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2021 GMC Yukon XL problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 GMC Yukon XL has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 12safety recalls
- 229owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 1fire report
- 5injuries reported
229 complaints, against an average of 174 for the other 14 GMC Yukon XL model years.
Every GMC Yukon XL model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
The components named most often in the 229 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 GMC Yukon XL owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 229 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Has the 2021 GMC Yukon XL had engine failures?60 owners · 26.2% · Recall 25V274000
- Why does my 2021 GMC Yukon XL stall, lose power or shut off while driving?43 owners · 18.8% · Recall 21V739000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 GMC Yukon XL?31 owners · 13.5%
- Why is my 2021 GMC Yukon XL burning or losing oil?14 owners · 6.1%
- Why does my 2021 GMC Yukon XL idle rough, misfire or hesitate?12 owners · 5.2%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2021 GMC Yukon XL engine?11 owners · 4.8%
- Why won't my 2021 GMC Yukon XL start?9 owners · 3.9%
- Has the 2021 GMC Yukon XL had transmission failures?9 owners · 3.9% · Recall 24V797000
Has the 2021 GMC Yukon XL been recalled?
12 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical 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.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Control Module: Software 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.
Fix: 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.
Exterior Lighting: Lighting Control Module: SoftwareOver-the-air fix 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.
Fix: 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.
Seat Belts: Critical Fasteners 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.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Driveline: Driveshaft 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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Pump: Control/Drive Module 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.
Fix: 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.
Steering: Steering Control ModuleOver-the-air fix 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.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/LightOver-the-air fix 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.
Fix: 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.
Seat Belts 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.
Fix: 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.
Seat Belts 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.
Fix: 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.
Seat Belts General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Seats 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.
Fix: 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.
What do 2021 GMC Yukon XL owners report?
12 of the 229 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
High oil consumption, will have oil changed and days later need oil, catalyst converter failed causing what was said for the check engine light to come on, truck now has a shutter around 50 mph, my radio is in and out, and sometimes it sounds like a computer shutting down. It has been one thing after the next.
On September 21, 2026, my 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L V8 engine experienced a serious engine failure at approximately 83,330 miles while traveling on Interstate 10 near Litchfield Road in Arizona. The vehicle developed engine knocking and subsequently stalled, leaving my family and me at risk on the highway. This was a serious safety concern because the engine failed unexpectedly during operation. The GMC dealership determined that the engine needed to be replaced under warranty. The replacement engine was installed in October 2026, and I received the vehicle back on October 13…
Rear wheel lock up for a slight second and then down shifted and revved way up to high RPM then went into reduced power. then slowed down and had to drive about 15 miles an hour. to shop mechanic.
part number 13554821 fuel pump control module has failed 2 times. April 2023 on Interstate 95 near Savannah GA in very busy traffic. Vehicle buckled and seized, just barely made it to the shoulder of the road. Same part failed again 9/18/26 while turning onto Sunrise Hwy in NY another very dangerous situation as we were stranded in the middle of a very busy intersection
While driving the vehicle on a roadtrip in Missouri, the engine lost power and had a flashing check engine light. Upon diagnosis by three different technicians, the 6.2L Engine needs replaced after only 123000 miles. The lifters and camshaft have failed. This is a known safety issue and numerous recalls have been implemented, but my high end Denali is mysteriously absent from the recall. This is unsafe and unsatisfactory.
6.2L engine has the oil change update, and engine failed recently. took vehicle for repair to Golling GMC dealer. waiting on feedback.
Was driving the vehicle at 70 mph on the highway without any issues for several hours and suddenly the vehicle lost power and had no propulsion. It went into neutral automatically and the engine shut off while driving. Thankfully I was on a downward slope and could steer the vehicle off the very busy highway. Once safe, I tried to restart the car but the engine would not start or turn over. Roadside assistance came to help as well as a flatbed tow truck. It was taken to a nearby GMC dealer but it remains completely dead despite the battery being fully charged and all of the electronics…
Driving on busy road when heard a squealing from the engine bay of the vehicle. Moments later the vehicle lost power. It was a very dangerous situation traveling approximately 45mph on a multi-lane road in urban St. Louis Missouri. There was not a check engine light prior. The vehicle had a recall performed per GMC instructions prior (this amounted to a different viscosity oil....). The breakdown stranded my family and I while on vacation in another city. The vehicle was towed to a local GMC dealership and was diagnosed as a seized engine related to the recall. The engine is scheduled to be…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the check engine warning light started blinking. The contact pulled over and became aware that the vehicle was shaking. The vehicle was turned off and restarted; however, the failure persisted, with smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the camshaft…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change. While driving, the oil low light illuminated. The vehicle was burning an excessive amount of oil. The local dealer was contacted again, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.
The forward collission system continues to perform phantom braking while driving in traffic resulting in near rear end collisions. The GMC dealer refuses to fix it without charging me for more diagnostic work, which has already been done twice. What is my recourse?
I am the owner of a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali with the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN: [XXX] ). This vehicle has exhibited multiple serious issues affecting safety, drivability, and reliability. 1. Engine Noise & Oil Consumption: Since purchase, the vehicle has had a persistent loud knocking/tapping sound, especially under acceleration. The engine also consumes an excessive amount of oil between scheduled oil changes, with no visible leaks. I reported this to the dealership multiple times, but since there is no active recall or TSB, they refused to diagnose or repair the issue under warranty. I have since…
2021 GMC Yukon XL: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 229 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Yukon XL; the most common categories were engine (140, 61.1%), power train (49, 21.4%), fuel/propulsion system (29, 12.7%). There are 12 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 5 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
Across 229 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (61.1% of complaints), power train (21.4% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (12.7% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (9.2% of complaints), electrical system (5.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL; the most recent (campaign 25V274000, 2025-04-24) concerns Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine: Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has the 2021 GMC Yukon XL had engine failures?
60 of the 229 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL (26.2%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. A related recall exists: campaign 25V274000 (engine and engine cooling: engine: hard parts internal/mechanical). The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. One owner wrote: "6.2L engine has the oil change update, and engine failed recently. took vehicle for repair to Golling GMC dealer. waiting on feedback." (NHTSA complaint 11765506, September 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 GMC Yukon XL stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
43 of the 229 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL (18.8%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 21V739000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: control/drive module). The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. One owner wrote: "While driving the vehicle on a roadtrip in Missouri, the engine lost power and had a flashing check engine light. Upon diagnosis by three different technicians, the 6.2L Engine needs replaced after only 123000 miles. The lifters and camshaft have failed." (NHTSA complaint 11766052, September 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
31 of the 229 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL (13.5%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "High oil consumption, will have oil changed and days later need oil, catalyst converter failed causing what was said for the check engine light to come on, truck now has a shutter around 50 mph, my radio is in and out, and sometimes it sounds like a computer…" (NHTSA complaint 11771151, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is my 2021 GMC Yukon XL burning or losing oil?
14 of the 229 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL (6.1%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "High oil consumption, will have oil changed and days later need oil, catalyst converter failed causing what was said for the check engine light to come on, truck now has a shutter around 50 mph, my radio is in and out, and sometimes it sounds like a computer…" (NHTSA complaint 11771151, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 GMC Yukon XL idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
12 of the 229 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL (5.2%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "My 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L L87 V8 has experienced two significant lifter/valvetrain failures. The first occurred at approximately 6,500 miles and was repaired by a GMC dealer." (NHTSA complaint 11763260, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2021 GMC Yukon XL engine?
11 of the 229 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL (4.8%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "The vehicle is consuming every bit of oil at about 1500 to 1800 miles of the 3000 mile guidelines before the next oil change. No leaks. No smoke. No knocking in motor." (NHTSA complaint 11767641, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2021 GMC Yukon XL start?
9 of the 229 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL (3.9%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "While driving on a two lane road, my vehicle put itself into Neutral without me doing anything and the engine stopped. All things powered down. The engine stopped. not propulsion, nothing. I tried to pull over to edge of road." (NHTSA complaint 11707473, December 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2021 GMC Yukon XL had transmission failures?
9 of the 229 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL (3.9%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. A related recall exists: campaign 24V797000 (power train: automatic transmission: control module: software). The fix: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "2022 GMC Yukon XL suffered catastrophic transmission failure at approximately 87,000 miles. An ASE-certified transmission repair facility determined that the torque converter failed, resulting in transmission damage requiring over $7,000 in repairs." (NHTSA complaint 11759178, August 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Yukon XL
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only.