2016 GMC Yukon Electrical Problems

Transmission went out very early. Had to get it replaced whenever I reverse. I have to really smash on the break in order for it to stop if it does stop so somethings wrong with the breaking whenever I hit a bump the left side suspension feels like I’m a lose control and sometimes my radio works and sometimes it doesn’t I’ve been trying to work with dealers I have extended warranty on it. They’re saying it’s not covered something about the brake pump is covered, but the belts are not. The transmission was put in only because it left me stranded. Otherwise I would’ve been stuck paying for that. The dealership actually helped me with that. My GPS turns on and off sometime. I’m not sure if it’s electrical

NHTSA ID

11734891

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

A side detection module pin was corroded and was disrupting the electrical signals to major vehicle components, such as the dash (DIC). The DIC would lose communication with the rest of the vehicle while driving so no vehicle operation data was visible such as speed, alerts messages, etc. This likely also caused engine failure due to the incorrect operation of the afm which is on the same electrical circuit. No warning messages were given. The bad side detection module was diagnosed and fixed at a dealer and shortly after engine issues were noticed.

NHTSA ID

11687228

Incident

Apr 1, 2025

Engine light keeps appearing and when checked it shows catalytic converter needs replaces and its sensors need replaced. Brake light has short in it and I repaireable

NHTSA ID

11659194

Incident

May 1, 2025

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR MONDAY AND I ALMOST CRASH WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THE BRAKES DOESNT WORK AND THEN IN THE PANEL START LIGHTS OF THE ENGINE THE SUPENSION LIGHT AND SIGH SAYING BRAKE ASISTANT, THE CAR IS PARK BECAUSE THE BRAKES AND I LOOK FOR RECALLS AND I CALL GMC AND THEY SAYS THAT I DONT HAVE ANY RECALL BUT I ALMOST DIE MONDAY BECAUSE THE VACUM PUMP FOR THE BRAKES FAIL AND ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE PANNEL START LIGHT UP.

NHTSA ID

11639463

Incident

Jan 27, 2025

The car has all of a sudden had issues with the gas and breaking. When I press the gas, it stalls then rapidly accelerates. It has to be the transmission. Also, is making a noise and will barely drive when pressing on the gas. It does not accelerate!! Could have easily gotten into a car accident! What is going on??

NHTSA ID

11625526

Incident

Nov 14, 2024

i HAVE A SERVICE SUSPENSION LIGHT THAT CONTINUES TO POP UP ON DASHBOARD THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IS THE BRAKE LIGHTS. I have previously had the passenger side brake light stop working. In order to repair this you have to order a whole new taillight. My vehicle was approximatly 6 years old when this started happening. First incident (2022 with approximately 65000 miles) Yesterday, I was pulled over by a policeman and both of my brake lights are not working. We found a way to sauder (I know this is incorrect spelling) the broken metal piece back together in the taillight; however, this is not the correct way to fix the underlying problem and clearly it is only a temporary fix because the passenger side broke again in a new spot.

NHTSA ID

11614329

Incident

Sep 11, 2024

LED Tail Light out

NHTSA ID

11584539

Incident

Mar 31, 2024

the radio control panel seems to quit working every 2 years. This will be the 3rd radio control panel that I have to replace in this car since 2017. GMC says it isn't their problem since they use other products than GM. I feel that GM motors should stand behind the products that they place in their cars. The same product breaks the same way every time, This is not a me problem but a GM problem.

NHTSA ID

11540196

Incident

Mar 2, 2017

The vehicle consistently alerts with service trailer brake system warnings and has progressively become more of a frequent problem with the system doing it constantly even when no trailer is being towed This has been occurring since time of purchase in March 2021 when we purchased the vehicle and has become consistently more frequent over time

NHTSA ID

11534703

Incident

Jul 26, 2023

My vehicle randomly locks up and shuts off while I am taking a sharp turn or parking. A 'Service StabiliTrak' warning flahses on the dashboard. The steering wheel locks and the only way to get this warning to go away is to turn the vehicle off. This is a dangerous hazard as the vehicle can come to an abrupt stop in traffic.

