2016 GMC Yukon XL Owner Complaints
Complaint Summary
The 2016 GMC Yukon XL has 250 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve exterior lighting and service brakes.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 250 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
80 32%
SERVICE BRAKES
40 16%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
30 12%
POWER TRAIN
29 11.6%
ENGINE
19 7.6%
Quick Insights
The top category is EXTERIOR LIGHTING, accounting for 32% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 21 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2016 GMC Yukon XL
The 2016 GMC Yukon XL has 250 owner complaints in this dataset. EXTERIOR LIGHTING is the most common complaint category, representing about 32% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2016 GMC Yukon XL are EXTERIOR LIGHTING (80), SERVICE BRAKES (40), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (30).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 115 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2016 GMC Yukon XL?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 21 of 21 systems
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
80 Reports32% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
BOTH BREAK LIGHTS WENT OUT, WEATHER HAS BEEN HOT IN THE HIGH 90S WHICH GMC DEALER EXPRESSED COMMON CONCERN AMONG OWNERS DURING SUMMER. VEHICLE IS USED 15MILES/DAY ON AVERAGE.
7/12/2018
GMC BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE - I OWN A 2016 GMC YUKON XL AND AFTER ABOUT 45,000 MILES THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE STARTED INTERMITTENTLY NOT WORKING. AFTER HAVING A GMC TECHNICIAN TELL ME THAT ITS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SEEING HUNDREDS OF OTHERS POSTS ONLINE, IT IS EVIDENT THAT THIS IS A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. I WAS NEARLY INVOLVED IN A REAR END CRASH ON THE FREEWAY BECAUSE THE DRIVER TOLD ME I DID NOT HAVE ANY BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND GMC NEEDS TO CORRECT IT. THEY WANT ME TO PURCHASE 2 REPLACEMENT LIGHT UNITS AT 750.00 EACH.
7/23/2018
SERVICE BRAKES
40 Reports16% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON XL. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AT LOW SPEEDS, THE BRAKES FAILED TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTHERN PINES CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (10722 US-15, SOUTHERN PINES, NC 28387, (910) 692-2002) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES AND VACUUM PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
4/23/2018
WHEN STARTING AND STOPPING (DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL MULTIPLE TIMES) SUCH AS AT A LEFT TURN (WAITING FOR TRAFFIC) OR A DRIVE-THRU WINDOW, THE BRAKES STOP WORKING AND THE CAR ROLLS FORWARD EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE IS DEPRESSED. IF YOU PRESS REALLY HARD IT WILL USUALLY STOP- BUT IT DEFINITELY ROLLS FORWARD WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO STOP. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT A VACUUM PUMP IS FAULTY BUT THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT AS I ALMOST ROLLED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHILE WAITING IN LINE TO TURN LEFT AT A "LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN LIGHT".
6/15/2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
30 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
BOUGHT SUV 6/25/2016 THE SAME WEEKEND THE ENGINE TURNS OFF AFTER A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN :IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SO FAR. 4 WEEK OLD 2016 YUKON DENALI XL, HAS STALLED 3 TIMES IN LAST 4 WEEKS, ENGINE CUTS OFF AFTER A LEFT OR A RIGHT TURN ONLY AFTER A SHORT DRIVE OUT OF HOME. THE SUV HAS TO BE RESTARTED! COULD HAVE EASILY HAD AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I TOOK IT TO THE WESTPOINT GMC DEALER, 3 TIMES. 1ST TWO TIMES, ALL OF SERVICE DEPTARTMENT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. TODAY, AFTER A STALL, I CALLED ONSTAR, WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST,BUT ONSTAR FOUND NOTHING OF VALUE , I LEFT IT AT DEALERSHIP AND CONTACTED DISTRICT MGR. MATT TILLSON . I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD ESCALATE THE ISSUE. I DID TELL DEALER THAT GMC AND DEALERSHIP WOULD BE AT FAULT IF VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND STALLS NOR STOPS WHILE I AM DRIVING. I DID NOT WANT THE VEHICLE BACK WITHOUT THE PROBLEM HAVING BEEN FIXED. ITS DAY 6 TODAY. I NEED TO MAKE IT ABSOLUTELY CLEAR, I WILL NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK UNTILL THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED, AND FIXED. I DO NOT WANT ME OR MY FAMILY OR GM SERVICE EMPLOYEE INJURED, OR WORSE, OR TO BE INVOLVED WITH A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT IN MY GMC YUKON DENALI XL. A FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THIS CASE ALREADY ! WILL IT TAKE AN ACCIDENT, OR INJURY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS ASSIGNED?
