How happy are you with your 2021/22 Tahoe/Yukon?

[xycrazy]

Would love to hear how happy (or unhappy) you guys are with your truck.
What's your experience so far?

I'm looking for one of the 2 but I'm concerned since I read all the negative reviews on edmunds.com and other places about all the flaws like lifter issues, misfired engines, etc.

Would love to understand how common these issues are. I'm driving a 2017 5.3 Yukon SLT and it just runs perfect.
However, I really in love with the new models and so I'm considering an upgrade.

That being said, I would just HATE to be in the shop or have the truck there sitting all the time because of any annoying issues, recalls, part availability, etc.

So... what's the truth here?

 

[Micahsd]

I’ve been happy with my ‘21 Tahoe so far. Will have it a year next month and have 8,500 miles on it which are mostly in town. It’s build date is 3/19/2021. I haven’t had it on many longer trips…no warranty issues either.

I’m also overly nervous the thing will leave me stranded on the side of the road based on how my engine build date falls within the range of known bad lifters, but maybe I lucked out. Seems like they generally fail between 4-13k miles, so I should find that out within the next year.

But overall no issues which is really good. I’ve also had a lot of comments about it from folks at work that see me drive it.

 

[Baja_Bob]

So far I'm happy, will be happier as the weather improves so I can drive it more. Got it last fall and only has 1400 miles, it has been put away for winter.

 

[Doubeleive]

personally I would wait until at least next years model, both the 21 & 22 are essentially new year models because of all the changes, there still making fixes, both mechanical and software wise. not saying it's a bad vehicle but in the next year or two they hopefully should have many of the bugs worked out better. there are chip shortages and part shortages and China just shut a whole bunch of stuff down again so there is no relief to be seen in the short term.

 

[xycrazy]

I’ve been happy with my ‘21 Tahoe so far. Will have it a year next month and have 8,500 miles on it which are mostly in town. It’s build date is 3/19/2021. I haven’t had it on many longer trips…no warranty issues either.

I’m also overly nervous the thing will leave me stranded on the side of the road based on how my engine build date falls within the range of known bad lifters, but maybe I lucked out. Seems like they generally fail between 4-13k miles, so I should find that out within the next year.

But overall no issues which is really good. I’ve also had a lot of comments about it from folks at work that see me drive it.

Congrats to your nice truck! Sounds actually very good. What's the impacted engine build date? I thought all do have it sooner or later. No? Is there only a specific build period that one should avoid?

 

[xycrazy]

personally I would wait until at least next years model, both the 21 & 22 are essentially new year models because of all the changes, there still making fixes, both mechanical and software wise. not saying it's a bad vehicle but in the next year or two they hopefully should have many of the bugs worked out better. there are chip shortages and part shortages and China just shut a whole bunch of stuff down again so there is no relief to be seen in the short term.

I agree with you but the problem is that I don't like the '22 RSE and navigation system. It's all based on google stuff and from what I see and hear that's not an improvement. I would rather like to get the "old" '21 RSE and navigation

 

[WalleyeMikeIII]

I love my Denali XL. The vehicle parts seem well done: power, transmission, suspension, doors, windows, seats, etc. All really good. Remember much of the mechanical stuff is shared with the pickups and has been out since 2019. Lifters/engine stuff really is not new. They added more adjustability in the new DFM (dynamic fuel management) engines over the AFM (active fuel management), but it’s the same lifters and mostly the same control system.

I understood there was a bad run of lifters, having bad spring clips, and that lead to a bunch of the fails and the recall isssued in December. Hopefully that is truly the fix…because I have a 2022 (although I breathe a little easier as my dealer includes a lifetime power train warranty). Generally I think the car part of the setup is awesome.

The infotainment is hopefully a big improvement, but it does seem to have a couple glitches in the software. None of them have been fatal to me yet, just more annoying. Up side of software is that it can be updated.

Overall, I’m pleased so far. It’s a great riding vehicle and the 6.2 makes me smile. The baby Duramax is supposed to be awesome too, but is highly constrained.

I get compliments on how mine looks often. Esp on the light interior.

 

[R32driver]

We have a '21 yukon XL with the slt premium package and love it. It rides really nice (basic suspension, no air or mrc), has plenty of power IMO with the 5.3 and gets decent fuel mileage at 17.5 average. The 10 speed transmission is fantastic as it shifts smooth as butter and never seems to be hunting for a gear like the 6 speeds do. The interior is really quite nice and there are no squeaks or rattles and also very little road noise even with the more aggressive tires we put on. IMO opinion the only real downside to the slt is that it's covered in shiny chrome trim and that is really not my style at all.

The infotainment system is ok but tends to disconnect from our phones quite often and doesn't like to re-sync all that easily. The RSE works ok but certainly could be better if they would have set it up to easily stream content. Definitely not worth the $2500 price tag. Even the top center dash mounted screen is not bad as it doesn't stick up that high at all. That was the only reason we considered a denali as the dash setup looks really nice but in the end the slt is a really nice middle of the road option.

As for the bad lifter nightmare that never crosses my mind unless I get on this forum and read about it. Overall I feel it's a small percentage of vehicles they've built that is affected. I've never once worried about being stranded somewhere and if that does happen will just cross that bridge when it comes.

We did have a water leak right off the get go (sunroof drain too short and water backed up into vehicle at highway speed) but that was repaired under warranty and they dried out the wet carpet and pad really well so all good now. Overall it's been a great rig so far (10k miles on it now) and I would not hesitate to buy another.

 

[Micahsd]

Congrats to your nice truck! Sounds actually very good. What's the impacted engine build date? I thought all do have it sooner or later. No? Is there only a specific build period that one should avoid?

There’s quite a few discussion threads on here related to it but I believe the bad lifter batch on the TSB was from Oct 2020 to end of March 2021. I don’t believe they’re all bad during that time otherwise they’d probably do a recall.

That date is engine build date which is hard to view but can be done…mine is Feb 2021 when the engine was built and the vehicle was built in March 21. But fortunately no major issues with it so far.

I guess I do have a weird noise after coming to a full stop such as in drive-thru’s which I posted a video about on here recently. I suspect that’s related to another TSB that doesn’t sound like it affects anything if that’s truly it although its an annoying sound.

 

[Doubeleive]

I agree with you but the problem is that I don't like the '22 RSE and navigation system. It's all based on google stuff and from what I see and hear that's not an improvement. I would rather like to get the "old" '21 RSE and navigation

Have you tried out any of the the google/android systems? I have been using android auto since it's beta inception, it's been hugely improved, GM makes there own overlay on it, any bugs should hopefully get addressed over time

 

[Pro299]

Congrats to your nice truck! Sounds actually very good. What's the impacted engine build date? I thought all do have it sooner or later. No? Is there only a specific build period that one should avoid?

There has been much discussion about the build dates, but these and similar GM V8's have been dumping lifters for almost 15 years. The only common thread seems to be the skip cylinder flavor used at the time of build. Doesn't happen to all vehicles, but a few will eventually fail. I had an L76 that had AFM with no issues for 100K. Others had less than 10K and had failures. In short no matter when it's built, lifter issues may happen as long as they use lifters that have to turn themselves off and on. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it. I wanted the DMax (for mileage more than durability), but if that hadn't been an option, I'd have the 6.2 in my Denali.

 

[Banks22]

We have a loaded up 21’ premier. Ride is smooth, quiet, 5.3 V8 is nicer compared to my 19 Silverado. We got it end of may 2021, have almost 11,000 miles on it now and no major ssues so far. One problem so far the volume cut out on rear media and we took it in, they played with it got it working and ordered us a new screen which we have not received yet, this was September 1. We love it, get tons of compliments. My single complaint is not being able to control rear media from front screen when parked, that’s it. It was a nice upgrade coming from a 18’ Tahoe LT.

 

[Polo08816]

personally I would wait until at least next years model, both the 21 & 22 are essentially new year models because of all the changes, there still making fixes, both mechanical and software wise. not saying it's a bad vehicle but in the next year or two they hopefully should have many of the bugs worked out better. there are chip shortages and part shortages and chingchong just shut a whole bunch of stuff down again so there is no relief to be seen in the short term.

+1. I'm waiting it out and would consider a 2023 or 2024 model. The 2024 may be a mid cycle refresh as well.

 

[B520044]

I think you should wait for a 2023.

I have put a total of 27,000 miles on my 21 Yukon's and believe I was the first customer in my region. For what it's worth, my first 21 SLT Yukon had every option and was a lemon. I actually filed a lemon law claim and GM settled. Traded that one in for another 21 Yukon AT4 and it has been much better. It still has some creaks and rattles with the interior, but not excessive like my first. It also has the same issue with the rear hatch kick projector light. (The GMC emblem on the grpund). They seem to wear off and fade away. It was an easy warranty replacement on my first and I will mention it during next service. I'm not a fan of the transmission or the 5.3. Lacks power in my opinion and transmission sucks in stop/go traffic. There is also a strange intermittent tapping sound in the rear that I think is related to HVAC. It sounds like a blend door actuator. Had a 2016 Expedition that made similar noise.
My AT4 has been pretty lucky with recalls. None yet and the build date is not included with lifter dates.
These trucks do look good and have lots of room. However, if your current truck is running perfect, then you should hold out a little longer. These should get more reliable and you may even get all the options you want...

 

[ASTARNAMESHAR]

Yes I love my baby blue..Its been thru hell n bk w me..But now shes ready n fixed n good..

 

[Big John]

Would love to hear how happy (or unhappy) you guys are with your truck.
What's your experience so far?

I'm looking for one of the 2 but I'm concerned since I read all the negative reviews on edmunds.com and other places about all the flaws like lifter issues, misfired engines, etc.

Would love to understand how common these issues are. I'm driving a 2017 5.3 Yukon SLT and it just runs perfect.
However, I really in love with the new models and so I'm considering an upgrade.

That being said, I would just HATE to be in the shop or have the truck there sitting all the time because of any annoying issues, recalls, part availability, etc.

So... what's the truth here?

Very happy, we have a 2021 premier, build date march ,zero problems so far, it’s also loaded with every option except air shocks.

 

[Duke71]

I have a 22 Yukon SLT with Premium package. Have about 1k miles in about 3 weeks. Love the smooth, quiet ride (with just standard suspension) and 5.3L has enough power for me, but I don’t push it because I’m trying to get my Mpgs up there . Averaging in the 16/17 mpg range with mixed driving.

I’m really happy with it - I do find the infotainment to be a little clunky compared to Ford( came from Explorer and hubby has an F250). Also wish I got black interior because the floor liners I want from GMC are out of stock and I need brown, so not everyone makes those.

But overall I’ve been happy!

 

[jimgeb]

I've been very happy so far with my 2022 Premier which was ordered in September 2021 and delivered in November 2021. So far not one problem (see me knocking on wood). Best driving Tahoe since my 2005 and 2015 models.

 

[PaulGA]

I’m really enjoying mine. I look forward to driving it all the time.

I’m about 650 miles into my ‘22 Yukon Denali, 4WD, Premium Package, Advanced Compatibility package (essentially Reserve Package but before they called it that) and it’ll be a month on Wednesday.

I was hoping to get lucky to get one without auto start/stop but now I have to remember to press a button all the time. Not a big deal at all.

I did get ”lucky” and got a power console, I only used it the day I got it to play around with it, but to be fair I still have been lazy to move stuff from my old truck into this one.

I’ve only had one infotainment hiccup, the volume controls were wonky and when music was playing, the knob changed the navigation volume, when the nav spoke I had a few seconds to turn the knob to get the music volume to change. That was one time and went away when I restarted the car.

If you can find one on the lot or in transit that you like and isn’t a crazy deal, I’d say you really can’t go wrong with the ‘22. Ordering for the ‘23 should open up over the summer and you’d be looking at October/November-ish for them to hit the dealers.

 

[Stbentoak]

8k miles on the Dmax. Prob 3500 of that on road trips. Runs superbly, excellent mileage. Powerful AC, comfortable air ride, Excellent cameras, Room galore, only one issue "Service restraint system" which was handled well by an out of town dealer. Not missing any chips or options. Paid MSRP with no wacky add ons.. RSE does everything we want + Mirrors our phones and iPad. 600+ mile range, best road trip vehicle I've ever had. Super pleased overall....