2016 GMC Yukon XL transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 3, 2026GATransmission & Drivetrain

   1. My vehicle is having transmission issues with shuddering and shifting. M5U RPO code 8L90 transmission. 2. My safety and the safety of others is a concern if the transmission is not working as intended my vehicle could be at risk an accident that could be avoided. 3. The problem has not be reproduced or confirmed by a dealer I work on my own vehicles and I am going to repair this issue myself if able. 4. There are no trouble codes on my vehicle when scanned with an OBD2…

   NHTSA complaint #11761928 · source
2. Filed Feb 11, 2026MNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   My vehicle has been in 16 times since I bought it the most recent incident is for the engine which started about six months ago. It’s been in since then for other issues concurrently with this one it hesitates like it’s getting stuck in sand before it wants to go first the mechanic told me he didn’t sense it but the thermostat was stuck open so they fix that. Second time it went in they thought it was some sort of a filter and some other components I’m not sure. Again it was…

   NHTSA complaint #11717371 · source
3. Filed Jan 19, 2026OHEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   There is a hesitation when trying to accelerate. The car will then slam forward and there is a rattling noise that the car also makes. This has almost caused accidents. I was driving in town which is where I do most of my driving.

   NHTSA complaint #11711810 · source
4. 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
5. Filed Aug 22, 2025OHOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   I bought 2016 Yukon XL 9/2020. At 74k miles (2022), the transmission was replaced by warranty. Now (2025), at 126k miles, the transmission needs replaced again. This can’t be normal.

   NHTSA complaint #11682518 · source
6. Filed Aug 13, 2025HITransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission is going out and it started with a shudder. The change for the transmission filter and oil was only a temporary fix. It also shifts hard or there is a delay in the shift.

   NHTSA complaint #11680537 · source
7. Filed Jul 9, 2025FLTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission quit working and we were almost in an accident. This is a known issue on the interweb and I think GM needs to step in and help!

   NHTSA complaint #11672231 · source
8. Filed Mar 20, 2025MITransmission & Drivetrain

   When accelerating from a stop, the engines revs up to really high RPM's before shifting hard into 2nd gear, and again while shifting hard into 3rd gear. This started in the last week. The engine/trans currently have ~133,000 miles. Accelerating slowly, not exceeding 1,500-1,700 RPM will reduce this occurence, but it takes significantly longer to get up to speed, which is a problem when entering 55 MPH traffic. We've had to pull off the road to avoid causing an accident while…

   NHTSA complaint #11649607 · source
9. Filed Sep 17, 2024VATransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission constantly jerks taking off under normal operating conditions from a stop, has a hard time staying into gear (hunts for gear) while cruising at highway speeds.slips/slams into gear when attempting to pass.

   NHTSA complaint #11614993 · source
10. Filed Jul 27, 2024ALTransmission & Drivetrain

    Code P0711 appeared during a scan after noticing some roughness during acceleration. Code shows transmission temperature sensor failure which is a known issue and recall for this vehicle model.

    NHTSA complaint #11604893 · source
11. Filed Feb 16, 2024NCEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Merging onto highway and my car would not get up any speed . Was almost crushed by a tractor trailer. If I hadn’t had a long merge lane I could have been killed . Apparently my transmission failed. This is certainly a safety issue . Your car should not just quit! .called dealer and they said the problem is known but gmc is not doing anything about it! Please help 75,000 $ car should last !

    NHTSA complaint #11572380 · source
12. Filed Feb 24, 2023134,000 miTXTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and diagnosed that there was a defect with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11508970 · 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