Model year record

2021 GMC Yukon XL recalls & problems

The 2021 GMC Yukon XL has 12 safety recalls and 230 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (141 complaints).

Recalls12safety recalls

Complaints230filed by owners

Crashes · fires2 · 1reported in complaints

NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars

Safety recalls

Engine and engine coolingApr 24, 2025

Engine › Hard parts internal/mechanical

Recall 25V274000597,571 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

Power trainOct 24, 2024

Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Valves/valve body

Recall 24V797000463,295 vehicles

Problem: 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 engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

Components: Power train › Automatic transmission › Fluid/lubricant › Valves/valve body; Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module › Software

Exterior lightingNov 3, 2022

Lighting control module › Software

Recall 22V827000338,735 vehicles

Problem: 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.

Seat beltsAug 11, 2022

Critical fasteners

Recall 22V617000484,155 vehicles

Problem: 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. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Fix: 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. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.

Power trainJan 27, 2022

Driveline › Driveshaft

Recall 22V0360001,789 vehicles

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.

Fuel system, gasolineSep 23, 2021

Delivery › Fuel pump › Control/drive module

Recall 21V73900014,939 vehicles

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.

SteeringJun 17, 2021

Steering control module

Recall 21V45500026,847 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.

Air bagsJun 10, 2021

Srs malfunction warning lamp/light

Recall 21V421000285,622 vehicles

Problem: 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. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.

Components: Air bags › Srs malfunction warning lamp/light; Electrical system › Software

Seat beltsMar 18, 2021

Rear/other

Recall 21V19000094,641 vehicles

Problem: 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. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
Risk: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.

Components: Seat belts › Rear/other; Seat belts

Seat beltsDec 23, 2020

Critical fasteners

Recall 20V811000470 vehicles

Problem: 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 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

Components: Seat belts › Critical fasteners; Seat belts

Seat beltsDec 17, 2020

Critical fasteners

Recall 20V792000624,216 vehicles

Problem: 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. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.

Components: Seat belts › Critical fasteners; Seat belts

SeatsNov 25, 2020

Critical fasteners

Recall 20V73500094 vehicles

Problem: 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. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.
Risk: If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202312720.

Components: Seats › Critical fasteners; Seats

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2021 GMC Yukon XL SUV 4WD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	21.9%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Optional

2021 GMC Yukon XL SUV 2WD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	21.2%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Optional

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Yukon XL 2WD Diesel

23mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,150/year to fuel

Yukon XL 4WD Diesel

22mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Diesel

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $4,350/year to fuel

Yukon XL 2WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Yukon XL 4WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Yukon XL 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Yukon XL 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

Yukon XL 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

Yukon XL 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

Yukon XL 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

6.2 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $5,150/year to fuel

Yukon XL 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 10-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine	141	0	0	70,500 mi
Power train	49	0	0	66,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	30	0	0	—
Engine and engine cooling	21	0	0	73,000 mi
Electrical system	14	1	0	—
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking; Warnings	8	0	3	—
Unknown or other	7	0	1	—
Vehicle speed control	7	0	0	—
Service brakes	6	0	0	—
Suspension	6	0	0	—
Visibility/wiper	4	1	0	—
Steering	4	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
**Mileage at repair:** 76,165 miles **Component:** Fuel Pump Power Control Module While driving my 2021 GMC Yukon XL on [XXX] on a treacherous stretch decending [XXX] the engine unexpectedly stopped running, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion. This occurred on a section of interstate where there was no safe shoulder or suitable location to pull off the roadway. The unexpected failure created an extremely dangerous situation, exposing me and other motorists to the risk of a serious collision. The vehicle was subsequently towed, diagnosed and repaired by Darrell Waltrip Buick GMC in [XXX]. The dealership documented diagnostic trouble code P129F, "Fuel Pump Driver Control Module Fuel…
Oct 17, 2026
Engine
On September 21, 2026, my 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L V8 engine experienced a serious engine failure at approximately 83,330 miles while traveling on Interstate 10 near Litchfield Road in Arizona. The vehicle developed engine knocking and subsequently stalled, leaving my family and me at risk on the highway. This was a serious safety concern because the engine failed unexpectedly during operation. The GMC dealership determined that the engine needed to be replaced under warranty. The replacement engine was installed in October 2026, and I received the vehicle back on October 13, 2026. My concern is that the dealership installed a remanufactured engine, and I have not received…
Oct 14, 2026
Engine
High oil consumption, will have oil changed and days later need oil, catalyst converter failed causing what was said for the check engine light to come on, truck now has a shutter around 50 mph, my radio is in and out, and sometimes it sounds like a computer shutting down. It has been one thing after the next.
Oct 13, 2025
Power train
Rear wheel lock up for a slight second and then down shifted and revved way up to high RPM then went into reduced power. then slowed down and had to drive about 15 miles an hour. to shop mechanic.
Jan 2, 2026
Engine
The vehicle is consuming every bit of oil at about 1500 to 1800 miles of the 3000 mile guidelines before the next oil change. No leaks. No smoke. No knocking in motor.
Sep 28, 2026
Fuel/propulsion system
part number 13554821 fuel pump control module has failed 2 times. April 2023 on Interstate 95 near Savannah GA in very busy traffic. Vehicle buckled and seized, just barely made it to the shoulder of the road. Same part failed again 9/18/26 while turning onto Sunrise Hwy in NY another very dangerous situation as we were stranded in the middle of a very busy intersection
Sep 18, 2026
Power train
While driving the vehicle on a roadtrip in Missouri, the engine lost power and had a flashing check engine light. Upon diagnosis by three different technicians, the 6.2L Engine needs replaced after only 123000 miles. The lifters and camshaft have failed. This is a known safety issue and numerous recalls have been implemented, but my high end Denali is mysteriously absent from the recall. This is unsafe and unsatisfactory.
Aug 21, 2026
Fuel/propulsion system
6.2L engine has the oil change update, and engine failed recently. took vehicle for repair to Golling GMC dealer. waiting on feedback.
Sep 16, 2026

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyOpen
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.Â This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GMâs recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has…
EA26005 · opened Aug 20, 2026
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedyClosed
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.Â This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GMâs recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or an engine replacement, based on the results of the remedy inspection procedure. ODI continues to receive reports of engine failures after the completion of the recall remedy. To date, ODI has…
RQ26001 · opened Jan 16, 2026 · closed Aug 20, 2026
Loss of motive power due to engine failureOpen
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019â2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001).Â GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplier manufacturing and quality issues produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024. Based on the issuance of recall 25V-274, NHTSA has closed PE25001. ODI continues to receive a significant number…
EA25007 · opened Oct 23, 2025
Loss of motive power due to engine failureClosedLed to recall 25V274
On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GMâs full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engineâs bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024.Â GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GMâsÂ recall remedy will beÂ either an oil change to an oil with…
PE25001 · opened Jan 16, 2025 · closed Oct 23, 2025
Air Bag MalfunctionClosed
On April 9, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-010 to investigate instances of air bag malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination and potential for frontal air bag non-deployment in several vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The vehicles included model year (MY) 2020 through 2021 CT4 and CT5 passenger cars, Sierra and Silverado trucks (1500/2500/3500 models), XT4 and MY 2021 Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon SUVs.Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-NA-005, issued in March 2021, addresses air bag MIL illumination with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B0001-1B or B0012-0D. It cites rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver air bag inflator housing as the cause of the air bag MIL illumination. Illumination of the air bag MIL under these circumstances may result in a non-deployment of the frontal driver air bag during a frontal…
PE21010 · opened Apr 9, 2021 · closed Aug 24, 2023