Diagsheet

2021 GMC Yukon XL · symptom sheet

Engine stalls or loses power while driving

  • 50owner reports
  • 58,000median miles
  • $5,000median quote
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Aug 25, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

186 of the 215 complaints on this car are about the engine. 50 of those describe stalling. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 50 reports

28
9
29
9
8

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the fuel pump (8 reports), the engine (6 reports) and the battery (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

4 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.

25V-274Apr 24, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical

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
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
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.
24V-797Oct 24, 2024
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module:Software

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
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
22V-036Jan 27, 2022
Power Train:Driveline:Driveshaft

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
Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
21V-739Sep 23, 2021
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump:Control/Drive Module

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
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
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.

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Yukon XL

EA26-005opened Aug 20, 2026
Engine · model years 2021 to 2026

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Open.

NHTSA summary
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 c
RQ26-001opened Jan 16, 2026
Engine · model years 2021 to 2024

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy. Closed aug 20, 2026.

NHTSA summary
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.
EA25-007opened Oct 23, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2021 to 2024

Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Open.

NHTSA summary
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.
PE25-001opened Jan 16, 2025
Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2021 to 2024

Loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed oct 23, 2025, led to recall 25V-274.

NHTSA summary
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
EA04-026opened Sep 9, 2004
Fuel system · model years 2000 to 2001

Overheated fuel pump wiring. Closed aug 2, 2005, led to recall 05V-155.

NHTSA summary
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 14, 2005, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT HAD IDENTIFIED A DEFECT RELATED TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY IN APPROXIMATELY 316,508 MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-01 1500 SERIES CHEVROLET SUBURBAN AND GMC YUKON XL VEHICLES (RECALL 05V-155).GM DETERMINED THAT SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH FUEL MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRAS) THAT CONTAIN FUEL PUMP WIRES AND/OR CONNECTORS THAT MAY OVERHEAT UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.ACCORDING TO GM, FUEL PUMP WIRES THAT OVERHEAT MAY RESULT IN ONE OR MORE CONDITIONS THAT PRESENT RISKS TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY:(1) FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE MRA PASS-THROUGH CONNECTOR IF THE OVERHEATING PRODUCES A HOLE IN THE PLASTIC CONNECTOR; (2) ENGINE STALL IF WIRING EXPOSED BY THE OVERHEATING SHORTS TO GROUND AND CAUSES THE FUEL PUMP FUSE TO BLOW; OR (3) INACCURATE FUEL LEVEL READINGS IF OVERHEATED WIRING IS SHORTED TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENDER CARD.GM'S ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED THE CAUSE OF THE OVERHEATED WIRING AS A HIGH-RESISTANCE CONDITION IN THE MRA CONNECTOR CONTACTS DUE TO FRETTING CORROSION THAT MAY DEVELOP OVER TIME.GM DETERMINED THAT THE CORROSION IS CAUSED BY MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE CONTACT SURFACES AND THAT SUCH MOVEMENT IS PRIMARILY INFLUENCED BY CHASSIS AND FUEL TANK VIRBRATION CHARACTERISTICS.GM'S TESTING FOUND THAT THE FUEL TANK VIBRATION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RECALLED MY 2000-01 1500-SERIES VEHICLES WERE SIGNIFICANTLY GREATER THAN IN OTHER GM VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME MRA CONNECTORS.THESE VEHICLES HAD THE HIGHEST RAT
PE04-042opened May 3, 2004
Fuel system · model years 2000 to 2001

Overheated fuel pump wiring. Closed sep 9, 2004, led to recall 05V-155.

NHTSA summary
THE FUEL PUMP WIRING AND CONNECTOR MAY OVERHEAT AND MELT A HOLE IN THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES INCLUDE FUEL TANK LEAKAGE AND ENGINE STALL WITH NO RESTART.FOURTEEN OF THE 20 COMPLAINTS TO ODI ALLEGE FUEL TANK LEAKAGE, INCLUDING ONE THAT REPORTED THAT A FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AFTER A POOL OF GASOLINE WAS DISCOVERED BENEATH THE VEHICLE.MOST OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS REPORT INCIDENTS THAT OCCURRED WITHIN THE PAST YEAR. ACCORDING TO GM, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IF THE HEAT IS SUFFICIENT TO MELT A HOLE IN THE PLASTIC CONNECTOR LARGE ENOUGH FOR LIQUID FUEL TO FLOW THROUGH.ON-BOARD EMISSIONS DIAGNOSTICS MAY DETECT HOLES THAT ARE APPROXIMATELY 0.040 INCHES OR MORE AND SET A SERVICE ENGINE SOON WARNING LIGHT.THE CONNECTOR POSITION IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS BELOW THE FUEL LEVEL WHEN THE TANK IS FULL.WHILE GM DOES NOT KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL COULD LEAK FROM A TANK WITH A MELTED FUEL PUMP CONNECTOR, SEVERAL CONSUMERS HAVE REPORTED SIGNIFICANT LEAK EVENTS.ENGINE STALL CAN OCCUR IF:(1) A SHORT OCCURS IN THE PUMP WIRING (BARE WIRE EXPOSED BY MELTED INSULATION SHORTS AGAINST A GROUND OR GROUND WIRE) AND THE FUEL PUMP RELAY FUSE IS BLOWN; OR (2) THE VEHICLE RUNS OUT OF FUEL DUE TO AN INACCURATE FUEL GAUGE READING RESULTING FROM AN ELECTRICAL SHORT BETWEEN THE FUEL PUMP WIRING AND THE LEVEL SENSOR WIRING. GM'S ANALYSIS OF FIVE ASSEMBLIES RETURNED FROM INCIDENT VEHICLES DETERMINED THAT THE CONDITION IS CAUSED BY ELEVATED RESISTANCE/ ARCING

What owners paid

5 of the 50 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,000 to $10,000.

$2,000$5,000$10,000
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 35,000 and 80,000 miles, from the 16 reports that gave a mileage.

120
121
322
423
224
2625
1326

What owners wrote

“My family and were traveling to visit family, and the transmission stalled on me on the interstate. I almost had a horrible accident with my kids in the vehicle. The vehicle is in the shop currently and dx with transmission issues. GMC needs to recall and or fix the transmissions in all of their vehicle.”

Filed Jul 3, 2026

“On August 21, 2025, my vehicle engine died in Connecticut when I was taking my son back to college. I had to have it towed back to South Jersey, where I live. The dealer informed me that my engine failed due to a major recall. I was without my vehicle for three months while they waited for a new engine. My car was returned to me with a refurbished engine.”

Filed Feb 21, 2026

“Vehicle stalled while driving and would not turn back on. I had to have it towed over 45 minutes.”

Filed Aug 5, 2025

“I was driving on a highway at speeds of 65 mph and the engine stalled on the left lane. I almost got struck by a tracker trailer. The dealer supposedly fixed the issue and a few months went by and the vehicle died again engine failure in middle of the highway.”

Filed Apr 26, 2025

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 50 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.

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