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…
2016 GMC Yukon engine problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 22 engine complaints filed for the 2016 GMC Yukon, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2016 GMC Yukon engine cluster shows recurring failures—particularly AFM lifter/push rod damage and cooling system leaks—occurring between 70K–106K miles with catastrophic costs ($10K–$18K engine replacement). Stalling without warning and rough running appear early and often; GM denies warranty coverage once mileage exceeds limits, and dealers routinely report these issues as "common" but unresolved.
Owners of 2016 GMC Yukons cite two primary engine failure patterns. The first involves the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system, which multiple shop owners explicitly state causes lifter, push rod, and valve damage during normal operation. Failures cluster between 70K and 106K miles—one owner's second vehicle with the same 6.2L engine seized at just 14K miles—leaving drivers stranded on highways with no warning. Repair costs run $10K to $18K for full engine replacement. The second pattern is stalling without warning lights, occurring as early as four weeks of ownership or at any mileage, with one dealer unable to diagnose after three visits. Rough running, misfiring, and check-engine lights appear frequently, sometimes starting after fuel injector recalls. Radiator leaks and thermostat cycling issues also arise between 56K and 120K miles. Owners consistently report that dealers confirm these problems are "common" yet deny warranty coverage once the vehicle exceeds mileage limits or no longer qualifies. GMC has posted service bulletins but refuses proactive repair or recalls for the 2016 model year, citing out-of-warranty status or claiming the vehicle "operates as designed."
Same GMC Yukon engine reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Bent/Failed Push Rod
Push rod in cylinder #4 bends or fails, reported as faulty engine defect. Can recur even after warranty repair.
When: Early ownership (as early as check-in); recurrence documented at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Engine knock/knocking; Running rough
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Warranty replacement of push rod; one owner paid $14K for full engine replacement after dealer denial; another owner paid out-of-pocket for repair that persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GMC initially covers under warranty; later denies coverage claiming out-of-warranty or unrelated issues; warranty authorization delays (3+ months) and documentation disputes reported
Engine Misfire and Rough Running
Engine misfires and runs rough, often accompanied by excessive smoke from exhaust. Related to fuel injector issues and Active Fuel Management system failures.
When: Varies; one complaint at 27K miles, another ongoing after fuel injector recall service
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle; Engine misfire; Heavy smoke from exhaust; Check engine light; Stuttering during shutdown
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple fuel injector, plug, coil, and wire replacements attempted without resolution; dealer service notes fuel pump leaking post-injector recall; one owner declined engine replacement due to cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fuel injector recall performed; dealership claims unrelated issues; no lemon law remedy or engine replacement coverage offered
Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter and Push Rod Failure
AFM system causes accelerated wear on lifters, push rods, and valves, leading to catastrophic engine failure. Occurs during normal operation and regular maintenance. Multiple shops report this as a common pattern.
When: 70K–106K miles primarily; one case at 14K miles on second vehicle with same engine
Symptoms owners cite: Engine ticking sound; Camshaft lobe damage; Complete engine failure; Sudden loss of power; Unexpected stalling; No warning lights before failure; Engine shut-down during highway driving
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (intermittent or post-failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; estimated $10K–$18K; one owner received $14K trade-in value and purchased second Escalade with 6.2L that also seized at 14K miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for 2016 model; dealer confirms 'common problem' but denies warranty coverage when mileage exceeds limit; service bulletin posted but repair denied out-of-warranty
Engine Stalling Without Warning
Engine cuts off abruptly during driving or while stopped, with no advance warning lights or messages. Stalling occurs after turning, at low speeds, or while idling.
When: 4-week-old vehicle, 37K miles, 90K+ miles; varies widely
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine shutdown; Loss of power steering (one case); Park assist, Stability Control, and check engine lights illuminate post-stall; Airbag warning light and audible chime (one case); Intermittent then constant failure
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Park assist warning, Stability Control light, Airbag warning
Repairs/costs cited: One new vehicle stalled three times in four weeks; dealer could not diagnose after three visits; OnStar diagnostics found nothing; most cases not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to duplicate on first complaint; no repair completed; escalation requested by customer to district manager; no manufacturer assistance documented
Radiator Leaks and Cooling System Failure
Radiator leaks antifreeze due to excessive thermocycle cycling caused by thermostat malfunction. Leads to overheating and engine shutdown risk.
When: 56K–120K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Antifreeze leaking under vehicle; Overheating (temperature gauge to max); Engine losing speed and power; Check engine and service engine lights; Light smoke and noise from engine; Possible microscopic pin hole in engine block
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Service engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement: $1,204.82 plus tax reported at 56K miles; one owner at 120K told engine replacement may be needed instead
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM posted service bulletin acknowledging issue; refuses repair when vehicle is out of warranty; no proactive recall or extended coverage
Connecting Rod and Crankshaft Bearing Failure
Connecting rod and crankshaft bearing fail abruptly, causing loud clunk and complete engine failure. Engine will not restart.
When: 106K miles (6.2L V-8)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunk while idling; Engine will not turn over; Complete loss of engine function
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required; estimated cost $18K; vehicle stranded at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance or warranty coverage documented
Engine Vibration and Shuddering (AFM-Related)
Vehicle shudders and vibrates, particularly at low RPM or during uphill acceleration. Two of three rumble/vibration symptoms persist after torque converter replacement. Related to AFM system operation.
When: New vehicle (two days of ownership) through 89K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine rumble at 1300 RPM; Whole-vehicle vibration; Shaking during deceleration at low speeds; Jerking when traveling uphill; Loud hissing from under vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replaced (initially wrong part ordered); exhaust flex joint replaced; symptoms partially persist; no lasting remedy found
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service confirms nonconformities exist but cannot fully repair; GM describes vehicle as 'operating as designed'
Transmission Shuddering and Hard Shifting
Transmission shudders, especially after high-mileage operation. Hard shifting between 1st and 2nd gear develops over time.
When: Extended use; 15K+ miles after transmission fluid change
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering during operation; Hard shifting between 1st and 2nd gear; Check engine light (intermittent)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid change provided temporary improvement but hard shifting returned
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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.
2016 yukon shuddering, had a transmission fluid change which helped with the shuddering. We've put 15k+m plus miles on it since the fluid flush, it's starting to shift hard between 1st and 2nd gear and the engine light come on intermittently.
The contact’s wife owns a 2016 Yukon. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 5 MPH, the engine hesitated and stalled. The contact stated that his wife was able to coast the vehicle into a driveway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a lifter in the engine block was damaged and the number two…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2016 GMC Yukon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 22 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 59,786 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.