Buyer Beware - Don't Buy a Yukon

[Capital City]

That's great...... I can guess,...it's the specific dealer that services your ride....
( Is the service dept pro-active on issues they notice during a service?)
( What tier-mechanic is pointed to your ride? )
I can assume, certain vehicles were treated better than others during time at the factory...

Since this forum has so many participants, we are sure to hear about a percentage of glitches?

Having said that, I believe my 2005 era, and a a bit later have a better overall history? ( It seems that way ?) Just an opinion....... The new ones do look very cool !!

Yes my dealer has been servicing the last two Yukon's for me and specific techs work on it. My customer service manager makes it happen for me. Thanks Melanie!

 

[Hrocks]

I’m glad your experience turned out in the long run and thanks for sharing the positive thoughts.

Have owned many, many GM cars, and all of the GMT900 SUV platforms (Yukon, Tahoe, Escalade) as well as all of the GMT360 BOF variants (Trailblazer, GMC Envoy Denali, Buick Rainier, Saab 9X). All of these older generations were bulletproof. (Had a raft of bells/whistle related problems with the 'Sclade, but nothing terminal.) Your kind of experience (as well as well as many others on the various GMTT1XX forums) is not only gut wrenching, but a sad commentary on the manufacturer that I was loyal to for decades. I never would have stood up to the level of poor quality indifferent customer service that you are experiencing. Sad to say, I switched over to Lexus BOF vehicles about 8 years ago and have experienced quality of near perfection on the four that I've owned (still own three). I longed to get a new full size GM SUV, and have followed these forums in hope of finding that GM had overcome the various maladies on the '14 and newer trucks, but have read too many sad and confounding stories not unlike yours. Aside from my quality experience with Lexus vehicles, their service continues to be unbelievably efficient and professional, to the point that these are the only vehicles I've paid a dealer to perform oil changes. If you don't care to or want to wait, you can get a free current model year loaner. I know there are many happy newer Tahoe and Yukon owners, so I will keep my finger on the pulse of the owner experience via the forums in hopes of noticing a sea change in quality and service. It's been 10 years however since the redesign of my trusty 2010 Tahoe, and from what I can see, I'll likely be waiting for some time.

 

[91RS]

Have owned many, many GM cars, and all of the GMT900 SUV platforms (Yukon, Tahoe, Escalade) as well as all of the GMT360 BOF variants (Trailblazer, GMC Envoy Denali, Buick Rainier, Saab 9X). All of these older generations were bulletproof. (Had a raft of bells/whistle related problems with the 'Sclade, but nothing terminal.) Your kind of experience (as well as well as many others on the various GMTT1XX forums) is not only gut wrenching, but a sad commentary on the manufacturer that I was loyal to for decades. I never would have stood up to the level of poor quality indifferent customer service that you are experiencing. Sad to say, I switched over to Lexus BOF vehicles about 8 years ago and have experienced quality of near perfection on the four that I've owned (still own three). I longed to get a new full size GM SUV, and have followed these forums in hope of finding that GM had overcome the various maladies on the '14 and newer trucks, but have read too many sad and confounding stories not unlike yours. Aside from my quality experience with Lexus vehicles, their service continues to be unbelievably efficient and professional, to the point that these are the only vehicles I've paid a dealer to perform oil changes. If you don't care to or want to wait, you can get a free current model year loaner. I know there are many happy newer Tahoe and Yukon owners, so I will keep my finger on the pulse of the owner experience via the forums in hopes of noticing a sea change in quality and service. It's been 10 years however since the redesign of my trusty 2010 Tahoe, and from what I can see, I'll likely be waiting for some time.

The 900s may be too “truck like” for these current truck buyers but I’m very happy with my 2008 and my 2013 compared to what I’ve been seeing go wrong on the K2 and T1 trucks since they’ve come out and I won’t own one. The quality for the money is absolutely pitiful. When I get into a 800 or 900, I actually feel like there was pride in them even though they had plenty of problems, the K2 and T1 don’t feel that way to me. They feel cheap and just have the illusion of luxury and quality to make money for the shareholders and that’s it. Plus, with what I’m seeing with all the discontinued parts, I know for sure GM does not care about the customer. I can understand trim parts and such but they’re discontinuing parts to keep cars on the road that are only 10 years old and sometimes younger and that is not excusable. I’m pretty sure what I currently have are my last GM products. I’ve been scared to buy German again but GM is making it really easy.

 

[mountie]

Have owned many, many GM cars, and all of the GMT900 SUV platforms (Yukon, Tahoe, Escalade) as well as all of the GMT360 BOF variants (Trailblazer, GMC Envoy Denali, Buick Rainier, Saab 9X). All of these older generations were bulletproof. (Had a raft of bells/whistle related problems with the 'Sclade, but nothing terminal.) Your kind of experience (as well as well as many others on the various GMTT1XX forums) is not only gut wrenching, but a sad commentary on the manufacturer that I was loyal to for decades. I never would have stood up to the level of poor quality indifferent customer service that you are experiencing. Sad to say, I switched over to Lexus BOF vehicles about 8 years ago and have experienced quality of near perfection on the four that I've owned (still own three). I longed to get a new full size GM SUV, and have followed these forums in hope of finding that GM had overcome the various maladies on the '14 and newer trucks, but have read too many sad and confounding stories not unlike yours. Aside from my quality experience with Lexus vehicles, their service continues to be unbelievably efficient and professional, to the point that these are the only vehicles I've paid a dealer to perform oil changes. If you don't care to or want to wait, you can get a free current model year loaner. I know there are many happy newer Tahoe and Yukon owners, so I will keep my finger on the pulse of the owner experience via the forums in hopes of noticing a sea change in quality and service. It's been 10 years however since the redesign of my trusty 2010 Tahoe, and from what I can see, I'll likely be waiting for some time.

We had a 1999 Infiniti I30. It was pretty much a perfect car, even when, we shopped & bought a 2016 Infiniti QX50. It took a year, after buying the 2016, to finally sell the 1999, ( 170,000 miles) since it was STILL a great & reliable car. We didn't have a lot of experience with the Infiniti dealer, since we didn't need to !! ( We replaced the radiator & A/C compressor on the 1999... That was it ...

My 2005 Yukon XL SLT is in the same comment, as the Infiniti.....

 

[ZKWBQD]

I bought a 23 Yukon XL Denali Ultimate 6 months ago and it's been nothing but a nightmare. In the shop 3 times with just 9,000 miles on it, first stop was for a lifter fix for 10 days and then the last 2 have been related to the vehicle stranding us while cranking but not starting. $100K+ vehicle with these issues and no courtesy transportation from the dealership on the last issue. (other than an Uber ride home) I would highly encourage you to reconsider purchasing a new Yukon as it's extraordinarily frustrating having such an expensive and unreliable vehicle, I really just wish I had my 2016 Suburban back.

I would put most of the blame on the "new 2021" EPA. They're forcing auto manufacturers to use ultra complicated technology in order to squeeze out another 1/10 MPG. People who have the know-how disable some of these features in order to dramatically improve engine life. I own a Tahoe, and I generally like it. However, if you want an engine that will run forever I recommend Honda or Toyota. If you change the oil like you're supposed to you just can't kill them. Disabling engine stop-start is also believed to improve engine life. Mine is permanently gone.

 

[Bill Barnes]

I can't tell you, how many times, a new GM SUV is beside me at a traffic light, and asks me if I wanted to sell my 2005 Yukon. Some also have said, " I wish I never sold my older one" .

( I'll never sell mine...... never !! )

I bought a 2005 Yukon XL new in Jan 2005. At 80k, they showed me some metal in the transmission pan during a service visit. I bit, and had them install a remanufactured GM transmission for $3200. It had a factory warranty for 3 yrs/50k miles, but a Service for Life with that dealer. At 140k, the 3-4 pack failed. They gave me a new Accord to drive, repaired the transmission, and I paid for the new transmission fluid. I'm now at 251k miles, and have had only minor maintenance issues such as the emissions evap vent solenoid and hose replaced, and the normal services such as fluids at recommended intervals. Best vehicle I have ever owned, and I probably got the last of the best full sized SUVs GM has built. The 2005-2006 seem to have the best reliability of them all. 2017 started the move to AFM/DOD and all of the engine-related issues. I'll be keeping this one.

 

[petethepug]

Ruh Roh Raggy! My Bro in law just got a 24 Denali Ult. It’s his Co car that’s a lease. He says he’s getting ready to sell his ‘08 2500 Burb daily.

I’m seriously considering purchasing it. I know it’s a Clark Kent / Superman SUV ready for a e85 conversion. Filling that 38gal tank with $2.70 corn gas when Reg is $4.79 at Costco is a $190 vs $100 on e85

 

[RoadTrip]

sadly this is a common post. I've noticed gm dropping off over the years…

The “internet” wasn’t around in the late 80s and early 90s for us to know how many owners were having issues. I certainly had some with my ‘92 K1500, including a poor ‘experimental’ design using soft camshaft bearings that wore excessively and lowered engine oil pressure dangerously low. *NOT* covered by warranty. I didn’t have the internet back then to go whine to everyone else.

I’m not making excuses for poor design from any manufacturer. I could only find statistics dating back to 2010, but by 2020, North America was buying 100,000 Yukons/year, a 50% increase in 10 years.

With more sales comes more vehicles with problems. I’m not convinced that the new vehicles are any less reliable than older ones.

I may be in the minority here, but I grew up with ignition condenser points, jetted carburetors, v-groove fan belts, drum brakes, and standard steel exhaust.

Still, gaskets leaked. Head gaskets failed. Shall I go on?

I think you all get my point. It’s the same, only different.

 

[Airman68]

I really like the pre-2007 trucks and SUV's. Overall, I think the engines are bulletproof, I had 3 of them over 280k miles. When I was looking for a Yukon, most of those older ones, up here in WI were a rust bucket and didnt have the money to buy a southern car. That said, my 2008 Yukon XL has been ok. Dont like the whole AFM thing at all. Took a good engine and made it less reliable. Unfortunately, the more time that passes, the harder it will be to find those older, more simple vehicles. Someday, that Yukon Ultimate will be in my driveway but it will be 15 years old with 200k miles. Maybe all the bugs will be worked out by then, LOL.

 

[23Ultimate]

Literally had the EXACT same vehicle with the EXACT same experience. 1st time I was stranded was the lifters, second time was a fuel injector while towing a boat out of town with the whole family. 3rd time I was stranded it was due to a "Service Charging System Vehicle May Stall" alert. I now have a 2024 Yukon XL Denali Ultimate with the Duramax and so far so good. Side note: on flat ground @ 75mph, it averages 26mpg.

Thanks for the comment. Did GMC buy your 23 back?