The Lemon Index2016 GMC Yukon XL.
The 2016 GMC Yukon XL is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 123 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 271, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about lights, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 17 to 19 mpg combined. The best GMC Yukon XL year is 2010.
Lemon alert. 2.7× the average car's complaints.
Best year 2010
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 230 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Yukon XL year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 40K to 70K miles on the car (150 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- lights complaints mostly came at 40K–60K miles
- brakes complaints mostly came at 40K–72K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 31K–86K miles
Recalls 3
- airbags 2017
While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition.
- airbags 2016
In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test.
- suspension 2016
The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 1458 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips,…
- Some customers may comment that the vehicle has reduced acceleration at low speed and/or…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedBrake vacuum pump failure2018–2022
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Yukon SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon Denali SUV RWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon Denali SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400–3800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
My drivers side tail light is out! Dealer charges $700 to repair!
2016 GMC Yukon XL owner · NHTSA complaint 11190053
More owner reports
The right rear brake light quit working. Will come on when pushed against car. Dealer said it was electrical in the brake light unit.
NHTSA complaint 11240156
The drivers side brake/rail light stopped working and vehicle only has 27,800 miles on it. Have seen and heard of many others with the same problem. Led lights should last longer then incandescent lights.
NHTSA complaint 11218546
Quick answers
Is the 2016 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.7× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 271; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Yukon XL year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2016 GMC Yukon XL problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are lights (53%), brakes (19%) and transmission & drivetrain (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 GMC Yukon XL have?
3 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 GMC Yukon XL get?
17 to 19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 GMC Yukon XL safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 GMC Yukon XL problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 40,000 and 70,000 miles. The middle report was at 53,300 miles, from 150 complaints.
Does the 2016 GMC Yukon XL have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 11% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 GMC Yukon XL cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 to $3800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 GMC Yukon XL have?
5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What GMC Yukon XL year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2012 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works