NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 GMC Yukon. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
We first noticed the vehicle's lack of power and sudden increase when driving at a stop light/sign. We checked and REPLACED spark plugs, cables, coils, and a new battery. We became highly concerned when the vehicle would accelerate while driving and the RPMs would toggle between 500-1500 RPMS without pressing the gas. We immediately took it to an authorized mechanic, who found excessive noise from the transmission area and found debris/metal. No codes were present when a system performance was done. The vehicle only has 68806 miles on the odometer. The transmission had to be fully replaced, which cost over $7k. The replacement was done. This seems to be a common issue (Transmission replacements) with this vehicle as now we're hearing more about it. PLEASE check this as we could have easily been in an accident from the loss or increase of power without notice and NO WARNING lamp indications. This was a very expensive repair caused by the manufacture and not user error. We paid a lot for this particular vehicle and certainly love it but am concerned about this expensive safety/mechanical issue. Please call me for any questions[XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
When I was merging on the fwy my car accelerated and I couldn’t slow it down. I had to get off the fwy and break really hard. Driving on the fwy and not being able to control the speed or breaks could of caused an accident or cost us our lives. I have an appointment with the dealer service center on Sept 20, 2022. A few weeks ago I noticed the car was having trouble sifting gears.
Left tail light flickers, after reading internet comments learned that tail light board connections are made of very flimsy metal material, they crack with normal vehicle operations. LED lamps are fine but the power connections to the lamps breaks therefore it renders taillights useless. Replacement cost of those lamps are $700-$800 parts alone. On the internet there is some information I’ll attach that pdf
Engine lifter failure causing complete engine failure at 70,000 miles without any warning. All vehicle maintenance done and serviced at dealer 30 days prior. Left our family stranded on a busy 2 lane highway and were lucky to even get off the road.
Had transmission serviced at the dealer in May 2021. The RPM's are revving in first gear and my mechanic said I need to go back to dealer to have the transmission serviced again. There have been multiple reported problems with this transmission and a recall needs to be issued. The DT-45096 TransFLow Cooler Flush Machine and DT-52263 Transmission Fluid exchange kit with Mobil 1 fluid was requested at the May 2021 visit.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he was notified by other motorists that the brake lights were inoperable. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the brake lights were intermittently inoperable while depressing the brake pedal. The dealer was notified about the failure and scheduled an appointment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Passenger taillight goes out. Replaced it twice now and now I have to do it again a 3rd time. They know of this issue but have done nothing to fix it or offer anything to help cover cost
In my experience of transmission failure with my 16’ GMC YUKON, there was no warning. I had not experienced any issues with the slipping or jerking feel when accelerating or braking as described in the class action law suit. My vehicle had 105k miles, I took it in for regular maintenance including having the transmission flushed as I was told to do so for preventative maintenance. The transmission failed when I was traveling on the interstate with my family and I came upon some traffic so I applied the brake and the whole vehicle bucked and jerked as it shifted into down gear. I was traveling at 30-35 mph in the traffic and the whole time I felt a slipping motion in the car. I made it to a gas station, refueled, and tried to restart my journey. As I leery the gas station accelerating to get back on the interstate, the vehicle would not accelerate above 35 mph and the RPMs we’re to the max. At this point, my vehicle was in drivable. No prior warning, no issues that had been occurring over time, this all happened the same day. I towed my vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer where the problem was identified as a failed transmission in need of replacement and failed ABS braking system. The cost came at $6800.
The drivers side rear brake lights stopped working. GM did a warranty extension ( that admits an issue).but ours just expired.. this is an $800 to $1000 repair that owners should NOT have to pay.. GM refuses to cover this expense. This is an absolute SAFTEY ISSUE. Of course, any law enforcement officer will agree as they will write a safety violation ticket (as they should) I understand that owners are responsible for all maintenance of their vehicles, but this issue is a flaw in design. Most owners ( like us) can’t afford to pay this outrageous price for a simple break light replacement. As the entity of government that oversees the manufacture of these vehicles, there MUST be a safety recall!! Honestly, I am disappointed that no safety recall hasn’t been ordered for this issue. This problem is going to result in many many rear end accidents. Please fix this and save lives. Thank You [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”
Passage tail, brake light works when it want. One day it work the next day it don’t! I’m scared that I will get pulled by the police or somebody hit me in the back.
The suv starts to brake on its own while driving. It came to a complete stop once and almost caused an accident.
