2021 GMC Yukon · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 93owner reports
- 70,000median miles
- $400median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
210 of the 331 complaints on this car are about the engine. 93 of those describe engine failure, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2021 Yukon.
Narrower sheets: Engine knocking or ticking (27 reports)
Tick what matches of 93 reports
Engine failure on other Yukon 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 (88 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 13 recalls on the 2021 GMC Yukon, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Yukon
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
7 of the 93 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $140 to $12,631.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 31,000 and 88,000 miles, from the 29 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 4 service bulletins or notices for the 2021 GMC Yukon 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.
Service Update. Certain vehicles may present a broken engine valve spring. This may cause the engine to run rough, an engine knocking or ticking noise, a check engine light illumination, or a possible vehicle stall.
What owners wrote
“Was taken in for recall at 74,000 they put on a new oil fill cap, did oil change and had catastrophic engine failure at 77,000 miles. Engine replaced by dealership.”
Filed Aug 30, 2026 · 77,000 miles
“My 2021 GMC Yukon suffered the same engine failure that is the subject of the recall. It has just over 70,000 miles. I'm now told I need a new engine. The dealer confirmed that this is the same issue that has impacted other similar vintage Yukons.”
Filed Feb 24, 2026 · 70,000 miles
“knocking, banging, engine noises, illumination of the check engine light, engine performance issues at high rpm and fluttering at low rpm. oil consumption but not leaking. The engine needs to be replaced as the bearing is shot, cylinder 7 is shot. I believe this is directly related to NHTSA Recall #25V-274 and Manufacturer Recall #N252494000”
Filed Jul 25, 2025
“Had the engine replaced at 10,342 and the engine just went out again at 85,343 Old engine #N1210061cu8x0090 replaced at 10,342 Faulty replacement engine #t2211729l92x0913 I show this engine is part of the recall from but GMC is telling me my engine isnât part of this recall and wonât cover my faulty engine that just went out.”
Filed Jun 24, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 93 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 71 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 54 reports
- Fuel pump failure 36 reports