CarRecallDB

2016 GMC Yukon XL recalls and problems

3 recalls and 202 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2016 GMC Yukon XL.

3
recalls
202
owner complaints
7
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2016 GMC Yukon XL recalls

Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive · Air bags: frontal · Seat belts: pretensioner

NHTSA campaign 17V437000 · reported July 10, 2017 · General Motors LLC · 40,683 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
The risk
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.

Seat belts: pretensioner · Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive · Air bags: frontal

NHTSA campaign 16V651000 · reported September 8, 2016 · General Motors LLC · 3,640,162 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
The risk
A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.

Suspension: front, control arm

NHTSA campaign 16V256000 · reported April 28, 2016 · General Motors LLC · 3,738 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, GMC Yukon and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. The front upper control arms may have inadequate welds near the control arm bushing.
The risk
Inadequate welds may allow the control arm to separate from the bushing, compromising steering and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right front upper control arms and realign the vehicle, free of charge. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Until the repairs have been made, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 42190.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 23, 2026 · Engine

While driving at about 35-40 mph, vehicle went into limp mode and then stalled. Vehicle would not restart until hours later after being towed. When vehicle started there is the sound of a rod(s) knocking in the engine.

Sep 17, 2026 · Suspension · 108,346 miles

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel locked up. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V256000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was…

Sep 3, 2026 · Power train

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…

Jun 25, 2026 · Chest clip, buckle, harness

After my child had thrown up all over the car seat her father had taken her inside to clean up and I took the car seat apart to throw the pieces into the washer to clean them. The harness strap did not come out fully clean so I contacted Graco for a replacement piece and I was told that they don’t replace those and…

Apr 22, 2026 · Engine · crash reported

My wife was driving down the highway and out of no where there was a loud taping sound, the vehicle started running real bad (skipping), the vehicle lost power and she lost control of the steering. As a result, she ran off the road into a ditch. this is a known concern with the 6.2 liter engines and all signs are…

Yukon XL model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2013 42210
2014 31120
2015 230863
2016 320272
2017 114770
2018 25651
2019 26840

Across all years, the 2015 Yukon XL has the most complaints (308). All GMC Yukon XL years →

Questions

Does the 2016 GMC Yukon XL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2016 GMC Yukon XL, the most recent reported on July 10, 2017 (Air bags: frontal, sensor/control module-inactive, Air bags: frontal, Seat belts: pretensioner). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 GMC Yukon XL?
Owners have filed 202 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is exterior lighting (84 complaints), followed by service brakes (40).
How many 2016 GMC Yukon XL complaints mention a crash or fire?
7 of 202 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 3 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 23, 2026.