On our 2016 GMC Yukon Denali we have experienced intermittently working brake lights on our vehicle. We were first informed by a family friend following us that our passenger side was going in and out and now our driver's side brake light is completely out. The turn signal and reverse light still works but no brake light of any indication. No warnings or messages were given it just went completely out. I believe this is a safety hazard to myself and other driver's. It is also against the law to have a break light out. I've read that there was a recall but it was dismissed in 2021 due to faulty break lights. I also read that it was only fixed at no cost for drivers at 72,000 miles and the vehicle couldn't be older than six years.We purchased our vehicle at 73××× . Not everyone can afford the $1600.00 upfront to fix a problem like this. Please reconsider making this a recall as I have been doing my research alot of Gmc Yukon drivers have experienced this. I want my family to be safe.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle began to shudder and she noticed that the park assists, stabilitrak, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled. The contact was able to shift the vehicle to park and restarted the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that after the vehicle stalled, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become constant. Additionally, the air bag warning light and an audible chime would sound when the engine stalled. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure had recurred. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Vacuum
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, the driver behind her notified her that the brake lights were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed with brake light failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.
The passenger brake light intermittently stops working.
I was driving with a trailer that has brakes. A warning system light came on “trailer brake system” service came on blind the digital speedometer. Brakes would not engage. A couple of day later same thin came on now with out a trailer. The warning would not go away and kept on chumming every 10 seconds.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was sputtering. The contact stated that the sound had increased over time. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the transmission gear oil had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact learned that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V374000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that she was notified by a police officer that the passenger’s side taillight was inoperable. Additionally, the driver’s side taillight was flashing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.
The contact's sister owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact's husband was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was only able to reverse but not drive forward. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The largest issue was today, 2/22/2022, when I was driving doing 56 miles per hour it felt like it wouldn't accelerate. Then all of a sudden, the wheel kind of jerked right and the car shifted down all on it's own and I was doing 25 mph. The check engine light came on immediately after the violent jerking happened. I was on a 4 lane highway and had to immediately pull over onto the shoulder. It was jerking forward and back as I was trying to pull over on a freeway where the speed limit is 70 mph!!! I had my 80-year-old mother in the car with me. AND YES!! It put us both at great risk! I had to call a tow truck and they towed it to a dealership 9.8 miles away. When I talked to the Assistant Manager, he said that there were 3 other GMC Yukon 2016 that had come in today - ALL WERE 2016 GMC YUKON MODELS WITH 125K MILES. My GMC has 124,700 MILES all with Transmission problems. This can't be an anomaly. So I got online and there are many, many complaints about this transmission. As a matter of fact, it appears in 2019 there was a Class Action Lawsuit about this very thing. I will not know until tomorrow for sure what the issue is - because the dealership could not get to it today. However, something significant happened. As a side note, recently I had an electrical problem where sensors, etc are all saying need to be serviced and none of them are working. I had appt today at 10:30 am to have them check this. On the way there, the violent jerking and sudden downshift and check engine light came on. I was scared to death and so I pulled over and called a tow truck. The dealership did not tell me this is a common issue, nor was I aware. The dealership told me if it is in fact the transmission - cost is $6,000!!! I need someone to contact me to discuss this. Thank you, [XXX]phone - [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
2016 GMC Yukon. I received a letter that stated my Yukon may have a condition where the brake lights intermittently do not illuminate. In March 2020 the drivers side rear brake light did not illuminate. I brought it to a Chev/GMC dealer that replaced the tail light no charge. Now my passenger rear tail brake light does not illuminate. My Yukon has 68800 miles on it and it is going on 6 years old. I still have my letter I received about this issue. Without my tail/brake light it is unsafe to drive my vehicle until I get that brake unit replaced. Will I still be able to my passenger side brake unit replaced at no charge? I haven’t been able to get it replaced due to I had total knee replacement surgery in February 2022
The trailer break service light is coming on. There is not a way to dismiss the sound and comes on every few seconds, it's very distracting a HUGE safety risk. I have contacted GMC Valencia California and they have have several vehicles with the same issue / hazard. This has apparently been going on for years yet GMC refuses to put a recall on the vehicles nor take action on correcting this on this critical issue. This is very upsetting and with all the complaints / concerns it appears nobody cares for the lives this defective issue could cause, especially when towing. Thank you.
Radiator is leaking antifreeze because of excessive thermocycles within the cooling system caused by excessive cycling of the thermostat. Vehicle leaking antifreeze causing environmental hazards and possible overheating causing vehicle to shut off. GM knows about this and posted a service bulletin but will not repair when out of warranty.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM gauge was high, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to her residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be related to the transmission. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the next available appointment was in January 2022. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
The paint is bad on the hood and top of the vehicle. It has been a year since it started.
Driver side, rear lighting fixture not working. All lights for brakes, reverse, do not work. I had to replace the entire light assembly on the Passenger side previously.
