What 497 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500

Without warning my 2016 Yukon Denali jerked so forcefully into drive it felt like we were hit from behind. It went into gear and sped into intersection and stalled. We were almost hit. This is a huge problem with2016 GMC's and they are aware of it. It is the 8 speed transmissions that are causing this. They refuse to help get it fixed. I think they should be forced to! I will be out thousands if I can even find a shop that can get that transmission., They are back ordered because so many failures.

NHTSA ODI 11498101

I currently have 109024 miles on my yukon. At the time the issue first occurred, it had 108998 miles. Up til that moment, it was running perfectly. About 5 miles into my drive on 11/13/2022 it started to shutter at the top of 2nd gear, then a hard shift into 3rd. The shutter repeated at the top of 3rd, before a hard shift into 4th gear. I turned around & returned home. Checked the fluids, everything was fine. Let it sit, had to drive it to work (6 miles or so) on 11/14/22 & it shuttered at the top of 2nd & 3rd gear again. Took it to Wallingford Buick GMC (in CT) Tuesday 11/15/22. Upon inspection, it was confirmed the transmission failed. $6538.31 for a new, replacement transmission. It's still at the shop, waiting for the new transmission to be delivered. I've maintained my vehicle, have regular oil changes & inspections of the powertrain components. This came totally out of the blue. No warnings, or any indication of pending doom.

NHTSA ODI 11494213

We first noticed the vehicle's lack of power and sudden increase when driving at a stop light/sign. We checked and REPLACED spark plugs, cables, coils, and a new battery. We became highly concerned when the vehicle would accelerate while driving and the RPMs would toggle between 500-1500 RPMS without pressing the gas. We immediately took it to an authorized mechanic, who found excessive noise from the transmission area and found debris/metal. No codes were present when a system performance was done. The vehicle only has 68806 miles on the odometer. The transmission had to be fully replaced, which cost over $7k. The replacement was done. This seems to be a common issue (Transmission replacements) with this vehicle as now we're hearing more about it. PLEASE check this as we could have easily been in an accident from the loss or increase of power without notice and NO WARNING lamp indications. This was a very expensive repair caused by the manufacture and not user error. We paid a lot for this particular vehicle and certainly love it but am concerned about this expensive safety/mechanical issue. Please call me for any questions[XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI 11492616

At 90500 miles my Yukon xl started shuddering and the transmission started failing and I have never used it to pull anything so this was very dissatisfying for a 75k vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11488280

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was sputtering. The contact stated that the sound had increased over time. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the transmission gear oil had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact learned that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V374000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11483476

Had transmission serviced at the dealer in May 2021. The RPM's are revving in first gear and my mechanic said I need to go back to dealer to have the transmission serviced again. There have been multiple reported problems with this transmission and a recall needs to be issued. The DT-45096 TransFLow Cooler Flush Machine and DT-52263 Transmission Fluid exchange kit with Mobil 1 fluid was requested at the May 2021 visit.

NHTSA ODI 11474160

2016 Yukon Denali Xl 4wd Shifts hard from 1st -2nd Shifts hard from 2nd -1st Random delay in accelerating from stopped (this is my main concern as i have 2 disabled child that almost gives them whiplash) 45-55 sometime feels like i am driving over. Rumble strips 45-55 has loss of power when attempting to pass a vehicle Local GMC dealer charged 300$ to change fluid to high performance & it still has same problems

NHTSA ODI 11473142

Automatic 8 speed transmission shudder issues. Slipping, Jerking, clunking, delay, loss of power. Local GMC "replaced fluid as in latest service bulletin"

NHTSA ODI 11470349

The contact's sister owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact's husband was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was only able to reverse but not drive forward. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11457887

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM gauge was high, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to her residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be related to the transmission. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the next available appointment was in January 2022. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ODI 11442797

I PURCHASED MY CAR BRAND NEW. AFTER ONE WEEK I NOTICE MY CAR JERKING WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP I BROUGHT IT FROM, THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THATS HOW IT CHANGES GEARS FROM 4 CYLINDER TO 8 CYLINDER. SO ME BELIEVING IN THE SERVICE MANAGER, I WENT ALONG WITH HIM. WELL AFTER HAVING DIFFERENT PEOPLE RIDE WITH ME THEY ASKED ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR NEE CAR? WHY IS IT SHIFTING GEARS SO HARD. SO I TOOK IT BACK IN TO DEALERSHIP I TALK TO SAME SERVICE MANAGER THAT MY CAR IS JERKING AND MAKING A LOUD NOISE . WELL LETS JUST SAY I GOT THE RUN AROUND. THEN 6 MONTHS LATER I TOOK IT BACK AND FORTH MULTIPLE TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM. NOW THIS TIME MY TURNING SIGNALS WE BLINKING ON AND OFF, WHENEVER I WASHED MY CAR OR IT RAINED. THEN MY FRONT HEADLIGHTS WERE DOING THE SAME THING, THEN THE BACK TAIL LIGHTS WERE GOING ON AND OFF. NOW ONTO MY HEATED AND A/C SEATS WERE NOT WORKING. THEN MY INTERIOR LIGHTS WETE STAYING ON, MONITOR DISPLAY WAS SHORTING OUT. NOW IT 2020 AND MY HOOD AND TOP OF THE CAR ARE OXIDIZING. I THOUGHT I PAID $80k FOR THIS CAR AND THIS WHAT HAPPENS!! I PARK IN THE GARAGE TOO! THERE IS ALOT MORE PROBLEMS TO ADD, BUT NOT ENOUGH SPACE TO PUT DOWN. IM DEALING WITH THE GMC HEADQUARTERS NOW. MY CAR IS A LEMON!!

