RoadVitals

2016 GMC Yukon Denali Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
Latest May 1, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 GMC Yukon Denali, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Exterior lighting728.0%
  • Powertrain (other)416.0%
  • Electrical312.0%
  • Steering312.0%
  • Engine14.0%
  • Interior & seats14.0%
  • Seat belts14.0%
  • Airbags14.0%
  • Suspension14.0%
  • Body & structure14.0%
  • Brakes14.0%
  • Driver assistance14.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the contact was notified by another driver that the rear taillights were inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.

NHTSA ID 11638321 · filed Jan 24, 2025

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. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON BOTH THE HIGHWAY AND SURFACE STREETS, INCLUDING DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME), AUDIO/ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM GLITCHES (RADIO VOLUME CHANGES TO AND GETS STUCK RANDOMLY ON HIGHEST VOLUME SETTING (WAS NEVER EVEN SET TO THIS LEVEL) WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING SUDDEN DISTRACTION/DISRUPTION), TAIL LIGHT MALFUNCTION (INTERMITTENTLY STOPS WORKING BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES), AND NOW THE MOTOR TO THE SUNROOF HAS DIED (OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AND AT A MOMENT WHEN IT WAS NECESSARY TO CLOSE FOR SAFETY ON THE HIGHWAY.) THE TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE (FOR THE SECOND TIME - OFF SHIFTS AND DOWNSHIFTS UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING AT BOTH LOWER AND HIGHER SPEEDS. HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY REQUIRING ME TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE.) THESE INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN INTERMITTENT IT HAS BEEN HARD TO PINPOINT WHEN TO BRING IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION.

NHTSA ID 11230316 · filed Jul 9, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID 11621537 · filed Oct 23, 2024

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. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON BOTH THE HIGHWAY AND SURFACE STREETS, INCLUDING DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME), AUDIO/ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM GLITCHES (RADIO VOLUME CHANGES TO AND GETS STUCK RANDOMLY ON HIGHEST VOLUME SETTING (WAS NEVER EVEN SET TO THIS LEVEL) WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING SUDDEN DISTRACTION/DISRUPTION), TAIL LIGHT MALFUNCTION (INTERMITTENTLY STOPS WORKING BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES), AND NOW THE MOTOR TO THE SUNROOF HAS DIED (OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AND AT A MOMENT WHEN IT WAS NECESSARY TO CLOSE FOR SAFETY ON THE HIGHWAY.) THE TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE (FOR THE SECOND TIME - OFF SHIFTS AND DOWNSHIFTS UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING AT BOTH LOWER AND HIGHER SPEEDS. HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY REQUIRING ME TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE.) THESE INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN INTERMITTENT IT HAS BEEN HARD TO PINPOINT WHEN TO BRING IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION.

NHTSA ID 11230316 · filed Jul 9, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING ON BOTH THE HIGHWAY AND SURFACE STREETS, INCLUDING DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME), AUDIO/ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM GLITCHES (RADIO VOLUME CHANGES TO AND GETS STUCK RANDOMLY ON HIGHEST VOLUME SETTING (WAS NEVER EVEN SET TO THIS LEVEL) WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING SUDDEN DISTRACTION/DISRUPTION), TAIL LIGHT MALFUNCTION (INTERMITTENTLY STOPS WORKING BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES), AND NOW THE MOTOR TO THE SUNROOF HAS DIED (OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AND AT A MOMENT WHEN IT WAS NECESSARY TO CLOSE FOR SAFETY ON THE HIGHWAY.) THE TRANSMISSION IS DEFECTIVE (FOR THE SECOND TIME - OFF SHIFTS AND DOWNSHIFTS UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING AT BOTH LOWER AND HIGHER SPEEDS. HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY REQUIRING ME TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE.) THESE INCIDENTS HAVE BEEN OCCURRING FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN INTERMITTENT IT HAS BEEN HARD TO PINPOINT WHEN TO BRING IN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION.

