2016/2017 Yukon Denali long term reliability

Hey all. I’ve currently got a 2008 Yukon Xl Denali but she’s getting up there in mileage. Over 200k. We have kicked around the idea of moving into a newer model of Yukon Denali, specifically the 2016/2017 year models as that is what our budget would allow. We would be looking at something with around 90k on the clock. We got our current rig at like 94k and we haven’t had any big issues. For those of you who have higher mileage Yukon Denalis in this year range, how has your experience been? Are there any big issues these newer trucks seem prone to? Is there any reason a 2016/17 wouldn’t be as bombproof as our 08 seems to be? Any insight would be much appreciated. Thanks!!

You should be good with a newer model, 2017 would be my choice staying away from the 2015 model change. Check the service records on the one you find to purchase. I would look at the owners manual and do the recommended 100,000 mile service on the one you purchase. Carfax and Dealer records is a good resource for previous maintenance records. Good luck with your search and don’t be afraid to travel for the right vehicle.

Get the 2018-2020 6.2 10 speed. The 10 speed is the most reliable transmission. The 6 speed has torque converter issues and 8 speed had problems too.

For that model year Denali the 8 speed transmission were widely reported as having issues. I owned a '15 Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L and 8 speed, I had the pleasure of putting 149K miles on it before it was totaled by another driver. Throughout that ownership I experienced the following major repair items:

48K miles 8 speed TSB flush and fill with new transmission fluid per GM
- This helped the hard 1-2 shifts and got rid of random drivetrain "speed bump" vibration allegedly from the torque converters
- Again common known issue amongst the 8 speed transmissions
55K miles driver alert/vibration sensor in the drivers seat that needed replaced.
65K miles A/C Condenser (known common issue across the K2XX platform)
78K miles failed AFM lifter #7 I believe; Despite having a Range AFM disabler installed since 29K miles. Repaired under GM CPO Powertrain warranty.
95K miles transmission would start to randomly slip while merging onto the highway. Of course could never duplicate for dealer or service adviser before GM powertrain 100K mile warranty ran out. I just continued to maintain the trans fluid and filter changes at the "severe" service intervals. Still had original transmission when it was totaled at 149K, but I was preparing for a rebuild/replacement in the future.

At the age and mileage of K2XX Denali's you're looking at likely most of the common issues have already been addressed. I would look for A/C condenser replacement in the service history, oil change intervals, and transmission service intervals. The A/C condenser can be a costly repair at the dealership because the front bumper cover has to be removed; Figure about $1,100-$1,300.

The potential AFM lifter issue is really a dice roll. Some vehicles experience it then there are a lot of vehicles that don't ever have the issue. It really doesn't add significant enough increase in MPG to out weight the potential long term reliability that disabling it does. A Range AFM disabler and frequent 4-5K mile oil change intervals are your best prevention unless you're willing to mechanically delete the AFM which is more involved but also worth it and beneficial.

The OEM MRC shocks/struts can be pricey to replace, but they're also pricey to replace on the GMT900 SUV's too. They definitely ride different on the K2XX gen SUV's compared to the GMT900 SUV's. That's subjective and perceived differently for different people. I happen to very much like the MRC in both the GMT900 and K2XX platforms. I'm only mentioning this because at the age and mileage truck you're looking at if the shocks/struts haven't been replaced it's likely coming up soon. And if they have been replaced I would check to insure it was with GM OEM MRC shocks/struts. Lot's of aftermarket knock-off MRC junk shock/struts out there.

The 8 speed transmission wasn't all that terrible, it drove "ok", it drove like many other previous GM SUV/Truck transmissions. Random hard clunky downshifts when coming to a stop, would sometimes delay surge when shifting out of park into drive on start up. When I had the 8 speed TSB fluid flush and refill with the new recommended GM trans fluid that did help quite a bit with some of those issues. IMO the 8 speed really shined in WOT shifts over putting around town.

However, the 10 speed doesn't have any of those previous common GM transmission issues. We now own a '19 Escalade ESV Premium Luxury with the 6.2L and 10 speed that is my wife's daily driver. I've driven it many times and on extended family trips and the 10 speed is light years better than the 8 speed and any other previous GM transmission for that matter IMO.

All that being said I'd still buy another K2XX Yukon Denali, but as mentioned by @SpyShops212 try to get into an '18-'20 MY with the 10 speed transmission. Even if it has overall higher mileage in order to fit into your budget as long as it's been maintained and serviced and taken care of you'll be better off in the long run.

The only other major change that happened from '15-'17 is the audio/infotainment. I think it was either late '16 MY or starting with the '17 MY that GM added apple car play / android auto to the infotainment and changed the rear console input from RCA to HDMI.

They're great rigs and pricing has come down on them quite a bit in the last 6-8 months and interest rates are starring to creep down too.

Good luck in your search!

I'd stay away from the 8 speed transmission, as there were a lot of reported issues with it.

