Is the 2016 Gmc YUKON DENALI reliable?

The 2016 Gmc YUKON DENALI has 28 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: LIGHTING problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Gmc YUKON DENALI?

Top problems: LIGHTING (7 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (4 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (3 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Gmc YUKON DENALI?

No recalls have been issued for the 2016 Gmc YUKON DENALI.

How much does it cost to insure a 2016 Gmc YUKON DENALI?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Gmc YUKON DENALI is approximately $1,449/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2016 Gmc YUKON DENALI

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2016 Gmc YUKON DENALI has 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 40. The most common issue is lighting problems (25% of all complaints), specifically: brake light went out at 58k miles, it's an led light and should not go out that fast. upon research this seems to be a manufacture defect effecting 2015-2017 gmc yukons. at no point did my car alert me of the issue, luckily someone pointed it out to me before it caused a wreck.

2 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

LIGHTING

7 complaints

25%

• BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT AT 58K MILES, IT'S AN LED LIGHT AND SHOULD NOT GO OUT THAT FAST. UPON RESEARCH THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURE DEFECT EFFECTING 2015-2017 GMC YUKONS. AT NO POINT DID MY CAR ALERT ME OF THE ISSUE, LUCKILY SOMEONE POINTED IT OUT TO ME BEFORE IT CAUSED A WRECK
• FAULTY TAIL LIGHT HOUSING, RESULTS IN TAIL/BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING. NOT THE RESULT OF DAMAGE, SIMPLY BAD DESIGN IN THE LED HOUSING AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS. THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION WAS POORLY CONSTRUCTED, AND THE ONLY FIX IS TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE ENTIRE HOUSING AT $750 INCLUDING LABOR.
• OEM LED TAIL LIGHTS HAVE FAILED ON MY GMC WITH 40,000 MILES ON IT. THE BULB IS GOOD, YET THE LED PORTION (WHICH COSTS OVER $800 TO FIX) NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS PORTION IS THE ENTIRE REAR BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING. THIS IS VERY COMMON AMONG THESE VEHICLES HEATED SEATS QUIT WORKING ON DENALI. THE BA

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT AT 58K MILES, IT'S AN LED LIGHT AND SHOULD NOT GO OUT THAT FAST. UPON RESEARCH THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURE DEFECT EFFECTING 2015-2017 GMC YUKONS. AT NO POINT DID MY CAR ALERT ME OF THE ISSUE, LUCKILY SOMEONE POINTED IT OUT TO ME BEFORE IT CAUSED A WRECK”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Gmc YUKON DENALI

Based on 21 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 45K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

In line with typicalmedian 52K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Gmc YUKON DENALI

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,449

Full coverage / month

$121

Liability only / year

$598

vs US avg

-13%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1449

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc YUKON DENALI Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Gmc New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2016 YUKON DENALI, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 28 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
LIGHTING: BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT AT 58K MILES, IT'S AN LED LIGHT AND SHOULD NOT GO OUT THAT FAST. UPON RESEARCH THIS SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURE DEFECT EFFECTING 2015-2017 GMC YUKONS. AT NO POINT DID MY CAR ALERT ME OF THE ISSUE, LUCKILY SOMEONE POINTED IT OUT TO ME BEFORE IT CAUSED A WRECK
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED THIS 2016 GMC YUKON XL DENALI THERE HAS BEEN A VIBRATION IN WHAT I THINK IS THE PASSENGER REAR END. I'VE TAKEN IT IN 3 TIMES AND EACH TIME THE DEALER AND THE GM REPRESENTATIVE SAY IT IS "WITHIN SPEC." THIS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE IS NOW ALMOST UN-DRIVABLE DUE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED THIS 2016 GMC YUKON XL DENALI THERE HAS BEEN A VIBRATION IN WHAT I THINK IS THE PASSENGER REAR END. I'VE TAKEN IT IN 3 TIMES AND EACH TIME THE DEALER AND THE GM REPRESENTATIVE SAY IT IS "WITHIN SPEC." THIS PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE IS NOW ALMOST UN-DRIVABLE DUE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: 2016 GMC YUKON DENALI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DISTRACTING COMPUTER EQUIPMENT IN VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLICATED, ERRATIC, AND CONFUSING. UPDATED 10/2/2017*JS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)