This page covers 4 recalls and 198 owner complaints for the 2016 GMC Yukon Xl.
Exterior lighting dominates complaints filed against the 2016 GMC Yukon XL, accounting for roughly 40 percent of all reports. Owners consistently describe headlights that fail or produce reduced output, and some report that lights go dark without warning. Service brakes are the second most-reported system, with owners noting reduced stopping effectiveness and spongy or inconsistent pedal feel. Powertrain complaints round out the top three, focusing heavily on the 6.2-liter engine's valve train, owners describe loud ticking or tapping noises followed by rough running, loss of power, and in some cases complete engine failure, often tied to the Active Fuel Management system. Eight-speed automatic transmission reports also appear in this group, with owners describing rough shifts or outright transmission failure at varying mileages.
198
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 GMC Yukon XL has 4 recalls, the most serious being a front upper control arm that can separate from its bushing, causing loss of steering control and raising the risk of a crash.
The control arm defect stems from welds near the bushing that may not hold under load, leaving the driver unable to steer predictably. The remaining two recalls both address the same restraint system concern: in a crash, the front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may fail to deploy, leaving the driver and front passenger without full crash protection.
At a glance
What can fail
The air bag control software may not have received a complete update from a previous recall. Under certain driving conditions, this software may run a diagnostic test that disables frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control software. If your vehicle previously deployed air bags, the control module will be replaced instead. Repairs are free.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Under certain driving conditions, the air bag control module's software may run a self-test that disables the front air bags and seat belt pretensioners, preventing them from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the air bag control module software. If your air bags have previously deployed, the module will be replaced. Repairs are free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front upper control arms may have weak welds near the bushing, which could fail during driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front upper control arms and realign the front end at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The welds on the front upper control arms may be defective. If a weld fails, the control arm could deform or separate from its bushing, affecting steering and directional control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front upper control arms and perform a wheel alignment.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
