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 329 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 1,237 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 2020 | 1 | 1 |
| Dec 2020 | 2 | 3 |
| 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 | 14 | 329 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Engine20947.4%
- Fuel system5612.7%
- Powertrain (other)5111.6%
- Electrical306.8%
- Driver assistance306.8%
- Airbags184.1%
- Brakes122.7%
- Steering112.5%
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
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 appeared. I am particularly concerned because this failure occurred at only approximately 36,900 miles. GM previously recalled 3,386 2021 GMC Yukons under NHTSA Campaign 21V-739/GM Recall N212332040 for a fuel-pump power-control-module defect that can cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, interrupt fuel flow and potentially cause the engine to stall. My 2021 Yukon is not included in that recall and currently shows no unrepaired recalls associated with my VIN. I believe this represents a potential safety concern because inadequate fuel delivery or a fuel-system failure while driving could cause reduced engine power or an unexpected stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Given the low mileage, the dealer-confirmed fuel-pressure problem, and the existing fuel-pump-related safety recall affecting other 2021 Yukons, I am concerned that my vehicle may have the same or a related defect despite not being included in the recalled population. I believe NHTSA should evaluate whether additional 2021 Yukons should be included in a safety investigation or recall. I am paying out of pocket to have the fuel pump replaced and am filing this complaint to document the failure.A fuel-pump failure at only 36,900 miles is extremely concerning. I ask NHTSA to determine whether my vehicle has the same or a related defect and whether the existing recall population should be expanded.
- NHTSA ID
- 11765898
- Incident
- Sep 21, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding severe, excessive oil consumption in my 2021 GMC Yukon equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN: [XXX]). The vehicle is consuming oil at an accelerated and hazardous rate. Specifically, the engine oil level drops completely below the viewable crosshatches on the oil dipstick well before the vehicle’s automated Oil Life Monitoring system reaches 50%. This level of rapid oil depletion creates a significant safety risk, as it puts the vehicle at risk of sudden engine stalling, severe mechanical failure, or total engine lockup while driving at highway speeds, potentially causing a crash. General Motors has issued Safety Recall N252494000 to address internal manufacturing defects within the 6.2L engine that lead to mechanical damage and heavy oil loss. Although my vehicle is a 2021 model with the exact 6.2L V8 engine experiencing the identical, severe oil loss symptoms detailed in the recall, my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall list. I request that the NHTSA investigate this issue and pressure General Motors to expand the parameters of Recall N252494000 to include all affected 6.2L engines exhibiting this dangerous defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11765877
- Incident
- Sep 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle jerked and the transmission shifted hard into 1st and 2nd gears. The message "Service Safety Restraint" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed valve body. The contact was informed that the valve body or the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11764503
- Incident
- Aug 1, 2026
- Mileage
- 88,000 mi
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH on the highway at higher speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine, ECU, and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the message "Shut off Vehicle as soon as Possible" was displayed. The contact's wife pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic retrieved dDTCs: P0307 and P050D, indicating a failed roller lifter, valve spring, and valve roller lifters. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer, where the dealer diagnosed that the lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11764399
- Incident
- Sep 12, 2026
- Mileage
- 95,000 mi
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 in proximity to cabin electrical components and the fuse block area, creating a risk of electrical shorting, connector corrosion, and circuit failure. Mold has developed in the front carpet and padding on the driver's side, and water intrusion staining is present on the passenger side. The dealer has quoted $2,727.16 to replace the drain tubes and the mold-damaged carpet and padding. The vehicle entered service on February 5, 2025 and has 45,211 miles. GM has issued service bulletin 20-NA-219 addressing sunroof drain hoses on 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Tahoe, Suburban, and Escalade models.
- NHTSA ID
- 11763591
- Incident
- Aug 12, 2026
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.
- NHTSA ID
- 11763546
- Incident
- Aug 6, 2026
Had a valve body failure in mid XXX. The vehicle would not go into reverse and drove it in limp mode to a dealership about 5 miles away. Fortunately they were able to get a new valve body and repair it in one day. Cost was approximately $3,500 and not covered by warranty. The vehicle had about 110,000 miles on it at the time. This is a known defect on this vehicle and a recall should be initiated. Had we started our trip from [XXX] back to [XXX] before the failure occurred, we likely would have been stranded on the highway, or worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11763438
- Incident
- Apr 16, 2026
Fraud and gross negligence by General Motors, Orr GMC and Sewell Buick GMC.
- NHTSA ID
- 11762930
- Incident
- Mar 1, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This PI provides a diagnostic tip when fuse F4DR is opening and dealerships are to inspect the wiring at the center console lid.
This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
This PI Communicates information to ensure Memory Recall is enabled to ensure memory mirrors return to set position after curbview assist is used.
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
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 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 37 | 3 | 1 | 60.8 |
| 2025 | 54 | 2 | 1 | 57.5 |
| 2024 | 104 | 3 | 4 | 65.1 |
| 2023 | 239 | 4 | 4 | 65.3 |
| 2022 | 179 | 5 | 4 | 65.8 |
| 2021Viewing | 329 | 13 | 5 | 70.2 |
| 2020 | 36 | 4 | 0 | 57.4 |
| 2019 | 55 | 2 | 0 | 57.7 |
| 2018 | 69 | 3 | 0 | 53.4 |
| 2017 | 196 | 3 | 0 | 54.9 |
| 2016 | 267 | 5 | 1 | 54.9 |
| 2015 | 529 | 10 | 1 | 54.7 |
| 2014 | 56 | 3 | 1 | 49.8 |
| 2013 | 117 | 4 | 1 | 54.7 |
| 2012 | 63 | 3 | 1 | 52.5 |
| 2011 | 158 | 5 | 1 | 51.1 |
| 2010 | 105 | 4 | 1 | 54.7 |
| 2009 | 94 | 5 | 1 | 55.2 |
| 2008 | 187 | 4 | 4 | 58.6 |
| 2007 | 428 | 4 | 5 | 62.4 |
| 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.