NHTSA ODI 11436249

A/C Condensing Unit leaking. Appears to Leak from small tack weld on the top area of the condensing unit. All of the R134 went out and left with no A/C. Seems to be a common problem and ignored by GMC.

NHTSA ODI 11423518

Vehicle shudders, jerks excessively, and shifts erratically when accelerating. Had transmission serviced, fluid flushed, pan cleaned, transmission filter changed. Metal shavings were found in the pan and filter and covering magnet in pan. During flush metal shavings were recovered from oil cooler. Transmission continues to display same symptoms and rpms fluctuate during steady acceleration described as evidence of transmission slipping. Vehicle has not been serviced by dealer. No warning lamps or DTC indicated. Approximately 1500 miles after service during follow up inspection, metal shavings/debris were found in fluid on dipstick. All gm recommended parts and fluids used during service.

NHTSA ODI 11421656

MY 2016 GMC YUKON SLE VIBRATES REALLY BAD ON HIGH SPEEDS STARTS FROM 70MPH AND UP I TOOK IT TO DO A WHEEL BALANCE AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE ALSO I CHECK THE VIN FOR ANY RECALLS AND NOTHING I SEARCH AND I HAVE SEEN THAT ALL CHEVY TAHOES CADILLAC ESCALADE GMC YUKON HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY HAVENT FIX IT. DOES ANY ONE KNOWS HOW TO FIX IT OR IF THERES GONNA BE ANY RECALL ON THE PROBLEM.. THANK YOU

NHTSA ODI 11415735

OUR GMC YUKON LOCKED INTO 4WD WHILE ACCELERATING/DRIVING (APPROX 15-25MP) THE KIDS TO SCHOOL THROUGH THE NEIGHBOURHOOD, JERKED VIOLENTLY AS THOUGH BRAKING HARD, AND STEERING WAS EXTREMELY IMPAIRED. THE "SERVICE 4WD" MESSAGE APPEARED ON OUR DASHBOARD. THE YUKON IS LOCKED IN 4WD, AND EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND MANEVEUR. IT JERKS VIOLENLY WHEN TURNING. WE ARE UNABLE TO DRIVE DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS.

NHTSA ODI 11402500

WHILE DRIVING MY CHILDREN TO PRACTICE MY VEHICLE JERKED US FORWARD IN A VIOLENT MOTION AS IF ANOTHER CAR HIT US AND THERE WAS NO ONE ON THE ROAD. AFTERWARDS THE CAR SLOWED TO ABOUT 5-20MILES AN HOUR AND WOULD NOT DRIVE ANY FASTER. I STOPPED AT THE NEAREST INTERSECTION AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND TURNED ON AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD TO SAFETY. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND I HAVE ALREADY BEEN TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE THE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. I HAVE COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI 11385334

FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER

NHTSA ODI 11375449

VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND JERK UPON ACCELERATION AT 30K. DEALERSHIP CHANGED FLUID. AT 60K VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHUDDER AND JERK UPON ACCELERATION AND LURCH FORWARD OR BACKWARD ALTHOUGH BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. INITIAL, BRIEF DIAGNOSES REVEALS A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS ISSUE WAS NOTED IN 4 TSB. TSB ID #PIP5337K, TSB ID #PIP5337F, TSB ID #16-NA-014, AND TSB ID #PIP5337H. NOW THAT MY FACTORY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, GM MAINTAINS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM-- ALTHOUGH THEY SAW IT WHILE COVERED UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS A CURRENT CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT WITH GM REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THE SHUDDERING, SHAKING, JERKING AND HESITATION IS RELATED TO INTERNAL ISSUES WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION AND/OR TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSING FRICTION SURFACES, HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS, AND GEARS TO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, AND RESULTING IN METAL SHAVINGS BEING CIRCULATED THROUGHOUT THE TRANSMISSION. OVER TIME, DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER OCCURS. CONSUMERS FACE ESCALATING REPAIRS THAT CAN INCLUDE FLUSHING THE TRANSMISSION OF METAL SHAVINGS CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION OPERATION, AND WHICH EVENTUALLY NECESSITATE THE REPLACEMENT OF COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE TORQUE CONVERTER, VALVE BODY, OR THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. AS SUCH, THE TRANSMISSION DEFECT ENDANGERS THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS OF THE VEHICLES, AND DIMINISHES THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLES. FURTHERMORE, THE DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES THAT METAL SHAVINGS DUE TO FRICITON COULD HAVE PASSED THROUGH THE SYSTEM CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE BUT WILL NOT REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION FOR FULL AND THROROUGH DIAGNOSES.

