2016 GMC Yukon Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 13%of 271 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 GMC Yukon, 13% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our Gmc Yukon locked into 4wd while accelerating/driving (approx 15-25mp) the kids to school through the neighbourhood, jerked violently as though braking hard, and steering was extremely impaired. The service 4wd message appeared on our dashboard. The Yukon is locked in 4wd, and extremely difficult to steer and maneveur. It jerks violenly when turning. We are unable to drive due to safety concerns.”
NHTSA complaint #11402500, filed 2021-03, 65,000 miles“While driving my children to practice my vehicle jerked us forward in a violent motion as if another car hit us and there was no one on the road. Afterwards the car slowed to about 5-20miles an hour and would not drive any faster. I stopped at the nearest intersection and the car would not move. I turned off the ignition and turned on again and was able to get out of the road to safety. This is a serious issue and I have already been to the mechanic to have the torque converter replaced. I have complained several times to no avail about this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11385334, filed 2020-12, 86,000 miles“After leaving the dealership when getting the brake recall updated within 48hrs my transmission starts shuddering! Never had a single problem until the recall was updated! Was told there is only a fluid flushing available for the 8cyl transmission not the 6cyl! Was told that I was out of my power train at 82k miles and I would have to pay out of pocket to fix the tourque converter or by a new transmission! Plus was told there is nothing they can do till after january 2020 because they are backed up from other vehicles having the same issues! …”
NHTSA complaint #11271564, filed 2019-10, 88,126 miles“Brake lights & torque converter 2016 Yukon denali. The brake light is out on the passenger side. I brought it to the dealership, and it is within 2 weeks of the warranty expiring. They had to order the part because there's a national backorder for the assembly. So clearly I'm not the only one. Did some research and this is apparently an ongoing problem. This vehicle has been a hassle from the start. I'm beginning to believe there is an electrical issue as well. I had a battery issue that the dealership couldn't figure out even after showing them the onstar alert. …”
NHTSA complaint #11242044, filed 2019-08, 33,863 miles“When in traffic at slow speeds the brake system shuts down and takes my body weight to stop car. Had checked and no visible leak. Now Gmc has a fix but charge to fix if over warranty mileage. Second issue is the transmission went at 96,000 miles while highway driving loosing all top end gears at 65 MPH. Gmc did nothing but dealer helped on tho as well”
NHTSA complaint #11207182, filed 2019-05, 108,000 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.
- 11011436Oct 10, 2024This Preliminary information communicates for Technicians installing a Service Replacement Transmission Assembly to contact Technical Assistance to make sure unit is not suspect…
- 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…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 25% |
| 2025 | 7 | 12% |
| 2024 | 13 | 12% |
| 2023 | 47 | 19% |
| 2022 | 29 | 16% |
| 2021 | 55 | 16% |
| 2020 | 15 | 41% |
| 2019 | 13 | 24% |
| 2018 | 18 | 26% |
| 2017 | 48 | 24% |
| 2016 | 36 | 13% |
| 2015 | 46 | 9% |
| 2014 | 3 | 5% |
| 2013 | 5 | 4% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 21 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 7% |
| 2005 | 8 | 9% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% |
| 2001 | 13 | 7% |
| 2000 | 8 | 5% |
| 1999 | 14 | 7% |
| 1998 | 8 | 10% |
| 1997 | 15 | 11% |
| 1996 | 8 | 11% |
| 1995 | 4 | 4% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1992 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2016 GMC Yukon
104 complaintsBrakes
55 complaintsElectrical system
53 complaintsEngine
34 complaintsOther or unknown
32 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsSuspension
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 GMC Yukon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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