2016 GMC Yukon recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 GMC Yukon and 270 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are exterior lighting (104), service brakes (55), electrical system (53). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine. 1 recall carries a Park It or Park Outside warning.
The 2016 ranks #12 of 14 Yukon model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (183). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 4.6 per model year.
Recalls 5
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 GMC Yukon. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · wheel speed sensor/tone ring
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Service brakes, hydraulic · power assist · vacuum
Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Air bags · frontal
Problem: 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 Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Air bags · frontal
Problem: 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 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Suspension · front · control arm
Problem: 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. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
Risk: Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking violently. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving at a reduced speed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was in…
Abs system is not functioning properly, codes are being thrown for multiple things such as cylinder 2, which all spark plugs and coils and spark lines were fixed, then it ran for one day and threw a different code of cylinder 6 misfire with the abs and stailitrx system not functioning correctly. Several parts have been changed on this by professionals and they can’t figure out…
Issues with the 8L90 transmission. The shuddering and hesitation has gotten very bad and having to look into options to repair or replace the transmission
Safety ratings
2016 GMC Yukon SUV RWD
2016 GMC Yukon SUV 4WD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 GMC Yukon.
Yukon C1500 2WD
Auto 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Yukon C1500 2WD
Auto 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L · SIDI
Regular
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD
Auto 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L · SIDI; FFV
Gasoline or E85
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD
Auto 6-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L · SIDI
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Yukon have?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2016 GMC Yukon, most recently for service brakes, hydraulic · antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · wheel speed sensor/tone ring (10/24/2019). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Yukon?
Based on 270 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are exterior lighting (104), service brakes (55), electrical system (53).
Is the 2016 GMC Yukon safe?
The 2016 GMC Yukon earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings. It has 1 recall with a Park It or Park Outside warning, so check your VIN.
Is the 2016 a good year for the GMC Yukon?
The 2016 ranks #12 of 14 Yukon model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (183). It has 5 recalls vs. an average of 4.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2016 GMC Yukon get?
EPA ratings for the 2016 GMC Yukon range from 18 to 19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2016 GMC Yukon in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: YUKON, Yukon.