Check a VIN

2021 GMC Yukon problems

The most common problem on the 2021 GMC Yukon is engine and cooling, typically around 81,000 miles. It has 2.2 times the complaints of a typical Yukon model year.

Year to avoid2.2x the typical complaints
Year score
40/100
Owner complaints
349
Recalls
13
Service bulletins
1,2431 warranty
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
16-23mpg
Typical repair
$12,631

The worst 2021 GMC Yukon problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 GMC Yukon

Engine failure 80Check engine light 60Knocking 43Loss of power 37Fuel pump 36Stalling 32Won't start 16Misfire 14Won't shift 12Oil consumption 11Shudder 8Jerking 7Warning lights 7Airbag light 5No deployment 5Transmission failure 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2021 GMC Yukon mention

P129F 3B14DC 2P050D 2

Recalls 13

Engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanicalReported April 24, 2025 · 597,571 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

Recall number 25V274000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: fluid/lubricant: valves/valve bodyReported October 24, 2024 · 463,295 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

Recall number 24V797000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: lighting control module: softwareReported November 3, 2022 · 338,735 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.

Recall number 22V827000 · Recall details

Seat belts: critical fastenersReported August 11, 2022 · 484,155 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
Risk
A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020; Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006; and GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.

Recall number 22V617000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported January 27, 2022 · 1,789 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
Risk
Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020; Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.

Recall number 22V036000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive moduleReported September 23, 2021 · 14,939 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020; Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006; or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.

Recall number 21V739000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: softwareReported July 29, 2021 · 2 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. Dealer service technicians may have calibrated the brake system incorrectly, affecting Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and braking while towing a trailer.
Risk
Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will recalibrate the brake system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1202; GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340970.

Recall number 21V579000 · Recall details

Steering: steering control moduleReported June 17, 2021 · 26,847 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
Risk
Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020; Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006; or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.

Recall number 21V455000 · Recall details

Air bags: SRS malfunction warning lamp/lightReported June 10, 2021 · 285,622 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
Risk
The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.

Recall number 21V421000 · Recall details

Seat belts: rear/otherReported March 18, 2021 · 94,641 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
Risk
A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.

Recall number 21V190000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported February 11, 2021 · 18 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. The fuel tank assemblies may be missing adhesive between two layers of the fuel tank shell which may result in a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, and GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212327720.

Recall number 21V064000 · Recall details

Seat belts: critical fastenersReported December 23, 2020 · 470 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Risk
If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8785, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

Recall number 20V811000 · Recall details

Seats: critical fastenersReported November 25, 2020 · 94 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.
Risk
If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, and GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267. GM's number for this recall is N202312720.

Recall number 20V735000 · Recall details

See all 13 recalls for the 2021 GMC Yukon

Defect investigations

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyOpened August 20, 2026, still open

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V‑274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V‑274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V‑274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V‑274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V‑274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

EA26005

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyOpened January 16, 2026, closed August 20, 2026

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V‑274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V‑274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V‑274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V‑274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI will close this RQ and continue to investigate complaints of post-remedy engine failure for Recall 25V‑274 as part of an Engineering Analysis (EA26005). To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

RQ26001

Loss of motive power due to engine failureOpened October 23, 2025, still open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V‑274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001). GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V‑274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V‑274, the federal safety agency has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V‑274. This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

EA25007

Loss of motive power due to engine failureOpened January 16, 2025, closed October 23, 2025

On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V‑274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM’s recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V‑274. Based on GM’s recall, ODI will close this PE. the federal safety agency will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V‑274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to

