2016 GMC Yukon transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 27, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   Issues with the 8L90 transmission. The shuddering and hesitation has gotten very bad and having to look into options to repair or replace the transmission

   NHTSA complaint #11767209 · source
2. Filed Jun 30, 2026119,637 miTXTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the inspection station for an inspection, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the transmission had seized, and the vehicle failed to move. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred immediately after an unknown device was attached to the vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11747485 · source
3. Filed Apr 30, 2026TXElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission went out very early. Had to get it replaced whenever I reverse. I have to really smash on the break in order for it to stop if it does stop so somethings wrong with the breaking whenever I hit a bump the left side suspension feels like I’m a lose control and sometimes my radio works and sometimes it doesn’t I’ve been trying to work with dealers I have extended warranty on it. They’re saying it’s not covered something about the brake pump is covered, but the…

   NHTSA complaint #11734891 · source
4. Filed May 9, 2025143,000 miARTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle jerked, then briefly lost motive power before the engine seized. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the most recent failure. Days before the failure, the vehicle jerked…

   NHTSA complaint #11659942 · source
5. Filed Apr 29, 2025MOEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   2 months ago our 16 gmc Yukon Denali 6.2 bent a push rod on cylinder 4 . So had to fix it when I took out DOD lifters put them on work bench and about 10 minutes out the DOD lifters flew apart and know having transmission issues it’s starting to shudder ! So I would liked the [XXX] thing recalled because engine still isn’t right either it only has 130000 miles. I’ll never buy a [XXX] gmc because of problems! I want the [XXX] thing fixed ASAP we paid to much money for it to…

   NHTSA complaint #11657648 · source
6. Filed Apr 23, 2025250,000 miALEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly downshifted with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11656273 · source
7. Filed Apr 10, 2025INBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission failure, hard shifting, slipping and loss of power also severe shuddering. Very dangerous driving. I had to have the transmission replaced after taking the vehicle to a dealership and upon verification from same dealership reproducing the transmission failure. Massive financial loss, dealership stated these transmissions are known to fail. Manufacturer has been notified by numerous complaints. Compensation is warranted

   NHTSA complaint #11653984 · source
8. Filed Mar 10, 2025OKEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle briefly shuddered before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the torque converter. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

   NHTSA complaint #11647426 · source
9. Filed Feb 15, 2025AZTransmission & Drivetrain

   Without warning, giving vehicle low consistent pressure on gas pedal to move forward slowly (2-3mph) vehicle rpm jumped up then suddenly shifted and vehicle jerked forward in a school zone. Behavior continued and vehicle was ultimately towed.

   NHTSA complaint #11642956 · source
10. Filed Sep 21, 2024GATransmission & Drivetrain

    While taking my children to school, the vehicles RPMs began to jump, causing the vehicle to lose power. Which resulted in myself and two children stranded on the side of the road. The vehicle had just crossed over 110,000 miles when the transmission completely broke apart from the inside. There was no other warnings or lights that appeared on the dash prior to or after. We had been given an estimate from GM for $6200 for a new transmission.. but that was extremely difficult…

    NHTSA complaint #11615749 · source
11. Filed Sep 5, 2024INTransmission & Drivetrain

    The transmission malfunctions, shifting is inconsistent and shifts by itself. Shudders and causes the engine to increase and decrease in RPMS. This causes the engine to lose power. The truck will slow because of bad shifting and stall. The dealer did a diagnostic test and verified the transmission problem. The vehicle was inspected by the vehicle brand dealership. There were no warning lights or any other signs of the transmission failure.

    NHTSA complaint #11612932 · source
12. Filed Jan 10, 2023LATransmission & Drivetrain

    On December 6, 2022, while I was driving on a busy highway, my 2016 GMC Yukon jumped out of gear and slowed down until it was at a dead stop. I managed to pull over on the shoulder, but not before I came extremely close to another car running to the side of the vehicle at an intersection. Luckily the other driver had good breaks! Once I passed this busy intersection, I inched it very slowly to the shoulder. Luckly the road was on a decline and not an incline. I called a tow…

    NHTSA complaint #11501092 · 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