RoadVitals

2021 GMC Yukon

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
349
+12 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
13
Latest Apr 24, 2025
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
5
2 currently open
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
9 injuries, 0 deaths reported

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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Apr 24, 2025
597,571 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N252494000View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY

Oct 24, 2024
463,295 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N242454440View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Nov 3, 2022
338,735 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N222382220View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA26005OpenEngineering Analysis

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

Opened Aug 20, 2026

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.

ENGINE
EA25007OpenEngineering Analysis

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

Opened Oct 23, 2025

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
RQ26001ClosedRecall Query

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

Opened Jan 16, 2026
Closed Aug 20, 2026

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.

ENGINE
PE25001ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

Loss of motive power due to engine failure

Opened Jan 16, 2025
Closed Oct 23, 2025

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICALLed to recall 25V274

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed Nov 9, 2026

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
Engine
Filed Nov 6, 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
Engine
Filed Nov 4, 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
Exterior lighting
Filed Nov 4, 2026

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
Fuel system
Filed Oct 28, 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
Engine
Filed Oct 26, 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
Electrical
Filed Oct 24, 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
Engine
Filed Oct 23, 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.

PIC5650N

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

PIT6015D

This Preliminary Information provides diagnostic tips and guidance for situations where key fobs cannot be learned or programmed successfully.

PIT6564

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.

PIT6477D

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

PIT5698F

This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.

PIT5801F

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

GMC Yukon by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027100—
2026493160.4
2025592156.2
20241063464.8
20232484465.0
20221865466.3
2021Viewing34913569.9
2020374057.5
2019572057.4
2018713052.8
20171963053.6
20162715155.8
201553010154.4
2014563149.8
20131174152.9
2012633150.7
20111585151.1
20101054153.5
2009945155.2
20081884458.6
20074284562.1
2006273045.3
2005855049.2
20041594050.1
20032046357.7
20021585462.7
20011978564.7
20001669563.1
19992042660.0
1998803357.7
19971331552.0
1996704861.9
1995907960.9
1994584364.3
1993171252.0
1992192256.5
1991000—
1990000—
1989000—
1988000—
1987100—
1986100—
1985000—
1984000—
1983000—
1982000—
1981000—
1980000—
1979000—
1978000—
1977000—
1976000—
1975000—

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.