2016 Yukon Denali - should I buy?

LoonTerritory · October 2, 2019

Hi all, new to the forum. I'm looking to replace my 2012 Yukon Denali with a 2016, but am now learning more about the Transmission issues some are having. Am I crazy to buy a '16?

I'm looking at one that has 75k miles, great shape, but on the 2nd test drive I experienced the shudder I've come to read about. Told the dealership about it and they did a flush and replaced with the new transmission fluid that is supposed to fix this issue... they're telling me that they no longer feel the shudder and should be good to go. I'm going back again to test drive, but should I run away or does this new fluid really solve the problem? If this shuddering has been taking place, should I be concerned that the Torque Converter is damaged and will need to be replaced in the near future as well?

Looking into this issue, it seems this new fluid fix just came out earlier this year. Any comments or experience with this is appreciated!

Mandalorian · October 2, 2019

I'd skip it and the 8-speed in general just to be safe. 6, and 10 speed units seem a lot less problematic.

K2xxSteve · October 3, 2019

The 8-speed transmission was left half-baked for the K2xx platform trucks, because GM was working on the joint 10-speed project with Ford at the same time. They claim to have improved it a ton in the T1xx trucks. A fluid change might temporarily mask some issues, but I seriously doubt it's going to fundamentally change the nature of the transmission. It is what it is. If it's going to worry you, just look for a Suburban or Yukon XL with the 3.42 gearing with the 5.3L/6-speed combo. It's nearly as good and without any of the issues. The 6L80E is pretty solid.

LoonTerritory · October 3, 2019

Thanks for your comments. I’m leaning towards skipping on the Denali trim to avoid the 8 speed. I’d keep my 2012, but need to move up to the XL.

bsprtsgrp · February 17, 2022

I'm at 27K and have done the Fluid swap to the Mobil 1 HD Fluid flush and 2 tranny re-learns. It seems to have done the trick, so far. Tranny issue has to do with factory tranny fluid that attracted water and caused glazing on the plates, hence the shuttering

Edited February 17, 2022 by bsprtsgrp