2015 GMC Yukon Denali problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 90 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Yukon Denali year — the 2015 model ranks #5 of 20 Yukon Denali years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: lighting issues account for 44% of all reports (40 of 90), far ahead of electrical system at 11. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
90
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2015 compare to other Yukon Denali years?
What are the most common 2015 GMC Yukon Denali problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 40 | 44% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 11 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Other | 9 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 8 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 5 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 5 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 4 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE LEFT BRAKE LIGHT FAILED WITH 57K MILES. THE RIGHT ONE THEN FAILED AT 61K MILES. THE DEALER WANTED $735 EACH TO FIX THEM, AS THEY CLAIM THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE LED HOUSING. THE DEALER IS WELL-AWARE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND IT WOULD APPEAR BASED ON GOOGLING THE ISSUE THAT MANY…”
“THE LEFT BRAKE LIGHT FAILED WITH 57K MILES. THE RIGHT ONE THEN FAILED AT 61K MILES. THE DEALER WANTED $735 EACH TO FIX THEM, AS THEY CLAIM THEY NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE LED HOUSING. THE DEALER IS WELL-AWARE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, AND IT WOULD APPEAR BASED ON GOOGLING THE ISSUE THAT MANY…”
“OUR 2015 YUKON DENALI HAS 38,200 MILES ON IT AND THE AIR CONDITIONING BLOWS HOT AIR. WAS TOLD MAY OR MAY NOT BE COVERED BY WARRANTY. MAY COST OVER $1,000 TO REPAIR. TOLD IT MAY WOULD BE A 6 HOUR REPAIR. CANNOT BELIEVE WE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE LIKE SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE ON A $75,000 VEHICLE.SHOULD…”
“I WAS RECENTLY IN AN ACCIDENT AT A STOPLIGHT. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE STOPLIGHT SOMETHING FELL OUT OF PASSENGER SEAT ONTO FLOOR. I PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK, TOOK OFF MY SEATBELT, LEANED OVER TO PICK UP ITEM AND PUT IT BACK ON THE SEAT. I THEN PUT SEATBELT BACK ON AND PUT FOOT ON BRAKE AND PUT THE TRUCK…”
“I WAS RECENTLY IN AN ACCIDENT AT A STOPLIGHT. WHEN I ARRIVED AT THE STOPLIGHT SOMETHING FELL OUT OF PASSENGER SEAT ONTO FLOOR. I PUT THE TRUCK IN PARK, TOOK OFF MY SEATBELT, LEANED OVER TO PICK UP ITEM AND PUT IT BACK ON THE SEAT. I THEN PUT SEATBELT BACK ON AND PUT FOOT ON BRAKE AND PUT THE TRUCK…”
2015 GMC Yukon Denali — common questions
Is the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 90 complaints put the 2015 model at #5 of 20 Yukon Denali years. It is one of the Yukon Denali years to avoid.
What are the most common 2015 Yukon Denali problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (40 complaints), electrical system (11 complaints), other (9 complaints).
Does the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali.
Is the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which GMC Yukon Denali years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon Denali years to avoid are 2007, 2004, 2011, 2003, 2015, 2010, 2008, 2005. The cleanest record among Yukon Denali years belongs to 2018.
How safe is the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.