This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 GMC Yukon electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 GMC Yukon have filed 46 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 45,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
46
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Yukon | 9 |
| 2013 Yukon | 6 |
| 2014 Yukon | 3 |
| 2015 Yukon | 66 |
| 2016 Yukon (this page) | 46 |
| 2017 Yukon | 17 |
| 2019 Yukon | 8 |
When does it fail?
Of the 46 electrical complaints filed for the 2016 GMC Yukon, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 46 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report systematic electrical failures across multiple systems in the 2016 GMC Yukon. The most pervasive issue is LED brake light failure—lights go dark either constantly or intermittently between 22,000 and 81,000 miles. When a brake light fails, the entire sealed housing must be replaced at $750–$1,600 per assembly because the circuit board inside is not serviceable. Dealers confirm this is a "common" defect and keep replacement lamps in stock.
Water intrusion through the high-frequency (shark fin) antenna creates cascading electrical shorts affecting the GPS, OnStar module, and infotainment system. One owner had water in the driver-side floorboard; another's antenna repair attempt was delayed 10 weeks due to parts backorder.
The trailer brake system warning light chimes repeatedly and persistently even without a trailer attached, blinding drivers to critical alerts like speed and collision warnings. Instrument clusters lose display of speed, fuel level, temperature, and mileage without warning. Engine coolant temperature sensors fail and lock cooling fans at full speed, draining batteries at night. One transmission failed catastrophically at 105,000 miles without prior symptoms; brake systems have failed entirely in traffic.
Owners note that GM acknowledges many defects via service bulletins but limits warranty coverage by mileage and age, leaving vehicles outside those windows unrepaired at owner expense.
Same GMC Yukon electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
LED brake light failure
Brake lights and tail lights fail to illuminate, either completely or intermittently. Owners report one or both rear brake lights going out. Failure is attributed to defective LED circuitry inside the sealed lamp housing; the circuit board corrodes or develops internal faults. LED lamps cannot be serviced individually—the entire housing assembly must be replaced.
When: Between 22,000 and 81,000 miles; timing ranges from early ownership through end of original 3-year/36,000-mile warranty period and beyond.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake light does not illuminate when pedal is depressed; Tail light intermittently works or is completely out; Light comes on momentarily when tapped but dies again; Light works one day, fails the next with no warning; Both driver and passenger side lights may fail separately or simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: $750–$1,600 per assembly replacement at dealership; owners report GM dealerships keep replacement lamps in stock and confirm the defect is 'common.' Aftermarket repair shops offer circuit board fixes for significantly less money and time (approximately 2 hours labor).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges the defect via service bulletins limiting coverage to vehicles within the original 36-month warranty and under 75,000 miles. At least one recall was issued in 2021 but was dismissed. No manufacturer-funded recall currently in place for vehicles outside warranty terms.
Trailer brake system warning light malfunction
Service Trailer Brake warning light illuminates persistently and repeatedly, even when no trailer is connected. The warning chimes constantly, creating driver distraction and preventing the driver from hearing other critical vehicle alerts.
When: Since time of purchase or early ownership; one complaint notes the vehicle was purchased in March 2021 and the issue has progressively worsened.
Symptoms owners cite: Continuous or repetitive 'Service Trailer Brake System' warning on instrument cluster; Repeated chiming sounds that prevent hearing other warnings; Warning persists even when no trailer is attached; Blind spot indicator may activate independently
Codes mentioned: B3980 (no environment identifier received)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report the fault involves relays for trailer braking and the instrument panel. One owner underwent diagnostics ($300+ cost reported) and had a loose battery cable tightened; the warning did not reoccur after that repair, but the underlying wiring defect may not have been fully addressed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM and NHTSA are stated to be aware of this wiring harness issue but have not provided a remedy.
Instrument cluster electrical faults
Dashboard gauges and instrument cluster fail to display critical driving information. Fuel, temperature, oil pressure, speedometer, and tachometer gauges go to resting positions. Driver information screen does not show gear selection, mileage, or speed. Warning lights for airbag, emergency brake, traction control, and TPMS stay illuminated.
When: After vehicle has sat for extended periods; intermittent failures; one reported instance occurred after about 1 hour of parking.
Symptoms owners cite: Gauges go to resting position with no reading; Driver information screen does not display speed, mileage, or gear; Multiple warning lights remain on (airbag, emergency brake, traction control, TPMS); Voltmeter may remain functional while other gauges fail; Problem may resolve after vehicle sits and is restarted
Codes mentioned: B3980 (no environment identifier received)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostics identified loose battery cable as contributing factor; tightening the cable helped but did not permanently resolve the underlying electrical issue in one case. Relays affecting instrument panel may be involved.
High-frequency antenna water leak and electrical short
Water enters the high-frequency antenna (shark fin antenna), causing electrical shorts to the GPS, OnStar module, and other vehicle systems. Water ingress begins in the antenna seal area and progresses through the antenna into vehicle wiring, causing cascading electrical failures.
When: Failures occur at various mileages including 60,000 miles; water intrusion may be progressive and not immediately apparent.
Symptoms owners cite: Water visible coming from or around the antenna; GPS becomes inoperable; OnStar module fails; Water appears in driver-side floorboard; Infotainment system becomes dysfunctional; Side detection module corrodes, disrupting electrical signals
Repairs/costs cited: High-frequency antenna requires replacement. One owner's antenna replacement was not completed at the dealership due to parts being on backorder; another reported antenna replacement cost was not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer case numbers have been issued (e.g., 9-5724166813) but antenna remains a known defect with no comprehensive fix program.