NHTSA ID

11523401

Incident

May 23, 2023

This is a very common problem with GM vehicles produced from 2015 to 2019 and is occurring in 5.3L and 6.2L gas engines. The engine coolant temperature sensor is failing and defaulting to a fail safe that turns the electric cooling fans on to full speed because it thinks the vehicle is overheating. When this sensor fails, the engine temperature gauge will not work. When the vehicle is turned off the fans will stay on for 15 minutes at full speed and will deplete the battery. The sensors are being replaced multiple times with different manufacturers and the problem returns in a matter of days or weeks. You can disconnect the battery negative post and reconnect and the problem corrects until it is tripped again at later date. GM has no solution for this. This issue will leave a driver stranded and will cause engine or transmission issues if driven while the vehicle is doing this. There is no check engine light or code tripped while this occurs either.

NHTSA ID

11518685

Incident

Apr 23, 2023

On our 2016 GMC Yukon Denali we have experienced intermittently working brake lights on our vehicle. We were first informed by a family friend following us that our passenger side was going in and out and now our driver's side brake light is completely out. The turn signal and reverse light still works but no brake light of any indication. No warnings or messages were given it just went completely out. I believe this is a safety hazard to myself and other driver's. It is also against the law to have a break light out. I've read that there was a recall but it was dismissed in 2021 due to faulty break lights. I also read that it was only fixed at no cost for drivers at 72,000 miles and the vehicle couldn't be older than six years.We purchased our vehicle at 73××× . Not everyone can afford the $1600.00 upfront to fix a problem like this. Please reconsider making this a recall as I have been doing my research alot of Gmc Yukon drivers have experienced this. I want my family to be safe.

NHTSA ID

11474362

Incident

May 28, 2022

In my experience of transmission failure with my 16’ GMC YUKON, there was no warning. I had not experienced any issues with the slipping or jerking feel when accelerating or braking as described in the class action law suit. My vehicle had 105k miles, I took it in for regular maintenance including having the transmission flushed as I was told to do so for preventative maintenance. The transmission failed when I was traveling on the interstate with my family and I came upon some traffic so I applied the brake and the whole vehicle bucked and jerked as it shifted into down gear. I was traveling at 30-35 mph in the traffic and the whole time I felt a slipping motion in the car. I made it to a gas station, refueled, and tried to restart my journey. As I leery the gas station accelerating to get back on the interstate, the vehicle would not accelerate above 35 mph and the RPMs we’re to the max. At this point, my vehicle was in drivable. No prior warning, no issues that had been occurring over time, this all happened the same day. I towed my vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer where the problem was identified as a failed transmission in need of replacement and failed ABS braking system. The cost came at $6800.

NHTSA ID

11470172

Incident

Jun 14, 2022

TAIL LIGHTS/BRAKE LIGHTS /SIGNAL LIGHTS GO ON AND GO OFF DANGER OF BEING HIT FROM THE REAR DEALER AND INDEPENDENT SERVICE HAS CONFIRMED DEFECT AND SAY IT IS COMMON VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BE THE POLICE OR INSURANCE THERE WAS NO WARNING LAMPS OR MESSAGES FIRST DISCOVER 2 YEARS AGO WHEN DRIVERS WOULD PULL UP AND SAY THE LIGHTS WERE OUT......WE WOULD STOP AND LOOK THEY WOULD COME BACK ON

NHTSA ID

11468722

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

I was driving with a trailer that has brakes. A warning system light came on “trailer brake system” service came on blind the digital speedometer. Brakes would not engage. A couple of day later same thin came on now with out a trailer. The warning would not go away and kept on chumming every 10 seconds.

NHTSA ID

11462327

Incident

Apr 26, 2022

The largest issue was today, 2/22/2022, when I was driving doing 56 miles per hour it felt like it wouldn't accelerate. Then all of a sudden, the wheel kind of jerked right and the car shifted down all on it's own and I was doing 25 mph. The check engine light came on immediately after the violent jerking happened. I was on a 4 lane highway and had to immediately pull over onto the shoulder. It was jerking forward and back as I was trying to pull over on a freeway where the speed limit is 70 mph!!! I had my 80-year-old mother in the car with me. AND YES!! It put us both at great risk! I had to call a tow truck and they towed it to a dealership 9.8 miles away. When I talked to the Assistant Manager, he said that there were 3 other GMC Yukon 2016 that had come in today - ALL WERE 2016 GMC YUKON MODELS WITH 125K MILES. My GMC has 124,700 MILES all with Transmission problems. This can't be an anomaly. So I got online and there are many, many complaints about this transmission. As a matter of fact, it appears in 2019 there was a Class Action Lawsuit about this very thing. I will not know until tomorrow for sure what the issue is - because the dealership could not get to it today. However, something significant happened. As a side note, recently I had an electrical problem where sensors, etc are all saying need to be serviced and none of them are working. I had appt today at 10:30 am to have them check this. On the way there, the violent jerking and sudden downshift and check engine light came on. I was scared to death and so I pulled over and called a tow truck. The dealership did not tell me this is a common issue, nor was I aware. The dealership told me if it is in fact the transmission - cost is $6,000!!! I need someone to contact me to discuss this. Thank you, [XXX]phone - [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11453520

Incident

Feb 22, 2022

Rear driver taillight assembly does not work all the time! One day it works the next day it does not! I had to have the passenger side replaced about 6-8 months ago & it was replaced by the dealer at that time & there was no cost to me as it was under warranty at that time! I think there may be an issue with the LED bulbs! Now the problem is with the drivers side! This is a safety problem and a recall should be issued!!!!It is no longer under warranty & out of pocket cost may be $600 to $1000!

NHTSA ID

11441870

Incident

Mar 1, 2021

The rear lights on my vehicle - including brake lights - intermittently stop working. I was unaware of this issue until I had someone follow me to my destination to make me aware. This is extremely dangerous that could lead to a wreck with the potential of bodily injury. GMC has issued a service bulletin (admitting to using faulty parts) related to this problem, however, they have limited the coverage to mileage and year. GMC should be required to issue a full recall on any vehicle impacted by this serious safety concern.

NHTSA ID

11439166

Incident

Nov 2, 2021

I PURCHASED MY CAR BRAND NEW. AFTER ONE WEEK I NOTICE MY CAR JERKING WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP I BROUGHT IT FROM, THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THATS HOW IT CHANGES GEARS FROM 4 CYLINDER TO 8 CYLINDER. SO ME BELIEVING IN THE SERVICE MANAGER, I WENT ALONG WITH HIM. WELL AFTER HAVING DIFFERENT PEOPLE RIDE WITH ME THEY ASKED ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR NEE CAR? WHY IS IT SHIFTING GEARS SO HARD. SO I TOOK IT BACK IN TO DEALERSHIP I TALK TO SAME SERVICE MANAGER THAT MY CAR IS JERKING AND MAKING A LOUD NOISE . WELL LETS JUST SAY I GOT THE RUN AROUND. THEN 6 MONTHS LATER I TOOK IT BACK AND FORTH MULTIPLE TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM. NOW THIS TIME MY TURNING SIGNALS WE BLINKING ON AND OFF, WHENEVER I WASHED MY CAR OR IT RAINED. THEN MY FRONT HEADLIGHTS WERE DOING THE SAME THING, THEN THE BACK TAIL LIGHTS WERE GOING ON AND OFF. NOW ONTO MY HEATED AND A/C SEATS WERE NOT WORKING. THEN MY INTERIOR LIGHTS WETE STAYING ON, MONITOR DISPLAY WAS SHORTING OUT. NOW IT 2020 AND MY HOOD AND TOP OF THE CAR ARE OXIDIZING. I THOUGHT I PAID $80k FOR THIS CAR AND THIS WHAT HAPPENS!! I PARK IN THE GARAGE TOO! THERE IS ALOT MORE PROBLEMS TO ADD, BUT NOT ENOUGH SPACE TO PUT DOWN. IM DEALING WITH THE GMC HEADQUARTERS NOW. MY CAR IS A LEMON!!

