2021 GMC Yukon: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 410 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the engine, transmission, and fuel system. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2021- Owner complaints
- 410
- Recalls
- 14
- Crashes reported
- 11
- 13 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2021 GMC Yukon: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/3
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Yukon is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2021 GMC Yukon. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 18 mpg |
| 6.2L 8-cylGas | 4WD, RWD | 16–17 mpg |
| 3.0L 6-cylDiesel | 4WD, RWD | 22–23 mpg |
- The 2021 GMC Yukon was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Yukon that averages well under the EPA 16 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Early lifter failure
5,315–25,572 miles
Fuel pump control module failure
9,000–30,000 miles
Safety restraint warning light
16,000–22,000 miles
Engine seizure, bearing failure
60,500–81,000 miles
Repeat or late lifter failure
80,101–94,841 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Engine199No crashes
Lifter and bearing failures on the 6.2L V8 lead this category. Reports describe a ticking noise that grows with throttle, a flashing check engine light, and shaking at idle. That is followed by sudden power loss or a seized engine at highway speed, often with no earlier warning. Dealers find collapsed lifters, damaged cams, spun bearings, and metal shavings in the oil. Many cases end in full engine replacement, and lifter repairs sometimes fail again. Heavy oil burning, around a quart every 1,000 miles, is another common complaint. Many owners say their VIN was left out of the engine recall.
Most filings tie to engine recall campaign 25V274000. Many owners have a recall notice but no fix, because dealers say parts are not yet available. Owners with failures describe knocking, ticking, or rumbling from the engine, hesitation below 20 - 25 mph, and loss of power, usually with no warning light. Dealers find failed crankshaft bearings and metal shavings in the oil pan. Some engines seize outright and leave the vehicle stranded. Other owners with the same symptoms are told their VIN falls outside the recall.
Transmission62No crashes
Many reports here repeat the engine problems: ticking lifters, damaged cams, and engines that seize at a stop or on the highway, often just past the powertrain warranty. Transmission complaints form a second pattern. Owners describe 10-speed valve body failures around 72,000 miles, backfiring, limp mode below 20 mph, slipping, and high revs before downshifts. Internal debris can force a full transmission replacement. Valve body parts are hard to get, so trucks sit at dealers for weeks. A few owners report a rear differential clicking during slow turns.
Fuel system34No crashes
The engine shuts off without warning and will not restart, whether the truck is moving at parking-lot speed or on the highway. Dealers almost always trace it to the fuel pump control module. Once stalled, the truck cannot be shifted to neutral, so drivers sit stranded in traffic until a flatbed arrives. Replacement modules are often on national backorder. Many owners pay out of pocket because their VIN is not covered by recall N212332040 or campaign 21V739000. A few report the transmission dropping from reverse to neutral just before the stall.
The vehicle stalls while driving, sometimes at 55 to 80 mph, or refuses to start. Dealers then replace the fuel pump power control module, and code P129F shows up in these cases. Most reported failures fall between about 9,000 and 63,000 miles. Replacement parts are often backordered. Several owners are told their VIN is not part of campaign 21V739000 even though their symptoms match. A separate problem involves reduced power with traction control and ESC warnings. Dealers trace it to the high-pressure fuel pump, and it can come back after repair.
Electrical222 crashes
Sudden stalls are the main complaint. The fuel pump power control module fails without warning, and the engine shuts off while driving or will not start. The electronic shifter then cannot be put in neutral, which makes towing hard and leaves trucks stuck in traffic. Parts are often backordered, and many VINs fall outside the recall. Other reports describe airbags not deploying in crashes, recurring restraint system warnings, brake system failure messages, infotainment screens going dark in cold weather, and flickering screen lighting. In one case a parked truck caught fire at the rear, and responders believed the cause was electrical.
Airbags145 crashes
Two problems show up. The first is airbags failing to deploy in serious crashes, including rear-end impacts that totaled the vehicle and a collision with a pole. Drivers were hurt, and this category includes 5 crash reports and 7 injuries. The second, more common problem is a recurring Service Safety Restraint System warning that dealers struggle to fix. Repairs range from seat harness connectors to an overhead console. The light often returns months later, even after recall work, and owners worry the airbags are disabled while it is on.
Steering142 crashes
Power steering loss is the serious pattern. A warning appears at startup or while driving, and the wheel locks or becomes very hard to turn. Two crashes, into a pole and a tree, are linked to recall 21V455000, and one caused an injury. Some cases clear after the truck sits switched off for about 10 minutes. Other owners see a Service Steering Column message with a locked wheel and a no-start condition. Further complaints cover clicking, humming, or groaning during slow turns, which dealers have traced in some cases to the rear differential.
Automatic emergency braking9No crashes
Automatic emergency braking engages when nothing is ahead. The SUV brakes hard both at neighborhood speeds and at 70 mph on the interstate, throwing occupants forward and sending loose items to the floor. Some owners say it happens again and again, as often as a few times a week, usually with no warning light. The main fear is being rear-ended by following traffic. Three injuries are reported, including seat belt marks from the sudden stops. One owner also reports a Service Brake Assist warning on a brand-new truck.
Brakes81 crash
Reports vary. Some describe a Brake System Failure warning followed by a pedal that stops working or has to be pumped hard. Others report the brakes applying on their own at 70 mph, or a forward collision alert sounding without automatic braking, which led to one crash. One owner reports a brake squeak that began around 20,000 miles and led to a master cylinder quote. Another says a master cylinder replacement did not fix the problem. Several complaints filed here actually describe engine failure with ESC and traction warnings.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Yukon owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Vehicle has almost 75000 miles. No warnings whatsoever, the GMC app actually reported the vehicle has no issues and all systems are working. The engine began to knock, the transmission was not shifting well, traction control stopped working. Took the vehicle to the local dealership who called me and said it was complete engine failure that is going to require a brand new engine. All of the maintenance is up to date.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2025
I experienced complete engine failure at around 76000 miles similar to a current engine recall for 2021 to 2024 6.2L V8 engines. However, my engine isn't included in the current recall. I also experienced the fuel pump control module problem requiring replacement. Again there is a recall for 2021 to 2024 6.2L V8 engines and again my engine wasn't included in this recall.
Filed with NHTSA, February 2026
Driving at normal speed when my 2021 Yukon backfired and began to lose power. The check engine light came on. The vehicle would go into reverse and would not get over 20 miles an hour. It has been at a GM repair shop since March 24th waiting on the tranmission valve body. There is no ETA from General Motors on when this part will be available. Could this be associated with the most recent GMC recall of 2021-2024 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles?
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
Lifter failure with cylinder #6. Car violently shook prior to this failure. No engine lights or messages until the next day when tried to drive. Ended up towing car to dealer. Car had 76k miles on it. Recall on 6.2L, but not on the 5.3L which is not immune to this same issue as the 6.2L engine.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
I owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. My wife was driving approximately 70 mph when the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was not able to go into neutral. The vehicle was towed to the dealership who diagnosed that the fuel pump module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle is getting repaired but not covered under warranty or by recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 14000
Filed with NHTSA, April 2024
On 9/23/2024, I was driving my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali down the road, when the Engine seemed to lose power, and the accelerator no longer worked. There were no indications of any errors or alarms on the Dash, and all functions on the interior of the Cabin showed as normal. The vehicle switched into Neutral, and the engine shut off and I was unable to control or accelerate. This is a extremely serious situation and extremely dangerous in terms of Safety.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2024
While on a red light and foot on the break, the car turned off completely and would not turn back on after many tries. Truck was towed but mechanic did not find any issues with vehicle as he turned it on with no issues. All lights flashed and indicated battery was low but was not warned prior. The previous week, the truck shut off completely as well but it turned on quickly.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2024
I was driving from New Orleans with my family when traveling at 75 mph when it’s like the transmission started straining and the engine was losing power/pressure it’s like the engine or transmission was struggling I’m not sure what was causing it but it was a scary experience knowing I’d my kids and my wife with me and we were out in the middle of nowhere.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
How the 2021 compares with other Yukon years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2021 has the most owner complaints of the 9 Yukon years we cover, about 3.5 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Engine19960
- Transmission6220
- Fuel system341
- Electrical2215
- Airbags141
- Steering145
Where the 2021 fits in the Yukon's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2021 is the seventh model year of the Yukon's second generation (2015–2023).
It includes the 2020 update.
What changed for 2020
- Updated front and rear styling
- New technology features introduced
Recalls to confirm (14)
Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V274000EngineApr 2025
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.
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.
24V797000TransmissionOct 2024
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.
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.
22V827000Exterior lightsNov 2022
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.".
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.
22V617000Seat beltsAug 2022
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.
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.
22V036000TransmissionJan 2022
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.
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.
21V739000Fuel systemSep 2021
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.
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.
21V579000BrakesJul 2021
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.
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.
21V455000SteeringJun 2021
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.
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.
21V421000AirbagsJun 2021
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.
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.
21V190000Seat beltsMar 2021
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.
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.
21V064000Fuel systemFeb 2021
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.
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.
20V811000Seat beltsDec 2020
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.
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.
20V792000Seat beltsDec 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
20V735000SeatsNov 2020
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.
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.
Also looking at these instead of a Yukon?
Cars shoppers compare with the GMC Yukon, with their own 2021 checklists.
2021 owner complaints, side by side
- Toyota Sequoia4
- Nissan Armada12
- Lincoln Navigator26
- Cadillac Escalade68
- Chevrolet Suburban149
- Chevrolet Tahoe368
- 2021 GMC Yukon410
