2016 GMC Yukon XL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 16%of 202 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 GMC Yukon XL, 16% of the 202 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11353770, filed 2020-09, 91,000 miles“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 . …”
NHTSA complaint #11331165, filed 2020-06, 90,000 miles“I leased a 2016 yukon denali xl on 9/15/15. It has two major problems. 1. Buffeting/pressure noise - a noise as if a window is cracked, except it's not cracked. This occurs at speeds from 24mph and up and causes ears to pop and is noticeable to virtually every passenger I have had. 2. Whole-truck vibration - occurs between 70-80mph in entire vehicle. Wheel replacements, tire replacements, road-force balancing, driveshaft replacement, driveshaft balancing , etc....nothing has fixed it. I have driven 13 2016 yukon, Yukon Xl, tahoe and suburbans. Every single one has the buffeting issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #10819507, filed 2016-01, 7 miles“Vehicle began hesitating during acceleration. Problem occurred intermittently at first but now occurs each time the vehicle is driven. Check engine light comes on occasionally. This jerking causes safety issues when trying to increase speed. Many complaints are on line from other owners with same issue”
NHTSA complaint #11246350, filed 2019-08, 60,000 miles“The transmission went out, the engine is making a noise and a service center said lots of GM's vehicles are having the same problem the power steering system also stop working and I have to replace it”
NHTSA complaint #11252626, filed 2019-08, 189,000 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.
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014353Feb 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 2 | 7% |
| 2024 | 12 | 16% |
| 2023 | 39 | 17% |
| 2022 | 33 | 19% |
| 2021 | 49 | 21% |
| 2020 | 13 | 28% |
| 2019 | 15 | 22% |
| 2018 | 9 | 16% |
| 2017 | 36 | 24% |
| 2016 | 33 | 16% |
| 2015 | 35 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 5% |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 7% |
| 2004 | 4 | 5% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 9 | 9% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Yukon XL
84 complaintsBrakes
41 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 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