2021 GMC Yukon XL · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 36owner reports
- 79,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 10, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
182 of the 226 complaints on this car are about the engine. 36 of those describe misfire.
Tick what matches of 36 reports
Misfire on other Yukon XL years
No other Yukon XL model year has enough reports of misfire for a sheet of its own. See every Yukon XL year.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the engine cover the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
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.
All 12 recalls on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Yukon XL
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Open.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Closed aug 20, 2026.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Open.
Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed oct 23, 2025, led to recall 25V-274.
Overheated fuel pump wiring. Closed aug 2, 2005, led to recall 05V-155.
Overheated fuel pump wiring. Closed sep 9, 2004, led to recall 05V-155.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 52,285 and 116,204 miles, from the 18 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 22 service bulletins or notices for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL that deal with this problem. 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.
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.
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.
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.
18 more on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL page.
What owners wrote
“Our 2021 YukonXL started running rough and the check engine light came on. We took it to the shop the next day and was told there was complete lifter failure and that we need a new engine.”
Filed Sep 1, 2026
“This is from dealership âfound customers concern of engine light is on and ticking noise found cylinder 4 lifters to be collapsed causing the exhaust gasses to be trapped in the cylinder causing the cylinder wall to dry out and leaving scratches on the cylinder wall recommend replacing motor due to this problem at this timeâ”
Filed Jul 7, 2026
“Check engine light comes on and an alert says "acceleration reduced" dealer says the coolant control valve is bad but the engine never overheats but the fans are running max speed 100% of the time.”
Filed Jun 12, 2026
“engine failure from the connecting rod and/or crankshaft. There is a current recall for this and my vehicle should be a part of it. I broke down on the side of a highway and had the vehicle towed to GMC dealership. There are now warning lights on with code P0016 and P0324”
Filed Mar 19, 2026
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 36 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 86 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 52 reports