2016/2017 Yukon Denali long term reliability

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petethepug

Michael
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Easier to answer Pros instead of Cons. Denali has 80% of same features throughout the years but paint & dash fail.

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

The middle ground for features, options & no AFM & e85 is 09 Plat or Base model. Add the 12-14 Navi that integrates 4G Onstar, WiFi w/ XM traffic/weather.

All are 6.2L & 6L80 6SP AWD or 2WD
*07-08 Esky AWD w/ z55 Autoride. No z95 on Denali.
*09-14 have z95 Magneride (Esky) w/ somewhat rare 2WD option (Esky & Denali)
*07-09 had no AFM
*09-14 run e85
*10-14 DO have AFM
*07-10 have true a/c seats (Peltier system)
*11-14 have airbags in seats and more firm
*11-14 have air vented seats
*07-10 have better door cards up front.
*12-14 have SD Card based Navi
*11-14 have laminated d/s & p/s 1st row door glass.
*11-14 Esky had Prem Opt w/ optional rear dual exh, LED headlamps, retractable run’g boards & CTS-V type facia. Specific 22’ rims and smoked, clear 3rd brake & tail lamps
*08 Plat has no LED headlamps
*09-14 Plat have LED headlamps, 22” rims, ac/heat cup holders, Tehama (softer) leather on seats, doors, dash, real burl wood on dash, brushed alum dash trim, Plat logo door sill, DVD players in front headrests w/ remote independent or integrated into 5 total screens, retractable running boards
*11-14 Plat & Prem have option for dual exhaust integrated in bumper.
*11-14 starts intro of downhill brake control via trans, anti sway for towing & up/downhill decent brake for no brake while stopped at light.
*12-14 have active grid lines on back up cam.
 
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petethepug

Michael
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Also, if you decide to purchase a Gen V / K2XX / 15-19 the ability to update the 6SP or 8SP to a 10SP trans is now possible.

This means if you find a vehicle that’s a cream puff and your concerned about weird trans behavior, know that replacing it also means a milage, performance, longevity, value and drivability enhancement for the 5.3 or 6.2.

If you opt to manually yank the cylinder deactivation feature you’ve go the reliability and longevity of a 07-09 truck in a newer K2XX.

 

TChas999

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I am on my 4th Denali. 2001, 2007, 2016 and now 2020. My 01 and 07 were flawless and got 250K miles and 8 - 9 years out of each of them. MY '16, which I bought only 3 years ago, had problems with both the 8 speed transmission and the black paint. I was able to get the 8 speed completely rebuilt prior to it going out of warranty at 100K miles, but alas after another 10-12K miles the same hard shifting resurfaced, and the dealer wanted $4K just to open it up, if it turned out to be something that did not have anything to do with their rebuild. I just wasn't willing to risk the $4K on them weaseling out of covering the cost. Plus, my black paint went to sh*t and oxidized out (this happened on my 07 as well) and I had to repaint the hood and roof, but when the upper door panels started the same process, along with the front of the roof rack side bar breaking loose at 60mph and sounding like a gun went off in my cab, I said enough is enough. I found a white 6.2L 2020 10 speed Denali ultimate earlier this year and made the swap. Trans thus far has been smooth as silk.
 

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