NHTSA ODI 11362418

WE WERE ON OUR WAY BACK FROM PITTSBURG, PA TO MARYLAND AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SLIPPING WHEN WE STOPPED IN KENT ISLAND AT CHICK FIL A. THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING COMPLETELY AND WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD AS WE WERE TURNING INTO THE DRIVE THRU. WE HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A GMC DEALERSHIP IN EASTON, MD. UPON THEIR EVALUATION OF THE VEHICLE, WE WERE TOLD THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER CAME APART AND DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN I ASKED HOW AND WHY THE TORQUE CONVERTER CAME APART, THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO TAKE THE ENTIRE ENGINE APART TO FIGURE THAT OUT. WE WERE TOLD BY THE GMC DEALERSHIP THAT OUR 2016 GMC YUKON XL NOW NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2015 (BRAND NEW). BECAUSE OUR POWER TRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 60,000 MILES, IT WAS NOT COVERED. THE NEW TRANSMISSION COSTS US $5300+. WE WERE SHOCKED THAT THIS TOOK PLACE, AS THIS WAS PURCHASED NEW AND WE HAVE KEPT UP ON ALL THE MAINTENANCE. IT IS VERY DISTURBING TO HAVE PURCHASED A NEW TRANSMISSION FOR A VEHICLE THAT IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. IN DOING SOME RESEARCH, THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR GMC. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AND A REFUND SHOULD BE ISSUED TO THOSE WHO HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR THIS EXPENSE. I DO THANK THE GMC DEALERSHIP IN EASTON, MD FOR QUICKLY REPAIRING OUR VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY SINCE WE HAD AN UPCOMING TRIP. LADONNA WAS WONDERFUL AND I COMMEND HER AND THE ENTIRE DEALERSHIP FOR HANDLING THINGS SWIFTLY.

NHTSA ODI 11353770

INSTRUCTED GMC DEALER TO PERFORM 90,000 MILE TRANSMISSION MAINTENANCE (AS PER GMC MANUAL: "CHANGE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID, IF EQUIPPED. IF FILTER IS SERVICEABLE, CHANGE FILTER"). GMC DEALER DECIDED TO PERFORM TRANSMISSION FLUSH INSTEAD WHICH DOES NOT INCLUDE A FILTER CHANGE. WITHIN SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHUDDER WHEN IN 3RD AND 4TH GEAR. DEALER INSISTS THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SERVICE THEY PERFORMED AND TOLD ME THERE IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE TORQUE CONVERTERS. DEALER STATED ON THE PHONE "WE DO 2 OR 3 OF THESE A WEEK... OFTEN ON VEHICLES WITH ONLY 20,000 MILES". A QUICK SEARCH ON THE WEB FOR GM 6L80 TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WILL SHOW ALL OF THE OWNERS WITH SIMILAR TORQUE CONVERTER ISSUES. DEALER GAVE ROUGH ESTIMATE OF $1700 TO REPLACE TORQUE CONVERTER. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11331165

VEHICLE HAVING ISSUES WITH JERKING AND ACCELERATION WHILE IN MOTION HAPPENED TO VEHICLE IN ALL SETTINS HIGHWAY STREET HILLS FLAT SURFACE ROADS AND TURNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED NOTIFIED BY GMC DEALER THAT TORQUE CONVERTER CRUMBLING INSIDE OF 2016-2017 YUKON RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION DUE TO CRUMBLING AND ISSUES CAUSED BY CRUMBLING . CRUMBLING NOT FROM ACCIDENT OR WEAR OR TEAR IN VEHICLE OPERATIONS IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW/MANUFACTURER DEFECT. GMC WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ISSUE OR FAILURE. ONLINE RESEARCHED PROVIDED SHOWS MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THIS ISSUE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT PART $500 NEW TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT IS $5634.00 CONTACTED GMC HEADQUARTERS, CUSTOMER SERVICE AN DEALERSHIP WITH NO RESOLUTION. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS UNTIL I PAY FOR REPAIRS.ORIGINAL ESTIMATE COST OF $5634.00 NOW ESCALATED TO 6300.00 FOR A REPLACEMENT PART THAT COST APPROX $500. UNETHICAL, PREDATORY, UNFAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11329229

VEHICLE SHUDDERS WHEN SHIFTING IN LOWER GEARS. POSSIBLE TORQUE CONVERTER OR OTHER TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11324008

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON XL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED WHILE THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DELLEN CHEVY BUICK GMC (2527 W MAIN ST, GREENFIELD, IN 46140) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED 3 TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.*DT*JB

NHTSA ODI 11322734

LED BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK CAR SHAKES AND TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS WHILE DRIVING 35-45MPH

NHTSA ODI 11306887

TRANSMISSION SHUDDERING AND HARD, CLUNKY SHIFTING

NHTSA ODI 11291516