2021 GMC Yukon XL · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 86owner reports
- 66,000median miles
- $10,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
156 of the 226 complaints on this car are about the engine. 86 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2021 Yukon XL.
Tick what matches of 86 reports
Engine failure on other Yukon XL years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (85 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers 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.
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.
What owners paid
16 of the 86 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $5,600 to $12,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 35,204 and 75,924 miles, from the 36 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 3 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 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.
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.
What owners wrote
“The vehicle is consuming every bit of oil at about 1500 to 1800 miles of the 3000 mile guidelines before the next oil change. No leaks. No smoke. No knocking in motor.”
Filed Sep 29, 2026 · 1,800 miles
“We brought vehicle in while still in warranty complaining of rough running engine and dealership said they couldn't find anything wrong. 2000 miles over warranty the Engine fails with all characteristics of the L87 bearing lifter issue. Now GMC does not want to replace without charging us a ton of money.”
Filed May 5, 2026 · 2,000 miles
“Our 2021 GMC Yukon XL with the 6.2L engine suffered a catastrophic failure requiring the engine to be replaced. The diagnosis was very similar to the GMC 6.2L engines that have been recalled for safety and failure reasons however our vehicle was not included in the recall. The engine only had 75,924 miles and was maintained to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. The cost to replace the engine was $11,309.87.”
Filed May 4, 2026 · 75,924 miles
“Lifter failure, resulting in costly repairs and possible catastrophic engine failure while driving. Vehicle has 78,000 miles and has been regularly serviced.”
Filed Feb 28, 2026 · 78,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 86 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 Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 52 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 36 reports