I currently have a 2008 Denali as my DD with 192k on the clock and love it. My wife drives a 2017 Denali 6.2L, 8 speed with 160k on the clock. I can tell you that both have been great vehicles and shine each in their own way.

The 2008 vintage you and I drive, are pretty bullet proof, easy to work on, and can be repaired for a fairly reasonable price. And, NO AFM which is huge.

The 2017 is much more refined in the fit and finish overall. Ride quality is improved, but I hate the newer seats. 2017 has apple and Android, which both work fine. The stupid LCD digitizer goes bad (x2 now...) which can be frustrating. The z95 struts are nowhere near as robust as the 2007-14 years in my book (on 3rd front set).

The engine is butter, has gobs of torque when needed, and still returns decent mpg (about 1- 3 mpg better than my 2008 on average). Service work is pretty easy, but the electrical stuff is much more locked down and proprietary which sucks balls....

The 8 speed has been a great transmission. Fluid flush at 43k for shudder and regular 40k intervals after have kept it running. My wife states it's starting to act up occasionally from P to D, so I suspect the torque converter lost some life due to a ******* GM tech who undefilled the trans and caused pump cavitation. Hopefully a fluid change will help.

In my book, if I were in your shoes, I would find another GMT900 truck with low miles from a salt free area. I'm saying another Denali or Escalade. You get a lot of vehicle for a fraction of the price. But.......I totally understand the female side of the equation wanting something newer, exciting with features, etc and you can't go wrong with a well maintained K2XX truck either. Just do yourself a favor and keep the maintenance up and find a way to shut off AFM. Also, QUIT running 0w-20 in it when you get it......it's a CAFE oil and will only lead to issues long term in my book. Run 5w-30 full synthetic every 5k and let er eat.

I'm done with my soap box now.......Best of luck!

Speaking from an 09 Escalade ESV Platinum soap box here. You’ll lose the coumfy couch seat and softer ride. We specifically sold our cream puff L92 08 YXL Denali in 2020 to get the L9H 09 Esky. Both were at 140k miles. Denali sold for $12.5k (CA), Esky was $14k (TX).

We needed the Non AFM motor like our 08’s have but the ability to run e85 for $2.85 vs $5+ a gal in 09+.

GM used better paint that doesn’t peel on the clear w/ Esky’s. Platinum trim had leather dash that doesn’t crack, 07-10 have true a/c seats, not vented with air. Superior headlights and easy to upgrade to 12-14 digital based Navi, A2DP BT streaming, 4G OnStar with $15 mo unlimited WiFi hotspot.

Just did the trans last year and hitting 190k this year and glad it was on the Esky, not the Denali because I cracked GM’s parts chest to do the complete 100% front suspension rebuild with all aluminum 15-19 OEM parts.

Trade over 1 more year to 09 in an Esky or Denali. 09 is the one year Denali with the L9H, non AFM, e85 motor and available a/c seats as well as a 2WD option. Since 2020 we’ve saved enough running e85 to pay us back the $14k purchase price. In SoCal fill ups are 75-$85 on corn gas vs 160-$180 on Prem fuel.

07-09 is a 300k+ mile platform. Trade the 08 for an 09 house (Denali) remodel / trade with a new, non peeling clear coat, leather a/c + heat couches and 5 factory DVD screens and boring reliability. BTW the 6.2L on e85 may have just a little more oomph.

B-train said:

I currently have a 2008 Denali as my DD with 192k on the clock and love it. My wife drives a 2017 Denali 6.2L, 8 speed with 160k on the clock. I can tell you that both have been great vehicles and shine each in their own way.

The 2008 vintage you and I drive, are pretty bullet proof, easy to work on, and can be repaired for a fairly reasonable price. And, NO AFM which is huge.

The 2017 is much more refined in the fit and finish overall. Ride quality is improved, but I hate the newer seats. 2017 has apple and Android, which both work fine. The stupid LCD digitizer goes bad (x2 now...) which can be frustrating. The z95 struts are nowhere near as robust as the 2007-14 years in my book (on 3rd front set).

The engine is butter, has gobs of torque when needed, and still returns decent mpg (about 1- 3 mpg better than my 2008 on average). Service work is pretty easy, but the electrical stuff is much more locked down and proprietary which sucks balls....

The 8 speed has been a great transmission. Fluid flush at 43k for shudder and regular 40k intervals after have kept it running. My wife states it's starting to act up occasionally from P to D, so I suspect the torque converter lost some life due to a ******* GM tech who undefilled the trans and caused pump cavitation. Hopefully a fluid change will help.

