Home · 2016 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500 · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (497)Crash / fire / injury (18)Lights (209)Brakes (95)Electrical system (88)Transmission & drivetrain (71)Engine (57)Steering (20)Suspension (16)Body & structure (13)Speed control (10)Fuel system (9)

Newest first · 497 complaints · page 3 of 20

Sep 12, 2024SuspensionElectrical systemBrakes

i HAVE A SERVICE SUSPENSION LIGHT THAT CONTINUES TO POP UP ON DASHBOARD THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IS THE BRAKE LIGHTS. I have previously had the passenger side brake light stop working. In order to repair this you have to order a whole new taillight. My vehicle was approximatly 6 years old when this started happening. First incident (2022 with approximately 65000 miles) Yesterday, I was pulled over by a policeman and both of my brake lights are not working. We found a way to sauder (I know this is incorrect spelling) the broken metal piece back together in the taillight; however, this is not the correct way to fix the underlying problem and clearly it is only a temporary fix because the passenger side broke again in a new spot.

NHTSA ODI 11614329

Sep 5, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

The transmission malfunctions, shifting is inconsistent and shifts by itself. Shudders and causes the engine to increase and decrease in RPMS. This causes the engine to lose power. The truck will slow because of bad shifting and stall. The dealer did a diagnostic test and verified the transmission problem. The vehicle was inspected by the vehicle brand dealership. There were no warning lights or any other signs of the transmission failure.

NHTSA ODI 11612932

Jul 27, 2024Body & structure

The paint delaminated from the clear coat in certain locations (mainly hood and roof) although the vehicle body has been well maintained. This has caused a foggy scratched appearance to the affected areas where the rest of the car looks great. This problem is well known across many GM vehicles in the 2015-2019 range and has led to significantly decreased value of the vehicle itself

NHTSA ODI 11604892

Jul 27, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Code P0711 appeared during a scan after noticing some roughness during acceleration. Code shows transmission temperature sensor failure which is a known issue and recall for this vehicle model.

NHTSA ODI 11604893

Jul 20, 2024Brakes

Brake light keeps going off and on it’s like a short but when checked everything is connected

NHTSA ODI 11603526

Jun 19, 2024Electrical system

I purchased a used 2016 Yukon xl may 20 2024. Over the last month only put 2k miles on it. I continue to receive a message to service trailer brake system. I dismiss this and it continues to chime and be a nuisance popping up blocking my dash from seeing important things like speed etc and the noise is extremely distracting as a driver. I’m unable to use the hands free talking through Bluetooth as it interrupts quite frequently. This makes driving an extremely dangerous and unpleasant ride

NHTSA ODI 11595344

Jun 14, 2024Brakes

During standard braking operations the vehicle (not a hard emergency situation) on dry ground the vehicle seems to activate the abs system or something similar which makes the braking effort non standard and increases stopping distance. The issue has occurred occasionally for over a year but is becoming more frequent. It has occurred at both highway speeds of 55 mph and almost stopped during parking activities of 2mph.

NHTSA ODI 11594319

Jun 14, 2024Lights

Both driver and passenger tail light/ brake light assemblies have failed. They started intermittently going out and then failed all together. There is a VERY common issue with these lights. They have been replaced at an approximate cost of $650.00 per light.

NHTSA ODI 11594367

Jun 4, 2024Transmission & drivetrain

Transmission failure at 90,000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11592456

Apr 22, 2024Electrical systemAirbagsLane Departure

LED Tail Light out

NHTSA ODI 11584539

Mar 20, 2024Brakes

GMC is stating that due to a recall my brake booster vacuum pump failed and now they are that is is not covered and I will be out of pocket on the issue after numerous phone called with GM they are still of no help and the vehicle is not safe to drive which is my only means of transportation

NHTSA ODI 11578539

Mar 13, 2024Lights

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated that the taillights needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under Special Coverage Adjustment: N182180270 (Tail Lamps Inoperative). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11577149

Mar 3, 2024Steering

On [XXX], I was driving my 2016 Yukon Denali on a trip to Maryland. While in Maryland, I was driving my vehicle. As I approached a street to make a right turn, I braked to make the turn. I slowed down to make the turn. As I made the right turn, my steering wheel ability became hard. I felt a stiffness in the steering wheel as I came out of the turn. My Denali became un-maneuverable. I lost my power steering ability in the steering wheel and I observed my power steering service light indicator warning come on. I pulled my vehicle to the side of the road and turned off my vehicle. I started the engine with no change in the steering mechanism. After twenty minutes passed, I restarted the engine. I was able to drive with normal power steering conditions. On [XXX], while driving my Denali, I lost power steering maneuverability while driving. My power steering service light appeared and indicated service was needed and that the Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist failure occurred. Based on research, It appears that the same problem has occurred in other models of GMC vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11575208

Feb 22, 2024Visibility & wipers

I used the remote to open the rear hatch and pressed the button on the hatch to close it. While it was closing it traveled about half way back down and the rear window on the hatch exploded in my face. Glass went everywhere behind the SUV in a 5ft radius. I'm getting it repaired this upcoming Monday.

NHTSA ODI 11573438

Feb 16, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngine

Merging onto highway and my car would not get up any speed . Was almost crushed by a tractor trailer. If I hadn’t had a long merge lane I could have been killed . Apparently my transmission failed. This is certainly a safety issue . Your car should not just quit! .called dealer and they said the problem is known but gmc is not doing anything about it! Please help 75,000 $ car should last !

NHTSA ODI 11572380

Jan 12, 2024Engine & coolingSpeed control

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jerked and jumped forward. There was a loud sound coming from the engine. The accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate above 5 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was a misfire on the lifter in cylinders #1 and #7. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the warranty coverage was declined. The manufacturer was contacted and declined a buyback. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 96,891.

NHTSA ODI 11565155

Jan 5, 2024Electrical systemBrakes

I was driving and n the freeway around 70 miles and " TRAILER Brake SERVICE" message appears on the dash board screen We don't pulling nothing on that time and normally we don't use this car for pulling, the other message appears several times is very frustrating. I am the guy in charge for this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11563782

Dec 16, 2023Electrical systemEngine

Like many other complaints..when your driving and accelerating it jerks and try’s to change gears ect. Most recent issue is the temperature sensor went out and my fan was running on full speed. Well I got it fixed and within 2 months it has gone out again! Lastly, the paint on the hood and roof. When I bought the dealership fixed the hood and yet again it’s failing again..

NHTSA ODI 11560465

Dec 8, 2023Seat belts1 injury

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear passenger's side seat belt inadvertently tightened around her daughter's stomach. The contact's daughter pressed the seat belt button and unlatched the seat belt; however, she was unable to remove the seat belt because it seized around her stomach. The contact had to cut the rear passenger's side seat belt to release her daughter. The contact's daughter sustained marks on her stomach from the seat belt, but no medical attention was received. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was offered a discount on the replacement of the rear passenger's side seat belt. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11559193

Nov 26, 2023Brakes

My 2016 GMC Yukon is hard to stop when pressing brake pedal. Vehicle shimmy’s when pressing the brake and it must be pressed very hard. Have read and watched many videos this is very common issue on 2014-2018 Yukons and Tahoes. This could be very dangerous and my question is, why has these vehicles not been recalled to prevent accidents when it seems to be a common issue and expensive to fix?

NHTSA ODI 11556882

Nov 15, 2023Engine

My 2016 GMC Yukon Denali was taken in for a tune up. When I received the vehicle back, I was told that there was possibly a microscopic pin hole in my engine because fluid (engine coolant) was under one of the injectors. I was told that I may need to trade in or get another engine. I refused both. The mileage at the time was probably 120,000. I purchased this vehicle brand new and do not see how an engine is needed so quickly. I was barely finished paying for it. I was told by a co-worker that she had to trade hers in because it was doing the same thing. She had also investigated and had learned that many of these vehicles have the same issues around 114,000 miles and beyond. I think these issues need to be addressed.

NHTSA ODI 11555219

Aug 31, 2023Lights

The rear taillights both went out due to a design issue with the LED circuit board - where the connections on the board crack and cause the lights to fail

NHTSA ODI 11541832

Aug 22, 2023Equipment

the radio control panel seems to quit working every 2 years. This will be the 3rd radio control panel that I have to replace in this car since 2017. GMC says it isn't their problem since they use other products than GM. I feel that GM motors should stand behind the products that they place in their cars. The same product breaks the same way every time, This is not a me problem but a GM problem.

NHTSA ODI 11540196

Aug 20, 2023Brakes

“Service Trailer brake system” warning continually going off when driving

NHTSA ODI 11539639

Aug 18, 2023Engine

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who determined that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

NHTSA ODI 11539333

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Working with the data? Download all 497 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 25, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500 verdict →