I Can’t Believe the Amount of Tension Between Me and My 2024 GMC Yukon Denali, It’s All Because Of This Auto Stop Button

There's a common frustration among many new vehicle owners today, particularly those who own a GMC Yukon. 

As I was researching the GMC Yukon, I ran across this interesting story that most new vehicle owners can relate to. Taylor Ann Nusz (@taylorgrim20) put a short clip on her TikTok page showing her disdain for a button on her 2024 GMC Yukon Denali. Many vehicle owners can relate.

Taylor points to the small button to the left of her steering wheel with an "A" on it. The light is on, and when she pushes it, it goes out. 

She says, "Look at this," and then says, "Oh, there it is," and shows the Auto Stop Off display on her center dash. "Oh, my gosh, the amount of tension between me and this button." 

It's as if Taylor is saying, "I adore my GMC Denali, but this pesky button drives me up the wall. Every time I step into my vehicle, I'm compelled to press it. It's become a routine, like fastening my seat belt. But I can't stand it."

"If I could get rid of one feature on my SUV, this one would go right into the trash. It causes tension between me and my new GMC Yukon. If it weren't for this little button with an "A" on it, I would love my Denali."   

"It has so many good features that make life easier, but this one makes it harder to enjoy. I'm so over it."

What Is the Auto Stop Off Button?

GMC says, "If the vehicle is equipped with the Stop/Start deactivation switch, you can push the switch to turn off Stop/Start. Stop/Start is turned off when the LED indicator on the switch is not illuminated. To help maximize the fuel economy benefit, Stop/Start is enabled each time the vehicle is started."

So, that means that every time Taylor gets in her GMC Denali after the engine has been turned off, she has to push the Botton to turn the Auto Stop/Start off.

What does the Auto Stop/Start feature do?

GM says, "Stop/Start Technology automatically stops and starts the vehicle's engine under certain conditions. By turning off the engine when not needed, Stop/Start Technology can help improve fuel efficiency, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions (compared to the same vehicle with Stop/Start Technology not in use)."

In other words, it's designed to save fuel and reduce emissions during periods of idling.

"When you're driving, and your vehicle comes to a complete stop, Stop/Start Technology (if equipped) may turn off your vehicle's engine. When this happens, the needle on the tachometer will move to the "Auto Stop" position. Under normal driving conditions, the engine will start automatically when you release the brake pedal."

The constant stopping and restarting of the engine can be quite bothersome for the driver, disrupting the smooth flow of the journey. 

What do GMC Yukon Owners Think of the Feature?

Taylor says, "You can't tell me that the constant on and off is good for your vehicle at all."

According to discussions on Reddit, most GMC Yukon owners seem to dislike the auto stop/start feature strongly and often choose to disable it, citing annoyances like the engine restarting unexpectedly, feeling jerky in stop-and-go traffic, and concerns about potential wear on the starter motor, especially in hot climates; many consider it unnecessary for the minimal fuel savings it provides. 

Mumbles76 says, "I pull up to a red light, and within 10 seconds - it shuts down. That's too fast; just waiting in a line of cars at a green light often takes longer than 10 seconds. 95% of the time, it shuts down the engine and only starts right back up again within 2-3 seconds. Frustrating."

Key points from Reddit discussions about the auto stop/start feature in GMC Yukon:

• Dislike and disabling: Most users report turning off the feature when they get into the car due to the frustration it causes. 
• Unpredictable behavior: Complaints about the system not always activating when expected or restarting unexpectedly, causing a jerky driving experience. 
• Concerns about wear and tear: Some users worry about the increased stress on the starter motor from frequent starts, especially in stop-and-go traffic. 
• Minimal fuel savings: Many argue that the fuel savings from the auto stop/start feature are not significant enough to justify the annoyance it creates. 
• Difficulty with parking maneuvers: Some users find it inconvenient to have the engine cut off during tight parking situations. 

Does the Auto Stop/Start Save Fuel?

It saves fuel, especially if you live in an area with heavy traffic. 

According to a study conducted by the Society of American Engineers (SAE), turning your car's engine off is beneficial if it is going to be idling for at least seven seconds.

Within that range of time, enough fuel is saved to restart the car. So, fuel will be saved whenever the engine is shut off for over seven seconds. I know of one stoplight on my commute where I can sit for as long as two minutes. After a period of time, the fuel savings add up. 

Final Thoughts and Questions For GMC Yukon Owners

Most car owners do not like the Auto Stop/Start feature on their vehicles. It's here to stay because automakers are trying to meet EPA fuel standards, and it's one way to help achieve them. 

What Do You Think? 

Do you agree with Taylor and other GMC Yukon owners? Share your thoughts and experiences with the Auto Stop/Start feature in the red Add New Comment link below.

Check out my GMC Acadia story titled; My 2024 GMC Acadia Transmission Failed With 950 Miles On It, It Was Slipping and Wouldn’t Go Into Drive or Reverse After I Took It Back To the Dealer

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Taylor Ann Nusz, GMC