2016 GMC Yukon
Common Problems
Ranked from 135 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
14 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
Faulty Exterior Lighting Assemblies
54complaintsMedium severityElectricalFaulty exterior lighting assemblies, including brake and tail lights, are common in the 2016 GMC Yukon, often requiring expensive replacements.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Defective Rear Brake Lights
37complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe rear brake lights intermittently fail to work, posing a safety hazard.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 3
Brake Light Malfunction
31complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake lights intermittently fail to illuminate, posing a safety hazard.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 4
Intermittent or Non-Working Rear Tail Lights
20complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe rear tail lights on the 2016 GMC Yukon intermittently fail to work or go out completely, posing a safety hazard.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Brake Light Failure
13complaintsSafety riskBrakesThe brake lights intermittently fail or go out completely, posing a safety hazard.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 19V645000, 19V761000
- 6
Engine Lifter Failure
9complaintsHigh severityEngineEngine lifters fail, leading to complete engine failure without warning, leaving the vehicle stranded.
- 7
Faulty Torque Converter
8complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe torque converter is malfunctioning, causing the vehicle to jerk and shudder during acceleration.
$1,500–$3,000est. torque converter replacement · 6–10 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Steering Lock-up and Failure
8complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe steering system can lock up and fail, making it difficult to control the vehicle, especially during turns or parking.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Water Leaks and Electrical Issues
5complaintsMedium severityElectricalWater leaks and electrical issues, such as malfunctioning lights and sensors, are common in the 2016 GMC Yukon, affecting the vehicle's functionality and safety.
- 10
Air Conditioning Failure
4complaintsLow severityOtherThe air conditioning system fails, causing the air to only blow hot air.
$800–$1,600est. a/c compressor replacement · 3–6 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Vacuum Pump Failure
3complaintsMedium severityOtherThe vacuum pump fails, causing the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably.
- 12
Air Bag Recall Issues
2complaintsLow severityElectricalOwners of the 2016 GMC Yukon have received recalls related to air bags but faced issues with parts availability and lack of service options.
- 13
Engine Misfire and Rough Idling
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine misfires and idles roughly, causing the check engine light to come on intermittently.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 14
Engine vibration and rough operation
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine vibrates and operates roughly at low to mid-range speeds, causing a helicopter-like sound.
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.