Newbie looking to buy 2015 Denali - anything to look out for?

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TuFerLife

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Hey Everyone,

I owned a 2005 Denali back in the day and absolutely loved the vehicle, but since jumped over to the Ford side.

I am looking at getting back into a 2015 Denali, and was wondering if there was anything I needed to look out for. My 2005 had a yah sensor that needed to be replaced, and a few small electrical issues... I just know with as advanced as these vehicles are now, I wanted to know if there was anything I needed to look out for.

This one I'm looking at does come with the 8 speed tranny.

Thanks so much!
 

Glocksub

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I posted this in another thread the other day when someone asked a similar question...


Welcome to the forum. I'll give you my advice, based on several months of research here and on other forums, as well as my own experience in these vehicles. I do not own one, so my impressions of their road manners are based on two or three extensive test drives. I'm also not a GM fanboy, or Ford or Dodge.....I've owned pickups and suvs of varying models covering all three brands.

There are numerous issues to look out for when purchasing one new or used:
The buffeting, vibration and pressure issues are occurring over both short and long wheelbase models. At first I believed most problems were in conjunction with 22" oem wheels, but I've seen other info here and elsewhere that proves the issues aren't specific to that. The cabin on these things are so airtight, coupled with the thin sheet metal, roof rail issues and crappy factory tires....it creates the sensation of being inside a base drum in extreme cases (with the buffeting and pressure). Changing to nice Michelins has helped some people, some it has done little or nothing for them. Updated body mounts were hopeful for 2017, and I've read those aren't working out to be a fix either. I've also seen extensive posts about AC failures, which supports some owner data on 2015/2016 models I found on a consumer reports type site. Some of the GMC folks are more knowledgeable than I in regards to any 8sp tranny issues, so I can't comment much on that. The tranny on the 5.3's is quirky, but seems to be greatly improved by disabling the active fuel management that shuts the engine down to 4cyl when the vehicle computer determines its "ok" to do so.

If I were to decide to purchase one, I'd get the 3.42 rear end. I've not driven one with the 3.08 but the 3.42 to me seems like a good match for either wheelbase, I wouldn't want it to have any less acceleration off of a dead stop than it already does and 3.08 would certainly be a difference. I am not familiar with whether or not there are different rear end gear options for the 6.2/8sp, the gear ratios I referenced here are for the 5.3/6sp.


The only other bit of advice I'd offer.....people here and elsewhere will tell you to go and test drive several yukons in the trim and configuration you want until you find one that doesn't display any of the problems above. I'm not knocking them or that advice in any way, I understand the reasoning behind it. But a vehicle that I should drive multiple examples of in order to find a "good" one......odds aren't in my favor that particular vehicle purchase is going to end up being a pleasant ownership experience. So, maybe I shouldn't be thinking of buying a truck that I need to go out and drive x number of them before I find one that doesn't seem to have problems already....on a brand new truck mind you. That's where I am with the idea of one of these. As much as I like the interior and exterior styling, I'm not sure yet that I want to gamble on the possibility for the hassles and irritation of the problems. Been there and done that.
 
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Shadow17

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That is a great write up. The Denali's are a bit of a crap shoot. They are the best looking full sized SUV imo and the 6.2l 8 speed is a great towing package.
IMO, the only other offering out there are the Expedition's in which I had a 2009 which was a solid platform. But pretty blah in comparison.
 
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TuFerLife

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I posted this in another thread the other day when someone asked a similar question...


Welcome to the forum. I'll give you my advice, based on several months of research here and on other forums, as well as my own experience in these vehicles. I do not own one, so my impressions of their road manners are based on two or three extensive test drives. I'm also not a GM fanboy, or Ford or Dodge.....I've owned pickups and suvs of varying models covering all three brands.

