Is the 2016 Gmc YUKON reliable?

The 2016 Gmc YUKON has 366 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: LIGHTING problems.

What are common problems with the 2016 Gmc YUKON?

Top problems: LIGHTING (105 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (53 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (53 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2016 Gmc YUKON?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL, SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM. Contact any Gmc dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to charge a 2016 Gmc YUKON?

The 2016 Gmc YUKON has an EPA rating of 18 MPGe. At the current US average residential electricity rate, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $4269. State rates vary significantly — see the interactive calculator on this page.

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

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2016 Gmc YUKON is approximately $1,781/year (ev-mainstream 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.

Does the 2016 Gmc YUKON qualify for tax credits?

The federal EV tax credit (Section 30D) expired for vehicles acquired after September 30, 2025. If purchased before that date, the 2016 Gmc YUKON may still qualify on the 2025 tax return. State-level incentives remain active in 13+ states — see the incentives section on this page for details.

2016 Gmc YUKON

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Gmc YUKON has 366 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.5x the segment average of 149. The most common issue is lighting problems (29% of all complaints), specifically: headlights are too dim and do not provide appropriate visibility for safe driving at night, particularly when navigating curvy roads as the lights do not project an adequate distance. factory bulbs have been replaced with another brand with minimal improvement.. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports 1 injury

366

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

2.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

LIGHTING

105 complaints

29%

• HEADLIGHTS ARE TOO DIM AND DO NOT PROVIDE APPROPRIATE VISIBILITY FOR SAFE DRIVING AT NIGHT, PARTICULARLY WHEN NAVIGATING CURVY ROADS AS THE LIGHTS DO NOT PROJECT AN ADEQUATE DISTANCE. FACTORY BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH ANOTHER BRAND WITH MINIMAL IMPROVEMENT.
• WIFE DRIVING CHILDREN HOME AT NIGHT. USED DASH LIGHT DIMMER WHEEL TO ADJUST DASH BRIGHTNESS. CAUSED ALL LIGHTS, INCLUDING HEADLIGHTS TO TURN OFF
• REAR TAIL LIGHTS HAVE MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND ENTIRE PANEL NEEDS TO BE FIXED AS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE DUE TO LIGHTING FAILURE. SAFETY ISSUE OF BRAKE LIGHTS NOT WORKING AND MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO REPAIR ENTIRE TAIL LIGHT.

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

“HEADLIGHTS ARE TOO DIM AND DO NOT PROVIDE APPROPRIATE VISIBILITY FOR SAFE DRIVING AT NIGHT, PARTICULARLY WHEN NAVIGATING CURVY ROADS AS THE LIGHTS DO NOT PROJECT AN ADEQUATE DISTANCE. FACTORY BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH ANOTHER BRAND WITH MINIMAL IMPROVEMENT.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2016 Gmc YUKON

Based on 181 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 53K 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+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 43K mi · 24 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 53K mi · 23 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 47K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 56K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

LIGHTING

Later than typicalmedian 53K mi · 69 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Later than typicalmedian 90K mi · 17 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.

Recalls (5)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM06/09/2019

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.

Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Charging Cost Calculator for 2016 Gmc YUKON

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local electricity price)

Per year

$4,230

Per month

$353

Per mile

35.3¢

kWh/mi

1.87

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Gmc YUKON

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

$1,781

Full coverage / month

$148

Liability only / year

$665

vs US avg

+6%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (ev-mainstream)1.18x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1781

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

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc YUKON 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, 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.

EV Incentives for 2016 Gmc YUKON

Updated 2026-07

Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30

Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.

State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)

CaliforniaUp to $12,000

Clean Cars 4 All

ColoradoUp to $5,000

Innovative Motor Vehicle Credit

ConnecticutUp to $4,250

CHEAPR (Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate)

DelawareUp to $2,500

Clean Vehicle Rebate

IllinoisUp to $4,000

Illinois EV Rebate Program

MarylandUp to $3,000

Excise Tax Credit for Plug-in Electric Vehicles

MassachusettsUp to $3,500

MOR-EV

New JerseyUp to $4,000

Charge Up New Jersey

New YorkUp to $2,000

Drive Clean Rebate

OregonUp to $7,500

Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate

PennsylvaniaUp to $3,000

Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Rebate Program

Rhode IslandUp to $2,500

DRIVEEV

TexasUp to $2,500

Light-Duty Motor Vehicle Purchase or Lease Incentive

VermontUp to $5,000

Incentive Program for New Electric Vehicles

See full state-by-state EV incentive details

Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.

Estimated Repair Costs

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 366 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
LIGHTING: HEADLIGHTS ARE TOO DIM AND DO NOT PROVIDE APPROPRIATE VISIBILITY FOR SAFE DRIVING AT NIGHT, PARTICULARLY WHEN NAVIGATING CURVY ROADS AS THE LIGHTS DO NOT PROJECT AN ADEQUATE DISTANCE. FACTORY BULBS HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH ANOTHER BRAND WITH MINIMAL IMPROVEMENT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: SAID VEHICLE MAINTAINS A DEFECT THAT SUBSTANTIALLY IMPAIRS ITS USE AND SAFETY AND DOES NOT CONFORM TO APPLICABLE WARRANTY PROVISIONS. THE VEHICLE'S INFOTAINMENT/INTELLILINK SYSTEM BECAME COMPLETELY DYSFUNCTIONAL ON JANUARY 14, 2017, AND SAID CONDITION WAS REPORTED TO GMC'S INFOTAINMENT CUSTOMER SUP
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: WHILE EXITING THE OHIO TURNPIKE, MY BRAKE PEDAL BEGAN TO STOP DEPRESSING COMPLETELY- TO THE POINT WHERE I COULDN'T PUSH DOWN AT ALL. IT FELT LIKE AN OVER-PUMPED KEG. AS I CONTINUED MY EXIT TOWARD THE TOLL BOOTH, IT SEEMED THAT THE ABS WERE ENGAGING, BUT I WASN'T IN AN EMERGENCY BRAKING SITUATION. T
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: THE VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION UNEXPECTEDLY SLIPS OUT OF GEAR BETWEEN 20 AND 35 MPH. WHEN THIS OCCURS, PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR MERELY REVS THE ENGINE, WITHOUT FORWARD MOTION. THIS OCCURRED 4 TIMES IN THE FIRST 600 MILES OF OPERATION. WITHOUT POWER, I CAN'T NAVIGATE OUT OF A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)