fact it was such a common problem in 2018-2020 that GM added an addendum to the warranty ("Enhanced Warranty") for 10 years/150, 000 miles just for the braking vacuum pump problem! This is a very scary behavior when it happens. Thankful we figured it out. Great vid, keep it up!

[ilikeyoutube]

I have a 2016 Yukon XL and the taillight did go out. Thru YouTube research, I discovered GM actually issued an extended warranty on these because the community complained of these faulty taillights. So both taillights are covered for 2015-2019 models. Completely free, and if you replaced them prior to the GM extended warranty decree, GM will also refund the cost of replacement.

So at least they heard how bad these were and made amends. Just be sure to make the dealership look it up. My dealership tried to charge me for it and I showed them my GM warranty letter and the YouTube video. Upon which they promptly “found” what I was talking about.

It’s the only mechanical issue I’ve had thus far with the vehicle. We drive very sensibly, and everything is dealership maintained.

[denvernuggets]

Thanks for the video! Own a 2015 Denali and just done changing the problems you mentioned. It is a common problem that if you want to own one??? You better be able to fix it yourself. Or it’s going to be money in the bank for the dealership. Once you able to fixed those problems yourself? Pedal to the metal. I love ❤️ the truck. Very powerful truck and a convenient vehicle for everything. 😃👍✅

[FiredogMC]

I don’t know that you’d want to show the general public, but the tail light circuit boards can be fixed, I’ve done both of mine. There are 2 places that are susceptible to circuit board cracks, accessible by opening a 1/2” square of the plastic above them. The top one is most common

[HeyChason]

Had #2 happen to me. My issue was the LED light strip had a crack in it, so the metal didn’t stay connected. Had to cut open the plastic and solder it back and it worked. If you do need to replace the light, buy it yourself for about $350. Super easy to install. Repair shops quoted me about $900.

[YFindustries]

Appreciate the effort that goes into these videos. I remember when these videos started they really have grown !!!

[CptnEarlySquirt]

Had a 2016 yukon slt.. it had all the issues and then some. it had to go back. I went out and got a 4runner. I am as happy as can be.

[Dia.Liz]

LOVE this video!! THANKS!! Giving my husband my Escalade and going to get a Diamond White Yukon. I usually order parts online and do most of the repairs myself. I wanted to know what to expect. Love Yukons, but haven't had one for a few years

[johnrumpf]

Just sold my 2015 GMC Yukon Denali, so happy I did. While I loved the car, it was issue after issue.

1. Magnetic Shocks seriously broke every 4 months or so under normal conditions
2. A/C broke twice
3. ECU failed while launching a boat, leaving me stranded for hours
4. Transmission slipped through 1 and 2 all the time, luckily sold the car before transmission later failed.
5. Sensors for parking and cruise control failed, but never fixed because GMC quoted me $1500 for diagnostic and servicing.
6. Random service and warning lights would occasionally pop up, which indicates a major electric issue.
7. Taillights broke twice over course of a year.
8. Rear heated seats didn’t work since I purchased the vehicle. GMC said it wasn’t covered under the warranty, car had only 60k miles on it.

While I love the GMC lineup, after 4 years of Yukon ownership, I’m not sure I’ll ever purchase one again due to the unreliability, and expensive cost of ownership.

[PinBall]

Good Video on the Issues with this.
Automotive Engineering, Design and Govt Create More Problems With Vehicles today than Anything Else. And Costly !

[kristinhiner]

I have the 2015. The taillights were a definite problem. In the stupidly designed circuit board there are some areas that are so thin and narrow it easily breaks obviously losing the proper connection. I soldered it back, worked for about a day or so. I did this a dozen times at least. I want going to pay over $700 bucks just for one tail light. I ended up finding a great looking set on Amazon for about $300. Haven't had a problem since. I didn't like spending$300 for tail lights, but it sure beats OEM at less than half for both!

[trd]

We had a TRD Pro 4runner now we have a 2017 suburban drives amazing only problem was the radio at startup would give a blue screen and rear view camera gets foggy got a new radio and camera replaced with extended warranty. If you buy used get warranty already with that it almost paid for itself repair order was $2, 200 warranty paid. Other than that we love the vehicle its fully loaded and is so much better than the 4runner.

[brianturcios]

YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING TO MAKE THIS VIDEO WITH ONLY 5 ISSUES IS AMAZING . Great job

[CJGame-N-Play]

No check engine light, but serious random shack or shutter at low rpm. Mostly when in drive, and foot on brake waiting at light or similar situation.

[shelbyzofdoom]

15 Yukon XL SLE. Vacuum pump went within the month I got it, 89k miles. The dealer did it for free because it was inside of 30 days. Currently it has 115k miles and all is well.