2016 GMC Yukon XL electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Nov 14, 2025COElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   While driving vehicle the vehicle appears to shut off as if someone is turning off the ignition. The steering control becomes stiff, power is lost and electronics flash and turn off and on. This has happened on multiple occasions and is intermittent during acceleration. The accessible grounds have been checked, battery checked and replaced, and alternator checked and verified to be charging appropriately. Several codes are present and have been cleared to return indicating…

   NHTSA complaint #11699390 · source
2. Filed Oct 31, 2025TXElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   The car started to have issues shifting when driving- automatic transmission. It would jolt or shudder to try to shift. I was at a light intersection attempting to turn left to go on the on ramp of a highway, it attempted to shift as I sped up from a stop and it got stuck and started making a sound as if you were to press the brake and gas at the same time, similar to that, a car was coming in my direction at the same time and it finally clicked into gear. Absolutely…

   NHTSA complaint #11696843 · source
3. Filed Dec 29, 2024VAFireElectrical System

   Driving a company vehicle [XXX], heavy smoke started coming from under the drivers side dash. Unhooked battery, the smoke stopped. I had vehicle towed to a local garage. They advised the engine wiring harness and other wiring had caught on fire. They couldn't repair it. On [XXX]. I had the vehicle towed to the local GMC dealer in Bedford, VA. At first they said they could fix it, then around 7/3/24 they said the couldn't fix it, charging several hundreds of dollars. On July…

   NHTSA complaint #11632955 · source
4. Filed Oct 8, 2024OHElectrical SystemSteering

   Loses power randomly. More prominent at low speeds and turns. Has lost power going down the road, will turn back on. Stabilitrak lights and jerking steering wheel are more common. Will not always start right back up when it shuts all the way off/loses power. Loses clock but keeps radio stations. Had it scanned. Asked dealer about issues/recalls and information with nothing more than “this is not common” and “we need to schedule a time for you to bring it in”. Times were not…

   NHTSA complaint #11618632 · source
5. Filed Jun 19, 2024PAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   I purchased a used 2016 Yukon xl may 20 2024. Over the last month only put 2k miles on it. I continue to receive a message to service trailer brake system. I dismiss this and it continues to chime and be a nuisance popping up blocking my dash from seeing important things like speed etc and the noise is extremely distracting as a driver. I’m unable to use the hands free talking through Bluetooth as it interrupts quite frequently. This makes driving an extremely dangerous and…

   NHTSA complaint #11595344 · source
6. Filed Jan 5, 2024CABrakesElectrical System

   I was driving and n the freeway around 70 miles and " TRAILER Brake SERVICE" message appears on the dash board screen We don't pulling nothing on that time and normally we don't use this car for pulling, the other message appears several times is very frustrating. I am the guy in charge for this vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11563782 · source
7. Filed Dec 16, 2023FLElectrical SystemEngine

   Like many other complaints..when your driving and accelerating it jerks and try’s to change gears ect. Most recent issue is the temperature sensor went out and my fan was running on full speed. Well I got it fixed and within 2 months it has gone out again! Lastly, the paint on the hood and roof. When I bought the dealership fixed the hood and yet again it’s failing again..

   NHTSA complaint #11560465 · source
8. Filed Mar 14, 2023PAElectrical SystemLighting

   There is a special policy to replace faulty tail lamps. However, the policy is only extended through 72,000 miles or 5 years which is ridiculous, and should be a recall. I had my drivers side tail lamp replaced in February 2022 because it was not working. I wasn’t aware of the mileage and year restrictions at that time. Fast forward to today, I have my passenger side tail lamp intermittently working. Now out of the specific time frame, I’m left to encounter this expense out…

   NHTSA complaint #11511723 · source
9. Filed Sep 11, 2022TXFireElectrical System

   While driving down the freeway, I received a warning that the charging system was not working and had a red battery light come on on the dash. I exited the freeway trying to get to a safe place, the dash and infotainment system begun to flash on and off. We heard a loud pop, smelt something burning, saw smoke coming into the cabin and then flames from under the hood near where the battery is located.

   NHTSA complaint #11483879 · source
10. Filed Jun 3, 2022NCBrakesElectrical SystemLighting

    The driver’s side brake light assembly failure of no brake light when brake is applied. It can be inspected upon request. This may cause another driver to not notice intentions to stop or slowdown and cause an accident. This problem is constant. It has not been inspected. No warnings of the failure has been displayed.

    NHTSA complaint #11467261 · source
11. Filed May 27, 2022CABrakesElectrical System

    Both brake lamp assemblies are non-op, no warning in dash and no fuses. GMC #SCA N182180270 stating that 2015 and 2016 Yukon. Extended warranty to 6 years or 72,000 miles. We are out of warranty as of last month. $2,500 to replace the tail lamp assemblies. No letter was sent to owners regarding this safety hazard. This should be a RECALL

    NHTSA complaint #11466444 · source
12. Filed Jan 3, 2022TXCrashBrakesElectrical System

    The engine mounted mechanical vacuum pump output may decrease over time decreasing the amount of vacuum/ power brake assist. And the driverside brake stop light was defective. .me and my wife were scared and shook up. .yes. Dealership. .dealership. No. .

    NHTSA complaint #11446035 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology