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 federal safety agency 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.
2016 GMC Yukon: engine failure
9 of the 271 complaints about the 2016 GMC Yukon describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 9
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- recalls
- 0
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
Ticking sound coming from engine, possible damaged camshaft lobe due to lifter roller failure. It can cause sudden engine failure, significant power loss, and unexpected stalling while driving, increasing crash risks. The issue is linked to AFM (Active Fuel Management) system failures. The problem has been diagnosed by dealer service department. No warning lamp or message, problem first appeared 7 April 2026.
On [XXX], while idling in my driveway the engine abruptly stopped with a loud clunk and refused to turn over when I attempted to restart it. The vehicle was towed to Bergstrom GMC in Appleton WI. Upon inspection it was determined that a connecting rod and crankshaft bearing had failed requiring replacement of the engine. The vehicle has a 6.2-litre V-8 engine with 106,000 miles on it. The vehicle is currently still at the dealership waiting for the engine replacement at an estimated cost of $18,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
A side detection module pin was corroded and was disrupting the electrical signals to major vehicle components, such as the dash (DIC). The DIC would lose communication with the rest of the vehicle while driving so no vehicle operation data was visible such as speed, alerts messages, etc. This likely also caused engine failure due to the incorrect operation of the afm which is on the same electrical circuit. No warning messages were given. The bad side detection module was diagnosed and fixed at a dealer and shortly after engine issues were noticed.
Check engine light came on. Immediately went to reputable local repair shop. Shop advised push rod bent due to faulty engine. Advised to call GMC because not normal wear and tear. Called GMC expressed my frustration about this being preexisting issue w this engine. GMC corp told me I had to ship to GMC dealership at my own expense then they could help me. Local GMCs backed up 6-8 wks. Towed car 1.5 hrs away. Mechanic told me not to worry this happens all of the time, GMC will take care of it. Pointed out a row of new trucks with my incl new Escalade with same issue. I spoke to a sales rep about trading my car in for new but he said engine issue still not resolved. He advised me to lease Escalade for $900 because by the time my engine blew my lease would be up; if not GMC fix under warranty!! Mechanic said new engine but GMC will take care of it. I waited 3+ months for GMC to authorize repair. GMC said they did not get docs but mechanic sent me verification of conversation and repair order sent to GMC. Mechanic received an unrelated warranty from GMC that said my issue was not covered. Mechanic said docs sent made no sense bc he sent the right warranty and he was sorry and embarrassed by GMC behavior. I finally paid over 14K for new engine. Picked up my car and drive a block and car still knocking and engine light came back on. I had returned my rental and no way home. In tears dealership gave me my rental keys back still all at my expense. The mechanic calls me two days later to tell me my torque needs to be replaced. I am hysterical, 14k spent, and car still not fixed. GMC told me to pay additional funds for torque converter or pick up. Threatened to charge storage fees. When I discussed their liability GMC became very rude and antagonistic. They cut off my communication with their lead mechanic. Took care of back to local repair shop. He said this smells of a law suit so would not touch vehicle. I all communication 106 more files to share.
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.
At 90k the engine stopped working, no warning or lights went off. 6.2L Lifters and bearings., The dealer gave us 14k for the car and we then went and bought and escalde with the 6.2L, that has also seized at 14k miles within 13 months of purchasing. The yukon has no reports of that on the car fax after our trade, which i found curious.
The engine failed and dropped down to limp mode while driving down the Hwy. Had to replace the engine for a toll of approx. $10,000. Truck only had 89,000 miles on it.
Engine lifter failure causing complete engine failure at 70,000 miles without any warning. All vehicle maintenance done and serviced at dealer 30 days prior. Left our family stranded on a busy 2 lane highway and were lucky to even get off the road.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer...
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
- This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000...
- This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in...
- This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This service bulletin advises the technician of possible coolant entering the areas of the engine, either...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2016 GMC Yukon engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2016 GMC Yukon?
9 of 271 owner complaints about the 2016 GMC Yukon (3%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2023.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 GMC Yukon?
There are 0 recalls and 284 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2016 GMC Yukon
Check engine light 17Jerking 14Transmission failure 14Shudder 12Stalling 8Loss of power 7ABS 5Harsh shifting 5Headlights 5
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