GMC Yukon Denali

L87 6.2L V8 EcoTec3 420 hp Automatic SUV 2015–2020

– Be Careful

Engine L87 – Be Careful 9,900–33,200 $

6.2L V8, 420 hp, same Gen V architecture as the 5.3 but deeper exhaust note and noticeably more shove. 2021-2024: manufacturing left metal shavings in 597,000 engines — GM's fix was switching to 0W-40 oil. NHTSA opened an investigation into post-recall failures. Same DFM lifter risk as the 5.3. Pre-2021 or confirmed post-recall units with documented oil changes are the buy.

Fun Factor? Fun to Drive!

Yukon Denali 6.2 — the Escalade without the tax

95% of an Escalade for $10-15k less. 420 hp, magnetic ride, heated/ventilated seats standard. Same L87 V8 with AFM lifter risk. K2XX avoids the metal shavings recall. Resale holds because Denali buyers know what they have.

Engine Weaknesses 3

!! AFM/DFM Lifter Failure

Same lifter issue as 5.3L — cylinder deactivation wears lifters.

Symptoms: Ticking/knocking, misfires, rough running

3,500–8,500 $ from 100,000 km

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!! Oil Consumption — Piston Rings (2019-2020 and older L87)

Piston rings let oil past — 0.5-1 quart per 2,000 miles in severe cases. Also affects 2019-2020 L87 not covered by the machining debris recall. NHTSA investigating these cases separately.

Symptoms: Blue smoke, dropping oil level, fouled spark plugs, positive oil consumption test

2,500–7,000 $ from 80,000 km

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!! Timing chain wear

Timing chain and guides wear at high mileage — same issue as the 5.3L V8.

Symptoms: Cold start rattle, P0008/P0016 OBD codes

1,000–2,500 $ from 160,000 km

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Vehicle Weaknesses 4

!! Brakes Brake Vacuum Pump Failure

Same brake vacuum pump issue as Tahoe/Silverado/Sierra K2XX. Pump oil filter clogs, brake assist fails.

800–2,500 $ from 90,000 km

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!! Suspension Air Suspension Compressor Failure (AutoRide)

AutoRide rear air suspension compressor fails from ~100,000 km. Air springs develop leaks, vehicle sags overnight. Compressor runs constantly trying to compensate, then burns out. Same system as Tahoe K2XX.

1,300–5,000 $ from 100,000 km

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!! HVAC AC Condenser Leak — GM Special Coverage 17336 2015–2018

Same condenser cracking issue as Tahoe/Silverado/Sierra K2XX. GM Special Coverage 17336. Revised condenser (84211191) available.

500–1,700 $ from 70,000 km

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!! Gearbox 8L90 8-Speed Transmission Shudder

Same 8L90 shudder as all K2XX platform vehicles. Torque converter clutch material degradation. GM TSB: flush with Mobil 1 LV ATF HP.

300–6,000 $ from 60,000 km

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