Fifth generation
2021 GMC Yukon XL
The most reported problem on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL is engine failure, with 86 complaints, usually around 66,000 miles.
- 226owner complaints
- 12recalls
- 2involved a crash
- 60,500median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Yukon XL doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2021 model year.
Is the 2021 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
The 2021 GMC Yukon XL has 226 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, close to the median of 216 for 2021 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Yukon XL model years since 2014, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2020 and 2022
- At 38 complaints for each year on the road, the 2021 runs 5.6 times the 2020 (7) and close to the 2022 (34).
- Top problem
- One problem takes up much of the file: engine failure, named in 86 of the 226 complaints (38%). A quarter of the 36 owners who gave a mileage for engine failure saw it by about 35,000 miles, and half by about 66,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- Only 5 of the 226 complaints (2%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, well under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 2 reports mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire and 5 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- engine failure, stalling and misfire all have recalls on the same system, and the same campaigns cover them: 25V-274. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings jumped in 2025, with 109 complaints, 6.8 times the next busiest year. So far in 2026, 72 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine failure, knocking or rod bearing, 86 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
226 complaints is 1.2 times the median 2021 model on this site and about the median for a 2021 SUV. Among the 7 Yukon XL model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
GMC filed 1,232 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2021 GMC Yukon XL. 48 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 2 bulletins · 86 complaints
This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main cause of an engine failure.
This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be the main cause of an engine failure.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 9 bulletins · 52 complaints
This service bulletin advises the technician to check if the transmission cooler lines are twisted to correct customer concerns of Harsh Shift, Shudder, Surge, Stall, Transmission Overheating and/or High Transmission Fluid Temperature.
This service bulletin provides a procedure to replace the FPDCM if found to cause customers concerns of Crank No Start, Stalling, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated – DTC P023F or P129F Set.
7 more on this problem
This engineering information (EI) closure ends the need for gathering further information from technicians in regard to the vehicle having loss of power and/or having the MIL illuminated on DIC.
This engineering information (EI) is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regard to the vehicle having loss of power and/or having the MIL illuminated on the Driver Information Center ...
This service bulletin provides repair information for Engine Wire Harness Chafing to correct customer concerns of IPC Gauges Sweep, IPC Warning Message, SES/Check Engine/MIL, No Start/ No Crank, Runs Rough, Stalls, Reduced Engine Power, Various DTCs.
This bulletin provides a procedure to replace the FPDCM if found to cause customers concerns of Crank No Start, Stalling, Loss of Power, Fuel Gauge Inoperative/Erratic, MIL Illuminated - DTC P023F and/or P129F Set.
This service bulletin provides service information for customer concerns of an in-tank fuel pump whining noise, engine hard to start and/or stalls and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated that may be caused by gelling of fuel in cold temperatures.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regards to one or more of the following condition Stalls, Crank with no star, Check Engine Lamp ...
This service bulletin provides information to correct a customer concern of an in-tank fuel pump whining noise, engine hard to start and/or stalls and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated.
Check engine light or misfire 15 bulletins · 36 complaints
Certain vehicles may have a condition that could cause the cylinder 2 glow plug to fail. If this failure occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will illuminate and a diagnostic trouble code will set.
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant control valve to fail an onboard vehicle diagnostic test.
13 more on this problem
This bulletin advises the technician of a possible kinked coolant hose that might be causing the customers concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P026A Set.
This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the SES MIL and DTC P062B and engineering is working on a fix.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of LM2 Engine Calibration Update for DTC P003A.
This Preliminary information communicates a diagnostic tip on how to resolve a issue with the Body Control Module setting DTC: P0606 and turning on a Check Engine Lamp.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the fuel injector and the wiring harness to correct a customer concern of Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated with DTC P0201, P0202, P0203, P0204, P0205, P0206 and/or P0216 Set.
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Malfunction Indicator Lamp Illuminated with DTC P06DD, P2B60, P26BB, P1098 Set.
This technical bulletin advises to replace the camshaft cover if found within the Julian date and the cause of a customer concern of possible oil consumption with or without DTC P06DD.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Check Engine MIL Illuminated in DIC Set by Body Control Module with DTC P0607.
Information bulletin explains a possible coolant leak coming from the cylinder head bolt areas.
Plus 3 older ones not listed here.
Engine rattles or ticks 4 bulletins · 12 complaints
This service bulletin provides a service procedure to correct a condition of a Ticking Noise from the Engine.
This bulletin advises the technician to Inspect the position of the head gasket locating tabs to determine if the head gasket(s) has been possibly installed backwards to correct a concern of an Engine Thermostat Tick Noise and/or Running Hot.
2 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have run hot and or has a tick noise. Technician should inspect the head gaskets to ensure are not installed backwards.
This technical bulletin provides a service procedure to correct a condition of Ticking Noise from the Engine.
Rod bearing failure 1 bulletin · 11 complaints
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 13 bulletins · 8 complaints
Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve.
This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering Vibration/Shudder, Intermittent DTCs/MIL Illuminated, Engagement/Disengagement/Ratcheting ...
11 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the transmission is slipping when shifting into 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gears.
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct customer concerns of Wheel Lock Up, ABS Event, Loud Bang and a Flashing “D” on Driver Information Center (DIC) when Lightly or Moderately Accelerating Forcing an 8-7 or 8-6 Downshift.
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Shake and/or Shudder During Steady Speed and/or Light Throttle Acceleration Between 25 and 50 MPH (40 and 80 KM/H).
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct customer concerns of Rear Wheel Lock Up, ABS Event, Loud Bang and a Flashing “D” on Driver Information Center (DIC) when Lightly or Moderately Accelerating Forcing an 8-7 or 8-6 Downshift.
This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
This service bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure to aid in correcting a customer concern of a Howling, Whining/Whirring Noise, Shudder/Vibration and/or Grinding Noise While in 4HI, 4HI Auto and/or During Parking Lot Maneuvers in Auto Mode.
This informational bulletin provides graphs to help identify possible issues that may cause shaking and shudders and what may be the cause of said issue.
This engineering information (EI) closure ends the need for further information from the field in regards to Engine Coolant Reservoir Being Overfilled with Discolored Coolant, Shudder, Shake, Vibration, Harsh Shift, Delayed Shift and/or Slipping Transmission ...
This engineering information (EI) is requesting information from technicians to perform the check list provided and contact the engineer listed in regards to Engine Coolant Reservoir Being Overfilled with Discolored Coolant, Shudder, Shake, Vibration, Harsh ...
Plus 1 older ones not listed here.
Engine misfire 3 bulletins · 7 complaints
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce ...
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
1 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides a procedure to replace the valve lifter and guides to correct customer concerns of Poor Engine Performance, Engine Misfires, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304, P0305, P0306, ...
Transmission fails or needs replacement 1 bulletin · 6 complaints
This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician to replace the transmission valve body on 2019-2021 10 speed transmissions to correct DTCs P2812 and P2814 setting if Service Information does not lead to root case of these DTCs.
Complaints filed by year
109 complaints came in 2025, 9.1 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Open.
NHTSA summary
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Closed aug 20, 2026.
NHTSA summary
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Open.
NHTSA summary
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed oct 23, 2025, led to recall 25V-274.
NHTSA summary
Air bag malfunction. Closed aug 24, 2023.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
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, 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 and remedy
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, 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 and remedy
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, 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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
All 12 recalls on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
Engine failure, with 86 of the 226 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 66,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2021 GMC Yukon XL problems start?
Of the 87 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 21,000 miles and half by about 60,000.
Is the 2021 GMC Yukon XL better or worse than the 2020 and 2022?
Counted per year on the road, the 2021 has more complaints than the 2020 and about as many complaints as the 2022: 38 a year against 7 and 34.
How many 2021 GMC Yukon XL complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
5 of them (2%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for engine failure on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 25V-274. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.