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Executive Vehicle Verdict

The 2016 GMC Yukon is associated with 266 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 5 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database.

The most frequently reported component area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING, accounting for 80 reports (30% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 12 certified vehicle configurations spanning 5.3l 8-cyl and 6.2l 8-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 17 to 19 MPG combined.

Official Federal Record Profile
  • • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 266 consumer reports filed
  • • Safety Recall Campaigns: 5 official campaigns
  • • Primary Defect Domain: EXTERIOR LIGHTING (80 / 30%)
  • • Field Incident Signals: 4 crash / 0 fire / 4 injury reports
  • • NCAP Crash Safety: 4 / 5 Stars Overall Laboratory Score
  • • EPA Certified Range: 17–19 MPG across 12 powertrain trims
Directly compiled from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA NCAP, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.

What is the fuel economy and range of the 2016 GMC Yukon?

Official EPA laboratory test ratings, electric driving range, and annual energy cost estimates by certified vehicle variant

Variant Engine Drivetrain Transmission City Highway Combined EV Range Est. Annual Fuel Cost
Yukon C1500 2WD 5.3L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 16 MPG 23 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD 5.3L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 16 MPG 23 MPG 19 MPG — $3,250 / yr
Yukon C1500 2WD 5.3L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 16 MPG 23 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD 5.3L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 16 MPG 23 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
Yukon K1500 XL 4WD 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 15 MPG 22 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
Yukon K1500 4WD 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 16 MPG 22 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
Yukon K1500 XL 4WD 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 15 MPG 22 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
Yukon K1500 4WD 5.3L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 6-spd 16 MPG 22 MPG 18 MPG — $3,400 / yr
Yukon C1500 2WD 6.2L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 15 MPG 22 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
Yukon C1500 XL 2WD 6.2L 8-Cyl Rear-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 15 MPG 22 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
Yukon K1500 XL 4WD 6.2L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 14 MPG 20 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
Yukon K1500 4WD 6.2L 8-Cyl 4-Wheel Drive Automatic 8-spd 15 MPG 21 MPG 17 MPG — $3,600 / yr
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.

What are the crash test safety ratings for the 2016 GMC Yukon?

Official 5-Star Safety Ratings evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant Overall Rating Frontal Crash Side Crash Rollover Rating Rollover Risk
SUV 4WD 22.2%
SUV RWD 22.900000000000002%
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2016 GMC Yukon models.
View complete 2016 GMC Yukon crash test & safety breakdown →

What defect complaints are reported for the 2016 GMC Yukon?

Summary of 266 verified consumer defect submissions filed with the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)

Total Complaints
266
Crash Reports
4
Fire Reports
0
Complaints w/ Injury
4
Total Injuries
5

Top Reported Problem Categories

Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 80 complaints
Service Brakes 24 complaints (2 crashes)
Powertrain 21 complaints
Engine 18 complaints
Electrical System 15 complaints

Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.

View all 2016 GMC Yukon problems & component breakdown (59 categories) →

Are there open safety recalls on the 2016 GMC Yukon?

Manufacturer safety recall campaigns monitored and recorded by NHTSA

NHTSA Campaign #16V256000 Active Recall
Affected Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM

Defect Summary: 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.

Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #19V761000 Active Recall
Affected Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

Defect Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.

Free Manufacturer Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
NHTSA Campaign #19V645000 Active Recall
Affected Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Defect Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.

Free Manufacturer Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
View all 2016 GMC Yukon recalls & campaign history (5 campaigns) →
Search Intelligence

Quick Answers: Key Questions Drivers Ask About the 2016 GMC Yukon

Direct, deterministic answers synthesized from verified United States government databases for the 2016 GMC Yukon

How many safety recalls does the 2016 GMC Yukon have?

The 2016 GMC Yukon is associated with 5 official NHTSA safety recall campaigns in AutoUtility's current federal records.

If your individual vehicle is affected by an open safety recall, NHTSA advises owners to contact an authorized franchised dealership for the recall remedy at no charge. Because recall campaigns apply to specific production runs and equipment batches, vehicle owners should verify their 17-digit VIN at NHTSA.gov.

View all 5 recall campaigns & remedy details →
Source: NHTSA Safety Recalls Database (49 U.S.C. 30118)

What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 GMC Yukon?

NHTSA records list 266 consumer defect complaints for the 2016 GMC Yukon. The most frequently referenced vehicle system is EXTERIOR LIGHTING, appearing in 80 filings (30% of submissions).

Consumer complaints represent unverified owner submissions filed under federal reporting guidelines and describe reported component behavior rather than audited failure rates.

Explore full 2016 GMC Yukon defect complaint breakdown →
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)

What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2016 GMC Yukon?

Under the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the 2016 GMC Yukon earned an Overall Safety Rating of 4 out of 5 stars across 2 tested configuration(s).

Laboratory evaluations include a 35 mph frontal barrier crash, side barrier and pole impact tests, and static rollover resistance assessments.

View detailed crash test laboratory breakdown →
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP)

What fuel economy (MPG) does the 2016 GMC Yukon get?

Official EPA laboratory estimates for the 2016 GMC Yukon range from 17 to 19 MPG combined (55% city / 45% highway weighted) depending on engine, transmission, and drivetrain configuration.

Using AutoUtility's standardized operating cost model (15,000 miles/year, $3.50/gal gas, $0.16/kWh electricity), annual energy expenditures range across certified configurations based on official EPA laboratory test baselines.

Compare MPG ratings across all certified trims →
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov Certified Database
Official US Government Data Provenance

The specifications, safety ratings, defect reports, and recall campaigns published on this page are retrieved directly from official United States Government agency databases:

  • NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI): Consumer complaints and defect reports.
  • NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP): Frontal, side, and rollover 5-Star crash safety test ratings.
  • U.S. EPA / FuelEconomy.gov: Standardized multi-cycle dynamometer fuel economy, MPGe, and electric driving range ratings.

Local Production Store Compiled: August 2026 • Deterministic Audited Dataset • Zero Dynamic External API Runtime Latency.