Buffeting / Vibrations/ cabin ear pressure

A couple of weeks ago I drove a a 2018 leftover 6.2l RST and thought it was a qualified hit. A few days later I drove a Denali to see another take. I thought it was a more mild-mannered and chromed out RST in comparison. I preferred the more understated blacked out look the the Tahoe RST. My main concerns at that point was the expected mileage penalty for the 6.2l v8 on a heavy BOF truck versus a more fuel efficient crossover.

I took the family out today to drive the RST again thinking we had narrowed our new car search. I'm looking for an SUV with some performance that can haul the family and our gear on road trips / vacations. I had a much more keen eye and ear for today's drive and of course the wife would be looking for problems too.

While still in the dealer's lot rolling along at 10mph-15 mph we both experienced buffeting that only got worse as we took the truck up to 45mph-50mph on the road. Absolutely terrible. I cant believe I didn't notice this on my initial test drive (in the exact same truck), nor anything like it in the Yukon Denali. Today it was bad enough to make me feel nauseous. Of course, the sales guy sitting in the 3rd row claimed ignorance at first and then began to blame the air vents in the 3rd row - I wanted to punch him for that last one.

Of course I knew what it was immediately having been reading this forum for the last two weeks and having read the GM TSB; I had hoped this was an issue mostly with the 2015's....but I guess not.

So disappointed.

Not everyone can hear it, he may have been legit in not hearing. Yes they still have the issue but certain ones DO have it and others don’t. Maybe try another

Go back and try the Denali again and see if you feel it. Also try some others, most newer ones don’t have the issue, but apparently some do.

I’ve driven many many 15-17’s and have only felt it in two vehicles. But it was unpleasant enough.


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It’s luck of the draw. Some have it and some don’t. I’ve rideen in several that had it, and I have ridden it several that don’t. Try driving a few on different lots and find one that doesn’t have it.

All,

Is it something that starts off as a brand new vehicle or gets worse over time?

I'm looking to trade my 14 Jeep SRT for a Denali and am looking at 16,17,18 models but don't want to regret it.

We miss our 12 Yukon but like the new full-size GM as well

Any info would be great as I really want a new Denali but don't know what years or what mileage to look for

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I have a 2015 Yukon Denali with just 70k miles, none of that buffeting (some describe as similar to one window being open). I do have a recurring vibration (like going over a mild rumble strip) that my dealer says is the torque converter and is repairing next week under warranty.

What was the weather? My 16 Sub has been largely free of those issues, but I think these bodies are very sensitive to tires slightly out of round. On cold mornings, especially after sitting a full day or more like it would on a dealers lot, ive had some vibration and buffetting until the tires warm up (takes mine 7 or 8 miles). I think the tires harden up on the contact points when sitting.

Now there have definately been more widespread issues, but I think they are far less common now than they were with the ‘15’s. If you like that RST I’d take it for a long test drive and see if the tires are the issue.

I'm gonna have to raise the BS flag at hearing the buffeting sound at only 10-15mph in a parking lot. You were hearing something else. You were expecting to hear it, so you psyched yourself out, and made yourself think you were hearing the buffeting, when in reality, it was something else.

There is not 1 case of anyone complaining of hearing it going that slow. It was prob just the rumble of the exhaust.

Does it happen, yea, I had it on my 15 Suburban, but only once up to speed, and it wasn't bad.

I now have an 18 Denali, and don't have any buffeting at all.

I agree with NYisles1. My 2018 RST does some weird stuff for the first 10 minutes of driving. Not sure why. Sometimes a little buffeting, sometimes not. Sometimes some wierd harsh shifting, sometimes not. Sometimes some erratic acceleration, sometimes not. After 10 minutes, it's all good.

Mad Maxx said:

I'm gonna have to raise the BS flag at hearing the buffeting sound at only 10-15mph in a parking lot. You were hearing something else. You were expecting to hear it, so you psyched yourself out, and made yourself think you were hearing the buffeting, when in reality, it was something else.

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I have to agree 100% on this. I don’t think anyone has ever heard it at this low of speed. Anything over 35mph yes.