In my book, if I were in your shoes, I would find another GMT900 truck with low miles from a salt free area. I'm saying another Denali or Escalade. You get a lot of vehicle for a fraction of the price. But.......I totally understand the female side of the equation wanting something newer, exciting with features, etc and you can't go wrong with a well maintained K2XX truck either. Just do yourself a favor and keep the maintenance up and find a way to shut off AFM. Also, QUIT running 0w-20 in it when you get it......it's a CAFE oil and will only lead to issues long term in my book. Run 5w-30 full synthetic every 5k and let er eat.

I'm done with my soap box now.......Best of luck!

Click to expand...

The 5/30 synthetic is the best advice I have seen on these thoughts. I run it exclusively despite what the manual says. I live in Dallas and it gets hot.

petethepug said:

Speaking from an 09 Escalade ESV Platinum soap box here. You’ll lose the coumfy couch seat and softer ride. We specifically sold our cream puff L92 08 YXL Denali in 2020 to get the L9H 09 Esky. Both were at 140k miles. Denali sold for $12.5k (CA), Esky was $14k (TX).

We needed the Non AFM motor like our 08’s have but the ability to run e85 for $2.85 vs $5+ a gal in 09+.

GM used better paint that doesn’t peel on the clear w/ Esky’s. Platinum trim had leather dash that doesn’t crack, 07-10 have true a/c seats, not vented with air. Superior headlights and easy to upgrade to 12-14 digital based Navi, A2DP BT streaming, 4G OnStar with $15 mo unlimited WiFi hotspot.

Just did the trans last year and hitting 190k this year and glad it was on the Esky, not the Denali because I cracked GM’s parts chest to do the complete 100% front suspension rebuild with all aluminum 15-19 OEM parts.

Trade over 1 more year to 09 in an Esky or Denali. 09 is the one year Denali with the L9H, non AFM, e85 motor and available a/c seats as well as a 2WD option. Since 2020 we’ve saved enough running e85 to pay us back the $14k purchase price. In SoCal fill ups are 75-$85 on corn gas vs 160-$180 on Prem fuel.

07-09 is a 300k+ mile platform. Trade the 08 for an 09 house (Denali) remodel / trade with a new, non peeling clear coat, leather a/c + heat couches and 5 factory DVD screens and boring reliability. BTW the 6.2L on e85 may have just a little more oomph.

Click to expand...

What years for the Esky are best and which ones should i avoid?

petethepug said:

Speaking from an 09 Escalade ESV Platinum soap box here. You’ll lose the coumfy couch seat and softer ride. We specifically sold our cream puff L92 08 YXL Denali in 2020 to get the L9H 09 Esky. Both were at 140k miles. Denali sold for $12.5k (CA), Esky was $14k (TX).

We needed the Non AFM motor like our 08’s have but the ability to run e85 for $2.85 vs $5+ a gal in 09+.

GM used better paint that doesn’t peel on the clear w/ Esky’s. Platinum trim had leather dash that doesn’t crack, 07-10 have true a/c seats, not vented with air. Superior headlights and easy to upgrade to 12-14 digital based Navi, A2DP BT streaming, 4G OnStar with $15 mo unlimited WiFi hotspot.

Just did the trans last year and hitting 190k this year and glad it was on the Esky, not the Denali because I cracked GM’s parts chest to do the complete 100% front suspension rebuild with all aluminum 15-19 OEM parts.

Trade over 1 more year to 09 in an Esky or Denali. 09 is the one year Denali with the L9H, non AFM, e85 motor and available a/c seats as well as a 2WD option. Since 2020 we’ve saved enough running e85 to pay us back the $14k purchase price. In SoCal fill ups are 75-$85 on corn gas vs 160-$180 on Prem fuel.

07-09 is a 300k+ mile platform. Trade the 08 for an 09 house (Denali) remodel / trade with a new, non peeling clear coat, leather a/c + heat couches and 5 factory DVD screens and boring reliability. BTW the 6.2L on e85 may have just a little more oomph.

Click to expand...

Great info! I had a 2009 Denali just long enough to like the minute changes in the motor, but never ran it on true E85. I will say that my 2008 Denali LOVES E30 fuel (or equivalent blend of E85 and 87). You can feel the added torque when causing down the freeway. And, fuel economy is still respectable at around 16 mpg.

I'm still in the process of trying different spark strategies with HP Tuners to see what works best. Contrary to normal thinking of advancing the timing a lot for E85 fuel, it can actually work against you. A slight increase, or decrease depending on the engine speed and TPS yields interesting results. I compared the stock file of my 2008 to a 2014 Denali and the tables are quite different. The 2008 has 50 degree spark at low TPS, whereas the 2014 runs around 40-45 - probably to account for E85 ability.

If you drive by cost per mile vs mpg, you'll quickly see that losing a little mpg for cheaper E Based fuel ends up costing about $0.05 - 0.010 cents per mile less than premium (even with the slightly better mpg average). I personally think the E30 blend works better then premium anyways based on what I've tried. I believe it's 94 octane, and blending it the way I do yields close to that as well - 93 to 96 octane.

They are animals on good, high octane fuel.