NHTSA ID 11230316 · filed Jul 9, 2019

WE WERE TRAVELING IN OUR YUKON WHEN ALL POWER WAS LOST TO THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK FUNCTION ENABLED BEFORE WE WERE STOPPED. SINCE THERE WAS NO POWER AND IT IS PUSH BUTTON START, THERE WAS NO WAY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. OUR DEALER SAID TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE THERE IS NO WAY TO UNLOCK THE WHEEL. LUCKILY OUR CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE DEALER SAID THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE IS FULLY INTACT, BUT HAD FAILED INTERNALLY. WHAT IS MORE CONCERNING IS THE FACT THERE IS NO WAY TO UNLOCK THE WHEEL TO STEER IF THIS HAPPENS. EVEN AT 65 MPH.

NHTSA ID 11208663 · filed May 20, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WE WERE TRAVELING IN OUR YUKON WHEN ALL POWER WAS LOST TO THE VEHICLE. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK FUNCTION ENABLED BEFORE WE WERE STOPPED. SINCE THERE WAS NO POWER AND IT IS PUSH BUTTON START, THERE WAS NO WAY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. OUR DEALER SAID TO THEIR KNOWLEDGE THERE IS NO WAY TO UNLOCK THE WHEEL. LUCKILY OUR CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE AND NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE DEALER SAID THE NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE IS FULLY INTACT, BUT HAD FAILED INTERNALLY. WHAT IS MORE CONCERNING IS THE FACT THERE IS NO WAY TO UNLOCK THE WHEEL TO STEER IF THIS HAPPENS. EVEN AT 65 MPH.

NHTSA ID 11208663 · filed May 20, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON DENALI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE STEERING BECAME LOOSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NIMNICHT BUICK GMC LOCATED ON, 11503 PHILIPS HWY, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32256 JACKSONVILLE FL, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A BOLT NEEDED TO BE TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NHTSA ISSUED RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 11076524 · filed Mar 6, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that since owning the vehicle, the engine had failed on three separate occasions. The contact stated that prior to each failure, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel prior to the last two failures. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic after each failure, and the engine was replaced twice. Recently, the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN for the engine. A complaint was filed with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 74,000.

NHTSA ID 11658125 · filed May 1, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

OEM LED TAIL LIGHTS HAVE FAILED ON MY GMC WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. THE BULB IS GOOD, YET THE LED PORTION (WHICH COSTS OVER $800 TO FIX) NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PORTION IS THE ENTIRE REAR BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING. THIS IS VERY COMMON AMONG THESE VEHICLES HEATED SEATS QUIT WORKING ON DENALI. THE BACKRESTS STILL HEAT UP, BUT THE BOTTOMS DON'T HEAT UP AT ALL. ALSO, THEY WILL NOT TURN ON IN REMOTE START MODE EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE SET TO TURN ON IN THIS MODE.

NHTSA ID 11183810 · filed Mar 3, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE ENTERING PARKING LOT OF A WALMART STORE, THE FRONT SENSORS DID NOT SHOW AN OBJECT (WHILE IN BLIND AREA OF WINDSHIELD AND DOOR POST). DRIVER HIT CONCRETE BASE OF STREET LIGHT IN PARKING LOT GOING ABOUT 10 MILES PER HOUR IN SPEED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID SEAT BELT TIGHTEN TO RESTRAIN DRIVER. DRIVER'S BODY WAS THROWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL WITH RIGHT ARM TAKING THE FULL IMPACT. DRIVER SUFFERS A BROKEN STERNUM, TORN BICEP TENDON, SEVERELY DISLOCATED RIGHT SHOULDER, TORN ROTATOR CUFF TENDONS, TORN MUSCLE FIBERS FROM ELBOW, BROKEN WRIST AND TORN TENDONS ON BACK OF HAND.

NHTSA ID 11203908 · filed Apr 26, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE ENTERING PARKING LOT OF A WALMART STORE, THE FRONT SENSORS DID NOT SHOW AN OBJECT (WHILE IN BLIND AREA OF WINDSHIELD AND DOOR POST). DRIVER HIT CONCRETE BASE OF STREET LIGHT IN PARKING LOT GOING ABOUT 10 MILES PER HOUR IN SPEED. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID SEAT BELT TIGHTEN TO RESTRAIN DRIVER. DRIVER'S BODY WAS THROWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL WITH RIGHT ARM TAKING THE FULL IMPACT. DRIVER SUFFERS A BROKEN STERNUM, TORN BICEP TENDON, SEVERELY DISLOCATED RIGHT SHOULDER, TORN ROTATOR CUFF TENDONS, TORN MUSCLE FIBERS FROM ELBOW, BROKEN WRIST AND TORN TENDONS ON BACK OF HAND.