NHTSA ID

11436249

Incident

Apr 21, 2016

The Trailer Brake System has become inoperative on my 2016 GMC Yukon. . A random, constant and repetitive Service "Trailer Brake System" warning makes constant, persistent, repetitive and abrupt dashboard visual illuminations and abrupt audio disruptions while driving. This causes constant driver distractions and the inability to hear traffic and other warnings when the chiming audio warnings go off over and over. Additionally, the Trailer brake system is not functioning and other potential issues may exist. I have learned that NHTSA and GM are aware of this specific Trailer Brake System issue but have not provided a remedy for this known Manufacturers defect with the wiring harness. These disruptions prevent our family while driving from hearing other vehicle warnings (turn signal, rear collision, lane departure, lane assist, forward collision) and I am unable to make phone calls as well during these constant disruptions and also the inability to read the digital read out of my speed during these constant disruptions.

NHTSA ID

11435270

Incident

Oct 2, 2021

Rear Left tail light doesn't turn on. Was stopped by police and given a verbal warning of my tail light turning off and on while driving. Now its completely dead.

NHTSA ID

11426580

Incident

Jul 22, 2021

This is the second time it happened the first time i parked my car while the engine was on and i got down real quick got back on my car and when i tryed turning all of a sudden my steering wheel keept turning the opposite way and parking control light appear saying it was off and it keep moving my steering wheel i all of a sudden turned my car off and back on the second time that happened i was going in a parking when it did the samething i was turning in the parking and it started turning my steering wheel the opposite way it started saying again parking control off and the system started going crazy and my car completely turned off i was left in the middle of the parking lot had tu put my car in parking and turn my car off reall quick and turned it on and was able to park but i did get really scared and been really scared to drive my car ever since because i don’t know if it will do the same thing again while driving . I have not taken it to get checked but will be making an appointment because it is a really scary situation.

NHTSA ID

11426103

Incident

Jul 22, 2021

I SEE ALMOST 200 COMPLAINTS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE? NOT SURE THE POINT OF THIS WEBSITE, BUT, I'M GOING TO PUT MY 2 CENTS IN. MY 2016 YUKON DENALI PASSANGER BRAKE LIGHT HAS GONE OUT, LIKE MANY, MANY OF OTHER PEOPLE. WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL? OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. AFTER MANY VIDEOS I HAVE WATCHED I SEE THAT THE CIRCIT BOARD COMES APART AND CAN'T BE REPAIRED BUT ONLY REPLACED, AT A EXTREMLY HIGH PRICE. I'VE ALSO SEEN MANY TAIL LIGHT ON THESE YUKONS WORK OFF AND ON, SO, RANDOMLY THEY CAN NOT WORK AT ANY TIME AND POSSIBLY GET YOU REAR ENDED. HOW DO I FILE A CIVIL ACTION COMPLAINT TO HAVE GMC ADDRESS THIS COMPLAINT AND RESOLVE THIS ISSUE? PLEASE ADVISE.

NHTSA ID

11398196

Incident

Feb 27, 2021

SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN SEPT 2020 MY ONSTAR MODULE FAILED. STARTED NOTICING WATER IN THE DRIVER FLOORBOARD. THE SHARK FIN ANTENNA IS LEAKING, CAUSING MAJOR ELECTRICAL FAILURES AND SHORTAGES. NO GPS, ONSTAR WON'T WORK. THESE FINS NEED TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED PROPERLY.

NHTSA ID

11387878

Incident

Oct 1, 2020

Mileage

101,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT STATED THE SEAT HEATER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT WAS NOT HEATING UP PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RHODEN GMC HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO H&H CHEVROLET (4645 S 84TH ST SUITE A, OMAHA, NE 68127; (402) 339-2222) FOR AN ISSUE WITH THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THERE WAS A ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE WIRING AND THAT THE ANTENNA NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE THE REPAIR, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO ILLUMINATE NORMALLY FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. ADDITIONALLY, THE BLIND SPOT INDICATOR ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE ISSUES WITH THE KEYFOB WHILE ATTEMPTING TO LOCK THE VEHICLE. THE RADIO SCREEN WAS ALSO OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE USING THE HEATED STEERING WHEEL, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO FUNCTION AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11378308

Incident

Dec 1, 2016