2016 GMC Yukon XL Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 84about this part
- Share
- 42%of 202 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 84 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2016 GMC Yukon XL, 42% of the 202 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car has 60,000 mi on a 2016. The rear brake light went out on passenger side and I am being told by dealer I have to replace the complete assembly- not just a bulb. Estimated cost is $800.00 for one side. In researching I have found this issue is not uncommon. This is ridiculous for what should be the cost of a bulb.”
NHTSA complaint #11321581, filed 2020-04, 60,000 miles“Right tail light went put, took it to get fixed. They said it was the circuit board and I had to pay $900 to get it fixed. The dealership said they have had a ton of the circuit board replacements and didn't know why GM didn't do a recall. Now, my left side circuit board is out and needs to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11297280, filed 2020-01, 100,000 miles“Drivers' side brake light/tail light failure at 44k miles. Gmc refuses to fix under warranty (even with extended warranty purchased) despite thousands of people having this issue. Dealer quoted $1,000 to fix just the one side and admitted this is a known issue. I was stopped by another driver at a red light to inform me of the issue - he said he nearly hit me because of it and was scared.”
NHTSA complaint #11229063, filed 2019-07, 44,000 miles“I have been told by multiple people that one or both of my brake lights has not been working. I have tested them myself and I too get mixed results. Sometimes one works and other times neither. Being that I drive 30 minutes to and from work everyday this is a major concern.”
NHTSA complaint #11193934, filed 2019-04, 50,000 miles“Tail light went out and is a known and common issue within 2 to 4 years of vehicle ownership (often both sides go out). In my case, the driver side tail light went out. Total cost for me was $850. There are many comments regarding this online. Typical cost to repair is $700 to $800 at dealership. Only other option to reduce cost is to mail out part, but this leaves you without a vehicle for several days for repair and delivery time.”
NHTSA complaint #11282467, filed 2019-11, 64,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11014170Jan 27, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leak Information and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2024 | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 | 2 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 2 | 4% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2017 | 39 | 27% |
| 2016 | 84 | 42% |
| 2015 | 140 | 45% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 2% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Yukon XL
41 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsElectrical system
30 complaintsEngine
27 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Yukon XL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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