2016 Yukon XL Needs New Transmission - Not Happy

[lbenson]

A bit late to this post... but I have 171,500 miles on my 2015 Denali with the 8 speed. TSB for fluid performed at 131,000.. about time to flush the fluid again. New fluid fixed all my issues. I drive mostly highway which I only assume helps.

 

[ThisIsLivin]

Excuse me if some of this was already mentioned. My torque converter went at 103,000 and I got GM to replace it and do a transmission flush. It only cost me a few hundred dollars. The problem is the torque converter blew garbage into the trans. There is a TSB on this and the shudder is the tell. Get GM to fix it, it's covered in full to 100k. Also I switched to Amsoil instead of the GM trans fluid, way better. Resolved all the issues with the 8 speed. I also did some tuning on the shift points and now this is the best automatic I have ever owned. Driving easy it shifts so smooth you can't feel it, stomp on it and I get rubber in second with 33" tires. Best of all the bang you would get when stopping has gone away as well. I also recommend Amsoil for the engine as well. Everyone else had to reformulate to prevent LSPI, Amsoil didn't. With the direct injection the PCV recirculation is a problem so I added a catch can. With Amsoil I get about 3 tablespoons of water condensation after 10k miles. Amsoil helped me get 360k on my 03 Suburban that I still have and still runs smoother than any of my newer vehicles.

 

[Budcat]

Excuse me if some of this was already mentioned. My torque converter went at 103,000 and I got GM to replace it and do a transmission flush. It only cost me a few hundred dollars. The problem is the torque converter blew garbage into the trans. There is a TSB on this and the shudder is the tell. Get GM to fix it, it's covered in full to 100k. Also I switched to Amsoil instead of the GM trans fluid, way better. Resolved all the issues with the 8 speed. I also did some tuning on the shift points and now this is the best automatic I have ever owned. Driving easy it shifts so smooth you can't feel it, stomp on it and I get rubber in second with 33" tires. Best of all the bang you would get when stopping has gone away as well. I also recommend Amsoil for the engine as well. Everyone else had to reformulate to prevent LSPI, Amsoil didn't. With the direct injection the PCV recirculation is a problem so I added a catch can. With Amsoil I get about 3 tablespoons of water condensation after 10k miles. Amsoil helped me get 360k on my 03 Suburban that I still have and still runs smoother than any of my newer vehicles.

Hey ThisIsLivin...do you have any info on that TSB you mentioned? My dealer wants me to foot the bill for a torque converter. 2016 Yukon, 6.2L w/8 speed, flush done at 29,000 miles, now shudder back at 52,000mi, and out of warranty. Told them to do the flush again. Hopefully with work for a while. Hoping to get another 20,000mi out of it before trading it in for something other other then GM.

 

[OR VietVet]

Hey ThisIsLivin...do you have any info on that TSB you mentioned? My dealer wants me to foot the bill for a torque converter. 2016 Yukon, 6.2L w/8 speed, flush done at 29,000 miles, now shudder back at 52,000mi, and out of warranty. Told them to do the flush again. Hopefully with work for a while. Hoping to get another 20,000mi out of it before trading it in for something other other then GM.

@Budcat if you want his/her attention, put @ in front of his/her screen name and they will get a notice, like @ThisIsLivin.

 

[dcyy]

TSB 18-NA-355 dealer replaced mine on 16 Denali 6.2

 

[Denali Brad]

TSB 18-NA-355 dealer replaced mine on 16 Denali 6.2

At what mileage? Under warranty?

 

[dcyy]

At what mileage? Under warranty?

Pulled my records TSB was 16-NA-175 and yes-under warranty

 

[sealandsky]

Wife's 2016 Yukon Xl 4x4 began shuddering on the highway Thursday night. She was 2 hours from home. Was able to limp to a nearby GM dealer and I drove the 4 hour round trip to rescue her. The service advisor called us yesterday morning and explained that they pulled the plug (maybe pan) and that there was a large amount of metal shavings in the fluid. They are recommending a complete transmission replacement to the tune of $4,900! Only 80K on the clock and she is diligent about keeping up with service requirements. Merry Christmas. 2020 just keeps on giving. Interestingly, our previous 2011 had the same exact issue at a bit over 100K. I've owned 7 Tahoes/Yukons since 1997 and all but these last two have been fantastic and have never had issues such as these. I reached out to a trusted person in the transmission field and they told me that the transmissions in my wife's vehicle has known issues. Apparently the torque converter is the culprit. Has anyone else experienced this unfortunate issue?

Here is another thing that begs to question.... So the warranty when brand new is 60K miles. This rebuild/remanufactured unit that they are suggesting we install carries a 100K mile warranty. Maybe someone can explain that one to me.

Unfortunately your experience is common (if you have the 8 speed). It's the price to play, so just replace it and go on.

 

[ThisIsLivin]

Seems like the 8L90 is the gift that keeps giving. It appears now I am having issues with the valve body and now when it's been driven for awhile on the freeway it revs up between shifts. I changed the fluid not to long ago and haven't put more than 30k between changes. I think there is a procedure I can run using HP Tuners software that may resolve the issue. Now I'm just waiting for the second production year of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

 

[StuartMiller]

Ok, I joined just to seek education. I have a 2016 yukon xl slt 5.3L 4wd. Purchased 1.5 years ago with 100k miles and now has 140k miles on it. Turns out the trans was replaced before I bought it. I noticed odd fluttering with trans since day one but figured it’s just how the newer trannys do things. I’m used to old four speeds mostly. Recently a mechanic friend said I’ll need to replace it soon after he witnessed the flutter.

Seems to drive great just has the odd flutter.

What say this group? Will I be replacing it? Is my equipment even involved since mine isn’t a Denali? Are there things I can do to protect my gear? If I have to replace it, is there a bullet proof option so I don’t have to worry about it again?

