This page covers 5 recalls and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2016 GMC Yukon.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2016 GMC Yukon has 5 recalls, the most serious being a front suspension control arm that can separate from its bushing and cause a loss of steering control.
On the braking side, there are two concerns. Certain Yukons equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, 3.08-ratio rear axle, and four-wheel drive have a driveline-protection sensor that can misfire and trigger unintended braking on one side of the vehicle, causing a sudden pull to one side. There is also a vacuum pump that can weaken over time, reducing brake assist and requiring more pedal effort to stop, which extends stopping distances. The front airbags and seatbelt pretensioners share a common recall: a wiring issue can prevent them from deploying in a crash, leaving the driver and front passenger without full restraint protection. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve this issue, which is why two separate campaigns address the same underlying airbag and pretensioner defect.
At a glance
What can fail
A wheel-speed sensor may fail, causing the brake control computer to incorrectly activate the driveline-protection system while driving 41–60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the brake control computer at no cost to prevent the system from activating incorrectly.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vacuum pump produces less vacuum over time, which can reduce braking system performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module at no cost to restore proper braking function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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.
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.
