2016 GMC Yukon XL Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2016 GMC Yukon XL recalls

Most common 2016 GMC Yukon XL problems

Problem areas named in the 202 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Exterior Lighting	84
Service Brakes	40
Power Train	33
Electrical System	30
Engine	27
Unknown Or Other	10
Suspension	9
Steering	9
Structure	7
Fuel/Propulsion System	5

What owners report

2026-10-23, Engine
While driving at about 35-40 mph, vehicle went into limp mode and then stalled. Vehicle would not restart until hours later after being towed. When vehicle started there is the sound of a rod(s) knocking in the engine.

2026-09-17, Suspension
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked up. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V256000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure but stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 108,346.

2026-09-03, Power Train
1. My vehicle is having transmission issues with shuddering and shifting. M5U RPO code 8L90 transmission. 2. My safety and the safety of others is a concern if the transmission is not working as intended my vehicle could be at risk an accident that could be avoided. 3. The problem has not be reproduced or confirmed by a dealer I work on my own vehicles and I am going to repair this issue myself if able. 4. There are no trouble codes on my vehicle when scanned with an OBD2 scanner.

2026-06-25, Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
After my child had thrown up all over the car seat her father had taken her inside to clean up and I took the car seat apart to throw the pieces into the washer to clean them. The harness strap did not come out fully clean so I contacted Graco for a replacement piece and I was told that they don’t replace those and that the strap being removed totaled my car seat. It has a woven material tab that goes up through the hard plastic base and locks in by opening itself. It’s essentially a T in the material so it can be folded to go back through the hard plastic base. I was told that since the manual doesn’t provide instructions regarding that piece that I should know it’s not to be remove

2026-04-22, Engine
My wife was driving down the highway and out of no where there was a loud taping sound, the vehicle started running real bad (skipping), the vehicle lost power and she lost control of the steering. As a result, she ran off the road into a ditch. this is a known concern with the 6.2 liter engines and all signs are pointing to lifter failure. She could have ben seriously injured and GM is responsible for this.

2016 GMC Yukon XL questions

Does the 2016 GMC Yukon XL have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2016 GMC Yukon XL: Front Air Bags and Seatbelt Pretensioners May Not Deploy in a Crash; Front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy in a crash; Front Control Arm Welds Can Fail, Causing Loss of Steering. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Yukon XL?

Based on 202 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Exterior Lighting (84), Service Brakes (40), Power Train (33).

How do I check if a recall on my 2016 GMC Yukon XL has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.