All advice is welcomed and appreciated!

 

[lbenson]

You've got the 6 speed which has issues of its own... Can't say I know a ton about these transmissions besides others on the forum who have discussed "flipping the pill" to run it cooler and prevent it from overheating.

With that said, I know of two instances of a 2016 and 2017 Suburban with the same transmission destroying itself before 90k, both a while back without the fix for the overheating issue.

Ok, I joined just to seek education. I have a 2016 yukon xl slt 5.3L 4wd. Purchased 1.5 years ago with 100k miles and now has 140k miles on it. Turns out the trans was replaced before I bought it. I noticed odd fluttering with trans since day one but figured it’s just how the newer trannys do things. I’m used to old four speeds mostly. Recently a mechanic friend said I’ll need to replace it soon after he witnessed the flutter.

Seems to drive great just has the odd flutter.

What say this group? Will I be replacing it? Is my equipment even involved since mine isn’t a Denali? Are there things I can do to protect my gear? If I have to replace it, is there a bullet proof option so I don’t have to worry about it again?

All advice is welcomed and appreciated!

 

[Plimbob]

FWIW - I have a 2017 with the 6 speed, I had to have it rebuilt at 89k. The TQ started causing issues with shearing and throwing off metal particles which in turn gets sent through the whole unit which caused various issues including a flutter or surging sensation.

The rebuild was done at a respected trans shop in my community, they used a Billet TQ, Sonnax valve body and the updated thermostat. It now has 92k and I can't say I am thrilled with it. It currently is back at the shop who built it because of hard downshifts at 35mph and 20 mph. This happens especially when hot.

They have had it a week and driven it around and tell me they are having trouble getting it to do it for them. I have this shop do work for me in the past and always satisfied with the work, however, I am skeptical at this point about things.

I have heard that if you use the ACDelco fluid it improves the smoothness of the shift cycles? I may go that route if needed to see if that helps.

BTW - the shop manager told me they do 3-4 2015-2017 GM 6 speeds a month?

 

[Tahoe14]

Take them for a ride when it is acting up.

 

[John Buttino]

yes, a good purchase. Mine has served me well on my ‘15.

Trans fluid changes (pan and filter) should be done 45k without question on these, especially 8 and 10 speeds.

That warranty has taken care of:
Fuel pump
Many sensors
Battery cable
Seat lumbar
Fuel injector
My MRC struts
GPS antenna
And prob more items I’m forgetting

normally I don’t buy them, but with the ‘15 model year change I wanted to be safe.

How did you get the fuel pump and injectors covered ?

 

[Doubeleive]

FWIW - I have a 2017 with the 6 speed, I had to have it rebuilt at 89k. The TQ started causing issues with shearing and throwing off metal particles which in turn gets sent through the whole unit which caused various issues including a flutter or surging sensation.

The rebuild was done at a respected trans shop in my community, they used a Billet TQ, Sonnax valve body and the updated thermostat. It now has 92k and I can't say I am thrilled with it. It currently is back at the shop who built it because of hard downshifts at 35mph and 20 mph. This happens especially when hot.

They have had it a week and driven it around and tell me they are having trouble getting it to do it for them. I have this shop do work for me in the past and always satisfied with the work, however, I am skeptical at this point about things.

I have heard that if you use the ACDelco fluid it improves the smoothness of the shift cycles? I may go that route if needed to see if that helps.

BTW - the shop manager told me they do 3-4 2015-2017 GM 6 speeds a month?

the hard shifts are likely the clutch plates they used, as long as there is no metal or burnt fluid you are fine, if you want "softer" shift's there going to have to pull it all apart and use a different clutch set.
also @BlackBearPerf can tune it for you and you will have all around better performance.

 

[SuperOldSchool]

How did you get the fuel pump and injectors covered ?

Fuel pump was covered, injector failed after the lifter repair- so they acknowledged that and fixed it as good will.. they caused it.

 

[Plimbob]

@ Wes, you are dead on regarding the clutch plates. When I went back to gt the vehicle and discussed that very point and the builder told me the shift kit is heavier duty and does tend to shift firmer/harder however you want to describe it. He said they checked the fluid for color and metals and nothing unexpected there. I checked the fluid as well and it's red, no brown tint.

They told me they used BG Trans Fluid in it because they feel it's one of the better fluids and doesn't shear easily. There is a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty on it. It's 5 months and 4,000 miles in. I guess we'll see.

I am thinking I will put another 1-2k on it and draw some fluid and send it into Blackstone for analysis just to be safe. Also, going to look into BB as you noted.

Anyway, thanks for your feedback on the clutch plates.

 

[JML07denali]

Welp! I have a 16 Yukon SLt with the 6 speed. Just shit the bed yesterday at 107k miles, getting the tranny replaced at a cost of $5,250 + tax.

 

[Brewder]

This? It's only for 2019-2022 MY with the 8 speed transmission...

GM Class Action Claims Transmission Defect Causes Jerking, Lurching in Lower Gears

Six drivers filed a class action lawsuit alleging that several vehicles manufactured by GM are equipped with defective eight-speed transmissions and that GM concealed the defects from buyers for years.

topclassactions.com

 

[AJ_Victory_27]

Welp! I have a 16 Yukon SLt with the 6 speed. Just shit the bed yesterday at 107k miles, getting the tranny replaced at a cost of $5,250 + tax.

‘15 Yuke for me, 6-speed and trans fluid changed in April ‘22 about 132k and now in September at 138k trans is shot. Violent death rattle at 75MPH that my passengers noticed, then major slipping. $5.6k for new one with 3 year/100k mi warranty. What else should we do to preserve the motor? AFM delete?