There are no safety recalls for the 2016 GMC Yukon Denali, but owners have filed 18 complaints with NHTSA.
2016 GMC Yukon Denali problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | |
| Power Train | 4 | |
| Steering | 3 | |
| Electrical System | 3 | |
| Unknown or Other | 3 | |
| Suspension | 1 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 1 | |
| Seats | 1 | |
| Air Bags | 1 | |
| Seat Belts | 1 | |
| Structure | 1 | |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 58,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2016 GMC Yukon Denali complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Engine · at 74,000 miles · reported May 1, 2025
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…
Exterior Lighting · at 104,000 miles · reported Jan 24, 2025
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…
Power Train · at 65,000 miles · reported Oct 23, 2024
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…
Electrical System · reported Jul 9, 2019
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…
Power Train · at 80,100 miles · reported Jun 23, 2019
I have only owned this car since 3/29/19 and several times now my yukon's check engine light has came on after the transmission bucks, jumps or jerks hard, not sure what to call it but it bucked or shoved my car forward when trying to slow down or stop (Not pressing gas pedal). This could be dangerous as it interferes with trying to stop the vehicle. It was such a hard jolt that it for a minute I thought another car rear ended me. This has happened at least twice after I pressed the brake to begin slowing down as I was preparing to pull into a parking lot, I was probably going around 20mph. It…
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 GMC Yukon Denali have any recalls?
No. NHTSA has no safety recalls for the 2016 GMC Yukon Denali as of this update. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the latest status.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 GMC Yukon Denali?
Owners report exterior lighting problems most often (7 reports), followed by power train (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 58,000 miles.
Are GMC recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.