NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
This page covers 18 recalls, 272 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 GMC Yukon.
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
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2021 GMC Yukon centers on the engine, with a large share of owners reporting lifter failures, engine knock, and sudden loss of power while driving. Many describe little or no warning before the engine begins knocking or fails outright, often while at highway speeds. The 5.3L V8 is the engine most commonly mentioned in these accounts. Powertrain and fuel system complaints follow at lower but still notable volumes, with owners describing transmission valve body failures, shuddering, and delayed or rough engagement. Transfer case actuator issues come up in several reports as well, sometimes described as persisting even after dealer repairs. A recurring frustration is that symptoms continue after service visits, with some owners returning multiple times without a lasting fix.
272
Total Complaints
9
Crash-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 GMC Yukon has 18 recalls, the most serious involving a fuel tank that can leak and create a fire risk, a driveshaft that can fail and cut power suddenly, and wheel lockup risks tied to the transfer case and, on diesel models, the transmission control valve.
On the engine side, vehicles with the 6.2L V8 can develop internal damage leading to engine failure, and a faulty fuel pump control module can cause unexpected stalls. Two software recalls affect electric power steering, which can drop out at startup or while driving and make the wheel significantly harder to turn. Some vehicles also had the brake system miscalibrated by dealers, reducing the effectiveness of anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, and trailer braking.
Occupant restraint issues are widespread: seat belt mounting bolts may be the wrong size or improperly reinstalled, third-row buckle rivets may be deformed, and third-row belts on some vehicles may have been misrouted and damaged during assembly. Front seat attachment bolts may also be loose or missing after an assembly repair, allowing the seat to shift in a crash. Two recalls address the airbag warning light failing to alert the driver when the airbag system has a fault. Rear axle shafts can also wear internally, eventually seizing and cutting drive power. Daytime running lights on some vehicles fail to turn off when the headlights are on, creating glare for oncoming drivers.
At a glance
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 →
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
Internal parts of the rear axle shafts may have manufacturing defects. Over time, this causes wear, noise, and vibration. Continued driving could cause an axle shaft to seize, losing power to the wheels.
What the fix does
General Motors will send you a letter. Take your vehicle to a dealer to have the left and/or right rear axle shafts replaced.
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 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
The brake system control module may have been incorrectly calibrated at the dealership, which can affect electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and trailer braking performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will recalibrate the brake system 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 may cause the power steering assist system to stop working when starting the vehicle or during driving.
What the fix does
GM will send a wireless software update to your vehicle, or you can schedule a dealer appointment for the update. Some vehicles need hardware replacement at a GM dealer.
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
A software issue may prevent the airbag warning light from illuminating when the airbag system has a fault, so you won't know about the problem and airbags may not deploy properly in a crash.
What the fix does
General Motors will send a wireless software update to your vehicle, or you can schedule a dealer appointment to install the update.
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
The fuel tank may be missing adhesive between its inner and outer layers, which can cause fuel to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel tank at no cost to you.
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
Some vehicles have seat belts secured with incorrect bolts, which may prevent the seat belt from functioning properly during a crash.
What the fix does
GM will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealer, where technicians will replace the seat belt bolts as needed.
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.
