FaultScore

2016 GMC Yukon headlight problems

105 of the 368 complaints about the 2016 GMC Yukon are about the lighting — 29% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 53,000 miles.

C

105

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Exterior Lighting 97 92.4%
Tail Lights 4 3.8%
Brake Lights 4 3.8%

Lights across every GMC Yukon year

2015 269 63.6%
2016 105 24.8%
2017 49 11.6%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Wetumpka, AL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The LED left turn signal and blind spot detection ( safety feature) on the left outside rear view mirror suddenly stopped working. The is a TSB for warranty for 2016-2018 GM YUKON (#10-08-64-002D) and it states that the bulletin has been revised to include 2016-2018 year models for this defect. I am starting this claim because I am told by GM that my VIN is not covered under this warranty, yet I am experiencing the same issue stated in the TSB listed above.

NHTSA complaint #11692277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Monclova, OH

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Both driver and passenger tail light/ brake light assemblies have failed. They started intermittently going out and then failed all together. There is a VERY common issue with these lights. They have been replaced at an approximate cost of $650.00 per light.

NHTSA complaint #11594367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 104,000 miles Liberty, MS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who stated that the taillights needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer covered under Special Coverage Adjustment: N182180270 (Tail Lamps Inoperative). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA complaint #11577149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Palisade, MN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The rear taillights both went out due to a design issue with the LED circuit board - where the connections on the board crack and cause the lights to fail

NHTSA complaint #11541832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Galesburg, MI

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Passenger taillight goes out. Replaced it twice now and now I have to do it again a 3rd time. They know of this issue but have done nothing to fix it or offer anything to help cover cost

NHTSA complaint #11521929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Columbia, SC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Both rail lights went out at the same time. No reason whatsoever

NHTSA complaint #11504571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bakersfield, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Left tail light flickers, after reading internet comments learned that tail light board connections are made of very flimsy metal material, they crack with normal vehicle operations. LED lamps are fine but the power connections to the lamps breaks therefore it renders taillights useless. Replacement cost of those lamps are $700-$800 parts alone. On the internet there is some information I’ll attach that pdf

NHTSA complaint #11478375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 81,000 miles Visalia, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that she was notified by a police officer that the passenger’s side taillight was inoperable. Additionally, the driver’s side taillight was flashing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA complaint #11474992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,000 miles Madisonville, KY

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, he was notified by other motorists that the brake lights were inoperable. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the brake lights were intermittently inoperable while depressing the brake pedal. The dealer was notified about the failure and scheduled an appointment. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA complaint #11474782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rocky Mount, NC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Passage tail, brake light works when it want. One day it work the next day it don’t! I’m scared that I will get pulled by the police or somebody hit me in the back.

NHTSA complaint #11472979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hobe Sound, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TAIL LIGHTS/BRAKE LIGHTS /SIGNAL LIGHTS GO ON AND GO OFF DANGER OF BEING HIT FROM THE REAR DEALER AND INDEPENDENT SERVICE HAS CONFIRMED DEFECT AND SAY IT IS COMMON VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BE THE POLICE OR INSURANCE THERE WAS NO WARNING LAMPS OR MESSAGES FIRST DISCOVER 2 YEARS AGO WHEN DRIVERS WOULD PULL UP AND SAY THE LIGHTS WERE OUT......WE WOULD STOP AND LOOK THEY WOULD COME BACK ON

NHTSA complaint #11468722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlottesville, VA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The passenger brake light intermittently stops working.

NHTSA complaint #11468237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wilmington, NC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The drivers side rear brake lights stopped working. GM did a warranty extension ( that admits an issue).but ours just expired.. this is an $800 to $1000 repair that owners should NOT have to pay.. GM refuses to cover this expense. This is an absolute SAFTEY ISSUE. Of course, any law enforcement officer will agree as they will write a safety violation ticket (as they should) I understand that owners are responsible for all maintenance of their vehicles, but this issue is a flaw in design. Most owners ( like us) can’t afford to pay this outrageous price for a simple break light replacement. As the entity of government that oversees the manufacture of these vehicles, there MUST be a safety recall!! Honestly, I am disappointed that no safety recall hasn’t been ordered for this issue. This problem is going to result in many many rear end accidents. Please fix this and save lives. Thank You [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

NHTSA complaint #11467289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 134,000 miles Goreville, IL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while stopped at a stop sign, the driver behind her notified her that the brake lights were inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed with brake light failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.

NHTSA complaint #11463864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Valencia, CA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Driver side, rear lighting fixture not working. All lights for brakes, reverse, do not work. I had to replace the entire light assembly on the Passenger side previously.

NHTSA complaint #11444872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vestavia, AL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The rear lights on my vehicle - including brake lights - intermittently stop working. I was unaware of this issue until I had someone follow me to my destination to make me aware. This is extremely dangerous that could lead to a wreck with the potential of bodily injury. GMC has issued a service bulletin (admitting to using faulty parts) related to this problem, however, they have limited the coverage to mileage and year. GMC should be required to issue a full recall on any vehicle impacted by this serious safety concern.

NHTSA complaint #11439166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 79,425 miles Johnson City, TN

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while reversing, his wife noticed that the driver’s side brake light was not illuminating. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,425.

NHTSA complaint #11433573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lyman, SC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Passenger side brake light not working. Bulb replacement not available to purchase and you have to take to dealership for $800 plus repair. 72k miles on vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11424386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Gordon, GA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

GMC has a bulletin “recall” that stated that the tail lights of their vehicles were not illuminating on vehicles. In 2019 we took our vehicle in to have the defect covered because our passenger tail light stopped working. We are now having the same issue with our driver light but they are stating that the recall only covered one light with knowledge that both lights are defective. Only one light was replaced. They also had a recall on a defective air compressor that we paid $580 for but because of mileage it was not covered. I spoke with a rep by the name of Angellica in the complaint department that confirmed that the letters regarding the air compressors were sent in November of 2017 and I did not receive that notice during that time. I purchased the vehicle in April of 2017. If any part of a vehicle is defective, or poorly made coverage should not end and defective parts should be replaced. We are looking to be reimbursed for repairs and coverage provided for the second light on our vehicle. GM refuses to resolve this issue and is placing my family in danger with defective parts on this vehicle. I am looking for this to be resolved as soon as possible. This is poor business and the quality of this vehicle that is 5 years old is poor. Attached you will see the invoice from the dealer states that the wiring is bad but coverage was expired due to mileage. If defective parts are in a vehicle there should not be a limitation on getting them replaced. GM made this mistake and it needs to be corrected.

NHTSA complaint #11422149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Zachary, LA

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

REAR TAIL LIGHTS INOPERABLE AND BRAKE LIGHTS NOT OPERATING. WHEN I ASKED DEALER ABOUT PROBLEM THEY SAID GM HAD EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES SINCE THEY NEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THEM EXTENDING THE WARRANTY. VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY REAR LIGHTS WORKING WHICH IS EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA complaint #11416026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ormond Beach, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I SEE ALMOST 200 COMPLAINTS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE? NOT SURE THE POINT OF THIS WEBSITE, BUT, I'M GOING TO PUT MY 2 CENTS IN. MY 2016 YUKON DENALI PASSANGER BRAKE LIGHT HAS GONE OUT, LIKE MANY, MANY OF OTHER PEOPLE. WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL? OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. AFTER MANY VIDEOS I HAVE WATCHED I SEE THAT THE CIRCIT BOARD COMES APART AND CAN'T BE REPAIRED BUT ONLY REPLACED, AT A EXTREMLY HIGH PRICE. I'VE ALSO SEEN MANY TAIL LIGHT ON THESE YUKONS WORK OFF AND ON, SO, RANDOMLY THEY CAN NOT WORK AT ANY TIME AND POSSIBLY GET YOU REAR ENDED. HOW DO I FILE A CIVIL ACTION COMPLAINT TO HAVE GMC ADDRESS THIS COMPLAINT AND RESOLVE THIS ISSUE? PLEASE ADVISE.

NHTSA complaint #11398196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Homestead, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

BRAKE LIGHTS CUTS ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVING AND THIRD BRAKE LIGHT IS OFF ON MY 2016 VEHICLE ALSO WHEN STEP ON BRAKES PEDAL SOMETIMES GOES TO FLOOR VEHICLE HARD TO STOP A FOR SURE DANGEROUS SITUATION

NHTSA complaint #11390559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 96,000 miles Rock Hill, SC

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE REAR LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT, I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO REPLACE THEM BECAUSE MY VEHICLE MILEAGE IS OUTSIDE OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AMONG THE 2016 GMC YUKON'S AND I DO NOT THINK IT IS FAIR THAT I HAVE TO COVER THE REPAIR.

NHTSA complaint #11384672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 67,000 miles Vicksburg, MS

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

I HAVE ALREADY HAD TO REPLACE RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT DUE TO GOING OUT AND NOW THE LEFT ONE HAS WENT OUT. THESE ARE VERY EXPENSIVE LIGHTS. THEY ARE FAULTY AND NEED TO BE RECALLED.

NHTSA complaint #11365650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 39,316 miles Jacksonville, FL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE REAR TAIL LAMPS SPORADICALLY WOULD LIGHT UP WITH DRIVING LIGHTS FOR AWHILE, BUT COULD NEVER GET FAILURE TO SHOW UP FOR DEALER DIAGNOSIS. FINALLY LIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY EXCEPT FOR SIDE MARKER. WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK, CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE. DEALER WAS THEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSIS AND FOUND SHORT IN LED LIGHT CIRCUIT BOARD ASSEMBLIES HAS GONE BAD AND BOTH LIGHTS WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT. LAMPS WERE REPLACED UNDER 80/20 WARRANTY OFFER. TOTAL OUT OF POCKET COST TO ME/CONSUMER: $492.75. I FEEL THIS IS SAFETY ISSUE ON NEWER MODEL VEHICLE AND LIGHTS SERVICE LIFE SHOULD BE MUCH LONGER THAN 4 YEARS. ESPECIALLY SINCE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE FOR 4 WEEKS BECAUSE OF CONCERN WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS, NO REAR LIGHTS AT DARK AND CHANCE OF BEING STOPPED FOR A TRAFFIC INFRACTION.

NHTSA complaint #11361084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,655 miles Pflugerville, TX

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER WHICH SUGGESTED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE DIAGNOSED IN REGARDS TO THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COVERT BUICK GMC (11750 RESEARCH BLVD, STE D, AUSTIN, TX 78759, (512) 371-6075) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO FAILURES OR ISSUES FOUND WITH THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. THE DEALER DISREGARDED THE LETTER AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ISSUE RECURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO HER CUSTODY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE FORMER DIAGNOSIS WAS CONFIRMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME DEALER DECLINED THE PURCHASE OF THE PART NEEDED TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,655.

NHTSA complaint #11353750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Jenks, OK

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THE LED BRAKE LIGHT STOPPED WORKING DUE TO FAULTY CIRCUIT.

NHTSA complaint #11351915 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 85,000 miles North Riverside, IL

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

RIGHT REAR LED TAILLIGHT IS INTERMITTENTLY NOT WORKING. NOT SURE WHY IT WORKS AT TIMES, AND NOT AT OTHER TIMES, BUT WHEN THE TAILLIGHT IS NOT WORKING NEITHER IS THAT BRAKE LIGHT. THIS STARTED ABOUT AUGUST 1, 2020.

NHTSA complaint #11350189 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seaford, DE

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

FAULTY TAIL LIGHTS. TAIL LIGHT DOES NOT CONSISTENTLY STAY LIT. THIS FAULTY LIGHT IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT

NHTSA complaint #11348906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Buxton, ME

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT WENT OUT, WHEN YOU PULL THE LIGHT OUT IT STARTS TO WORK, REPLACE THE LIGHT BACK INTO THE CAR AND IT DIES AGAIN. THIS SEEM TO BE A ISSUES WITH A LOT OF PEOPLE. ITS VERY COSTLY TO HAVE TO KEEP REPLACING LED TAIL LIGHTS!

NHTSA complaint #11330173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2016 GMC Yukon problems

← Full 2016 GMC Yukon report