2021 GMC Yukon XL

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2021 GMC Yukon XL
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
227
Recalls
12

Campaigns on file for 2021

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

61% of complaints

Complaints per year

1999: 3 complaints 1999 2000: 69 complaints 2001: 120 complaints 2002: 95 complaints 2003: 102 complaints 2003 2004: 87 complaints 2005: 42 complaints 2006: 17 complaints 2007: 97 complaints 2007 2008: 69 complaints 2009: 23 complaints 2010: 28 complaints 2011: 47 complaints 2011 2012: 13 complaints 2013: 22 complaints 2014: 11 complaints 2015: 307 complaints 2015 2016: 200 complaints 2017: 146 complaints 2018: 53 complaints 2019: 68 complaints 2020: 47 complaints 2021: 227 complaints 2021 227 2022: 167 complaints 2023: 218 complaints 2024: 70 complaints 2025: 26 complaints 2026: 34 complaints
1999: 3 complaints 1999 2000: 69 complaints 2001: 120 complaints 2001 2002: 95 complaints 2003: 102 complaints 2003 2004: 87 complaints 2005: 42 complaints 2005 2006: 17 complaints 2007: 97 complaints 2007 2008: 69 complaints 2009: 23 complaints 2009 2010: 28 complaints 2011: 47 complaints 2011 2012: 13 complaints 2013: 22 complaints 2013 2014: 11 complaints 2015: 307 complaints 2015 2016: 200 complaints 2017: 146 complaints 2017 2018: 53 complaints 2019: 68 complaints 2019 2020: 47 complaints 2021: 227 complaints 2021 227 2022: 167 complaints 2023: 218 complaints 2023 2024: 70 complaints 2025: 26 complaints 2025 2026: 34 complaints
1999: 3 complaints 1999 2000: 69 complaints 2001: 120 complaints 2001 2002: 95 complaints 2003: 102 complaints 2003 2004: 87 complaints 2005: 42 complaints 2005 2006: 17 complaints 2007: 97 complaints 2007 2008: 69 complaints 2009: 23 complaints 2009 2010: 28 complaints 2011: 47 complaints 2011 2012: 13 complaints 2013: 22 complaints 2013 2014: 11 complaints 2015: 307 complaints 2015 2016: 200 complaints 2017: 146 complaints 2017 2018: 53 complaints 2019: 68 complaints 2019 2020: 47 complaints 2021: 227 complaints 2021 227 2022: 167 complaints 2023: 218 complaints 2023 2024: 70 complaints 2025: 26 complaints 2025 2026: 34 complaints

2021: 227 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19993
200069
2001120
200295
2003102
200487
200542
200617
200797
200869
200923
201028
201147
201213
201322
201411
2015307
2016200
2017146
201853
201968
202047
2021227
2022167
2023218
202470
202526
202634

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

61% · 138 reports
INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I previously opened NHTSA Complaint Number11637208 on January 20, 2025 regarding the internal engine failure of my 2021 Yukon Denial XL on January 3, 2025. After filing that Complaint, the engine in my Yukon was replaced by GMC in February 2025.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-04-16

I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 GMC Yukon. While driving on the highway during a long-distance trip from [XXX] to [XXX], my vehicle suddenly experienced a serious loss of power, drivability issues, and loss of propulsion.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-17

Burning oil too much too fast oil all over motor and engine and white smoke inside the car all records are with GMC DEALER

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22

Power train

22% · 49 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

13% · 29 reports
Show complaint excerpts

1. Fuel pump power control module Code #P129F 2. Sudden stalling of engine at potential high speeds/ dense traffic areas. This created a major safety hazard for a potential FATAL accident. 3.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-05

Engine and engine cooling

9% · 21 reports
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the check engine warning light started blinking.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-13

Electrical system

6% · 13 reports
FIRE

Safety timeline

12 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2020-12-21Seats20V735000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020.

  2. ▮
    2021Complaint volume 227 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2021-01-26Seat belts20V792000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021.

  4. R
    2021-01-29Seat belts20V811000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and...

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021.

  5. I
    2021-04-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2023-08-24 Air Bag Malfunction
  6. R
    2021-04-21Seat belts21V190000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021.

  7. R
    2021-07-01Air bags, electrical system21V421000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles.

    Remedy: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021.

  8. R
    2021-07-13Steering21V455000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.

    Remedy: The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021.

  9. R
    2021-10-14Fuel system, gasoline21V739000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021.

  10. R
    2022-03-14Power train22V036000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022.

  11. R
    2022-11-01Seat belts22V617000 General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge.

  12. R
    2022-12-15Exterior lighting22V827000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.

    Remedy: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022.

  13. R
    2024-12-12Power train24V797000 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...

    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.

  14. I
    2025-01-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2025-10-23 Loss of motive power due to engine failure
  15. R
    2025-06-18Engine and engine cooling25V274000 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.

    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.

  16. I
    2025-10-23Engineering analysisOpen Loss of motive power due to engine failure
  17. I
    2026-01-16Recall queryOpen Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy

Buy-smart checklist

2021 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 138 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 49 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 29 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 20V735000 · Seats
  • Recall 20V792000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 20V811000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 21V190000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 21V421000 · Air bags, electrical system
  • Recall 21V455000 · Steering
  • Recall 21V739000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 22V036000 · Power train
  • Recall 22V617000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 22V827000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 24V797000 · Power train
  • Recall 25V274000 · Engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2021 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 GMC Yukon XL is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 61% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have?
12 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.