2016 GMC Yukon Denali Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 22%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 GMC Yukon Denali, 22% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 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.
“Since the day I purchased this 2016 Gmc yukon xl denali there has been a vibration in what I think is the passenger rear end. I've taken it in 3 times and each time the dealer and the GM representative say it is within spec. This problem has persisted. The vehicle is now almost un-drivable due to the shaking. It affects the steering wheel at all speeds. This happens at all speeds on all terrains. This happens when the vehicle is cold as well as warm/hot. The vehicle will sometimes jerk to the left or right when the shaking gets real bad. …”
NHTSA complaint #10919298, filed 2016-10, 100 miles“I have only owned this car since 3/29/19 and several times now my yukon's check engine light has came on after the transmission bucks, jumps or jerks hard, not sure what to call it but it bucked or shoved my car forward when trying to slow down or stop (not pressing gas pedal). This could be dangerous as it interferes with trying to stop the vehicle. It was such a hard jolt that it for a minute I thought another car rear ended me. This has happened at least twice after I pressed the brake to begin slowing down as I was preparing to pull into a parking lot, I was probably going around 20mph. …”
NHTSA complaint #11221979, filed 2019-06, 80,100 miles“The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was slipping between gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The dealer replaced the transmission fluid twice; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the transmission wiring harness had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. …”
NHTSA complaint #11621537, filed 2024-10, 65,000 miles“At less than 3 years old and 60k miles, the following has occurred at different times up until now: overall electrical malfunction including display illumination failure (display goes completely black and/or dim while driving - cannot see speedometer etc. …”
NHTSA complaint #11230316, filed 2019-07Related 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 17% |
| 2016 | 4 | 22% |
| 2015 | 8 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 5 | 9% |
| 2007 | 7 | 6% |
| 2006 | 2 | 10% |
| 2005 | 6 | 12% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 3% |
| 2000 | 1 | 6% |
| 1999 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Yukon Denali
7 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Yukon Denali
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