8/25/2016
GMC BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE - I OWN A 2016 GMC YUKON XL AND AFTER ABOUT 45,000 MILES THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE STARTED INTERMITTENTLY NOT WORKING. AFTER HAVING A GMC TECHNICIAN TELL ME THAT ITS A KNOWN ISSUE AND SEEING HUNDREDS OF OTHERS POSTS ONLINE, IT IS EVIDENT THAT THIS IS A VERY WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. I WAS NEARLY INVOLVED IN A REAR END CRASH ON THE FREEWAY BECAUSE THE DRIVER TOLD ME I DID NOT HAVE ANY BRAKE LIGHTS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND GMC NEEDS TO CORRECT IT. THEY WANT ME TO PURCHASE 2 REPLACEMENT LIGHT UNITS AT 750.00 EACH.
7/23/2018
POWER TRAIN
29 Reports12% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
ON 11/13/15, "SERVICE 4WD SYSTEM" MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE SCREEN RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THIS ISSUE OCCURRED LESS THAN A WEEK AFTER PURCHASE (297 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AT THE TIME THAT THE ISSUE OCCURRED). SPECIFIC ISSUE: WHEN THE TRANSFER CASE WAS SET TO "AUTO" IT AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHED TO THE "4WDLO" SETTING, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO LOCK-UP SPECIFICALLY WHEN TURNING OR IN REVERSE GEAR. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED / REFLASHED AND THAT THE ENCODER MOTOR / ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER CONTACTED GM AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE ENCODER MOTOR / ACTUATOR WAS ON NATIONAL BACKORDER. THE DEALER RECEIVED AND INSTALLED THE PART ON 12/8/15 (25 DAYS AFTER THE ISSUE OCCURRED). I FORMALLY SUBMITTED A COMPLAINT TO GM ON 11/20/15 (REF # 8-1674527570) SO THEY ARE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.
12/9/2015
I LEASED A 2016 YUKON DENALI XL ON 9/15/15. IT HAS TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS. 1. BUFFETING/PRESSURE NOISE - A NOISE AS IF A WINDOW IS CRACKED, EXCEPT IT'S NOT CRACKED. THIS OCCURS AT SPEEDS FROM 24MPH AND UP AND CAUSES EARS TO POP AND IS NOTICEABLE TO VIRTUALLY EVERY PASSENGER I HAVE HAD. 2. WHOLE-TRUCK VIBRATION - OCCURS BETWEEN 70-80MPH IN ENTIRE VEHICLE. WHEEL REPLACEMENTS, TIRE REPLACEMENTS, ROAD-FORCE BALANCING, DRIVESHAFT REPLACEMENT, DRIVESHAFT "BALANCING", ETC....NOTHING HAS FIXED IT. I HAVE DRIVEN 13 2016 YUKON, YUKON XL, TAHOE AND SUBURBANS. EVERY SINGLE ONE HAS THE BUFFETING ISSUES. ALL BUT ONE HAS THE VIBRATION ISSUES. GM HAS ISSUED A PI STATING THAT THE ROOF BOWS MAY HAVE COME DISCONNECTED AND THEY NEED TO BE REATTACHED. THE ISSUE HERE IS THAT REATTACHING THEM DOESN'T FIX THE BUFFETING ISSUE. I HAVE A DATE-STAMPED LOG OF EVERY DEALER VISIT, CONVERSATION, EMAIL, ETC. AND AM GLAD TO SHARE IT. THESE ISSUES ARE RIDICULOUS TO OCCUR IN ANY CAR MUCH LESS A 75K FLAGSHIP CAR THAT PULLS IN 3-7K IN PROFIT FOR GM/DEALERS PER VEHICLE.
1/11/2016
ENGINE
19 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
IN MY YUKON WHILE IDLEL THE CAR START SHAKING SO BAD, IT HAS A VIBRATION YOU CAN SEE THE NEEDLE GOING UP AND DOWN, TOOK IT SEVERAL TIME TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THEY KNOW IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR BUT GENERAL MOTOR COMPANY HAS NOT ISSUE ANY REPAIR FOR THAT AT THIS MOMENT, I CONTACT GENERAL MOTOR COMPANY THEY SAID THE CAR IS OPERATING NORMAL BASE ON THE REPORT PROVIDED BY THE DEALERS, FOR ME IS NOT NORMAL HAVING A BRAND NEW CAR SHAKING AND VIBRATING LIKE IF WILL TURN OF, LOOKS LIKE IF MISFIRED ON THE ENGINE,
7/22/2016
BOUGHT SUV 6/25/2016 THE SAME WEEKEND THE ENGINE TURNS OFF AFTER A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN :IT HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SO FAR. 4 WEEK OLD 2016 YUKON DENALI XL, HAS STALLED 3 TIMES IN LAST 4 WEEKS, ENGINE CUTS OFF AFTER A LEFT OR A RIGHT TURN ONLY AFTER A SHORT DRIVE OUT OF HOME. THE SUV HAS TO BE RESTARTED! COULD HAVE EASILY HAD AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. I TOOK IT TO THE WESTPOINT GMC DEALER, 3 TIMES. 1ST TWO TIMES, ALL OF SERVICE DEPTARTMENT COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. TODAY, AFTER A STALL, I CALLED ONSTAR, WHO RAN A DIAGNOSTICS TEST,BUT ONSTAR FOUND NOTHING OF VALUE , I LEFT IT AT DEALERSHIP AND CONTACTED DISTRICT MGR. MATT TILLSON . I WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD ESCALATE THE ISSUE. I DID TELL DEALER THAT GMC AND DEALERSHIP WOULD BE AT FAULT IF VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND STALLS NOR STOPS WHILE I AM DRIVING. I DID NOT WANT THE VEHICLE BACK WITHOUT THE PROBLEM HAVING BEEN FIXED. ITS DAY 6 TODAY. I NEED TO MAKE IT ABSOLUTELY CLEAR, I WILL NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK UNTILL THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED, AND FIXED. I DO NOT WANT ME OR MY FAMILY OR GM SERVICE EMPLOYEE INJURED, OR WORSE, OR TO BE INVOLVED WITH A POSSIBLE ACCIDENT IN MY GMC YUKON DENALI XL. A FIELD SERVICE ENGINEER SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THIS CASE ALREADY ! WILL IT TAKE AN ACCIDENT, OR INJURY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS ASSIGNED?
