2021 GMC Yukon
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
- 330
- Recalls
- 13
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
55% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 330 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1992 | 19 |
| 1993 | 17 |
| 1994 | 59 |
| 1995 | 90 |
| 1996 | 70 |
| 1997 | 133 |
| 1998 | 80 |
| 1999 | 204 |
| 2000 | 166 |
| 2001 | 197 |
| 2002 | 158 |
| 2003 | 204 |
| 2004 | 158 |
| 2005 | 85 |
| 2006 | 27 |
| 2007 | 428 |
| 2008 | 187 |
| 2009 | 94 |
| 2010 | 105 |
| 2011 | 158 |
| 2012 | 62 |
| 2013 | 117 |
| 2014 | 56 |
| 2015 | 529 |
| 2016 | 268 |
| 2017 | 196 |
| 2018 | 69 |
| 2019 | 55 |
| 2020 | 36 |
| 2021 | 330 |
| 2022 | 181 |
| 2023 | 239 |
| 2024 | 104 |
| 2025 | 52 |
| 2026 | 39 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
55% · 183 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Knocking sound and flashing engine light came on. When brought to dealership it was determined that lower bearing failure took place requiring full engine replacement. '
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-25
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds from 2 - 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and bucked while accelerating and switching between 4- and 8-cylinders operation.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20
Seems to be not accelerating properly as if the propulsion is not there. Also, when switching gears it seems as if it is slipping or missing to keep up with the propulsion.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14
Power train
15% · 50 reportsFuel/propulsion system
13% · 44 reportsEngine and engine cooling
9% · 30 reportsMost commonly citing crank/camshaft position sensor and cooling system.
Electrical system
9% · 30 reportsMost commonly citing integrated starter(other than propulsion) and instrument cluster/panel.
Safety timeline
13 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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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.
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2021Complaint volume 330 complaints filed for this model year.
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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.
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2021-03-06Fuel system, gasoline21V064000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. The fuel tank assemblies may be missing adhesive between two layers of the fuel tank shell which may result in a fuel leak.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.
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2021-04-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 2023-08-24 Air Bag Malfunction
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2021-08-27Service brakes, hydraulic21V579000 General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the brake system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1202; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2025-01-16Preliminary evaluationClosed 2025-10-23 Loss of motive power due to engine failure
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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.
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2025-10-23Engineering analysisOpen Loss of motive power due to engine failure
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2026-01-16Recall queryOpen Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Buy-smart checklist
2021 GMC Yukon — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 183 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 50 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 44 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V735000 · Seats
- Recall 20V811000 · Seat belts
- Recall 21V064000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 21V190000 · Seat belts
- Recall 21V421000 · Air bags, electrical system
- Recall 21V455000 · Steering
- Recall 21V579000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- 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 →FAQ
- Is the 2021 GMC Yukon reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 GMC Yukon is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Yukon?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 55% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Yukon have?
- 13 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.