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2021 GMC Yukon problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 GMC Yukon has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 13safety recalls
- 341owner complaints
- 9crash reports
- 0fire reports
- 9injuries reported
341 complaints, against an average of 225 for the other 14 GMC Yukon model years.
Every GMC Yukon model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 GMC Yukon?
The components named most often in the 341 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 GMC Yukon owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 341 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Has the 2021 GMC Yukon had engine failures?68 owners · 19.9% · Recall 25V274000
- Why does my 2021 GMC Yukon stall, lose power or shut off while driving?54 owners · 15.8% · Recall 21V739000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 GMC Yukon?39 owners · 11.4%
- What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2021 GMC Yukon engine?24 owners · 7%
- Why won't my 2021 GMC Yukon start?20 owners · 5.9%
- Why does my 2021 GMC Yukon idle rough, misfire or hesitate?19 owners · 5.6%
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2021 GMC Yukon?15 owners · 4.4%
- Why is my 2021 GMC Yukon burning or losing oil?11 owners · 3.2%
Has the 2021 GMC Yukon been recalled?
13 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Power Assist: Electric: Control Module: Software 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.
Fix: 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.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly 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.
Fix: 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.
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.
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 owners report?
12 of the 341 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.
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…
I believe it’s a transmission. While driving down the interstate and the car just won’t get up and go like it should, and I’m gonna get rear ended. I’ve I’ve taken it to the dealership three or four times. I keep telling me nothing’s wrong.
Bought 2021 GMC Yukon Denali new. Transmission failed at 70,000 miles. Engine has now failed at 111,000 miles. Both diagnosed at Capital GMC Atlanta, GA. Cost to replace transmission $8k (GMC paid half). Cost to replace engine $12k (GMC offered no assistance). Engine failure not related to current engine recall/investigation on GMC 6.2L V8 engines. This failure was on the top vs on the bottom (current recall).
I was driving normally, going up a hill and the car skipped and lurched forward. Then when i touched the gas pedal the car would not accelerate but the rpms would increase. When I was able to pull over, the car would not reverse, the engine would rev when i pushed the gas pedal but it would not move. I drove it directly to a mechanic down the road and he believes the transmission is shot and agrees that it is part of the problems that GMC is having with its transmissions, and it seems as though my car should also be included. This was an extremely dangerous and frightening thing to happen to a…
My 2021 GMC Yukon has approximately 36,900 miles. On September 12, 2026, the vehicle was at an authorized GMC dealership and passed a state safety inspection. On September 19, 2026, the check-engine warning light illuminated and I returned to the dealership. The dealer performed diagnostic testing and told me the fuel pump pressure was approximately 400 PSI when it should be approximately 700 PSI. I was told the fuel pump needs to be replaced. The vehicle is currently at the dealership awaiting the replacement part: Fuel pump I was not aware of a fuel-pump failure before the warning light…
Water is entering the passenger cabin through failed front sunroof drain tubes on both the left and right sides. The drains discharge inside the A pillars rather than to the exterior, pooling in the driver's side floorboard. An authorized GMC dealer diagnosed the cause in writing on August 12, 2026 as rubber grommet shrinkage and hardened internal buildup preventing water from flowing through, on both the left and right sides simultaneously. The identical bilateral failure mode indicates a component or assembly defect rather than debris blockage. Water is accumulating in the driver's footwell…
Crankshaft / Camshaft caused catastrophic engine failure while on a family road trip leaving family and kids stranded on the side of the highway for hours. 2021 GMCs are notoriously having this issue but they refused to include our VIN in the recall. It cost us almost 13,000 to replace with a brand new engine and only 4 days after picking up from dealership the vehicle stopped working and shut off at a light in the middle of the road. GMC has been no help and won’t cover anything.
Took car in to have it checked for recall on engine and have oil changed to new standards with WD40 was told the engine and car was fine “just use this new oil” A MONTH later was driving and engine would not shift come to find out our transmission was going out it was replaced thanks to our extended warranty (even tho it only had 98,000 miles on it) a week after a fuel pump was out and we had to pay to replace it. There were never check engine signs and no signs of the car having failure truly it ran great until the new oil.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH with family members in the vehicle, the transmission independently shifted into neutral. No warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to steer the vehicle into a residential driveway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The contact requested towing services; however, the initial tow driver failed to arrive after nearly three hours, requiring the contact to call a second tow company. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and it was determined that the engine needed…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 59,800.
The driver's seat inboard airbag assembly and internal structural wiring harness failed due to a direct short circuit, completely deactivating the vehicle's supplemental restraint system. General Motors has a known engineering bulletin for this issue (#23-NA-085), noting that sharp internal seat frame components slice the airbag wiring harness. Rather than permanently fixing this structural design flaw while under warranty, dealership technicians repeatedly executed temporary, non-compliant field patches, including plastic zip-ties and Velcro tape inside the cushion. These temporary patches…
2021 GMC Yukon: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 GMC Yukon reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 341 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Yukon; the most common categories were engine (188, 55.1%), power train (55, 16.1%), fuel/propulsion system (44, 12.9%). There are 13 safety recalls. 9 complaints mention a crash, 9 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Yukon?
Across 341 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (55.1% of complaints), power train (16.1% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (12.9% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (9.4% of complaints), electrical system (8.8% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 GMC Yukon have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2021 GMC Yukon; 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 had engine failures?
68 of the 341 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon (19.9%) 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: "Bought 2021 GMC Yukon Denali new. Transmission failed at 70,000 miles. Engine has now failed at 111,000 miles. Both diagnosed at Capital GMC Atlanta, GA. Cost to replace transmission $8k (GMC paid half)." (NHTSA complaint 11771584, October 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 GMC Yukon stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
54 of the 341 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon (15.8%) 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 on the highway with my child in the car, the car suddenly began shaking and warning lights to check the power train came on the dash. There was also a loss of power in acceleration." (NHTSA complaint 11769396, October 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?
39 of the 341 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon (11.4%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "While driving on the highway with my child in the car, the car suddenly began shaking and warning lights to check the power train came on the dash. There was also a loss of power in acceleration." (NHTSA complaint 11769396, 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.
What causes a knocking, ticking or rattling noise in the 2021 GMC Yukon engine?
24 of the 341 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon (7%) describe a knocking, ticking or rattling engine noise. One owner wrote: "My 2021 Yukon Denali received the Recall 25V-274 oil fix and I am now experiencing an active light engine knock. My gas mileage has reduced significantly and I am having to add oil in between regular oil changes." (NHTSA complaint 11762672, 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 start?
20 of the 341 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon (5.9%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "I was driving in the left lane on [XXX] , a 4 lane interstate just outside of Cleveland when i lost engine propulsion. Engine RPMs dropped to under 1000rpm, and quit responding to throttle." (NHTSA complaint 11738939, May 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 idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
19 of the 341 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon (5.6%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "I was driving down the highway and all at once a bunch of different lights and emergency warnings started flashing on my dashboard and my car was almost like sputtering like it wasn’t getting the gas it needed or something." (NHTSA complaint 11759232, August 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 are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2021 GMC Yukon?
15 of the 341 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon (4.4%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "While operating my 2021 GMC Yukon AT4, my vehicle suddenly developed a popping noise, the check engine light began flashing, and the traction control warning illuminated." (NHTSA complaint 11734192, April 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 burning or losing oil?
11 of the 341 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon (3.2%) describe excessive oil consumption or oil leaks. One owner wrote: "The engine has started using large quantities of oil. Not dripping oil, burning oil. I have been doing oil consumption studies with GMC for months now. It burned 7 quarts in 5,000 miles." (NHTSA complaint 11713798, January 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.
Check your own Yukon
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.