Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 GMC Yukon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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 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. …
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. …
This is a very common problem with GM vehicles produced from 2015 to 2019 and is occurring in 5.3L and 6.2L gas engines. The engine coolant temperature sensor is failing and defaulting to a fail safe that turns the electric cooling fans on to full speed because it thinks the vehicle is overheating. When this sensor fails, the engine temperature gauge will not work. When the vehicle is turned off the fans will stay on for 15 minutes at full speed and will deplete the battery. The sensors are being replaced multiple times with different manufacturers and the problem returns in a matter of days or weeks. You can disconnect the battery negative post and reconnect and the problem corrects until it is tripped again at later date. GM has no solution for this. This issue will leave a driver stranded and will cause engine or transmission issues if driven while the vehicle is doing this. …
i HAVE A SERVICE SUSPENSION LIGHT THAT CONTINUES TO POP UP ON DASHBOARD THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IS THE BRAKE LIGHTS. I have previously had the passenger side brake light stop working. In order to repair this you have to order a whole new taillight. My vehicle was approximatly 6 years old when this started happening. First incident (2022 with approximately 65000 miles) Yesterday, I was pulled over by a policeman and both of my brake lights are not working. We found a way to sauder (I know this is incorrect spelling) the broken metal piece back together in the taillight; however, this is not the correct way to fix the underlying problem and clearly it is only a temporary fix because the passenger side broke again in a new spot.
Transmission went out very early. Had to get it replaced whenever I reverse. 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. They're saying it's not covered something about the brake pump is covered, but the belts are not. The transmission was put in only because it left me stranded. Otherwise I would've been stuck paying for that. The dealership actually helped me with that. My GPS turns on and off sometime. I'm not sure if it's electrical
A side detection module pin was corroded and was disrupting the electrical signals to major vehicle components, such as the dash (DIC). The DIC would lose communication with the rest of the vehicle while driving so no vehicle operation data was visible such as speed, alerts messages, etc. This likely also caused engine failure due to the incorrect operation of the afm which is on the same electrical circuit. No warning messages were given. The bad side detection module was diagnosed and fixed at a dealer and shortly after engine issues were noticed.
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.
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!
Electrical complaints in other Yukon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2016 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 GMC Yukon, 19% of the model year's 288 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2016 GMC Yukon electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2016 GMC Yukon, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 GMC Yukon electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.