ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
2021 GMC Yukon
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 349 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon, most frequently naming the engine, fuel system and powertrain (other) categories. 13 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 5 NHTSA investigations name it; and 1,242 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 4 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 5 |
| Apr 2021 | 1 | 6 |
| May 2021 | 3 | 9 |
| Jun 2021 | 1 | 10 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 11 |
| Aug 2021 | 2 | 13 |
| Sep 2021 | 2 | 15 |
| Oct 2021 | 3 | 18 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 19 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 20 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 21 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 22 |
| Sep 2022 | 4 | 26 |
| Oct 2022 | 3 | 29 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 30 |
| Mar 2023 | 3 | 33 |
| Apr 2023 | 2 | 35 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 36 |
| Jun 2023 | 1 | 37 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 38 |
| Aug 2023 | 2 | 40 |
| Sep 2023 | 4 | 44 |
| Oct 2023 | 3 | 47 |
| Nov 2023 | 3 | 50 |
| Jan 2024 | 4 | 54 |
| Feb 2024 | 2 | 56 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 57 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 58 |
| May 2024 | 2 | 60 |
| Jun 2024 | 2 | 62 |
| Jul 2024 | 3 | 65 |
| Aug 2024 | 5 | 70 |
| Sep 2024 | 2 | 72 |
| Oct 2024 | 2 | 74 |
| Nov 2024 | 3 | 77 |
| Dec 2024 | 2 | 79 |
| Jan 2025 | 11 | 90 |
| Feb 2025 | 9 | 99 |
| Mar 2025 | 12 | 111 |
| Apr 2025 | 21 | 132 |
| May 2025 | 13 | 145 |
| Jun 2025 | 11 | 156 |
| Jul 2025 | 16 | 172 |
| Aug 2025 | 19 | 191 |
| Sep 2025 | 14 | 205 |
| Oct 2025 | 9 | 214 |
| Nov 2025 | 7 | 221 |
| Dec 2025 | 10 | 231 |
| Jan 2026 | 13 | 244 |
| Feb 2026 | 6 | 250 |
| Mar 2026 | 9 | 259 |
| Apr 2026 | 8 | 267 |
| May 2026 | 9 | 276 |
| Jun 2026 | 14 | 290 |
| Jul 2026 | 9 | 299 |
| Aug 2026 | 16 | 315 |
| Sep 2026 | 17 | 332 |
| Oct 2026 | 13 | 345 |
| Nov 2026 | 4 | 349 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine22147.8%
- Fuel system5712.3%
- Powertrain (other)5511.9%
- Electrical316.7%
- Driver assistance306.5%
- Airbags183.9%
- Brakes132.8%
- Steering112.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
13 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govPOWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. Additionally, ODI has received 191 reports of L87 engine failures in engines produced after the production period cited in Recall 25V-274. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysisto continue investigating complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI is expanding the scope of this Investigation to include engines produced after the production period cited in the recall. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001). GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V-274, NHTSA has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number of reports of engine failure in vehicles outside the scope of 25V-274. This presents a potential safety risk that warrants further investigation. ODI is opening this Engineering Analysis (EA) to further evaluate the scope and severity of the potential problem and to fully assess the potential safety-related issues of vehicles built outside the recall scope. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has received 499 complaints alleging post-remedy engine failure in vehicles subject to Recall 25V-274, 473 of which involved an oil viscosity change and 26 a complete engine replacement. GM reported receiving 6,953 complaints of post-remedy engine failure. ODI will close this RQ and continue to investigate complaints of post-remedy engine failure for Recall 25V-274 as part of an Engineering Analysis (EA26005). To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM’s recall remedy will be either an oil change to an oil with a different viscosity or engine replacement depending on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. To date, ODI has received 1,157 allegations of engine bearing failure. GM submitted 55,464 reports in total, with 29,752 unique VINs. ODI continues to receive allegations of L87 engine failures which fall outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. Based on GM’s recall, ODI will close this PE. NHTSA will continue to investigate complaints of engine failure outside the scope of recall 25V-274 as part ofEngineering Analysis (EA25007). To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The vehicle (2021 GMC Yukon Denali) has suffered three consecutive, catastrophic failures of the engine's rear main seal. Following the initial replacement—which requires mechanics to unbolt and drop the vehicle's exhaust system—a massive exhaust leak developed in the engine bay. The vehicle is now actively pumping toxic exhaust fumes directly through the air conditioning vents into the passenger cabin, creating an immediate carbon monoxide inhalation hazard. The underlying mechanical issue is a chronic failure: either excessive crankcase pressure (clogged PCV system) is repeatedly blowing the engine seals, or the dealership technicians failed to properly align and seal the exhaust flanges/gaskets upon reassembling the vehicle. General Motors corporate has been notified of this recurring, unresolved safety defect. The vehicle is currently undrivable due to the severe buildup of fumes inside the passenger compartment while the engine is running.
