2016 GMC Yukon XL
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 200
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Exterior lighting
Campaigns on file for 2016
Opened by NHTSA
42% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 200 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 69 |
| 2001 | 120 |
| 2002 | 95 |
| 2003 | 102 |
| 2004 | 87 |
| 2005 | 42 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2007 | 97 |
| 2008 | 69 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2011 | 47 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 307 |
| 2016 | 200 |
| 2017 | 146 |
| 2018 | 53 |
| 2019 | 68 |
| 2020 | 47 |
| 2021 | 227 |
| 2022 | 167 |
| 2023 | 218 |
| 2024 | 70 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 34 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Exterior lighting
42% · 84 reportsMost commonly citing tail lights and brake lights.
Service brakes
21% · 41 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the brakes malfunctioned and caused the vehicle to crash into the rear of another vehicle. There were no injuries. A police report was filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-12-10
A car braked in front of me going around 40 miles per hour. I was unable to stop in time and rearended them. This car is part of the GM recall for…
NHTSA ODI report, 2019-09-11
Power train
17% · 33 reportsShow complaint excerpts
1. My vehicle is having transmission issues with shuddering and shifting. M5U RPO code 8L90 transmission. 2.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-03
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-01-11
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).
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-09
Electrical system
15% · 30 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Driving a company vehicle [XXX], heavy smoke started coming from under the drivers side dash. Unhooked battery, the smoke stopped. I had vehicle towed to a local garage. They advised the engine wiring harness and other wiring had caught on fire.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-12-29
Engine
13% · 26 reportsShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-04-22
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2016Complaint volume 200 complaints filed for this model year.
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2016-05-18Suspension16V256000 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.
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.
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2016-10-13Air bags, seat belts16V651000 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...
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.
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2017-08-04Air bags, seat belts17V437000 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...
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.
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2018-11-20Preliminary evaluationClosed 2022-04-10 Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Buy-smart checklist
2016 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Exterior lighting: 84 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 41 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 33 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V256000 · Suspension
- Recall 16V651000 · Air bags, seat belts
- Recall 17V437000 · Air bags, seat belts
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 GMC Yukon XL is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Yukon XL?
- The most-reported component is exterior lighting, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Yukon XL have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.