Cooling fan stuck on; engine temperature sensor failure
Engine coolant temperature sensor fails and defaults to a fail-safe mode that runs the electric cooling fans at full speed continuously. The sensor is a known failure point in GM engines from 2015–2019. Multiple replacement sensors fail in the same manner within days or weeks.
When: No warning; can occur at any point during vehicle ownership. Battery depletion occurs when vehicle is parked if fans remain running.
Symptoms owners cite: Cooling fans run at full speed continuously, even when engine is cool; Engine temperature gauge does not work; Fans continue to run at full speed for approximately 15 minutes after engine shutdown; No check engine light or diagnostic code is set; Battery drains as a result of fan operation
Repairs/costs cited: Replacing the coolant temperature sensor with different manufacturers' parts has not resolved the failure; the problem returns after a few days or weeks. Temporary fix is disconnecting and reconnecting the negative battery post, but the underlying defect returns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has no solution for this failure mode.
Infotainment system (IntelliLink) complete failure
Infotainment system becomes completely dysfunctional, rendering integrated safety features unavailable. System fails to boot or respond. GM technical support is unable to resolve the issue remotely.
When: January 14, 2017, in one reported case; timing varies across complaints.
Symptoms owners cite: IntelliLink system does not function; Integrated safety features unavailable; System does not respond to input
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement module is required but parts are on backorder; one owner was informed repair could take up to 10 weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM customer support unable to assist; dealer service centers unable to repair within reasonable timeframe due to parts availability.
Electrical short in wiring harness affecting multiple systems
Wiring harness develops electrical shorts that cascade through multiple vehicle systems. Repair attempts to fix one component (e.g., antenna replacement) may introduce new electrical failures in other systems.
When: Unknown; discovered during service for unrelated complaints.
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple unrelated electrical systems fail after a repair attempt; Instrument panel fails to illuminate normally for short periods; Blind spot indicator activates independently; Key fob malfunction; Radio screen overheating
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's antenna replacement at H&H Chevrolet was followed by multiple new electrical failures (instrument panel, blind spot indicator, key fob, radio, cruise control).
Vehicle power loss during turning
Vehicle shuts off and restarts when making sharp turns in either direction. Electrical power to the vehicle is interrupted momentarily during cornering.
When: Multiple instances observed: when reversing into a parking spot, turning out of a car wash, and turning into a driveway.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off and restarts when making sharp turns; Steering wheel becomes stiff briefly; All electrical systems shut off momentarily, then power returns
Transmission failure with no prior warning
Transmission fails suddenly without prior slipping, jerking, or other symptoms. Vehicle loses power and will not accelerate past 35 mph despite maximum RPM. ABS braking system also fails.
When: At 105,000 miles after transmission flush for preventative maintenance.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle bucks and jerks when downshifting in traffic; Loss of power; will not accelerate above 35 mph; RPM spikes to maximum while vehicle remains slow; Slipping sensation while driving; Vehicle becomes completely undrivable
Repairs/costs cited: $6,800 to replace transmission and repair failed ABS system.
Brake system failure; vacuum pump malfunction
Brake system suddenly fails during driving, almost resulting in a collision. Multiple warning lights illuminate on the instrument cluster (engine light, suspension light, brake assist light). Root cause is vacuum pump failure.
When: Without warning while driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes do not function; Brake assist warning appears on dashboard; Engine warning light illuminates; Suspension warning light illuminates; All lights in instrument panel illuminate simultaneously
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied recall applicability when owner contacted them.
Headlight and dash light control malfunction
Dash light dimmer wheel causes all lights to turn off unexpectedly, including headlights, reducing visibility and creating a safety hazard.
When: While adjusting dash brightness.
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights turn off when dash dimmer wheel is adjusted; All interior and exterior lights turn off simultaneously
Blind spot monitoring sensor detachment
Blind spot monitoring sensor becomes detached from the rear bumper with no apparent cause, leaving the sensor dangling and inoperable.
When: Unknown; reported during routine driving or observation.
Symptoms owners cite: Sensor hangs loose from rear bumper; Blind spot monitoring system does not function
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor requires welding back to the bumper to restore function.
Synthesized from 46 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 GMC yukon. The contact noticed water coming from the high frequency antenna, which caused a shortage to the GPS and rendered it inoperable. The vehicle was taken to serra Chevrolet Buick GMC of nashville (2340 galatians pike n, madison, tn 37115, (615) 543-5456) where it was diagnosed that the high frequency antenna needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 GMC yukon. The contact stated the seat heater on the driver's side front seat was not heating up properly. The vehicle was taken to rhoden GMC however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to h&h Chevrolet (4645 s 84th st suite a, omaha, ne 68127; (402) 339-2222) for an issue with the infotainment system. The contact was informed…
Left taillight went out and I was under the warranty and the dealer replaced it but had the right taillight go out at 40,000 miles. I have referred 4 friends that purchased the same vehicle as us and have had the same issues. This is a common problem with GMC and they need to recall this.
Rear driver taillight assembly does not work all the time! One day it works the next day it does not! I had to have the passenger side replaced about 6-8 months ago & it was replaced by the dealer at that time & there was no cost to me as it was under warranty at that time! I think there may be an issue with the LED bulbs! Now the problem is with the drivers side! This is a safety problem and a…
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 GMC Yukon?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2016 GMC Yukon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 46 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 25,800 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,800; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/GMC/Yukon.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.