NHTSA ID 11203908 · filed Apr 26, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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. THIS VEHICLE IS BECOMING DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BUT I HAVE TO USE IT. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE AND WOULD APPRECIATE SOME HELP.

NHTSA ID 10919298 · filed Oct 27, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

GPS IS NOT WORKING. ANTENNA

NHTSA ID 11234014 · filed Jul 22, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS STICKING CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR OUT OF PADS AND DRIVER SIDE ROTOR AT ~11900 MILES. AFTER FIRST REPAIR, ~900 MILES AND THREE WEEKS LATER, WHILE DRIVING DOWN A SNOW COVERED CITY HILL ABS WAS ENGAGED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN DASH DISPLAYED A "BRAKE FAILURE" WARNING. AFTER THE MESSAGE THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP COMPLETELY, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND INDUCED A SLIDE OF OVER 1000FT DOWN THE HILL. ONCE THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP, A LOUD SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE UNDER CARRIAGE. POWERING DOWN THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP THE SOUND. RESTART OF THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED "SERVICE STABILITRACK" AND "SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE" WARNINGS. THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL SLIPPAGE, AND BRAKE LIGHTS ALSO ALL STAYED ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER AS IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. UPON INSPECTION AT GMC DEALER THEY REPORTED THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE (EBCM) WAS SHORTED OUT INTERNALLY AND SECOND FRONT ROTOR WAS ALSO SCORED. THEY REPLACED THE EBCM AND ROTOR UNDER WARRANTY. I'M TOLD THE CALIPER STICKING ISSUE IS COMMON, AND THIS IS NOT THE FIRST EBCM THEY HAVE REPLACED. IN SUMMARY, DAMAGE TO ROTORS AND PADS IS VERY DANGEROUS. AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS ~12000 MILES NO ONE WOULD EXPECT THIS TYPE OF WEAR. THE FAILURE OF THE ABS SYSTEM NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL AS THE VEHICLE WAS DESCENDING A HILL AND AT THE VERY TIME THE ABS WAS NEEDED IT CAUSED LOCK UP OF THE FONT WHEELS INDUCING A SLIDE AND LOSS OF ABILITY TO STEER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10935003 · filed Dec 13, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS STICKING CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR OUT OF PADS AND DRIVER SIDE ROTOR AT ~11900 MILES. AFTER FIRST REPAIR, ~900 MILES AND THREE WEEKS LATER, WHILE DRIVING DOWN A SNOW COVERED CITY HILL ABS WAS ENGAGED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AND THEN DASH DISPLAYED A "BRAKE FAILURE" WARNING. AFTER THE MESSAGE THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP COMPLETELY, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND INDUCED A SLIDE OF OVER 1000FT DOWN THE HILL. ONCE THE VEHICLE FINALLY CAME TO A STOP, A LOUD SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE UNDER CARRIAGE. POWERING DOWN THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP THE SOUND. RESTART OF THE VEHICLE DISPLAYED "SERVICE STABILITRACK" AND "SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE" WARNINGS. THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL SLIPPAGE, AND BRAKE LIGHTS ALSO ALL STAYED ILLUMINATED. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER AS IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. UPON INSPECTION AT GMC DEALER THEY REPORTED THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE (EBCM) WAS SHORTED OUT INTERNALLY AND SECOND FRONT ROTOR WAS ALSO SCORED. THEY REPLACED THE EBCM AND ROTOR UNDER WARRANTY. I'M TOLD THE CALIPER STICKING ISSUE IS COMMON, AND THIS IS NOT THE FIRST EBCM THEY HAVE REPLACED. IN SUMMARY, DAMAGE TO ROTORS AND PADS IS VERY DANGEROUS. AS THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS ~12000 MILES NO ONE WOULD EXPECT THIS TYPE OF WEAR. THE FAILURE OF THE ABS SYSTEM NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL AS THE VEHICLE WAS DESCENDING A HILL AND AT THE VERY TIME THE ABS WAS NEEDED IT CAUSED LOCK UP OF THE FONT WHEELS INDUCING A SLIDE AND LOSS OF ABILITY TO STEER. *TR

NHTSA ID 10935003 · filed Dec 13, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .