gmc yukon denali xl Problems

gmc yukon denali xl 2005 Complaints

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

the headlamps on both sides have been replaced six times. the dealer wanted to replace the entire headlamp assembly to the tune of $450 that, we were told, was not under warranty. the daytime running lights are intermittently on and off and replacement of bulbs does not fix the problem. *jb

Reported in: PARKER CO || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U35J

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

car: 2005 gm yukon denali occupants: father, driving; 16-year old son, passenger front; mother, left window seat middle row; 9-year-old daughter, lying on right and middle seats, of middle row. (daughter has cerebral palsy; unable to walk unassisted; wheelchair stowed in rear. ) both rear seat heaters on. time: 9 a.m. 2/3/07 our family was almost 2 hours into a 3-hour trip, when i smelled an unusual odor. thinking it was from outside, i tried to ignore for a few minutes, and then became overwhelmed by a noxious odor, and opened all windows. my husband pulled into a rest area on the florida turnpike about a mile later. immediately when we parked, smoke began pouring out from under my daughter's seat. we frantically unbuckled her, as she has a disability. the smoke was very thick w/i a few seconds. we safely extracted her and all of us. my husband lifted her pillow, where she had been resting on the seat, only to find it charred underneath, and two gaping, still burning holes in the actual seat. he was eventually able to cut the seat heater cord and remove the cushion from the frame. only 2 inches of pillow saved our precious daughter from being burned. in her words later, with limited speech, she told us she could smell the burning, but as unable to express it. the seat cushion had been out of the vehicle for nearly 30 minutes, as we were talking with emergency personnel, and incredibly, it began to smoke and burn again! they took no chances and doused it completely with water. gmc is now investigating. *nm

Reported in: TITUSVILLE FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U55J

OTHER

purchased new yukon denali xl on 3/19/05. initially my husband and i noticed the seat position memory was faulty. problem was minor did not report it. replaced the head lights every 2 months ~ drove us crazy but we did not complain. less than 8 months paint on the console and accessory buttons peeled. finally on 3/2/07 i was driving to work and got a transmission hot message. furious and concerned i drove straight to the dealer for assistance. later that day i find out that my less than two year old truck costing about $50,000 needed a new radiator and coolant system, replaced radiator hoses upper and lower,heater hoses, replaced coolant jug, replaced thermostat, replace bypass hose and truck needed an extensive engine block cooling flush, further indicating that the transmission and radiator fluid mixed - totaling $2,100. truck was in the shop on 1/12/07 for regular scheduled maintenance, which included inspection of the radiator, coolant system and hoses. on 3/6/07, called to check on my truck to find out that there was slight damage to the transmission; however, the advisor stated " i would not get the transmission replaced right now, just begin a service for a new vehicle" just the words you want to hear after wasting your money on a luxury suv. i contacted gmc customer care and they indicated there are no recalls on the issue. after doing an in depth online search i am now aware that many people have had the same problem. gmc as well as the dealer act as if it's not a big deal so owners have not pressed the issue. many owners state that they are not interested in the run around so they get the car repaired and don't pursue the issue. this matter needs immediate attention and possible recalls. no automobile should have transmission / radiator/ coolant/ electrical (head light) /memory malfunction or cheap interior issues within 2 yrs. gmc needs to step up to the plate and except responsibility for their poorly manufactured yukon denali. *jb

Reported in: INDIAN HEAD MD || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U05J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Reported in: INDIAN HEAD MD || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U05J

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Reported in: INDIAN HEAD MD || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U05J

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES

Reported in: INDIAN HEAD MD || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U05J

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

Reported in: INDIAN HEAD MD || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U05J

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

tl*the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon denali xl. while driving 75 mph, the vehicle's windshield was struck just below the wiper blade by a marble-sized rock. the rock caused fragments of glass to shatter on the passenger's mouth. the contact stated that nothing penetrated the windshield. the current mileage is 23,553 and failure mileage was 23,443.

Reported in: LINCOLN NE || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKEK63U05J

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

my wife was driving my 2005 gmc yukon denali xl when both the passenger tires went flat. we put air in the tires and drove home. the next morning only the front passenger tire was flat so i used my compressor to air the tire up and went to firestone to have it checked out. when firestone removed the tire and looked at it, they found multiple split on the inside of the tire. so i had them check all the tires and each one had the same problems. i have replaced all four tires now but someone has sold a bad tire and i want them recalled and also my money back.

Reported in: ST. CHARLES MO || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U15J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

my speedometer has quit working.

Reported in: DESTIN FL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U75J

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

whining in engine-found to be metal in differential.

Reported in: WAXHAW NC || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U35J

AIR BAGS

airbag sensor is malfunctioning and requires replacement.

Reported in: HOPEWELL JUNCTION NY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U05J

STRUCTURE

on my 2005 gmc yukon denali xl, the driver upper door hinge weld connecting the hinge to the vehicle body is defective and has cracked and broken loose. i'm wondering when it might come completely apart causing a total failure in the door shutting properly. already contacted gm and they don't believe this is a defect. i totally disagree. if using welds on the door hinges is such a great way to build vehicles, then why did they stop using welding and now use bolts?

Reported in: KELLER TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U95J

INTERIOR LIGHTING

2005 gmc yukon xl, dashboard dimmer switch/interior light switch; does not illuminate in the dark. this presents a significant safety issue in that it does not allow the driver to adjust the dashboard lighting level or turn on interior lights in the dark. there have been repeated attempts to remedy the situation by the dealer, the conclusion of the dealer now is that illumination is not allowed by the way the switch was engineered.

Reported in: SOUTHAMPTON NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U95J

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Reported in: SOUTHAMPTON NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U95J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT PANEL

my 2005 yukon denali speedometer fails to work or is erratic and does not indicate the proper speed.

Reported in: DOTHAN AL || Crash: N || VIN #:

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

exhaust manifold bolt heads are breaking on my 2005 yukon xl denali causing an exhaust leak, as well as engine error lights. gmc has denied knowledge of an issue, even though the problem seems wide spread. the bolts need to be removed and replaced. very expensive repair.

Reported in: ROCKFORD IL || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U35J

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

vehicle safety standard no. 102 concern transmission shift lever. the shift indicator in the instrument panel does not illuminate. when the shift lever position indicator does not illuminate, the driver does not know which gear the vehicle is in. d,r,n,p..ect.

Reported in: ARLINGTON VA || Crash: Y || VIN #: 1GKFK66U15J

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

gas gauge does not read properly. can fill up tank and reads on empty then will move to 1/2 full or full. gas gauge will drop to empty while driving then move back to original reading after driving for 10 minutes to an hour.

Reported in: STALLINGS NC || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U05J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon denali xl. the contact stated that the speedometer was inoperable and she was unable to determine how fast or slow she was traveling. the manufacturer was aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle had accrued more than 85,000 miles. the dealer was contacted and confirmed what the manufacturer advised the contact. no repairs were performed. the current mileage was 89,700 and the failure mileage was 85,600.

Reported in: SUNDERLAND MD || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U05J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT PANEL

while traveling on the highway, my speedometer began acting erratically. for weeks, it would get stuck at certain speeds, then begin working again. after a couple of months, it stopped working completely. later, other gauges such as oil pressure and water temperature also stopped working completely. the speedometer is a basic safety necessity, and i would not expect to have to repair it.

Reported in: REDONDO BEACH CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66UX5J

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon denali xl. the contact stated that the gear indicator on the instrument panel no longer illuminated. as a result, the contact was unaware as to what gear the vehicle was engaged. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the failure mileage was unknown. updated 7/16/12 *cn updated 07/18/12

Reported in: COLDWATER MI || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66UX5J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

speedometer malfunctions. happened for several weeks, worked okay, then happened again. sticks on 60 mph when going 0mph. shows 120 mph when going 50 mph. mechanic quote to replace is $640.

Reported in: BLOOMFIELD KY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U45J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

the speedometer is erratic and is now pinned all the way to the right (over max). the speedometer shows +/- 120mph, even in park. i have no way to determine my speed.

Reported in: BRICK NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U55J

SERVICE BRAKES

tl* the contact owns a 2005 gmc yukon denali xl. the contact stated that while coming to a stop, the brakes failed as the check engine warning light illuminated. also, the contact mentioned that the power steering fluid would need to be replaced every six months. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering cylinder, the power steering hoses, the master brake cylinder, and the braking system needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 98,000.

Reported in: SAN FRANCISCO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U85J

ENGINE

Reported in: SAN FRANCISCO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U85J

STEERING

Reported in: SAN FRANCISCO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U85J

SERVICE BRAKES

my family and i were traveling south on i-95 near colonial heights, va: auto in front of me made a sudden stop and i slammed on the brakes. the brake pedal went to the floor; no brake warning lights, luckily the car in front proceeded and i missed hitting him by about 3 feet. made it to the next exit ramp and had very little brakes, using parking brake, and now the warning lights were coming on. pulled into gas station, big puddle under the vehicle; rear brake line rusted out and blown. this is supposed to be a split braking system, but the front brakes would not hold either. had the car towed 25 miles back to my home gmc dealer for repairs. they informed me that all of my brake lines needed replacement as they would not hold pressure and were rusted. to replace the brake lines was about $1,500.00. due to using the parking brakes damage was also done to the rear rotors and parking brake pads, that was another $300.00. i've had this vehicle since 2008, it's a weekend or trip driver. since i've had it has never been driven in snow or on the street until all the salt residue had been washed away. from my research this is a virginia vehicle, not in the salt belt. i also have a 2004 gmc yukon slt; went under it yesterday and the brake lines are rusted on that too. funny the fuel lines run next to them but they are not rusted. i will enter that one also in the database, they will surely fail if not replaced.

Reported in: HENRICO VA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U75J

TIRES

michelin ltx m/s p235/55r20 tires. all four tires are losing air (filled with nitrogen). owner consistently have to take to costco to inflate tires to correct air pressure. the side walls show excessive cracks. tires tread very good. warranty will not address my concern. vehicle is only use for long distance traveling. dot info on tires: rear b39y 56ex 2511 and front b79y 4fjx 1609/0000. michelin recall is only on one size tire: lt 225/75r16. owner suspects other size tires manufactured during the same time period of 0210-2512 are affected also.

Reported in: AUSTIN TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U95J

WHEELS

Reported in: AUSTIN TX || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U95J

POWER TRAIN

winter 2014, connecticut - backing out of driveway peddle felt mushy and going down farther than normal. drove son to school quarter mile to school and noted the lack of braking ability. luckily rolling stops and keeping distance from other cars allowed me to get back home. looked under car, dripping brake fluid from under middle of card. had the sense to have it towed to the dealer; for the $2400 estimate, they also said that my transmission lines were leaking so estimate also included the labor/parts to replace both sets of lines to fix both line related issues. i've also had the miss pleasure of having to replace the transmission ($3500) this year as well. slipping and eventually it was going to cause an accident so had to open the wallet for that. another issue (electrical) - i shut the car off with the blower motor on (heater in the winter) and the blower motor stayed on even after the car was shut off, no keys. it continued to run and would have drained the battery had i not disconnected the battery. pulling the fuse had no effect. ($600) i have also had to replace both the front airbag sensors in the front bumper. one went and two weeks later the other went. no impacts, they just died. ($1200 for both). i have also had to replace the rear air shocks ($2500) i bought this car used (supposedly gm certified)) from a chevy dealer not more than 3 years ago with 75k miles. i now have 99k miles. as i sit and type this all down for this submission, i realize just how much has gone wrong with this car & matches up with other owner statements on this website.

Reported in: FAIRFIELD CT || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U55J

SERVICE BRAKES

Reported in: FAIRFIELD CT || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U55J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

speedometer moves to 0 after 40 minutes of driving, even at freeway speed. once speedometer needle reaches 0, it stays there, even while vehicle is moving at 60-70 mph. turning engine off then back on again does not reset it. after letting vehicle sit overnight, it becomes operational again, then will go back to 0 after 30-35 minutes of driving. denali has very few miles on it for its age.

Reported in: LACEY WA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U75J

STEERING

i live in san francisco and was driving down my street. i live on a steep hill and my brakes and power steering failed. i had my truck towed to the nearest repair shop and found that there is a known defect in the gasket between the power steering and the brake system. it fails. gmc knows this. i have had this gasket replaced three times in 5 years and it has failed again. what can i do?

Reported in: SAN FRANCISCO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U85J

SERVICE BRAKES

Reported in: SAN FRANCISCO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U85J

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

was driving home from work and the truck lost power and did a sharp left with the steering and braking was low

Reported in: REYNOLDSBURG OH || Crash: N || VIN #: 1GKFK66U05J

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