2016 GMC Yukon XL power train problems
33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2016 GMC Yukon XL — 17% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“1. My vehicle is having transmission issues with shuddering and shifting. M5U RPO code 8L90 transmission. 2. My safety and the safety of others is a concern if the transmission is not working as intended my vehicle could be at risk an accident that could be avoided. 3. The problem has not be…”
filed Sep 3, 2026
“My vehicle has been in 16 times since I bought it the most recent incident is for the engine which started about six months ago. It’s been in since then for other issues concurrently with this one it hesitates like it’s getting stuck in sand before it wants to go first the mechanic told me he…”
filed Feb 11, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Yukon XL years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Yukon XL | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 Yukon XL | 2 | 7% |
| 2024 Yukon XL | 11 | 16% |
| 2023 Yukon XL | 38 | 18% |
| 2022 Yukon XL | 30 | 18% |
| 2021 Yukon XL | 47 | 21% |
| 2020 Yukon XL | 12 | 26% |
| 2019 Yukon XL | 15 | 22% |
| 2018 Yukon XL | 8 | 15% |
| 2017 Yukon XL | 36 | 24% |
| 2015 Yukon XL | 35 | 11% |
| 2011 Yukon XL | 4 | 9% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 GMC Yukon XL
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.