PE25001

Air Bag MalfunctionOpened April 9, 2021, closed August 24, 2023

On April 9, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-010 to investigate instances of air bag malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination and potential for frontal air bag non-deployment in several vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The vehicles included model year (MY) 2020 through 2021 CT4 and CT5 passenger cars, Sierra and Silverado trucks (1500/2500/3500 models), XT4 and MY 2021 Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon SUVs.Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-NA-005, issued in March 2021, addresses air bag MIL illumination with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B0001-1B or B0012-0D. It cites rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver air bag inflator housing as the cause of the air bag MIL illumination. Illumination of the air bag MIL under these circumstances may result in a non-deployment of the frontal driver air bag during a frontal collision and increased risk of injury to the driver.GM stated a correlation exists between production delays due to the pandemic shutdown and premature corrosion initiation on the surface of the air bag inflator housing, which, in some cases, caused rust development during a seven (7) month period of vehicle production. In the rare instance when a rust particle dislodges from the driver air bag inflator housing and enters the air bag connector prior to assembly, an intermittent resistance spike at the air bag connector may result. The condition generates excessive resistance in the air bag electrical system when the steering wheel horn cover is manipulated or the steering wheel is turned. This excessive resistance is momentary. A crash commanding air bag deployment would need to occur exactly when the momentary excessive resistance occurs. Thus, there is a very low likelihood the hazard will present a risk during a crash of sufficient severity to warrant a commanded deployment. This failure mechanism occurs early in life and results in an air bag MIL illumination that corresponds to a DTC warning the driver that the vehicle requires service. The vehicle's air bag remains functional while the MIL is illuminated, and the DTC is present.Once the connection of the driver air bag module to the clockspring is made at the plant, or at the dealership for service, there is no longer an opportunity for rust migration into the connection point. The connector is sealed and has gold terminals, eliminating the expectation of fretting corrosion. All subject vehicles passed standard corrosion validation testing for extensive corrosion with no issue of air bag non-deployment.There is a low rate of occurrence: 1.41 incidents per thousand vehicles (IPTV) for all related occurrences, and 0.04 IPTV for occurrences with a mention of visible rust and/or corrosion on the air bag inflator housing. The average occurrence mileage for the subject vehicles is approximately 2,100. Every occurrence related to the alleged defect experienced an air bag MIL illumination and there are no verified allegations of air bag non-deployment within all data sources.To date, there have been no reported fires, crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to this issue. In view of the low rate, and the nature of early-life failure, the high detectability of failures, and low potential hazard to drivers, this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.Review the ODI reports cited above at under the following identification numbers: 11537927, 11528888, 11525020, 11521401, 11506057, 11493107, 11486767, 11441525, 11433146, 11425658, 11423440, 11385267, 11376429, 11373466, 11366995.

PE21010

Technical service bulletins for the 2021 GMC Yukon 1,243

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,243 bulletins for the 2021 GMC Yukon

2021 GMC Yukon fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cyl DieselRWD212723
3.0L 6‑cyl Diesel4WD202622
5.3L 8‑cylRWD15-162017-18
5.3L 8‑cyl4WD15-1619-2016-18
6.2L 8‑cylRWD14-152016-17
6.2L 8‑cyl4WD13-141916

What 2021 GMC Yukon owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · AR

The vehicle (2021 GMC Yukon Denali) has suffered three consecutive, catastrophic failures of the engine's rear main seal. Following the initial replacement—which requires mechanics to unbolt and drop the vehicle's exhaust system—a massive exhaust leak developed in the engine bay. The vehicle is now actively pumping toxic exhaust fumes directly through the air conditioning vents into the passenger cabin, creating an immediate carbon monoxide inhalation hazard. The underlying mechanical issue is a chronic failure: either excessive crankcase pressure (clogged PCV system) is repeatedly blowing the engine seals, or the dealership technicians failed to properly align and seal the exhaust flanges/gaskets upon reassembling the vehicle. General Motors corporate has been notified of this recurring, unresolved safety defect. The vehicle is currently undrivable due to the severe buildup of fumes inside the passenger compartment while the engine is running.

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Engine · AZ

On XXX, at [XXX], my vehicle’s engine locked up, causing the vehicle to shut off while I was driving at 65 mph on a two-way highway. The vehicle could not be safely driven. My family and I were stranded on the side of the road, where semi trucks passing at highway speeds forced us to remain in the vehicle. Unreliable cellphone service and OnStar connectivity limited my ability to request assistance, communicate my location, or obtain timely support, making Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)-arranged towing necessary. DPS requested the tow at approximately 7:52 p.m.; it was completed at approximately 11:25 p.m. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Engine · 79,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while her husband was inspecting the vehicle, he discovered that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil after performing an oil consumption test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and agreed to cover 20% of the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Lights · NC

My driver side headlamp went out while driving. The amber turn signal light remained on after I shut the engine off. This made my battery die. The headlamp is full of condensation and none of the lights are working. I had to replace the battery and have been told by GM that they've had many complaints but aren't issuing a recall yet. Can you please advise me. Thank you

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel system · NC

While stopped in a parking lot. I returned my vehicle to drive home, and the car would not start. I had it towed to the dealer. They did a diagnostic inspection for "crank-no-start ". Two trouble codes: P0340 intake single camshaft ignition sensor circuit and P00C6- fuel rail pressure load during engine cranking. Performed diagnostic checks and suspect a broken timing chain and timing tensioner that causes the bottom of the engine to free spin while the top 0.5 does not. These engines are known as interference engines, and anytime there is a mismatch between the top 0.5 and the bottom 0.5, there is the potential for catastrophic failure due to the design of the valve train and bottom 0.5 of the engine. The technician suggested a full engine replacement. I went to the dealer and spoke with the Service Manager, Greg, and he stated that he would reach out to GMC because the VIN number was not part of the recall, although the YEAR/MAKE/MODEL is. I also reached out to GMC to open a claim. To date, I have not heard back, and they have not yet accepted responsibility for replacing the engine.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · AR

As I was driving down the road at 60mph, no dash lights or warnings were present. All of a sudden, my 2021 yukon lost all power and I nearly crashed as I was in heavy, fast paced traffic. I got to the side of the road, and it was at this time the engine light came on. Car died and wouldnt start back up.

Filed Oct 24, 2026 · Electrical · GA

About 1 month ago while driving down the highway, my vehicle dash and screen went completely back for a few seconds and came back on. As if it shorted out

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Engine · MS

crank/rod failure on 6.2 engine. yes it is available same as other people with blown 6.2s yes, GMC dealer diagnosed crank failure no no. engine still runs but is knocking and squealing but dies after a few mins and won't restart till it cools off

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Brakes · CO

Our 2021 GMC Yukon Denali has repeatedly experienced sudden, violent braking and apparent rear-wheel lockup without the driver applying the brakes. These incidents occur without warning at highway speeds, moderate speeds, and in traffic. The vehicle abruptly decelerates, fishtails, loses stability, and produces smoke. The wheels have locked severely enough to leave skid marks on the roadway. This creates an immediate risk of losing control or being struck by another vehicle. We took the Yukon to Alpine Buick GMC on October 12, 2026. After eight days, the dealership reported that it could not reproduce the malfunction. However, its written findings confirm that an engineering case was opened and GM engineering recommended replacing the transmission valve body based on data collected from other vehicles with related concerns. The dealership proposed approximately $3,300 in repairs without providing diagnostic evidence establishing that the valve body was definitively responsible or that replacement would resolve the dangerous condition. We declined the repair and paid $229 for diagnostics. GM recalls 24V797 and 26V085 address transmission valve failures capable of causing unexpected rear-wheel lockup. Although our gasoline-powered Yukon is excluded from these recall populations, it is exhibiting similar dangerous behavior, and GM engineering has recommended replacement of the same type of component. Exclusion from a recall based on VIN does not establish that a vehicle is free from a similar safety defect. We request that the federal safety agency investigate whether this failure extends to 2021 gasoline-powered Yukons and other GM vehicles outside existing recall populations. This is a recurring, unpredictable loss-of-control hazard that could result in a serious or fatal collision. It has come very close on E470 in the center lane at 75 mph with cars in all positions around us. Do you want YOUR family in one of the cars around us?

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · PA

VEHICLE: 2021 GMC Yukon, 5.3L V8 (L84). VIN: [XXX]. Mileage at failure: approximately 88,000. Component: Engine. INCIDENT DATE: XXX While I was driving on a highway, the engine began to misfire and I heard a ticking noise. The check engine light then began flashing, indicating a severe misfire. I pulled off the highway immediately to a rest area. The vehicle was towed to a GMC dealer. The dealer's diagnosis suspected failed valve lifters, and the repair orders call for a misfire diagnosis with the Bank 1 cylinder head removed, and replacement of the camshaft, lifters, and related parts. This failure caused sudden loss of engine performance at highway speed. The engine began smoking. My family and I were in the vehicle, and we were fortunate there was a safe place to stop. I believe this is a known defect. GM Service Bulletin PIP5776, "Misfire Due to Collapsed Lifter," covers 2021 GMC Yukons with the 5.3L L84 engine. It describes a misfire with a bent pushrod leading to a collapsed lifter or a lifter that comes apart, and it attributes the cause to an internal lifter concern. Many other owners of GM V8 trucks and SUVs have reported the same failure, and a class action over the AFM/DFM lifters has been pending against GM in federal court in [XXX] since 2021. I bought this vehicle new and have maintained it. This is the second time this vehicle has left my family stranded on a highway. In 2024, a separate known issue left us, including three children under [XXX], on the side of a major highway about 7 hours from home. GM repaired that issue. For the current failure, GM has not agreed to cover the repair. It has offered $5,951.39 toward an engine replacement, which would leave me responsible for $13,886.59 plus teardown labor. I am filing this complaint so the federal safety agency is aware of this failure, which can cause sudden loss of power on the highway. GM case number: XXX. Dealer: Fred Beans Buick GMC, [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2021 GMC Yukon before you buy

Compare the 2021 GMC Yukon

Yukon vs Chevrolet TahoeYukon vs Ford ExpeditionYukon vs Chevrolet SuburbanYukon vs Toyota SequoiaYukon vs Nissan Armada

Other model years

199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021202220232024202520262027

Questions about the 2021 GMC Yukon

Is the 2021 GMC Yukon reliable?

Owners have filed 349 complaints about the 2021 GMC Yukon, 2.2 times a typical Yukon model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2021 GMC Yukon year score?

The 2021 GMC Yukon scores 40 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Yukon: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 GMC Yukon?

Engine and cooling, with 221 complaints, typically around 81,000 miles. Next is fuel system (57).

How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Yukon have?

13 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, power train and exterior lighting.

Was there a recall on the 2021 GMC Yukon engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 25V274000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Yukon have bad engine?

The GMC Yukon model years with the most engine complaints are 2021 (221 complaints), 2023 (174 complaints) and 2022 (124 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2021 GMC Yukon get?

Official estimates for the 2021 GMC Yukon range from 16 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl diesel, RWD) gets 21 city and 27 highway.

Share your experience with the 2021 GMC Yukon

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2021 GMC Yukon?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN