AI Damage2016 GMC Yukon: common problems
Owners of the 2016 GMC Yukon filed 270 complaints with NHTSA, most often about exterior lighting and service brakes. The maker issued 1,200 service bulletins for this year. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 270
- involving a crash
- 4
- Technical service bulletins (TSB)
- 1,200
What fails most often
- 1 Exterior lighting 39% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 20% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 20% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 13% of all complaints
- 5 Engine 13% of all complaints
- 6 Steering 4% of all complaints
- 7 Suspension 3% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel/propulsion system 3% of all complaints
- Exterior lighting: 104 complaints (39% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 12.
- Service brakes: 55 complaints (20% of all), 2 of them with a crash reported by the owner; manufacturer bulletins for this component: 34.
- Electrical system: 53 complaints (20% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 241.
- Powertrain: 36 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 158.
- Engine: 34 complaints (13% of all); manufacturer bulletins for this component: 134.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 5.3 L · petrol · 8 cylnamed in 1 complaints
- 6.2 L · petrol · 8 cylnamed in 4 complaints
- automatic, 6-speed
- automatic, 8-speed
Drive: RWD, 4WD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 270 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 104 | 0 | 12 |
| Service brakes | 55 | 2 | 34 |
| Electrical system | 53 | 0 | 241 |
| Powertrain | 36 | 0 | 158 |
| Engine | 34 | 0 | 134 |
| Steering | 10 | 0 | 29 |
| Suspension | 7 | 0 | 37 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 | 6 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Structure | 5 | 0 | 49 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Electronic stability control | 3 | 0 | 7 |
| Lane departure | 3 | 0 | 7 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The contact mentioned while the mechanic was reversing the vehicle the brakes failed to operate causing the vehicle to crash into a person and a vehicle. The contact stated that the lady sustained multiple injuries that needed medical attention. A police report was filed.
The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact and the passenger both sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital via an ambulance. The contact suffered a herniated disc, a cervical neck strain, and right shoulder and neck pain.
The air bag failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to o'connor auto park (199 riverside drive, augusta, [ZIP], [phone]), but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed (report number: 18s091850). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 44,000.
The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking violently. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving at a reduced speed.
The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the ABS warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was waiting to be inspected.
In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred immediately after an unknown device was attached to the vehicle while being inspected. The contact informed the inspector of the failure.
The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable and failed to engage properly, with no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, excessive force was needed to engage the brake pedal and stop the vehicle.
I have to really smash on the break in order for it to stop if it does stop so somethings wrong with the breaking whenever I hit a bump the left side suspension feels like I’m a lose control and sometimes my radio works and sometimes it doesn’t I’ve been trying to work with dealers I have extended warranty on it.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 234 of 2,102 model years in the NHTSA data (top 11% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Yukon has 130 complaints (12 years in the data). This year has 270, above average.
What to check before buying
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
Manufacturer service bulletins
Bulletin titles as filed with NHTSA.
- This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it
- This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent…
This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance
- PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size…
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a…
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning…
This preliminary information communicates an issue with aftermarket LED headlights causing IPC warning messages and MIL along with several low speed lan DTCs.
- This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255
Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.
- This Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip for an issue where the starter stays engaged…
This Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip for an issue where the starter stays engaged after the engine starts. Dealers are to suspect/monitor the crankshaft position sensor.
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced…
This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
NHTSA lists 1,200 bulletins for this year; the 12 newest are shown here.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Yukon?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: exterior lighting, service brakes, electrical system. Total complaints: 270. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: headlights and tail lights (24%), warning lights, check engine (10%), jerking, harsh shifts (9%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2016 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA lists 1,200 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2016 GMC Yukon from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2016 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-04.