In the realm of trucks and SUVs, the GMC name holds substantial weight—both metaphorically and literally. The origins of this iconic brand trace back to the dawn of the 20th century, when visionary brothers Max and Morris Grabowsky established the Grabowsky Motor Company in 1900. Shortly thereafter, in 1902, this enterprise evolved into the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company. By 1909, a pivotal transformation occurred under the stewardship of General Motors founder William Durant. He orchestrated a merger with the Reliance Motor Car Company, culminating in the birth of the General Motors Truck Company—the GMC we recognize today.
Throughout the decades, GMC has crafted an impressive array of trucks, including some enduring classics. Noteworthy among these are the legendary Chevrolet/GMC Suburban and the ever-popular GMC Sierra. In fact, the GMC Sierra stood out as one of the top-selling vehicles of 2023.
When it comes to reliability, GMC vehicles have a reputation that’s a bit mixed. In the 2022 and 2023 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Surveys, they performed above average. However, the scores dipped noticeably in 2021 and 2024, falling below the median. While this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, it does mean you should be cautious when considering a used GMC. To assist you in navigating the potential pitfalls within the GMC lineup, we’ve scoured through NHTSA complaints to spotlight 10 used GMC models you might want to steer clear of.
Watch Out for the 2015 GMC Yukon XL 1500
If you’re in the market for a large full-size SUV, the Yukon XL — along with its upscale Denali version — is likely on your radar. With new models often priced above $60,000, opting for a used Yukon XL can seem appealing. While this is generally a smart choice, there’s one specific model year you should be wary of: the 2015 Yukon XL.
By keeping these points in mind, you can make a more informed decision and potentially avoid costly mistakes when purchasing a used GMC vehicle.
Exploring the 2015 GMC Yukon XL and Yukon Denali XL: Common Complaints
When it comes to the 2015 models of the Yukon XL and Yukon Denali XL, these vehicles are frequently discussed due to their high rates of complaints noted on the NHTSA website. The Yukon XL has accumulated a significant number of complaints, totaling 787, while the Denali XL surpasses this with 922 complaints. Let’s delve into the details of these issues, which have concerned many owners.
Electrical System Woes
One of the most troubling aspects for owners of the 2015 Yukon XL is its electrical system. This component seems to exhibit a variety of undesirable behaviors that frustrate owners. Some of the more frequent problems include:
- Faulty trailer brake connections causing recurring errors
- Intermittent tail lights
- Unreliable door locks
- Instances of electrical fires
- Malfunctioning driver assist systems
- Random activation of warning lights, leading to a chaotic dashboard
Mechanical Challenges
Beyond electrical issues, these GMC models also face notable mechanical problems. Among these, transmission troubles are a primary concern, manifesting as:
- Lurching and jerky movements
- Slipping gears
- Inability to shift smoothly
The only reported solution for many of these transmission issues is a complete replacement, which can be a costly endeavor. Moreover, the vehicles sometimes suffer from a sudden loss of power steering, posing a serious safety risk for such large vehicles.