GMC YUKON · model year

2021 GMC YUKON

360 NHTSA complaints, 16 crash reports, and 13 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021GMCYUKON carries 360 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 16 crashes, 0 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 YUKON is engine with 124 filings, followed by power train (37) and fuel/propulsion system (35). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 13 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2021 YUKON. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

360
Complaints
16
Crashes
0
Fires
15
Injuries
0
Deaths
2021 GMC YUKON — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2021 GMC YUKON. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 3.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

360 filings

Crashes Reported

16 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE124
POWER TRAIN37
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM35
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING24
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM21
UNKNOWN OR OTHER18
AIR BAGS15
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING10
STEERING10
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS8
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE8
SERVICE BRAKES7
SUSPENSION6
SEATS5
SEAT BELTS4

Recalls (13)

21V57900029/07/2021

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.

22V03600027/01/2022

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.

20V73500025/11/2020

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 co

24V79700024/10/2024

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 caus

25V27400024/04/2025

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 d

20V81100023/12/2020

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 m

21V73900023/09/2021

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 un

21V19000018/03/2021

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 resu

21V45500017/06/2021

STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

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.

22V61700011/08/2022

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

21V06400011/02/2021

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.

21V42100010/06/2021

AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

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),

22V82700003/11/2022

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

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 requireme

Recent Complaints

20260216SUSPENSION

Air bag suspension does not work in sub freezing temperatures. Vehicle bounces up and down excessively and is extremely unstable and unsafe to drive at any speed. Vehicle speed was limited to 56 mph. Dealer stated that this is a known flaw but not recall has been issued. This is a design flaw that GMC should be responsible to correct.

20260211UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I own a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL with approximately 81,000 miles. On 4 separate occasions, after coming to a complete stop in traffic and then attempting to accelerate, the vehicle violently jerks and shifts itself into park. I am not pressing the brake when this occurs. I must manually shift the vehicle back into drive in order to continue moving. This happens so fast, that I am only able to see a red outlined box that intermittantly flashes on the dashboard but I cannot see what it says before it disappears. The incident feels as though the vehicle has been struck from behind due to the abrupt force. This has occurred more than once and creates a dangerous situation in traffic, particularly when vehicle are behind me. The vehicle has been taken to a GMC dealership, which has serviced the vehicle since 2021. The dealership reports they were unable to duplicate the condition after driving approximately 60 miles and therefore cannot perform a repair. This issue remains unresolved. Giv

20260211ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while shifted into drive(D), the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost motive power, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine, stability control, and several other warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was making abnormal whining sounds, and the vehicle failed to accelerate above 20 MPH. The contact had been experiencing the loss of motive power with the vehicle for approximately 2 years; however, the failure was intermittent. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer on several occasions; however, the failure persisted. The contact notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for the engine to be tested. The contact was advised by the dealer that the engine had passed the test, and a higher viscosity oil was added, and the oil filter and oil f

Mileage: 42,000

20260202ENGINE

2 days after the delearship changed my oil to a heavier weight, my engine began knocking. I’m told the rod is bent but not covered by warranty

20260129SUSPENSION

In 2024, while the vehicle was still under warranty, we brought it to our GM dealer due to an air suspension fault. The problem typically occurs in extreme cold weather, and following that visit, we did not experience further issues during the remainder of that winter as it was never that cold again. However, the following winter the same issue returned and was diagnosed yet again, and this year we are again experiencing the identical problem with the same diagnostic code which has been diagnosed by 2 dealers and a private mechanic in the last week. It has since become clear that the underlying issue was never properly repaired during the 2024 warranty visit. We recently learned that approximately 3.5 weeks after our 2024 service appointment, GM released a service bulletin outlining the correct repair procedure for this exact issue. We were not notified of this bulletin by the original servicing dealer. This information only came to our attention when we brought the vehicle to a GM dea

20260128ENGINE

I had the 25v-274 recall serviced at my GM Dealer and was never provide with any paperwork on the extended warranty that was part of the recall. as you can image, not having anything in writing is a big risk as these engines have been catastrophically failing. GM was supposed to provide a extended warranty and service manual update.

20260127ENGINE

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. The dealership tells me it is not part of the current recall on others with the same engine, make and model. It is doing the same thing as what the recall is for and my VIN number should be added to GMC’s recall list and the motor replaced. It is a serious safety issue for me and my children,

20260126ENGINE

NHTSA Team, I am the current owner of a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali (VIN: [XXX] ) with the 6.2L L87 V8. At approximately 148,239 miles, I experienced a catastrophic lifter failure. My mechanic diagnosed a failed AFM lifter and metal contamination, requiring full engine replacement. This is documented under GM Case #XXX. CARFAX revealed that prior to my ownership, lifters were replaced twice (~10,469 miles and ~25,572 miles). The dealership I purchased from did not disclose these prior repairs, as they used an alternative vehicle history check. Only upon this third lifter failure did my mechanic identify this recurring defect. I submit this to NHTSA’s investigation into post-repair failures of the GM 6.2L engines. The pattern shows prior remedies were insufficient. Supporting documents (CARFAX, mechanic report) are available. Please advise if further details or inspection of the failed engine components are needed. Thanks, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREED

20260125ENGINE

I habe a 2021 Yukon Denali and i have had engine failure on the road. Lifter issues and rod issues. i have paid out of pocket to fix it because my truck wasnt part of the recall. But i had the first failure in November 2024. Second failure January 2026.

20260120ENGINE

Loss of power while driving, no warnings, no lights on dash, no unusual noises, and no codes. The Yukon just randomly went into neutral while driving 65 mph and "Press Start Again" popped up on the dash. I struggled to get the truck to the side of the road safely. After getting the truck into park it started back up, and I was able to make it the 3 miles home. I scheduled it to go into the dealership as it still is making no noises, and had no engine light or codes, about 2 miles from my house it shut off again while driving, only this time when it restarted it now has a ticking sound coming from the engine however no warning lights and no codes being displayed. I am reporting this as I believe it falls under the open investigation EA25007, although it clearly is the same failures others have experienced on models that were included in the recall 25V-274. I am also attempting to contact GM as my vehicle is no longer under the powertrain warranty that was not extended for the vehicles

20260119ENGINE

Internal engine failure Car just shut off on expressway, putting the safety of my husband and child at risk. Waiting for a tow at 12:30 in the morning. Problem has been confirmed by dealer. No warning lamps or warnings signs prior to failure. Car just shut down and was not able to start again. Had to be towed!

20260113ENGINE

I have a 2021 GMC Yukon with 74,000 miles I was recently told I need a new transmission.I am am trying to understand why a car that is 5 years with all the services done by Lehman GMC in North Miami would need a new transmission they have been servicing this car and no one mention anything breaking down of need of repair until now. I spoke with the service manager Franklin and he stated to me another client had the same issue and he flush the transmission just like I am doing today and it only worked for a short time and afterwards he had to replace the transmission. I feel this is a problem with these models and GMC don't want to address it. they just want the customer to pay for the repairs. Now I spoke to the Manager and the salesman that sold me the car and nicely told me he was sorry and he could get us out of this into a 2026. Now why would I buy a new car if they cannot get the 2021 right. I have included my invoice below I feel some one should look into this I feel this is a re

20260113FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I have a 2021 GMC Yukon with 74,000 miles I was recently told I need a new transmission.I am am trying to understand why a car that is 5 years with all the services done by Lehman GMC in North Miami would need a new transmission they have been servicing this car and no one mention anything breaking down of need of repair until now. I spoke with the service manager Franklin and he stated to me another client had the same issue and he flush the transmission just like I am doing today and it only worked for a short time and afterwards he had to replace the transmission. I feel this is a problem with these models and GMC don't want to address it. they just want the customer to pay for the repairs. Now I spoke to the Manager and the salesman that sold me the car and nicely told me he was sorry and he could get us out of this into a 2026. Now why would I buy a new car if they cannot get the 2021 right. I have included my invoice below I feel some one should look into this I feel this is a re

20260113UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have a 2021 GMC Yukon with 74,000 miles I was recently told I need a new transmission.I am am trying to understand why a car that is 5 years with all the services done by Lehman GMC in North Miami would need a new transmission they have been servicing this car and no one mention anything breaking down of need of repair until now. I spoke with the service manager Franklin and he stated to me another client had the same issue and he flush the transmission just like I am doing today and it only worked for a short time and afterwards he had to replace the transmission. I feel this is a problem with these models and GMC don't want to address it. they just want the customer to pay for the repairs. Now I spoke to the Manager and the salesman that sold me the car and nicely told me he was sorry and he could get us out of this into a 2026. Now why would I buy a new car if they cannot get the 2021 right. I have included my invoice below I feel some one should look into this I feel this is a re

20260112POWER TRAIN

I live in Alaska. It was -13f. We were out and about and when I tried to leave and back up, the vehicle would not go into reverse. If it hadn’t been for a passing motorist my daughter and I would have been stuck there overnight, in negative temps. I was able to drive it home, in limp mode. Come to find out, it is the valve body on the transmission. That in cold temps the valve body can fail. After some research I found that it is a KNOWN issue with these vehicles and there has even been a “Urgent-Distribute Immediately” Service Update regarding the problem. Urging dealerships to review the VIN’s they have in their possession for the issue. I had the vehicle towed to a shop, where they confirmed the problem was the transmission valve body. They were unable to perform the work as it takes a qualified technician to replace. So it got towed to the closest GMC dealership. They have had it for two weeks now. They confirmed that it is a known issue and there have been no recalls. But

20260109ENGINE

I was driving down the highway at normal speeds under normal conditions and the engine light came on and started flashing. By the time I could find a safe place to pull over I heard the engine knocking. Left my wife, two young kids and myself stuck in the middle of the road with traffic coming. Managed to get it out of the road before going to get my truck and trailer to tow it home. I assume this is due to the L87 recall but mine was built in 01/21 and the recall is said to cover 03/21 and up. We don’t really know what to do at this point being its my wife and kids only way to work and school.

20260107POWER TRAIN

On [XXX] driving to Denver the 52,000 mile yukon started making a clicking sound when accelerating on the interstate. Traction control light came on as well as the check engine light. Low power was noticed and we immediately pulled over as it sounded like it was going to blow up. Towed the vehicle 145 miles where we bought it and the shop confirmed the lifters and 5th cylinder are the issue and that the cams could be damaged. Recommend replacing each side. The car is basically new and under the 60K drive train warranty but about 100 days past the 5 year mark. Terrible timing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20260107ENGINE

On [XXX] driving to Denver the 52,000 mile yukon started making a clicking sound when accelerating on the interstate. Traction control light came on as well as the check engine light. Low power was noticed and we immediately pulled over as it sounded like it was going to blow up. Towed the vehicle 145 miles where we bought it and the shop confirmed the lifters and 5th cylinder are the issue and that the cams could be damaged. Recommend replacing each side. The car is basically new and under the 60K drive train warranty but about 100 days past the 5 year mark. Terrible timing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20260107FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

On [XXX] driving to Denver the 52,000 mile yukon started making a clicking sound when accelerating on the interstate. Traction control light came on as well as the check engine light. Low power was noticed and we immediately pulled over as it sounded like it was going to blow up. Towed the vehicle 145 miles where we bought it and the shop confirmed the lifters and 5th cylinder are the issue and that the cams could be damaged. Recommend replacing each side. The car is basically new and under the 60K drive train warranty but about 100 days past the 5 year mark. Terrible timing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20260106ENGINE

I was driving and a message popped up "Service Traction Control", then another message popped up "Forward Collision System Unavailable". Then the car started making this knocking sound and every time I would try and accelerate there would be a loud sound and almost a pulling stopping it from picking up much speed. I took the car into the dealer/repair shop and they said it was an issue with the lifters that had to be replaced and potentially an issue with the cam. They said this repair would cost upwards of $6,000 and I have never had this issue with the car before. This came out of nowhere and the car had not been showing any signs of this occurring before. This is a 2021 GMC Yukon and I drive my Wife and three sons in that car daily.

Compare 2021GMCYUKON to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 GMC YUKON have?
The 2021 GMC YUKON has 360 NHTSA complaints, 16 crashes, 0 fires, 15 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 GMC YUKON?
The 2021 GMC YUKON received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 GMC YUKON?
Yes, the 2021 GMC YUKON has 13 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC YUKON?
The most-complained component for the 2021 GMC YUKON is ENGINE with 124 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2021 GMC YUKON safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2021 GMC YUKON has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.