2016 GMC Yukon XL Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

26Engine complaints

13.1%Of all 199 complaints

#5Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

EXTERIOR LIGHTING80 · 40.2%

SERVICE BRAKES40 · 20.1%

POWER TRAIN32 · 16.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30 · 15.1%

ENGINE26 · 13.1%

Share of the 199 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2016 GMC Yukon XL overview page.

What owners report

“LED BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK CAR SHAKES AND TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS WHILE DRIVING 35-45MPH”NHTSA complaint 11306887 — filed 02/03/2020

“THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, THE ENGINE IS MAKING A NOISE AND A SERVICE CENTER SAID LOTS OF GM'S VEHICLES ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THE…”NHTSA complaint 11252626 — filed 08/31/2019

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON XL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED WHEN SHIFTING GEARS…”NHTSA complaint 11243866 — filed 08/14/2019

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2016 GMC Yukon XL have engine problems?

Engine is the #5 most-reported problem area on the 2016 GMC Yukon XL: 26 of 199 complaints on file (13.1%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2016 GMC Yukon XL have in total?

199 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 7 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, 3 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.