NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
This page covers 15 recalls, 188 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 GMC Yukon Xl.
16–22 mpg combined
10.7–14.7 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine-related complaints dominate what 2021 GMC Yukon XL owners report, with a notably high volume of issues centered on engine performance and failure. Owners frequently describe sudden loss of acceleration, warning messages prompting reduced power, and in more severe cases, complete engine seizure after what appeared to be normal operation. Powertrain complaints often overlap with these engine concerns, several owners describe reverse gear suddenly becoming unresponsive, with the engine revving normally but the vehicle failing to move. A recurring theme involves the air suspension system triggering drivability problems, including inability to accelerate past highway speeds accompanied by suspension warning lights. A smaller but consistent group of owners reports the automatic emergency braking system activating unexpectedly in normal traffic conditions, causing abrupt stops without any actual hazard present.
188
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 GMC Yukon XL has 15 recalls, the most serious involving drivetrain and engine defects that can cause sudden loss of power or wheel lockup while driving, raising the risk of a crash.
Several recalls cluster around the drivetrain and engine. On 6.2L V8 models, internal engine components can fail and seize the engine. The rear driveshaft can fracture and cut drive power without warning. On diesel models, a transmission control valve can lock the rear wheels, and a transfer case defect on four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles can lock the front or rear wheels as well. The fuel pump control module can also interrupt fuel delivery and stall the engine. A software issue in the electric power steering system can drop steering assist at startup or while moving, making the wheel much harder to turn at low speeds.
Multiple recalls cover seating and restraints. Third-row outboard belts on certain vehicles may be misrouted where sharp edges on the seat-folding mechanism can cut the webbing. A poorly formed rivet in the third-row buckle assembly may cause it to fail in a crash. The front-row center seat belt bracket may not be secured to the seat frame, and incorrect fastener bolts may affect belt attachment at multiple points. Front seat mounting bolts may also be loose or missing, allowing the seat to shift in a crash. Rounding out the list, daytime running lights may stay on when the headlights are active and create glare, and the airbag warning light may fail to alert the driver to a fault in the airbag system
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the transfer case and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod and crankshaft in the 6.2L V8 engine may have manufacturing defects that cause engine damage and failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your engine and repair or replace it if needed. Passing engines receive higher viscosity oil, new oil filter, and manual updates.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission control valve may fail, causing the rear wheels to lock up unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will install updated transmission control module software and repair or replace defective control valves as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The daytime running lights stay on when the headlights are turned on, instead of turning off as they should.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a free software update to the Body Control Module over the internet.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rivet holding the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right third-row seat belt buckle assembly may not have been formed properly, potentially affecting the buckle's retention.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may contain internal components that were not properly heat-treated, which could cause the driveshaft to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump power control module may malfunction, interrupting fuel flow to the engine. This can cause poor performance, illuminate the check engine light, or cause sudden engine stall while driving.
What the fix does
General Motors will mail you instructions to take your vehicle to a dealer, where they will replace the fuel pump power control module.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump power control module may fail or work inconsistently, interrupting fuel delivery to the engine and causing unexpected stalling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue in the power steering module may cause loss of power steering assist when the vehicle starts or while driving.
What the fix does
The power steering module software will be updated at a dealer or through an over-the-air update, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The communications gateway module doesn't properly handle lost connection with the sensing diagnostic module, causing the air bag warning light to turn on and off unpredictably.
What the fix does
A dealer will update the communications gateway module software for free, or the update will be sent to your vehicle wirelessly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The third-row outboard seat belts may be installed incorrectly, causing them to be mis-routed or damaged by sharp edges when the seat folds.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, correct the routing if needed, and replace any damaged belts.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Third-row outboard seat belts may be trapped or misrouted behind the seat-folding mechanism, causing damage to the belts.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect third-row outboard seat belts, replace any damaged ones, and reroute them as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Seat belt fastening bolts may be incorrect, causing seat belts to not attach properly to the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the suspect bolts with correct ones at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The seat belt brackets in the front-row center seating position may not be properly secured to the seat frame, reducing their ability to restrain occupants.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the seat belt bracket attachments on both sides and reassemble them correctly if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
During factory repairs, front seat attachment bolts may not have been properly reinstalled, which could allow seats to move or detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both front seat attachments and install bolts as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