8/25/2016
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
10 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I LEASED A 2016 YUKON DENALI XL ON 9/15/15. IT HAS TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS. 1. BUFFETING/PRESSURE NOISE - A NOISE AS IF A WINDOW IS CRACKED, EXCEPT IT'S NOT CRACKED. THIS OCCURS AT SPEEDS FROM 24MPH AND UP AND CAUSES EARS TO POP AND IS NOTICEABLE TO VIRTUALLY EVERY PASSENGER I HAVE HAD. 2. WHOLE-TRUCK VIBRATION - OCCURS BETWEEN 70-80MPH IN ENTIRE VEHICLE. WHEEL REPLACEMENTS, TIRE REPLACEMENTS, ROAD-FORCE BALANCING, DRIVESHAFT REPLACEMENT, DRIVESHAFT "BALANCING", ETC....NOTHING HAS FIXED IT. I HAVE DRIVEN 13 2016 YUKON, YUKON XL, TAHOE AND SUBURBANS. EVERY SINGLE ONE HAS THE BUFFETING ISSUES. ALL BUT ONE HAS THE VIBRATION ISSUES. GM HAS ISSUED A PI STATING THAT THE ROOF BOWS MAY HAVE COME DISCONNECTED AND THEY NEED TO BE REATTACHED. THE ISSUE HERE IS THAT REATTACHING THEM DOESN'T FIX THE BUFFETING ISSUE. I HAVE A DATE-STAMPED LOG OF EVERY DEALER VISIT, CONVERSATION, EMAIL, ETC. AND AM GLAD TO SHARE IT. THESE ISSUES ARE RIDICULOUS TO OCCUR IN ANY CAR MUCH LESS A 75K FLAGSHIP CAR THAT PULLS IN 3-7K IN PROFIT FOR GM/DEALERS PER VEHICLE.
1/11/2016
VIBRATION AT SPEEDS OVER 72 MPH BECOMES WORSE WHILE GOING UP GRADE WHILE ACCELERATING ..HAS BEEN IN SHOP MANY TIMES NEW TIRES, BALANCED MULTIPLE TIMES ,ALONG WITH SUSPENSION PARTS AND DRIVE TRAIN PARTS. STILL NOT FIXED SUV HAS 22 INCH RIMS.
1/14/2016
SUSPENSION
8 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I LEASED A 2016 YUKON DENALI XL ON 9/15/15. IT HAS TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS. 1. BUFFETING/PRESSURE NOISE - A NOISE AS IF A WINDOW IS CRACKED, EXCEPT IT'S NOT CRACKED. THIS OCCURS AT SPEEDS FROM 24MPH AND UP AND CAUSES EARS TO POP AND IS NOTICEABLE TO VIRTUALLY EVERY PASSENGER I HAVE HAD. 2. WHOLE-TRUCK VIBRATION - OCCURS BETWEEN 70-80MPH IN ENTIRE VEHICLE. WHEEL REPLACEMENTS, TIRE REPLACEMENTS, ROAD-FORCE BALANCING, DRIVESHAFT REPLACEMENT, DRIVESHAFT "BALANCING", ETC....NOTHING HAS FIXED IT. I HAVE DRIVEN 13 2016 YUKON, YUKON XL, TAHOE AND SUBURBANS. EVERY SINGLE ONE HAS THE BUFFETING ISSUES. ALL BUT ONE HAS THE VIBRATION ISSUES. GM HAS ISSUED A PI STATING THAT THE ROOF BOWS MAY HAVE COME DISCONNECTED AND THEY NEED TO BE REATTACHED. THE ISSUE HERE IS THAT REATTACHING THEM DOESN'T FIX THE BUFFETING ISSUE. I HAVE A DATE-STAMPED LOG OF EVERY DEALER VISIT, CONVERSATION, EMAIL, ETC. AND AM GLAD TO SHARE IT. THESE ISSUES ARE RIDICULOUS TO OCCUR IN ANY CAR MUCH LESS A 75K FLAGSHIP CAR THAT PULLS IN 3-7K IN PROFIT FOR GM/DEALERS PER VEHICLE.
1/11/2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY VIBRATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE WHEELS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.
5/20/2016
STEERING
7 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
EXCESSIVE VIBRATION/BUFFETING DRONE ISSUES (AT ALL SPEEDS OF THE VEHICLE) HAVE CAUSED SEVERE HEALTH ISSUES AND SAFETY HAZARDS FROM DRIVING THE VEHICLE. WITHIN THE FIRST 8,000 MILES OF OWNING THE CAR, THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN IN SERVICE FOR 40 DAYS AS GM TRIES AND REMEDY THE PROBLEM, BUT THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A FIX. SO FAR, DIAGNOSTIC TESTS INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A FAULTY BEARING IN THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL THAT LED TO SIGNIFICANT ABNORMAL WEAR THROUGHOUT THE DIFFERENTIAL AND THE DIFFERENTIAL NEEDED TO BE REBUILT. WHEN REBUILDING, THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE DISASSEMBLED DIFFERENTIAL HAD HEAVILY SCORED BEARINGS AND METAL SHAVING THROUGHOUT EVERY BEARING. RING GEAR AND PINION HAD IRREGULAR WEAR CAUSING A DRONE IN THE VEHICLE. RACE SURFACES WEAR GROUND AND SCARRED BAD.THE REBUILT DIFFERENTIAL DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE AND NOW AFTER HAVING FOUR NEW TIRES AND ROAD BALANCING, THE PROBLEMS DIDN'T DIMINISH BUT WERE EXACERBATED. AFTER REBUILDING THE DIFFERENTIAL AGAIN, GM HAS NOW DETERMINED THAT THE REAR AXLE MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED AND ENGINEERS ARE LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM FURTHER. THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND THE CAR HAS A TERRIBLE VIBRATION THAT WORSENS EVERY TIME GM ATTEMPTS TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WELL-DOCUMENTED PROBLEM THAT GM HAS AVOIDED FIXING. WE ADVISE OTHER CONSUMERS TO BE AWARE OF THE SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE POOR MANUFACTURING OF THE VEHICLE AND INABILITY OF GM TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM.
7/26/2016
AT 64,497 MY WIFE'S POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON HER VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED A DAY AFTER OUR TRIP TO ATLANTA, GA. WE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL GMC DEALERSHIP AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT 4 MODULES HAD TO BE REPLACED AND A RECOMMENDED WIRING HARNESS. IN 2015 GMC VEHICLES HAD A SIMILAR ISSUE AND RECALL BUT NOT THE 2016. THIS COST ME $1400 IN REPAIRS.
7/15/2019
STRUCTURE:BODY
7 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
HIGH FREQUENCY ANTENNA LEAKING WATER. THIS IS PREVENTING THE VEHICLE'S ONSTAR SYSTEM FROM ACCURATELY DETERMINING THE VEHICLE'S LOCATION; IT HAS DISABLED VEHICLE'S COMPASS, NAVIGATION, AND XM RADIO SYSTEMS; THE RED ONSTAR LED INDICATOR HAS TURNED ON ; AND WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE INTERIOR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE 2015 YUKON XL FOR THIS SAME EXACT PROBLEM. HOWEVER, I AM HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH MY 2016 MODEL. I HAVE ATTACHED THE RECALL ISSUED FOR THE 2015 MODELS.
3/2/2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, WATER LEAKED FROM THE HEADLINER CONSOLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.
10/9/2018
AIR BAGS
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TAKATA RECALL OR SENSOR FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING 45MPH, AND JUST SLAMMED THE BRAKES REAR ENDING THE STOPPED CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I HAD EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO MY FRONT END AND THE CAR I HIT WAS TOTALED. THAT AIR BAG SHOULD OF DEPLOYED.
4/17/2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THERE WAS A DELAY FOR THE BRAKES TO ENGAGE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED WAS AWAITING AN INSPECTION BY A MANUFACTURER FIELD INSPECTOR. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN BRAKE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,600. *DT
2/7/2020
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
VERY STRONG SMELL OF A GAS LEAK ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. NO MATTER THE FUEL LEVEL, RUNNING OR STOPPED FOR HOURS.
11/18/2018
The fuel injectors have gone out on our vehicle. While driving the vehicle, the check engine began blinking and our vehicle went into limp mode- could feel the engine misfiring and the vehicle was shaking. We had a family of five and two dogs in the vehicle and were lucky to be in cell service. A message popped up on our dash stating âengine power reduced.â The local dealership confirmed it is a fuel injector issue. GMC has a current recall In place, however it only includes certain states.
8/12/2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON XL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO PRINCE CHEVROLET OF ALBANY (2701 LEDO ROAD, ALBANY, GEORGIA 31707, 229-432-6271) TWICE FOR THE TAIL LIGHT FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPLACEMENT LED LIGHT WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
8/19/2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED OR DID NOT ILLUMINATE AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY BOARD WAS LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,348.
9/24/2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND POWER OF THE CAR FOR OVER TWO YEARS. I HAVE CONTACTED GMC AND HAVE FOLLOWED EVERYTHING THAT GMC HAVE REQUESTED FOR ME TO DO WITH A VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO FOUR DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS, HAVE HAD EVERYTHING DONE WITH IT FROM FLUSHING IT THREE TO FOUR TIMES AND HAVE HAD TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED THE CONTROL VALVE BODY REPLACE. RECALL FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ALSO DONE. AFTER EVERYTHING THE CAR IS IN WORST CONDITION AT THE MOMENT.
10/31/2019
WE HAVE HAD OUR 2016 YUKON XL FOR ALMOST 2 YEARS. LAST YEAR WE STARTED EXPERIENCING EPISODES WHERE THE VEHICLE WILL SHIFT DOWN INTO REDUCED POWER MODE WITH P0090 AND P0091 AS THE FAULT CODES. WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THE DEALER, BUT ONCE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES OR SO IT CLEARS AND LEAVES NO TRACE OF AN ISSUE. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND RECENTLY SHIFTED INTO REDUCED POWER LEAVING US ONLY ABLE TO DRIVE 35 MILES PER HOUR. WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY IN MARYLAND WITH CARS FLYING AROUND US AT ~80 MILES PER HOUR. WE HAD ALL OF OUR CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND WERE IN THE FAR LEFT LANE. THE REDUCED POWER MADE IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER SAFELY. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH A NEW GMC SIERRA THAT HAS THE SAME ISSUE. HE DROPPED IT OFF AT HIS DEALER FOR 3 WEEKS AND RETURNED IT FINDING ANY ISSUES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. ALL IT WILL TAKE IS SOMEONE DYING TO TURN IT INTO A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT.
1/12/2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT'S WIFE NOTICED A LEAK ENTERING THE CABIN FROM THE OVERHEAD ANTENNA. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE CONTACT'S NEIGHBOR INFORMED HIM THAT ALL THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS (REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAILGATE BRAKE LIGHT) WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NORTH COUNTY BUICK GMC (LOCATED AT 1515 AUTO PARK WAY N, ESCONDIDO, CA 92029, (866) 852-7135) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OVERHEAD ANTENNA AND ALL THREE BRAKE LIGHTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LIGHT AND ANTENNA WERE REPAIRED, BUT THE OTHER BRAKE LIGHTS WERE STILL NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
11/29/2019
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH with her husband driving behind her, he noticed that the taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the taillight functions were inoperable. The contact was informed that the failure experienced was similar to the Special Coverage under N182180270. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was out of coverage. The manufacturer was contacted and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 32,022.
7/19/2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and jumped forward. There was a loud sound coming from the engine. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate above 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire on the lifter in cylinders #1 and #7. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the warranty coverage was declined. The manufacturer was contacted and declined a buyback. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 96,891.
1/12/2024
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the check engine warning light started to flash. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle shook violently. The contact pulled off the highway and the vehicle stalled. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the check engine warning light was flashing with DTC: P0300 displayed. The contact stated that the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact turned off the vehicle and the vehicle towed to the residence and then to a local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that a bearing in the cam shaft had failed and had sent metal shavings into the engine. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
7/11/2025
SEATS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
BRAKES GET VERY HARD TO PUSH AND DO NOT WORK WELL WHEN GOING SLOW SPEEDS OR BACKING UP. UNABLE TO EVEN FIX AS I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER! SO I'M STUCK TRYING NOT TO CRASH WITH FAULTY VACUUM BRAKE PART! LEFT REAR SEAT MOTOR WORKS, BUT SMALL PLASTIC PART BROKE SO SEAT WORN MOVE AND IS STUCK IN ONE POSITION.
1/7/2019
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
VEHICLE WAS UNDER RECALL AND SERVICE WAS COMPLETED AT GM DEALER MID OCTOBER. FOLLOWING RECALL FOR BRAKE VACUM PUMP AND NEW COMPUTER PROGRAM, I LOST MY BRAKES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AT SLOW SPEEDS IN REVERSE AND FORWARD. VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO DEALER AND AFTER TWO DAYS OF TESTING VEHICLE WOULD NOT DUPLICATE ISSUE OR PROVIDE A CODE. DEALER RETURNED VEHICLE. THAT DAY 11/05/2019 BRAKE FAILURE OCCURED ON TWO SEPERATE OCCASIONS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY ON GRADE. UPON CONTACT WITH DEALER ADVISED THEY WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING FURTHER UNTIL A CODE WAS PROVIDED. IF I WISHED TO REPLACE THE EBC VACUM PUMP IT WOULD BE OUT OF POCKET. VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN DAILY UNTIL ANOTHER APPOINTMENT CAN BE MADE. ON 11/13/2019 BRAKE FAILURE OCCURED AGAIN ON TWO OCCASIONS. WHEN FAILURE OCCURS PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND WHAT SOUNDS LIKE ABS NOISE IS ACTIVE WITH A PULSATION IN THE PEDAL. VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP AND HAVE TO USE E-BRAKE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AS BRAKING DISTANCE IS DRAMATICLY REDUCED. A FOLLOW-UP APPOINT WILL BE MADE WITH GM DEALER AGAIN.
11/14/2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
BRAKES WERE NOT 100% RESPONSIVE STARTING IN SUMMER 2019; VACUUM PUMP WAS REPLACED PURSUANT TO RECALL IN LATE 2019 AND SOFTWARE ERROR RELATED TO BRAKING WAS ADDRESSED BY DEALER IN JANUARY 2020. CUSTOMER STATED TO DEALER THAT BRAKES ARE STILL NOT 100% RESPONSIVE, AND THAT BRAKES WILL PULSE A FEW TIMES WHEN PRESSED AND BEFORE THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY STARTS TO STOP. DEALER REFUSED TO CONSIDER THAT EXISTING ISSUES WITH LAST TWO RECALLS IN 2019 RELATED TO BRAKES COULD BE CAUSING NON-RESPONSIVE BRAKES.
1/7/2020
SEAT BELTS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear passenger's side seat belt inadvertently tightened around her daughter's stomach. The contact's daughter pressed the seat belt button and unlatched the seat belt; however, she was unable to remove the seat belt because it seized around her stomach. The contact had to cut the rear passenger's side seat belt to release her daughter. The contact's daughter sustained marks on her stomach from the seat belt, but no medical attention was received. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was offered a discount on the replacement of the rear passenger's side seat belt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
12/8/2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and jumped forward. There was a loud sound coming from the engine. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate above 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire on the lifter in cylinders #1 and #7. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the warranty coverage was declined. The manufacturer was contacted and declined a buyback. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 96,891.
1/12/2024
CHEST CLIP, BUCKLE, HARNESS
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Chest clip does not remain clipped. It releases without pressing the release buttons.
7/28/2025
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2016 GMC Yukon XL?
Are complaints about the 2016 GMC Yukon XL a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2016 GMC Yukon XL?
Are complaints about the 2016 GMC Yukon XL severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
GMC Yukon XL: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 250
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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