2016 GMC Yukon Denali
Common Problems
Ranked from 116 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
17 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Intermittent Rear Tail Light Failure
46complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe rear tail lights intermittently fail to work, requiring replacement.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Defective Rear LED Tail Lights
20complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe rear LED tail lights intermittently fail, posing a significant safety hazard.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 3
Service Brake Issues Leading to Inconsistent Stopping
18complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe service brake system often fails, causing inconsistent stopping distances and increased risk of accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Intermittent Brake Light Failure
13complaintsMedium severityBrakesBrake lights intermittently fail to illuminate, posing a safety risk.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Transmission Malfunction Leading to Jerking and Shuddering
8complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission frequently malfunctions, causing the vehicle to jerk, shudder, and lose power.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Steering System Issues
5complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering wheel jerks and locks up, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
- 7
Brake System Issues Leading to Loss of Control
4complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake system intermittently fails, causing the vehicle to lose control and increasing the risk of accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Engine Failure Due to Push Rod Issues
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine has multiple instances of push rod failures leading to engine seizure.
$4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Faulty Torque Converter
4complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe torque converter malfunctions causing the vehicle to shudder and jerk during acceleration.
$1,500–$3,000est. torque converter replacement · 6–10 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Air Bag System Failure
3complaintsSafety riskOtherThe air bag system fails to deploy during a collision, posing a safety risk.
- 11
Air Conditioning Failure
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe air conditioning system has failed to provide cold air, with no warning before the issue occurs.
$800–$1,600est. a/c compressor replacement · 3–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Excessive tire wear and vibration
2complaintsMedium severityOtherTires exhibit excessive wear and vibration, leading to uncomfortable driving conditions.
- 13
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe forward collision avoidance system frequently malfunctions, increasing the risk of accidents.
- 14
GPS and Satellite Antenna Problems
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe GPS and satellite antenna have experienced water intrusion issues, leading to faulty operation.
- 15
Severe vibration at highway speeds
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringVehicle shakes and vibrates severely at highway speeds, affecting steering control.
- 16
Suspension Issues Causing Unstable Handling
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionSuspension issues lead to unstable handling and increased risk of accidents, especially during sharp turns.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Unusual noise and vibration in 4-cylinder mode
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionVehicle produces unusual noise and vibration when operating in 4-cylinder mode, causing discomfort.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.