VehicleVerdict

2016 GMC Yukon XL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 267 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.4 times the median Yukon XL year — the 2016 model ranks #4 of 28 Yukon XL years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Lighting leads the complaint categories with 84 reports (32% of the total).

267

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2016 compare to other Yukon XL years?

Yukon XL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted404 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 77 complaints2001: 151 complaints2002: 114 complaints2003: 115 complaints2004: 118 complaints2005: 58 complaints2006: 24 complaints2007: 123 complaints2008: 86 complaints2009: 32 complaints2010: 37 complaints2011: 67 complaints2012: 22 complaints2013: 26 complaints2014: 13 complaints2015: 404 complaints2016: 267 complaints2017: 206 complaints2018: 68 complaints2019: 79 complaints2020: 57 complaints2021: 271 complaints2022: 203 complaints2023: 269 complaints2024: 90 complaints2025: 39 complaints2026: 32 complaints
Yukon XL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon XL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 GMC Yukon XL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting8431%
Brakes4115%
Transmission3212%
Electrical System3112%
Engine2810%
Other124%
Steering93%
Suspension83%
Body & Structure73%
Fuel System52%
Speed Control41%
Airbags31%
Seats10%
Seat Belts10%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2016 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

17V437000Seat BeltsJuly 10, 2017 · 40,683 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence

A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

16V651000Seat BeltsSeptember 8, 2016 · 3,640,162 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.

Consequence

A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

16V256000SuspensionApril 28, 2016 · 3,738 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.

Consequence

Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE/RUNNING LIGHTS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. OCCASIONALLY ONE SIDE WILL WORK AND THE OTHER DOESN'T AND VISE VERSA. MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, NEITHER SIDE WORKS. GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS DEFECT AND REFUSES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM THAT THEIR MANUFACTURING CAUSED. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AS MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 7, 2019

“THE ENGINE MOUNTED MECHANICAL VACUUM PUMP OUTPUT MAY DECREASE OVER TIME DECREASING THE AMOUNT OF VACUUM/ POWER BRAKE ASSIST. AND THE DRIVERSIDE BRAKE STOP LIGHT WAS DEFECTIVE. .ME AND MY WIFE WERE SCARED AND SHOOK UP. .YES. DEALERSHIP. .DEALERSHIP. NO. .”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 12, 2018 · crash

“Merging onto highway and my car would not get up any speed . Was almost crushed by a tractor trailer. If I hadn’t had a long merge lane I could have been killed . Apparently my transmission failed. This is certainly a safety issue . Your car should not just quit! .called dealer and they said the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 1, 2023

“While driving down the freeway, I received a warning that the charging system was not working and had a red battery light come on on the dash. I exited the freeway trying to get to a safe place, the dash and infotainment system begun to flash on and off. We heard a loud pop, smelt something…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 10, 2022 · fire

“My wife was driving down the highway and out of no where there was a loud taping sound, the vehicle started running real bad (skipping), the vehicle lost power and she lost control of the steering. As a result, she ran off the road into a ditch. this is a known concern with the 6.2 liter engines…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 21, 2026 · crash

2016 GMC Yukon XL — common questions

Is the 2016 GMC Yukon XL reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 267 complaints put the 2016 model at #4 of 28 Yukon XL years. It is one of the Yukon XL years to avoid.

What are the most common 2016 Yukon XL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (84 complaints), brakes (41 complaints), transmission (32 complaints).

Does the 2016 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 GMC Yukon XL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2016 GMC Yukon XL under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Yukon XL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon XL years to avoid are 2015, 2021, 2023, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2001, 2007, 2004, 2024, 2008, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2013, 2012, 2014. The cleanest record among Yukon XL years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.