GMC Yukon and Yukon Denali Problems
Until last week I was the unfortunate owner of a 2001 GMC Yukon Denali. This vehicle was so plagued by problems that it made 9 trips to the dealer for repairs within the first 15 months of ownership. It had been in the shop 6 times since the first of the year! Each visit was for a different problem and twice the vehicle was inoperable and left me stranded. The service I received from the dealership (Sewell GMC in Dallas) was no better. I became so frustrated with the numerous problems that I traded the vehicle last week with only 35K on the odometer. This was the first domestic vehicle I had owned in several years and I must say it will be the last! General Motors is trying to market this vehicle as a luxury SUV but the engineering, quality and dealer experience are still light years from the europeans and even the japanese.
I would strongly recommend anyone considering a Denali, Yukon, Tahoe, Escalade or even Hummer H2 (they are all built on the same platform)look elsewhere for their SUV needs!
I would strongly recommend anyone considering a Denali, Yukon, Tahoe, Escalade or even Hummer H2 (they are all built on the same platform)look elsewhere for their SUV needs!
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I have over 38k on my 2001 and I can say categorically it has been the most trouble free vehicle we've ever owned. I recently had to have the passenger side door lock checked. It was intermittently staying semi-locked. While I was in for an oil change, my dealer looked at it, made an adjustment(no charge) and sent me on my way. Other than that, I've had a belt tensioner adjusted for noise, there were a couple of recall fixes; but no other problems. It has never left me stranded or failed to start, even after sitting for over two weeks.
You know, people built it, so people can fix it. This isn't a Saturn rocket. My friend's dealership doesn't send out unrepaired cars through the door. It stays in the shop until it's right for the customer.
I've got 39k on my 2001. So far my dealer hasn't suggested all those services. I don't see the manual calling for a tranny flush until 50k and it just says to check and fill as needed the diffs... I'd be skeptical of this dealer unless you drive the rig really hard.
If you had another GM dealer in the area, I'd be tempted to see what they would say.
Yes, I checked the rear AC. I have kept the back trim panels out for a month. IMO I think its the rubber gasket. Any suggestions or cautions?
My wife borrowed my Denali to run a few errands while I was on a business trip. She had to get some gasoline for the generator. After the can was filled she just set it in the back of the D and drove home. Needless to say, it fell over and a small amount leaked out onto the carpeted area. She cleaned and scrubbed and used the Bissell upholstery cleaning machine on it. When I got back I soaked it with Frebreeze. There is still an odor, thank goodness not too strong, but it's there.
Any good ideas on what might absorb or cancel the odor. (and no I won't hang the little pine trees all around the inside)
TSB: 03-04-17-005
· Replace the front propeller shaft with an internally tuned dampened shaft*
If so, please respond back and let me know what the results were. This seems to be a “Cover Up” solution. Why would the “front end” gears whine while the “rear end” gears are quite? I can’t seem to figure it out and neither can GM.
As always, thank you for the feedback.
Condition
Some customers may comment on a slight axle whine heard only at certain speeds, typically between 72-96 km/h (45-60 mph).
Cause
"Inherent" ring and pinion gear whine.
All gear driven units, such as automotive rear axles, produce some level of noise that cannot be eliminated with conventional adjustments and repairs. "Inherent" axle noise can be described as a slight noise heard only at a certain speed (typically between 72-96 km/h (45-60 mph) on most General Motors® trucks). The presence of this noise is not indicative of a functional concern with the axle assembly. However, some customers may find that this "inherent" axle noise is unacceptable.
Correction
Replace the rear propeller shaft with a tuned torsional damper shaft ONLY after diagnosis concludes that it is an "inherent" rear axle noise and no physical damage or incorrect adjustment exists
Scraping Noise From Rear of Vehicle (Replace Parking Brake Shoe Kit and Clean Drum in Hat Rotor) #02-05-26-002A - (01/28/2003)
Scraping Noise From Rear Of Vehicle (Replace Parking Brake Shoe Kit and Clean Drum In Hat Rotor)
2002-2003 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
1999-2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Series Pickups
2000-2003 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe 1500 Series Models
2002-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Series Models
1999-2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Series Pickups
2000-2003 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL 1500 Series Models
This bulletin is being revised to add Suburban and Yukon XL models. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-05-26-002 (Section 05 - Brakes).
Condition
Some customers may comment on a scraping noise from the rear of the vehicle while driving. The noise may be intermittent.
Cause
Condition may due to the parking brake shoe contacting the drum in hat rotor without the parking brake being applied, causing premature wear on the shoe lining.
Correction
Replace the parking brake shoe and install a new designed spring clip retainer. Follow the service procedure below to correct this condition.
Yadda
Yadda
Yadda.....
Parts Information
Part Number * Description
88982875 * Parking Brake Shoe Kit
88982879 * Parking Brake Retainer Spring Clip Kit
12346139 (Canadian P/N 10953463) * Brake Parts Cleaner
12345493 (Canadian P/N 10953488) * Red LOCTITE™ #272
The verdict is as follows:
Give GM 30 days to fix your concerns. When repairs are completed, drive the vehicle for 30 days and if you are not satisfied we will reconveign the hearing and I will come up with my decision.
This is how it went down:
The hearing lasted 4 hours. (Wow, it was long) I gave my side of the case; GM gave their side of the case BLAH BLAH BLAH. GM did nothing but put up smoke and mirrors. Their main case was claiming that I purposely left me vehicle in the shop to create a paper trail. Please Note: Every time I put my Yukon Denali in the shop I get a Ford Focus to drive. Why would I NOT want to pick-up my car? Anyhow, I used the following problems to support my case:
Noisy drive train: The arbitrator drove my vehicle and recognized the problem. She put in her report that the problem is a manufacture defect and that it impairs the safety, use and value of the vehicle.
Flickering lights: The arbitrator drove my vehicle and recognized the problem. She put in her report that the problem is a manufacture defect and that it impairs the safety, use and value of the vehicle. I also submitted my “Police Warning” issued to me for having a unsafe vehicle. She acted like it was no big deal that I am driving an unsafe vehicle in the laws eyes.
Tranny hesitates when shifting 1st to 2nd: The arbitrator drove my vehicle and recognized the problem. She put in her report that the problem is a manufacture defect and that it impairs the safety, use and value of the vehicle.
GM had their rep drive a new Denali to the hearing to support their case. Reason being, GM claims that all my problems are CHARACTERISTICS of all Denalis. After driving my vehicle, we all drove the new Denali that the rep brought. It performed perfectly. No noises from the drive train, no flickering lights, and tranny shifted perfect. The arbitrator commented to GM and myself that my vehicle has several problems and the vehicle GM brought had NO problems.
Overall, I felt as if I won my case. She recognized all my problems and noticed that the other vehicle (the one GM brought to the hearing) was flawless. Therefore, I was happy because I felt GM’s vehicle helped prove my case. Furthermore, the GM rep stated that he did not want to work on my vehicle for fear of making the problems worse. With all this said the ruling was to allow GM one more chance to fix my truck. Let me state for the record that they have has 3 attempts at fixing my truck and a 4th and FINAL ATTEMPT to fix the truck. Now, the arbitrator wants me to give them a 5th chance to fix the truck.
Any suggestion would be helpful. I guess that GA Lemon Law is next because I do not want them touching my truck anymore. The BBB works in GM favor!!!
The dealer wants me to come back and redo the paper work, reflecting a price that would make monthly payments close to $475. They are saying that there was an error in the paperwork and GMAC would not approve the loan.
I do not understand that. Everything is clearly stated in the documents I signed. Everything is normal - all typed up and signed. The only error is that the price is not what they intended to sell the vehicle at.
Just looking for opinons and suggestions. Off course my options are:
1) Re-sign @ a higher price
2) Tell them that I am willing to return the vehicle if they give my 15K back.
3) Tell them what is signed is signed ! Would they re-do the papers if I overpaid?
Thanks,
but if all three options they presented are rejected and you sit on the car in the garage throwing things at them when they come around, they can stick you for felony fraud for their mistake.
you want to see the general manager and have it all explained in words of two syllables or less and exactly what they are going to do for you on losing the interest rate. then you take one of the three options. there isn't much in-between.
on my 2000 exploder, my X-plan contribution was not reflected in the paperwork, and I didn't notice. two weeks later, I got a check back. at least some folks do make adjustments your way when they find the errors.
Presumming the answer is yes, then you may be able to press for a "negotiated" re-signing along the lines that swschrad describes above. If the answer is no, then they have to return your down payment if the truck is returned. They may ask for some sort of depreciation charge to reflect the use of the truck, but I personally would let them attempt to convince a judge why they should be entitled to an injury on top of their insult.
I do not want to go to their "office" and get pressured by the entire dealership staff into another contract. That would mean that I have two contracts for the same truck. And I do not want that.
I have reviewed the contract many times. There is no mathematicaly errors. Everything is spelled out clearly and when I signed the contract I was told what the payments would be. I do not think GMAC is rejecting the deal either , because essentially thay want me to take a bigger loan for a higher monthly payment.
The reasons that have given sofar on the phone range from miscalculation on sales tax, GMAC rejecting the deal, "please save my job..." and finally "we will recover the vehicle".
I have no problem dealing with them, but I can not take their word of mouth. I have to protect myself and therfore need in writing what their issue is.
To the extent anyone has this intermittent power problem, I offer you sympathy, good luck and my research.
I am cautious to allow GM to work on my truck for the 5th time because of the latest TSB out on the Denali’s regarding noisy drive trains. This is what the TSB says to do:
Diagnose the truck as having a noisy drive train. Then order a “SPECIALTY TUNED DRIVE SHAFTS” for the front and rear of the vehicle. The side note on the TSB says “DO NOT ORDER EXTRA DRIVESHAFTS TO HAVE IN INVENTORY”. PLEASE tell me that NO ONE on this message board agrees that this is the proper way to fix a noisy drive train. I have friends that have Denali’s/Escalades that DO NOT make the noises that mine does. This is only going to cover up a problem for failure down the road. I own a 2001 Camaro SS that I had Richmond 4.10 gears (Richmond is the noisiest gears on the market) installed and it makes less noise than my luxury SUV. Seems as if there is a problem with this situation. GM got the arbitrator to award in their favor by confusing her with tons of TSBs that DID NOT relate to the problems with my truck. I think that trick is called “Smoke and Mirrors”
Let me know what you think!
Thanks!
If installing specially tuned driveshafts solves the drivetrain noise issue, why not do it? GM still must fix the other two problems. This is not a situation where if you try hard, but don't succeed, you still get to pass. If the specially tuned driveshafts do not solve the problem, then your case gets even stronger. (Both in front of the arbitrator as well as in front of a judge.)
If GM is able to fix everything (doubtful), you should still ask for an extension of the original manufacturers 36 month/36,000 mile warranty for the amount of time the truck has been in the shop.
Hope this helps.
it works. it is not a miracle; two sprays a tenth of a mile from a feedlot will not kill the stink there. you first have to clean up the dead critters, etc. and then get atmosklear to the bottom of every fiber that has the protein compounds that stink to clear the odor. rough cost is ten bucks a pint. there is no formal MSDS as the active ingredient is generally recognized as safe per the makers, it can cause minor irritation to eyes and lungs if you are sensitive, like an asthmatic, as I am. for me, walking through a mist of it is a very minor irritant.
Acting as an arbitrator, it can pass down a decision because both parties have agreed that the arbitration will be "binding".
So it is from the two warring parties that the BBB gets the power to render a decision.
For all the above reasons, the BBB isn't like court and it isn't like the Feds or the local DA.
In general, arbitration (if truly impartial) can accelerate a resolution by avoiding the procedural delay that the defense (in this instance, the manufacturer - who has much more resources to throw at the problem) can raise to basically wear down the owner (who usually does not have the resources to fight a long drawn-out lawsuit.) Another alternative for arbitration is the American Arbitration Association (AAA).
In any event, depending on the law of the state where you are a resident of, awards in binding arbitrations are generally easily converted into Judgements that can be enforced with the Sheriff or other remedies that a Judge can order. In California, the process is a simple motion that is filed with the court. If you have all of the paperwork (copy of the Arbitration Award, and documentation that shows the arbitration was binding) in order, the petitioner will get the Judgement without even having to appear in court.
Net, net, if the arbitration was truly binding, the award can be enforced and very easily. If the arbitration was non-binding, the award becomes an item of credible evidence that can be introduced in support of the lawsuit.
Here are the problems I currently have for the wednesday service visit.
-Driver and Passenger Heated seats don't work. I noticed they didnt work on the drive home. When you click the button the light flashes and you hear a click from under the seat. This shold be a no brainer fix for the service shop.
-Tranmission clunk you can feel when stopping the car. This is easily reproducable.
-When at idle and in drive the car shakes. Not a violent or uniform shaking but a slight shaking with random bumps.
-Sometime when stopping instead of the transmission clunk. You get like multiple clunks in a row almost like a grind.
-The windshiled wiper motors or something around the dash make a sounds like a low ptched bird chirping everytime they reach thier apex then come down. Very annoying.
I have seen the tranmission posts similar to mine before and hope someone has some insight on this or a resolution. I believe with the shaking and clunking that there may be a more severe transmission problem. Also it seems that when accelerating the car slams into second abruptly instead of a smooth transition.
After dealing with chevy service shops and knowing how difficult it is to deal with them. I am gearing up as much info and opinoins as possible for the oncoming GM war that I can taste with this car as well.
When will I learn to not buy a GM product.....The saga continues
Based on any of your experience (can see a number of Denali's that went to arbitration)would you purchase a 2004? I would be very interested in hearing your responses.
Thanks,
Some Pros:
Has plenty of power.
Handles extremely well for the size SUV it is.
Great sound system.
Comfortable seats.
I like the exterior looks
Some Cons:
Besides my problems listed earlier.
Interior fit and quality does not seem to be up to par for a SUV in the $40's. Out pathfinder with leather feels and looks like a more finished product than any GM product I have owned.
Second row seats are hard to fold down when driver seat is back and bind against the back of the driver seat when all the way back.
Gas mileage of course. but who cares if you can afford the truck. Minus environmental concerns.
No commitment from GMC to stand behind their vehicles. Be prepared if you have any problems with this vehicle. the service shops may be nice but GMC will not be.
Hope this helps