KnownCarProblems2021 GMC Yukon Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 339 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Yukon, most often about the engine (64% of complaints, typically around 81,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Yukon model year since 2000 and has 13 recalls.
Most common 2021 GMC Yukon problems
Engine
216 complaints · 64%Half of these problems showed up before 81,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was the result of an unrepaired recall. The contact was…
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…
Fuel system
56 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles. Parts named most often: delivery.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 MPH the following day, the message "press start again" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle then stalled while the driver was pulling to the side of the…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle decelerated independently and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump power control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle…
Transmission
54 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 75,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle jumped and hesitated while accelerating until the vehicle exceeded 20 - 25 MPH. The contact stated that at 1,500-2500 RPM, the failure recurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while looking…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission was shifting hard, with severe vibrations and shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who confirmed the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle…
Electrical
30 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 18,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, alternator/generator/regulator.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle independently reversed without warning upon touching the gear shifter. The vehicle first reversed into a cement barrier and then lunged forward into an intersection while she repeatedly depressed her brake pedal to no…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message âsafety restraint unavailableâ was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery voltage was low. The battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was…
Driver assistance
22 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: automatic emergency braking, warnings, blind spot detection, dynamic brake support/brake assist.
Driving approx. 62 MPH on a highway, went to slow down and unable to brake, upon pushing down on the break there was resistance, after pumping the breaks multiple times I was eventually able to slow down with a lot of force. Messages on dashboard read "brake system failure" "62 max speed ESC, service ESC, service…
The contact rented a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact was driving at 75mph, the contact stated they felt the steering wheel was moving independently causing the vehicle to veer in the opposite direction. Both hands were required in order to control the steering wheel. The contact attempted to avoid a large puddle, the…
Other or unspecified
22 complaints · 7%Air bags
18 complaints · 5%The contact rented a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact was driving at 75mph, the contact stated they felt the steering wheel was moving independently causing the vehicle to veer in the opposite direction. Both hands were required in order to control the steering wheel. The contact attempted to avoid a large puddle, the…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while stopped on the highway a crown victoria crashed into the rear driver's quarter panel and a honda civic crashed into the front bumper of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There was a police report filed. There was no reported fire. The contact…
Brakes
11 complaints · 3%Parts named most often: antilock.
Driving approx. 62 MPH on a highway, went to slow down and unable to brake, upon pushing down on the break there was resistance, after pumping the breaks multiple times I was eventually able to slow down with a lot of force. Messages on dashboard read "brake system failure" "62 max speed ESC, service ESC, service…
Travelling down the highway 69 MPH with my wife and three small children when the dash flashed multiple error codes, engine speed limited to 62 MPH, and brakes essentially went out. Was able to get safely stopped. Contacted dealership and they advised shutting it off for 20 min and it would "reset". It did not reset…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 GMC Yukon recalls
Engine: hard parts internal/mechanical
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: valves/valve body
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Lights: software
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.
Full defect summary
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."
Seat belts: critical fasteners
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Transmission: driveshaft
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: control/drive module
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Brakes: software
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: steering control module
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Air bags: srs malfunction warning lamp/light
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.
Full defect summary
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.
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Fuel system: tank assembly
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seat belts: critical fasteners
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Seats: critical fasteners
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Summary
On january 16, 2026, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened recall query rq26001.â 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. Gmâs recall remedy for recall 25v-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Summary
On january 16, 2026, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened recall query rq26001.â 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. Gmâs recall remedy for recall 25v-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Summary
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) 2019â2024 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).â gm determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. Gm issued recall 25v-274 to address the suppl
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Summary
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 gmâs 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 engineâs 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 l8
Air bag malfunction
Summary
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
Questions about the 2021 GMC Yukon
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Yukon?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (216 complaints, typically around 81,000 miles); fuel system (56 complaints, typically around 42,000 miles); transmission (54 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Yukon have?
- 13 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from April 24, 2025 (engine). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the GMC Yukon?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Yukon model year since 2000, with 339 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.