- NHTSA ID
- 11776699
- Incident
- Oct 13, 2026
On XXX, at [XXX], my vehicle’s engine locked up, causing the vehicle to shut off while I was driving at 65 mph on a two-way highway. The vehicle could not be safely driven. My family and I were stranded on the side of the road, where semi trucks passing at highway speeds forced us to remain in the vehicle. Unreliable cellphone service and OnStar connectivity limited my ability to request assistance, communicate my location, or obtain timely support, making Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)-arranged towing necessary. DPS requested the tow at approximately 7:52 p.m.; it was completed at approximately 11:25 p.m. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11776111
- Incident
- Sep 3, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while her husband was inspecting the vehicle, he discovered that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil after performing an oil consumption test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and agreed to cover 20% of the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11775726
- Incident
- Feb 10, 2026
- Mileage
- 79,000 mi
My driver side headlamp went out while driving. The amber turn signal light remained on after I shut the engine off. This made my battery die. The headlamp is full of condensation and none of the lights are working. I had to replace the battery and have been told by GM that they've had many complaints but aren't issuing a recall yet. Can you please advise me. Thank you
- NHTSA ID
- 11775680
- Incident
- Aug 9, 2026
While stopped in a parking lot. I returned my vehicle to drive home, and the car would not start. I had it towed to the dealer. They did a diagnostic inspection for "crank-no-start ". Two trouble codes: P0340 intake single camshaft ignition sensor circuit and P00C6- fuel rail pressure load during engine cranking. Performed diagnostic checks and suspect a broken timing chain and timing tensioner that causes the bottom of the engine to free spin while the top 0.5 does not. These engines are known as interference engines, and anytime there is a mismatch between the top 0.5 and the bottom 0.5, there is the potential for catastrophic failure due to the design of the valve train and bottom 0.5 of the engine. The technician suggested a full engine replacement. I went to the dealer and spoke with the Service Manager, Greg, and he stated that he would reach out to GMC because the VIN number was not part of the recall, although the YEAR/MAKE/MODEL is. I also reached out to GMC to open a claim. To date, I have not heard back, and they have not yet accepted responsibility for replacing the engine.
- NHTSA ID
- 11774191
- Incident
- Oct 25, 2026
As I was driving down the road at 60mph, no dash lights or warnings were present. All of a sudden, my 2021 yukon lost all power and I nearly crashed as I was in heavy, fast paced traffic. I got to the side of the road, and it was at this time the engine light came on. Car died and wouldnt start back up.
- NHTSA ID
- 11773740
- Incident
- Oct 23, 2026
About 1 month ago while driving down the highway, my vehicle dash and screen went completely back for a few seconds and came back on. As if it shorted out
- NHTSA ID
- 11773385
- Incident
- Aug 31, 2026
crank/rod failure on 6.2 engine. yes it is available same as other people with blown 6.2s yes, GMC dealer diagnosed crank failure no no. engine still runs but is knocking and squealing but dies after a few mins and won't restart till it cools off
- NHTSA ID
- 11773344
- Incident
- Oct 15, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3
This Preliminary Information provides diagnostic tips and guidance for situations where key fobs cannot be learned or programmed successfully.
Beginning with 2026 model year production, the floor console/armrest lamp design was changed by removing the tilt-switch ball. As a result, the lamp remains illuminated when the floor console compartment lid is closed. The BCM turns the lamp off after the ignition is switched off to prevent battery rundown. This PI is to inform dealers of the change in the lamp and operation of the lamp following repairs.
This preliminary PI was created to advise techniians in the field that they will not be able to perform a GDS automated bleed with the scan tool dues to a issue with the software in the scan tool
This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
This preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 49 | 3 | 1 | 60.4 |
| 2025 | 59 | 2 | 1 | 56.2 |
| 2024 | 106 | 3 | 4 | 64.8 |
| 2023 | 248 | 4 | 4 | 65.0 |
| 2022 | 186 | 5 | 4 | 66.3 |
| 2021Viewing | 349 | 13 | 5 | 69.9 |
| 2020 | 37 | 4 | 0 | 57.5 |
| 2019 | 57 | 2 | 0 | 57.4 |
| 2018 | 71 | 3 | 0 | 52.8 |
| 2017 | 196 | 3 | 0 | 53.6 |
| 2016 | 271 | 5 | 1 | 55.8 |
| 2015 | 530 | 10 | 1 | 54.4 |
| 2014 | 56 | 3 | 1 | 49.8 |
| 2013 | 117 | 4 | 1 | 52.9 |
| 2012 | 63 | 3 | 1 | 50.7 |
| 2011 | 158 | 5 | 1 | 51.1 |
| 2010 | 105 | 4 | 1 | 53.5 |
| 2009 | 94 | 5 | 1 | 55.2 |
| 2008 | 188 | 4 | 4 | 58.6 |
| 2007 | 428 | 4 | 5 | 62.1 |
| 2006 | 27 | 3 | 0 | 45.3 |
| 2005 | 85 | 5 | 0 | 49.2 |
| 2004 | 159 | 4 | 0 | 50.1 |
| 2003 | 204 | 6 | 3 | 57.7 |
| 2002 | 158 | 5 | 4 | 62.7 |
| 2001 | 197 | 8 | 5 | 64.7 |
| 2000 | 166 | 9 | 5 | 63.1 |
| 1999 | 204 | 2 | 6 | 60.0 |
| 1998 | 80 | 3 | 3 | 57.7 |
| 1997 | 133 | 1 | 5 | 52.0 |
| 1996 | 70 | 4 | 8 | 61.9 |
| 1995 | 90 | 7 | 9 | 60.9 |
| 1994 | 58 | 4 | 3 | 64.3 |
| 1993 | 17 | 1 | 2 | 52.0 |
| 1992 | 19 | 2 | 2 | 56.5 |
| 1991 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1990 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1989 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1988 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1987 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1986 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1985 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1984 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1983 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1982 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.