There are numerous issues to look out for when purchasing one new or used:
The buffeting, vibration and pressure issues are occurring over both short and long wheelbase models. At first I believed most problems were in conjunction with 22" oem wheels, but I've seen other info here and elsewhere that proves the issues aren't specific to that. The cabin on these things are so airtight, coupled with the thin sheet metal, roof rail issues and crappy factory tires....it creates the sensation of being inside a base drum in extreme cases (with the buffeting and pressure). Changing to nice Michelins has helped some people, some it has done little or nothing for them. Updated body mounts were hopeful for 2017, and I've read those aren't working out to be a fix either. I've also seen extensive posts about AC failures, which supports some owner data on 2015/2016 models I found on a consumer reports type site. Some of the GMC folks are more knowledgeable than I in regards to any 8sp tranny issues, so I can't comment much on that. The tranny on the 5.3's is quirky, but seems to be greatly improved by disabling the active fuel management that shuts the engine down to 4cyl when the vehicle computer determines its "ok" to do so.

If I were to decide to purchase one, I'd get the 3.42 rear end. I've not driven one with the 3.08 but the 3.42 to me seems like a good match for either wheelbase, I wouldn't want it to have any less acceleration off of a dead stop than it already does and 3.08 would certainly be a difference. I am not familiar with whether or not there are different rear end gear options for the 6.2/8sp, the gear ratios I referenced here are for the 5.3/6sp.


The only other bit of advice I'd offer.....people here and elsewhere will tell you to go and test drive several yukons in the trim and configuration you want until you find one that doesn't display any of the problems above. I'm not knocking them or that advice in any way, I understand the reasoning behind it. But a vehicle that I should drive multiple examples of in order to find a "good" one......odds aren't in my favor that particular vehicle purchase is going to end up being a pleasant ownership experience. So, maybe I shouldn't be thinking of buying a truck that I need to go out and drive x number of them before I find one that doesn't seem to have problems already....on a brand new truck mind you. That's where I am with the idea of one of these. As much as I like the interior and exterior styling, I'm not sure yet that I want to gamble on the possibility for the hassles and irritation of the problems. Been there and done that.

Great info, I appreciate you chiming in. My father in law bought a 2015 escalade last year, and turned that thing back in because the vibration was so bad. So that definitely scares me! And these things are hard to find used in my area, so I'm definitely worried about that.

That is a great write up. The Denali's are a bit of a crap shoot. They are the best looking full sized SUV imo and the 6.2l 8 speed is a great towing package.
IMO, the only other offering out there are the Expedition's in which I had a 2009 which was a solid platform. But pretty blah in comparison.

How has your experience been with your 2015 so far?
 

Shadow17

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I have around 20K miles on mine so far.
The OE Bridgestones that come on the 22's are garbage. I couldn't get traction even when they were new. The Michelin's I replaced them with are so much better.
I had a cable replaced for the center console display which was glitching since day one. Now it works fine.
The AFM is horrible. Just as bad as the AFM on my 2009 Pontiac G8. Its a great concept, but GM obviously has yet to perfect it. The droning/vibration in 4 cylinder mode is annoying. I never drive in anything but manual 7 mode. I own the Range Technology module that disables AFM sold by a vendor in here. I (as others) had problems with the module. It causes more issues than it solves. So, now it sets in the glove box.
The transmission jerks into gear when cold, requiring me to always start the truck for a couple minutes prior to driving in the morning. This doesn't occur so much during warm, summer months.
It also has a loud clunk sound when rolling downhill. I believe it may be the torque converter unlocking.
One thing that kills me is the horrible mesh screen that deploys when the sunroof is open. Every single person has commented on how loud it is and you have to talk over top of it when traveling down the road. However, if you hold the screen down, the entire interior of the truck starts to echo like being in a cavern. It is obviously a half-assed attempt by GM to cover up an issue. It is similar to if you open one window. You can't...your ears start to pop.
I always drive with the rear drivers side window partially down if my window is open. This eliminates the issue.

OK, besides that I love the truck! lol
The engine is bad ass! It tows my boat 6000#+ with ease and the rear air suspension and anti-sway features are great. If you get on the truck, it gets up and moves. My friend has a '17 GMC 2500 Denali. And although he has 900 ft lbs of torque, he can't believe how my Denali rips into it when merging on a highway.

The exterior and interior styling are spot on. I still find myself after 2 years turning my head to look at the truck as I walk away. It likewise still gains attention and my wife shakes her head from the complements we get from people. "It's just a truck" she comments.

Now do the pros outweigh the cons? In my case, yes. I lease my vehicles. Personally I don't think I would own this vehicle after the warranty expires. Too many high dollar items and it just doesn't seem to have all the bugs worked out.

Will I be leasing another GMC? No.
It is a shame because they are imo the best looking trucks on the road.
But I don't feel GMC puts the best vehicle on the road for $80K. I know it is a lot of vehicle for the money. But I don't feel GMC put enough preparation into the vehicle. It's like they know it has issues, but it is too late to fix them now. Perhaps they will be addressed in the next redesign.

Unless bad press prevents me otherwise, I will be leasing a Lincoln Navigator next year. Personally, I would recommend people test drive the new Expedition prior to purchasing a new GM. My 2009 was solid although a bit blah in comparison. The new Expedition seems to be a pretty decent package and I would be willing to bet with less issues.
 
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TuFerLife

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I have around 20K miles on mine so far.
The OE Bridgestones that come on the 22's are garbage. I couldn't get traction even when they were new. The Michelin's I replaced them with are so much better.
I had a cable replaced for the center console display which was glitching since day one. Now it works fine.
The AFM is horrible. Just as bad as the AFM on my 2009 Pontiac G8. Its a great concept, but GM obviously has yet to perfect it. The droning/vibration in 4 cylinder mode is annoying. I never drive in anything but manual 7 mode. I own the Range Technology module that disables AFM sold by a vendor in here. I (as others) had problems with the module. It causes more issues than it solves. So, now it sets in the glove box.
The transmission jerks into gear when cold, requiring me to always start the truck for a couple minutes prior to driving in the morning. This doesn't occur so much during warm, summer months.
It also has a loud clunk sound when rolling downhill. I believe it may be the torque converter unlocking.
One thing that kills me is the horrible mesh screen that deploys when the sunroof is open. Every single person has commented on how loud it is and you have to talk over top of it when traveling down the road. However, if you hold the screen down, the entire interior of the truck starts to echo like being in a cavern. It is obviously a half-assed attempt by GM to cover up an issue. It is similar to if you open one window. You can't...your ears start to pop.
I always drive with the rear drivers side window partially down if my window is open. This eliminates the issue.

OK, besides that I love the truck! lol
The engine is bad ass! It tows my boat 6000#+ with ease and the rear air suspension and anti-sway features are great. If you get on the truck, it gets up and moves. My friend has a '17 GMC 2500 Denali. And although he has 900 ft lbs of torque, he can't believe how my Denali rips into it when merging on a highway.

The exterior and interior styling are spot on. I still find myself after 2 years turning my head to look at the truck as I walk away. It likewise still gains attention and my wife shakes her head from the complements we get from people. "It's just a truck" she comments.

Now do the pros outweigh the cons? In my case, yes. I lease my vehicles. Personally I don't think I would own this vehicle after the warranty expires. Too many high dollar items and it just doesn't seem to have all the bugs worked out.

Will I be leasing another GMC? No.
It is a shame because they are imo the best looking trucks on the road.
But I don't feel GMC puts the best vehicle on the road for $80K. I know it is a lot of vehicle for the money. But I don't feel GMC put enough preparation into the vehicle. It's like they know it has issues, but it is too late to fix them now. Perhaps they will be addressed in the next redesign.

Unless bad press prevents me otherwise, I will be leasing a Lincoln Navigator next year. Personally, I would recommend people test drive the new Expedition prior to purchasing a new GM. My 2009 was solid although a bit blah in comparison. The new Expedition seems to be a pretty decent package and I would be willing to bet with less issues.

Goooood heavens, well that makes me a little nervous. Like you said though, I probably just need to go drive a few different ones and see how they are performing. Thanks for taking the time to reply!
 

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