The Active Fuel Management System caused excessive wear and tear on the engine, causing the lifters, push rods and valves to be damaged, while under normal operation and regular maintenance intervals. The damage caused, by this failure resulted in the yukon breaking down in the middle of the highway. Every shop/dealership we called all said the samething, this has been a common problem with vehicles equipped with this type of system and the only fix is to replace the motor. Luckily traffic was light that day or things could have been worse. Its dangerous enough to get stranded in the middle of the highway with no way to move the vehicle.
The rear lights on my vehicle - including brake lights - intermittently stop working. I was unaware of this issue until I had someone follow me to my destination to make me aware. This is extremely dangerous that could lead to a wreck with the potential of bodily injury. GMC has issued a service bulletin (admitting to using faulty parts) related to this problem, however, they have limited the coverage to mileage and year. GMC should be required to issue a full recall on any vehicle impacted by this serious safety concern.
The Trailer Brake System has become inoperative on my 2016 GMC Yukon. . A random, constant and repetitive Service "Trailer Brake System" warning makes constant, persistent, repetitive and abrupt dashboard visual illuminations and abrupt audio disruptions while driving. This causes constant driver distractions and the inability to hear traffic and other warnings when the chiming audio warnings go off over and over. Additionally, the Trailer brake system is not functioning and other potential issues may exist. I have learned that NHTSA and GM are aware of this specific Trailer Brake System issue but have not provided a remedy for this known Manufacturers defect with the wiring harness. These disruptions prevent our family while driving from hearing other vehicle warnings (turn signal, rear collision, lane departure, lane assist, forward collision) and I am unable to make phone calls as well during these constant disruptions and also the inability to read the digital read out of my speed during these constant disruptions.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while reversing, his wife noticed that the driver’s side brake light was not illuminating. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,425.
This is the second time it happened the first time i parked my car while the engine was on and i got down real quick got back on my car and when i tryed turning all of a sudden my steering wheel keept turning the opposite way and parking control light appear saying it was off and it keep moving my steering wheel i all of a sudden turned my car off and back on the second time that happened i was going in a parking when it did the samething i was turning in the parking and it started turning my steering wheel the opposite way it started saying again parking control off and the system started going crazy and my car completely turned off i was left in the middle of the parking lot had tu put my car in parking and turn my car off reall quick and turned it on and was able to park but i did get really scared and been really scared to drive my car ever since because i don’t know if it will do the same thing again while driving . I have not taken it to get checked but will be making an appointment because it is a really scary situation.
Rear Left tail light doesn't turn on. Was stopped by police and given a verbal warning of my tail light turning off and on while driving. Now its completely dead.
Passenger side brake light not working. Bulb replacement not available to purchase and you have to take to dealership for $800 plus repair. 72k miles on vehicle.
Vacuum pump loses vacuum, and the brakes are very hard. Occurs when sitting still with the brake applied. Also occurs in reverse at low speeds. My wife refuses to drive her car, due to numerous near fender benders.
A/C Condensing Unit leaking. Appears to Leak from small tack weld on the top area of the condensing unit. All of the R134 went out and left with no A/C. Seems to be a common problem and ignored by GMC.
GMC has a bulletin “recall” that stated that the tail lights of their vehicles were not illuminating on vehicles. In 2019 we took our vehicle in to have the defect covered because our passenger tail light stopped working. We are now having the same issue with our driver light but they are stating that the recall only covered one light with knowledge that both lights are defective. Only one light was replaced. They also had a recall on a defective air compressor that we paid $580 for but because of mileage it was not covered. I spoke with a rep by the name of Angellica in the complaint department that confirmed that the letters regarding the air compressors were sent in November of 2017 and I did not receive that notice during that time. I purchased the vehicle in April of 2017. If any part of a vehicle is defective, or poorly made coverage should not end and defective parts should be replaced. We are looking to be reimbursed for repairs and coverage provided for the second light on our vehicle. GM refuses to resolve this issue and is placing my family in danger with defective parts on this vehicle. I am looking for this to be resolved as soon as possible. This is poor business and the quality of this vehicle that is 5 years old is poor. Attached you will see the invoice from the dealer states that the wiring is bad but coverage was expired due to mileage. If defective parts are in a vehicle there should not be a limitation on getting them replaced. GM made this mistake and it needs to be corrected.
MY 2016 GMC YUKON SLE VIBRATES REALLY BAD ON HIGH SPEEDS STARTS FROM 70MPH AND UP I TOOK IT TO DO A WHEEL BALANCE AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE ALSO I CHECK THE VIN FOR ANY RECALLS AND NOTHING I SEARCH AND I HAVE SEEN THAT ALL CHEVY TAHOES CADILLAC ESCALADE GMC YUKON HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY HAVENT FIX IT. DOES ANY ONE KNOWS HOW TO FIX IT OR IF THERES GONNA BE ANY RECALL ON THE PROBLEM.. THANK YOU
Vehicle shudders, jerks excessively, and shifts erratically when accelerating. Had transmission serviced, fluid flushed, pan cleaned, transmission filter changed. Metal shavings were found in the pan and filter and covering magnet in pan. During flush metal shavings were recovered from oil cooler. Transmission continues to display same symptoms and rpms fluctuate during steady acceleration described as evidence of transmission slipping. Vehicle has not been serviced by dealer. No warning lamps or DTC indicated. Approximately 1500 miles after service during follow up inspection, metal shavings/debris were found in fluid on dipstick. All gm recommended parts and fluids used during service.
AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER REFRIGERANT LEAK AT THE COUPLER
OUR GMC YUKON LOCKED INTO 4WD WHILE ACCELERATING/DRIVING (APPROX 15-25MP) THE KIDS TO SCHOOL THROUGH THE NEIGHBOURHOOD, JERKED VIOLENTLY AS THOUGH BRAKING HARD, AND STEERING WAS EXTREMELY IMPAIRED. THE "SERVICE 4WD" MESSAGE APPEARED ON OUR DASHBOARD. THE YUKON IS LOCKED IN 4WD, AND EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND MANEVEUR. IT JERKS VIOLENLY WHEN TURNING. WE ARE UNABLE TO DRIVE DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS.
THE AC WON'T BLOW COLD. THE BRAKES AREN'T STOPPING THE VEHICLE.
Rear driver taillight assembly does not work all the time! One day it works the next day it does not! I had to have the passenger side replaced about 6-8 months ago & it was replaced by the dealer at that time & there was no cost to me as it was under warranty at that time! I think there may be an issue with the LED bulbs! Now the problem is with the drivers side! This is a safety problem and a recall should be issued!!!!It is no longer under warranty & out of pocket cost may be $600 to $1000!
I SEE ALMOST 200 COMPLAINTS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE? NOT SURE THE POINT OF THIS WEBSITE, BUT, I'M GOING TO PUT MY 2 CENTS IN. MY 2016 YUKON DENALI PASSANGER BRAKE LIGHT HAS GONE OUT, LIKE MANY, MANY OF OTHER PEOPLE. WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL? OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. AFTER MANY VIDEOS I HAVE WATCHED I SEE THAT THE CIRCIT BOARD COMES APART AND CAN'T BE REPAIRED BUT ONLY REPLACED, AT A EXTREMLY HIGH PRICE. I'VE ALSO SEEN MANY TAIL LIGHT ON THESE YUKONS WORK OFF AND ON, SO, RANDOMLY THEY CAN NOT WORK AT ANY TIME AND POSSIBLY GET YOU REAR ENDED. HOW DO I FILE A CIVIL ACTION COMPLAINT TO HAVE GMC ADDRESS THIS COMPLAINT AND RESOLVE THIS ISSUE? PLEASE ADVISE.
REAR TAIL LIGHTS INOPERABLE AND BRAKE LIGHTS NOT OPERATING. WHEN I ASKED DEALER ABOUT PROBLEM THEY SAID GM HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES SINCE THEY NEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THEM EXTENDING THE WARRANTY. VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY REAR LIGHTS WORKING WHICH IS EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD.
BRAKE LIGHTS CUTS ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVING AND THIRD BRAKE LIGHT IS OFF ON MY 2016 VEHICLE ALSO WHEN STEP ON BRAKES PEDAL SOMETIMES GOES TO FLOOR VEHICLE HARD TO STOP A FOR SURE DANGEROUS SITUATION
WHILE DRIVING MY CHILDREN TO PRACTICE MY VEHICLE JERKED US FORWARD IN A VIOLENT MOTION AS IF ANOTHER CAR HIT US AND THERE WAS NO ONE ON THE ROAD. AFTERWARDS THE CAR SLOWED TO ABOUT 5-20MILES AN HOUR AND WOULD NOT DRIVE ANY FASTER. I STOPPED AT THE NEAREST INTERSECTION AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND TURNED ON AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD TO SAFETY. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND I HAVE ALREADY BEEN TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE THE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. I HAVE COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL ABOUT THIS ISSUE.
THE REAR LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE THEM BECAUSE MY VEHICLE MILEAGE IS OUTSIDE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AMONG THE 2016 GMC YUKON'S AND I DO NOT THINK IT IS FAIR THAT I HAVE TO COVER THE REPAIR.
2016 YUKON SHUDDERING, HAD A TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGE WHICH HELPED WITH THE SHUDDERING. WE'VE PUT 15K+M PLUS MILES ON IT SINCE THE FLUID FLUSH, IT'S STARTING TO SHIFT HARD BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEAR AND THE ENGINE LIGHT COME ON INTERMITTENTLY.
FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER