2016 GMC Yukon Denali XL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 10%of 29 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 GMC Yukon Denali XL, 10% of the 29 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At 76,000 miles the transmission began to shudder violently and hestitate. Dealership Gmc wants me to spend 400 on a fluid upgrade and hope it fixes it if not, I will have to buy a new updated torque converter because they shrewdly took the drivetrain warranty down to 60000 miles months before I bought new”
NHTSA complaint #11112728, filed 2018-07, 76,000 miles“My 2016 Yukon Denali Xl lurches forward while driving acting like it is having issues shifting gears. I have also had an issue twice now where when I shift from park to reverse in my driveway my vehicle goes forward instead.”
NHTSA complaint #11204871, filed 2019-04, 48,000 miles“Electrical issues: while driving the information panel go's blank. We have experienced this twice while driving, we lose the speedometer, tech, and everything on the display panel. Radio, skips channels even after the switch was replaced. Drive train: down shifts abruptly while accelerating onto interstate on ramps, either lunging forward or lunging backward. Been in the GM shop three time to try and fix issue. There have been bulletins issued to try and fix without success to-date. …”
NHTSA complaint #11058223, filed 2018-01, 25,079 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11014353Feb 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11008966Sep 9, 2024This technical bulletin provides a procedure for the techs to replace the forward check ball and separator plate if found the cause of the customers concern of No Forward Gear…
- 11006473Jul 30, 2024This technical bulletin provides a procedure for the techs to replace the forward check ball and separator plate if found the cause of the customers concern of No Forward Gear…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 10% |
| 2015 | 9 | 14% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 5% |
| 2007 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 1 | 9% |
| 2005 | 4 | 12% |
| 2004 | 2 | 4% |
| 2003 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Yukon Denali XL
15 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Yukon Denali XL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology