2016 GMC Yukon transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

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 while being inspected. The contact informed the inspector of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,637.

NHTSA complaint #11747485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 belts are not. The transmission was put in only because it left me stranded. Otherwise I would’ve been stuck paying for that. The dealership actually helped me with that. My GPS turns on and off sometime. I’m not sure if it’s electrical

NHTSA complaint #11734891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

NHTSA complaint #11659942 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS, LURCHES FORWARD UNCONTROLABLY, AND HARD SHIFTS

NHTSA complaint #11657818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 be having problems!!!! Please send a recall letter to fix it ! [XXX] . 4/29/2025 6:53 p:m INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11657648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 to afford. We ultimately had to have the transmission rebuilt due to it costing $3,000 less, so we could continue going to work. We are still having issues with the transmission even after taking to back for a 2nd time to be reprogrammed. It’s extremely frustrating to have paid so much for this Yukon to have transmission go out with as many miles as it did, plus with no warnings.

NHTSA complaint #11615749 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission failure at 90,000 miles

NHTSA complaint #11592456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 truck to tow the vehicle to a certified GM mechanic. The shop verified that the transmission went out. The mechanic stated that there was really nothing I could have done to prevent it without some type of warning. The vehicle only had 81,000 miles at the time and there were no warning lights blinking or signs that it was about to go out. Only sign was that morning while driving to work there was a hard shift between 2nd and 3rd gear but it wasn’t long after that the transmission went out. I had a new transmission installed on 12/09/2022.

NHTSA complaint #11501092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I currently have 109024 miles on my yukon. At the time the issue first occurred, it had 108998 miles. Up til that moment, it was running perfectly. About 5 miles into my drive on 11/13/2022 it started to shutter at the top of 2nd gear, then a hard shift into 3rd. The shutter repeated at the top of 3rd, before a hard shift into 4th gear. I turned around & returned home. Checked the fluids, everything was fine. Let it sit, had to drive it to work (6 miles or so) on 11/14/22 & it shuttered at the top of 2nd & 3rd gear again. Took it to Wallingford Buick GMC (in CT) Tuesday 11/15/22. Upon inspection, it was confirmed the transmission failed. $6538.31 for a new, replacement transmission. It's still at the shop, waiting for the new transmission to be delivered. I've maintained my vehicle, have regular oil changes & inspections of the powertrain components. This came totally out of the blue. No warnings, or any indication of pending doom.

NHTSA complaint #11494213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

We first noticed the vehicle's lack of power and sudden increase when driving at a stop light/sign. We checked and REPLACED spark plugs, cables, coils, and a new battery. We became highly concerned when the vehicle would accelerate while driving and the RPMs would toggle between 500-1500 RPMS without pressing the gas. We immediately took it to an authorized mechanic, who found excessive noise from the transmission area and found debris/metal. No codes were present when a system performance was done. The vehicle only has 68806 miles on the odometer. The transmission had to be fully replaced, which cost over $7k. The replacement was done. This seems to be a common issue (Transmission replacements) with this vehicle as now we're hearing more about it. PLEASE check this as we could have easily been in an accident from the loss or increase of power without notice and NO WARNING lamp indications. This was a very expensive repair caused by the manufacture and not user error. We paid a lot for this particular vehicle and certainly love it but am concerned about this expensive safety/mechanical issue. Please call me for any questions[XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #11492616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was sputtering. The contact stated that the sound had increased over time. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the transmission gear oil had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact learned that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V374000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #11483476 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Had transmission serviced at the dealer in May 2021. The RPM's are revving in first gear and my mechanic said I need to go back to dealer to have the transmission serviced again. There have been multiple reported problems with this transmission and a recall needs to be issued. The DT-45096 TransFLow Cooler Flush Machine and DT-52263 Transmission Fluid exchange kit with Mobil 1 fluid was requested at the May 2021 visit.

NHTSA complaint #11474160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact's sister owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact's husband was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle was only able to reverse but not drive forward. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, where it was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11457887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM gauge was high, and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to her residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure could be related to the transmission. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the next available appointment was in January 2022. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA complaint #11442797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I PURCHASED MY CAR BRAND NEW. AFTER ONE WEEK I NOTICE MY CAR JERKING WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP I BROUGHT IT FROM, THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THATS HOW IT CHANGES GEARS FROM 4 CYLINDER TO 8 CYLINDER. SO ME BELIEVING IN THE SERVICE MANAGER, I WENT ALONG WITH HIM. WELL AFTER HAVING DIFFERENT PEOPLE RIDE WITH ME THEY ASKED ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR NEE CAR? WHY IS IT SHIFTING GEARS SO HARD. SO I TOOK IT BACK IN TO DEALERSHIP I TALK TO SAME SERVICE MANAGER THAT MY CAR IS JERKING AND MAKING A LOUD NOISE . WELL LETS JUST SAY I GOT THE RUN AROUND. THEN 6 MONTHS LATER I TOOK IT BACK AND FORTH MULTIPLE TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM. NOW THIS TIME MY TURNING SIGNALS WE BLINKING ON AND OFF, WHENEVER I WASHED MY CAR OR IT RAINED. THEN MY FRONT HEADLIGHTS WERE DOING THE SAME THING, THEN THE BACK TAIL LIGHTS WERE GOING ON AND OFF. NOW ONTO MY HEATED AND A/C SEATS WERE NOT WORKING. THEN MY INTERIOR LIGHTS WETE STAYING ON, MONITOR DISPLAY WAS SHORTING OUT. NOW IT 2020 AND MY HOOD AND TOP OF THE CAR ARE OXIDIZING. I THOUGHT I PAID $80k FOR THIS CAR AND THIS WHAT HAPPENS!! I PARK IN THE GARAGE TOO! THERE IS ALOT MORE PROBLEMS TO ADD, BUT NOT ENOUGH SPACE TO PUT DOWN. IM DEALING WITH THE GMC HEADQUARTERS NOW. MY CAR IS A LEMON!!

NHTSA complaint #11436249 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

A/C Condensing Unit leaking. Appears to Leak from small tack weld on the top area of the condensing unit. All of the R134 went out and left with no A/C. Seems to be a common problem and ignored by GMC.

NHTSA complaint #11423518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle shudders, jerks excessively, and shifts erratically when accelerating. Had transmission serviced, fluid flushed, pan cleaned, transmission filter changed. Metal shavings were found in the pan and filter and covering magnet in pan. During flush metal shavings were recovered from oil cooler. Transmission continues to display same symptoms and rpms fluctuate during steady acceleration described as evidence of transmission slipping. Vehicle has not been serviced by dealer. No warning lamps or DTC indicated. Approximately 1500 miles after service during follow up inspection, metal shavings/debris were found in fluid on dipstick. All gm recommended parts and fluids used during service.

NHTSA complaint #11421656 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

MY 2016 GMC YUKON SLE VIBRATES REALLY BAD ON HIGH SPEEDS STARTS FROM 70MPH AND UP I TOOK IT TO DO A WHEEL BALANCE AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE ALSO I CHECK THE VIN FOR ANY RECALLS AND NOTHING I SEARCH AND I HAVE SEEN THAT ALL CHEVY TAHOES CADILLAC ESCALADE GMC YUKON HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY HAVENT FIX IT. DOES ANY ONE KNOWS HOW TO FIX IT OR IF THERES GONNA BE ANY RECALL ON THE PROBLEM.. THANK YOU

NHTSA complaint #11415735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

OUR GMC YUKON LOCKED INTO 4WD WHILE ACCELERATING/DRIVING (APPROX 15-25MP) THE KIDS TO SCHOOL THROUGH THE NEIGHBOURHOOD, JERKED VIOLENTLY AS THOUGH BRAKING HARD, AND STEERING WAS EXTREMELY IMPAIRED. THE "SERVICE 4WD" MESSAGE APPEARED ON OUR DASHBOARD. THE YUKON IS LOCKED IN 4WD, AND EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND MANEVEUR. IT JERKS VIOLENLY WHEN TURNING. WE ARE UNABLE TO DRIVE DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS.

NHTSA complaint #11402500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

WHILE DRIVING MY CHILDREN TO PRACTICE MY VEHICLE JERKED US FORWARD IN A VIOLENT MOTION AS IF ANOTHER CAR HIT US AND THERE WAS NO ONE ON THE ROAD. AFTERWARDS THE CAR SLOWED TO ABOUT 5-20MILES AN HOUR AND WOULD NOT DRIVE ANY FASTER. I STOPPED AT THE NEAREST INTERSECTION AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND TURNED ON AGAIN AND WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD TO SAFETY. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND I HAVE ALREADY BEEN TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE THE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACED. I HAVE COMPLAINED SEVERAL TIMES TO NO AVAIL ABOUT THIS ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11385334 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

FAULTY TORQUE CONVERTER

NHTSA complaint #11375449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHUDDER AND JERK UPON ACCELERATION AT 30K. DEALERSHIP CHANGED FLUID. AT 60K VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHUDDER AND JERK UPON ACCELERATION AND LURCH FORWARD OR BACKWARD ALTHOUGH BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. INITIAL, BRIEF DIAGNOSES REVEALS A BAD TORQUE CONVERTER. THIS ISSUE WAS NOTED IN 4 TSB. TSB ID #PIP5337K, TSB ID #PIP5337F, TSB ID #16-NA-014, AND TSB ID #PIP5337H. NOW THAT MY FACTORY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED, GM MAINTAINS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS PROBLEM-- ALTHOUGH THEY SAW IT WHILE COVERED UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY, THERE IS A CURRENT CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT WITH GM REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THE SHUDDERING, SHAKING, JERKING AND HESITATION IS RELATED TO INTERNAL ISSUES WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION AND/OR TORQUE CONVERTER CAUSING FRICTION SURFACES, HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS, AND GEARS TO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, AND RESULTING IN METAL SHAVINGS BEING CIRCULATED THROUGHOUT THE TRANSMISSION. OVER TIME, DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION AND TORQUE CONVERTER OCCURS. CONSUMERS FACE ESCALATING REPAIRS THAT CAN INCLUDE FLUSHING THE TRANSMISSION OF METAL SHAVINGS CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION OPERATION, AND WHICH EVENTUALLY NECESSITATE THE REPLACEMENT OF COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE TORQUE CONVERTER, VALVE BODY, OR THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION. AS SUCH, THE TRANSMISSION DEFECT ENDANGERS THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS OF THE VEHICLES, AND DIMINISHES THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLES. FURTHERMORE, THE DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGES THAT METAL SHAVINGS DUE TO FRICITON COULD HAVE PASSED THROUGH THE SYSTEM CAUSING FURTHER DAMAGE BUT WILL NOT REMOVE THE TRANSMISSION FOR FULL AND THROROUGH DIAGNOSES.

NHTSA complaint #11362418 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

VEHICLE HAVING ISSUES WITH JERKING AND ACCELERATION WHILE IN MOTION HAPPENED TO VEHICLE IN ALL SETTINS HIGHWAY STREET HILLS FLAT SURFACE ROADS AND TURNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED NOTIFIED BY GMC DEALER THAT TORQUE CONVERTER CRUMBLING INSIDE OF 2016-2017 YUKON RECOMMENDED TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION DUE TO CRUMBLING AND ISSUES CAUSED BY CRUMBLING . CRUMBLING NOT FROM ACCIDENT OR WEAR OR TEAR IN VEHICLE OPERATIONS IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW/MANUFACTURER DEFECT. GMC WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ISSUE OR FAILURE. ONLINE RESEARCHED PROVIDED SHOWS MULTIPLE FAILURES OF THIS ISSUE TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT PART $500 NEW TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT IS $5634.00 CONTACTED GMC HEADQUARTERS, CUSTOMER SERVICE AN DEALERSHIP WITH NO RESOLUTION. DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS UNTIL I PAY FOR REPAIRS.ORIGINAL ESTIMATE COST OF $5634.00 NOW ESCALATED TO 6300.00 FOR A REPLACEMENT PART THAT COST APPROX $500. UNETHICAL, PREDATORY, UNFAIR.

NHTSA complaint #11329229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

AFTER LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP WHEN GETTING THE BRAKE RECALL UPDATED WITHIN 48HRS MY TRANSMISSION STARTS SHUDDERING! NEVER HAD A SINGLE PROBLEM UNTIL THE RECALL WAS UPDATED! WAS TOLD THERE IS ONLY A FLUID FLUSHING AVAILABLE FOR THE 8CYL TRANSMISSION NOT THE 6CYL! WAS TOLD THAT I WAS OUT OF MY POWER TRAIN AT 82K MILES AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET TO FIX THE TOURQUE CONVERTER OR BY A NEW TRANSMISSION! PLUS WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TILL AFTER JANUARY 2020 BECAUSE THEY ARE BACKED UP FROM OTHER VEHICLES HAVING THE SAME ISSUES! THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THE 8CYL BUT NOTHING FOR THE 6! WHY? I LOVE MY CAR AND YOU WOULD THINK AT 70K IT WOULD BE MORE RELIABLE AND GM WOULD BACK THEIR PRODUCT! I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE MAKERS OF GM AND WITH THE ISSUES I'M LOOKING AT WITH NO RELIEF IN SIGHT I WOULD BE BETTER OFF TRADING FOR A FORD OR ANYTHING OTHER THAN GM! I'M REALLY HOPING THAT IS NOT THE CASE AND GM WILL OFFER A FIX FOR THESE ISSUES!

NHTSA complaint #11271564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC YUKON. AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT OPERATE WHILE IN THE DRIVE OR REVERSE POSITIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHEEHAN BUICK GMC (2800 SEVERAL HWY, POMPANO BEACH, FL 33064) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA complaint #11255883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.