Are Yukons/Tahoes reliable?

[TroyFan]

Hey everybody, new to the site. Have been a long time Nissan driver... but Nissan's product has gone downhill over the last decade. It's not what it used to be.

Now I'm looking into possibly getting a Tahoe or Yukon. I'm curious what to expect out of the 2015+ Tahoes and Yukons. Are the engines reliable? Do they last? Are the transmissions reliable? Any common issues I can possibly expect?

Any information will be great! Thank you!!

 

[swathdiver]

Hey everybody, new to the site. Have been a long time Nissan driver... but Nissan's product has gone downhill over the last decade. It's not what it used to be.

Now I'm looking into possibly getting a Tahoe or Yukon. I'm curious what to expect out of the 2015+ Tahoes and Yukons. Are the engines reliable? Do they last? Are the transmissions reliable? Any common issues I can possibly expect?

Any information will be great! Thank you!!

What does your research suggest?

Generally speaking, the later years in a vehicle's generation are the most mature and trouble free.

The 10-speed transmissions have proven very durable. There were troubles with the 8-speeds early on, it was largely remedied by a fluid type change. The 6-speed is a great transmission but the thermostat on them, keeping temperatures high, reduces life compared with the earlier generation that uses the same transmission with a different cooling system.

The engines are fantastic, the 6.2 is glorious to drive. But cheap gas and extended oil changes shorten their lives, as with any engine.

I forget what year Apple Car Play and the like were introduced in that generation, might be important to you.

So what don't you like about your Nissan? A brother-in-law has an older one and tows with it all over the country but she's getting tired now.

 

[Bigburb3500]

Look around this site, there are a lot of stories about ownership. There are a good number of transmission, engine, drivetrain combos that should be looked into depending on what your personal needs are. I think reliable goes back to previous ownership as well and the use of it. Sometimes buying a towrig is better than a commuter because the guy towing replaced and maintained the truck to top-notch standard while soccer mom/dad doesn’t know what an oil change is. Finding the right vehicle is important too.

 

[ReaperHWK]

I’ve had a lot of things go wrong on my 2015 but it does have 160k miles. Engine and trans are solid it’s just some of the electronics and other fancy stuff that breaks. Like magnetic ride suspension, power lift gate, power seats, window regulators, air ride, blind spot monitors, fuel injectors, etc. all stuff you can DIY in your garage.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

I've had a Yukon and a Yukon XL, and they have both served me well.

I believe that @Big Mama has a 2008 Yukon Denali for sale that is in fantastic condition, if you are thinking about the possibility of purchasing a used vehicle. These trucks, if well maintained, will last up to 300k miles.

 

[Doubeleive]

I haven't been left on the side of the road in over 12 years, unless I got a flat so....................... I guess that's reliable enough.
it should be noted that reliability requires maintenance, ignore the maintenance and guess what happens to that reliability?
AND when i was left on the side of road previous to that 12+ years it was of my own doing. when you beat the crap out something it tends to break, no matter how well (a vehicle) is made.

 

[TroyFan]

The Pathfinder I have is from their 2017-2022 generation. The CVT transmission whines on many of them. The electronics aren't the best. The window motors burn out very quickly. The worst issue of all... the VQ35DD engine. The previous generation of engines (VQ35DE) was a reliable, port injected engine. One of the best Nissan has made. The VQ35DD though may be the worst engine Nissan has made. They changed it to direct injection and altered the PCV system. It's caused massive issues, primarily major sludging problems. No matter if you change the oil every 3,000 with high quality full syn oil, it won't prevent the sludge. It's a widely known issue.

 

[NELLY1947]

Hey everybody, new to the site. Have been a long time Nissan driver... but Nissan's product has gone downhill over the last decade. It's not what it used to be.

Now I'm looking into possibly getting a Tahoe or Yukon. I'm curious what to expect out of the 2015+ Tahoes and Yukons. Are the engines reliable? Do they last? Are the transmissions reliable? Any common issues I can possibly expect?

Any information will be great! Thank you!!

The only way I can answer you is I'm now on my 15th GM oner the past 40-50 years. I had a unit with close to 500mikes once. Recently I've had a 2006 3500 pick up. 2010 -2015-2019 and now a 2023 Yukon XL. Vader. 100% all black NO wrapping . I see posts about all the different problems but hiw many of these units are there out there. I change oil every 4-5k. And do an inspection every 12-15k. But when I drove from Montreal to Toronto in a 12-18" snow dump in 4high or i want to tow or ask for 130kph she does what i ask. I just figure if I take care of her she will dowhat I ask. Oh ya yesterday I pulled a 4wd Ford 350 with a front plow, trailer attached with a skid steer on it out of the ditch 2 days ago in 4 bull and a strap. Just took my time

 

[EvergreenZ71]

Hey everybody, new to the site. Have been a long time Nissan driver... but Nissan's product has gone downhill over the last decade. It's not what it used to be.

Now I'm looking into possibly getting a Tahoe or Yukon. I'm curious what to expect out of the 2015+ Tahoes and Yukons. Are the engines reliable? Do they last? Are the transmissions reliable? Any common issues I can possibly expect?

Any information will be great! Thank you!!

I had a 1st Gen Nissan Pathfinder “hardbody” SE-V6 4-door so long ago I can’t even remember what year it was. When it started having engine trouble I bought my first full-size GM SUV and never moved away.

Technically I’m on my 4th full-size GM SUV in almost 20 years, but really only on my 2nd Tahoe daily driver in that time as the other two were / are 3/4 ton Suburban Family road trip / trailer towers.

Every brand and model will have lemons and unfortunately a lot of posts on forums like these will highlight problems. But I think the telling element is the number of people on here who have had the following experiences:
1: Own multiple full-size GM SUVs, whether for themselves or with spouses & dependents
2: Own/owned multiple full-size GM SUVs of the same generation
3: Own & maintain full-size GM SUVa with more than 150k miles (and much higher)
4: Continue to purchase similar full-size GM SUVs year after year, whether simply as an upgrade or after passing it to a family member

My little Pathfinder was fun, but my GMs have given me solid reliability so long as I maintain them correctly. I did replace an engine on one, but that was most likely the result of poor PM from the previous owner which is a risk inherent to any used car purchase.

I not only would buy another full-size GM SUV, I’ve already purchased 3 more after my first.

 

[EvergreenZ71]

The Pathfinder I have is from their 2017-2022 generation. The CVT transmission whines on many of them. The electronics aren't the best. The window motors burn out very quickly. The worst issue of all... the VQ35DD engine. The previous generation of engines (VQ35DE) was a reliable, port injected engine. One of the best Nissan has made. The VQ35DD though may be the worst engine Nissan has made. They changed it to direct injection and altered the PCV system. It's caused massive issues, primarily major sludging problems. No matter if you change the oil every 3,000 with high quality full syn oil, it won't prevent the sludge. It's a widely known issue.

Newer GM engines (1/2 ton on 2010+) with Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Displacement on Demand (DOD) need to have their oil changed religiously with high quality oil (I prefer synthetic anyway) to reduce the risk of lifter failure.

The best true solution to this is to have the engine modified with a DOD delete kit & appropriate tune. DOD can also be disabled electronically with a customized tune (or you can buy an AFM disabler that plugs into the OBD port, but I haven’t seen much talk about them).

 

[petethepug]

07 - 08 - 09 6.2L Yukon Denali and Escalade without the AFM / cylinder deactivation feature. They’re hp/tq & AWD makes them feel like you’re in a smaller vehicle. It’s a 300k+ mi truck

Escalade has the uncommon air conditioned seats (not vented). A/C seats went away in 2010. It’s an option on 09 Denali. Both run e85 starting 09 and a 2WD option that year too.

You’ll actually be looking forward to your 6SP trans giving out because you can now add a 2019+ 10SP trans to improve milage, launch and not feel it shifting at all.

2007-2014 GM SUV - Powertrain Swap Solutions

www.powertrainswapsolutions.com

 

[RST Dana]

2016 5.3 traded with 170k miles no issues
2017 5.3 traded with 70k miles no issues
2020 6.2 10 speed treated with 107k miles

The first two had lifetime powertrain warranties, but the 2020 did not do I took the opportunity to get a 21 upgrade

 

[TroyFan]

I appreciate all of the replies so far. Very helpful and insightful.

 

[Bill Barnes]

My first GM full size was a '79 GMC Suburban, purchased used with 85K on the 350 ci V8 and TH350 trans. It was 2WD. I sold it to my sister-in-law with 200K on it. She was a newspaper distributor and hauled papers to her carriers every day for 3 years. Never had a failure of engine or trans, retired the truck with 350K miles.
I had a 2001 Chevy Suburban, 5.3 Flex-Fuel/4L60E 4x4. Traded it in on a new 2005 GMC Yukkn XL 5.3 Flex-Fuel/4L60 4x4. It now has 268K miles. I have had no engine problems at all, and had the 3rd-4th gear assembly fail at 145K. Dealer repaired it and I've had no problems since. Have had to replace the MAF sensor once, and the Evap vent relay for the fuel tank. I do not intend to buy another vehicle. If I do have an engine or transmission failure, I will replace them with remanufactured units. If I HAVE to buy another vehicle, it will be another Suburban or Yukon XL.

 

[Carfan]

I've got a 2017 Nissan Titan that has been all but trouble-free. Except for an internal vent locking that stops the left and right side temperature controls working I've had no issues with it. Great ride and perfect for a work truck.

We've had our 2020 Suburban for more than 3 years. It's been great. No issues of any kind. We have it serviced right on schedule. Magnaride is great and the 10 speed transmission means that we have power when we need it and the on highway we can drive far longer than grandkids can last between bathroom breaks.

I have some colleagues that have Range Rovers who tell me how they are impressed when I take them for a spin.

 

[2k17yukon]

i have a 2000 gmc sierra that has over 300K miles and still cranks ups and takes me to work. My 2017 yukon has 97K and its been great to me as well. When we were looking for a new car for my wife, she went from a 2010 rogue to a 2024 equinox,- we did not want any cvt transmissions since you could not check the fluid on them.

 

[tagexpcom]

I have a 2004 Cadillac SRX AWD V8 (Northstar) with 175,000miles. It's required A TON OF REPAIRS over the last 20yrs - but it's only 'stranded' me once when I overloaded it towing. Plastic T on radiator overflow hose blew.

So far I've had running boards that failed to deploy due to a small amount of dirt (fixed by washing it) and a wheel sensor go bad that cost some $ but nothing to 'strand me'. If my 2021 Yukon experience is as good as my 2004 SRX experience then I'll consider it 'very reliable'

I read once that 'new models' statistically have about the same number of issues as proven models but it's just different issues. Who knows for sure, seems like such a crap shoot to take general stats and try to apply to you're individual rig.

 

[Miami-Dade]

Hey everybody, new to the site. Have been a long time Nissan driver... but Nissan's product has gone downhill over the last decade. It's not what it used to be.

Now I'm looking into possibly getting a Tahoe or Yukon. I'm curious what to expect out of the 2015+ Tahoes and Yukons. Are the engines reliable? Do they last? Are the transmissions reliable? Any common issues I can possibly expect?

Any information will be great! Thank you!!

If it matters I turned 185K miles today. 100% stock.

The only major thing I did was the transmission. That was at 124K miles. The GMC dealer did the work as I do not trust trans shops unless @NickTransmissions does the work.

My 2016 Tahoe still runs like brand new. Plan on taking at least 2 trips with it from Miami-Queens NY over the next few months.

 

[MSD9000]

The best true solution to this is to have the engine modified with a DOD delete kit & appropriate tune. DOD can also be disabled electronically with a customized tune (or you can buy an AFM disabler that plugs into the OBD port, but I haven’t seen much talk about them).

Wait...what? I can disable AFM? I have a '19 yukon with the 6.2. I had no idea this could be disabled. I'll search for the product!

Edit: found it, and bought it! Should arrive at 4pm today. Range Technology RA003b. About $200 bucks.

 

[Geotrash]

Wait...what? I can disable AFM? I have a '19 yukon with the 6.2. I had no idea this could be disabled. I'll search for the product!

Edit: found it, and bought it! Should arrive at 4pm today. Range Technology RA003b. About $200 bucks.

Better yet, get yourself a Blackbear tune and they'll turn off the AFM permanently, and also clean up the compromises in the factory tune for the engine and transmission, and wake the whole truck up for you. I'm thrilled with their work, so I've had them tune all 3 of mine (2 6.2's and a 6.0). Best of all they clean up the slip in the transmission shifting so it increases the durability of the torque converter and clutch packs. GM tunes them for fuel economy and comfort.