NHTSA recalls, safety ratings, and consumer complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon.
| Overall Rating | |
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
| Overall Rating | |
| Frontal Crash |
Component: STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
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.
Consequence: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
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. 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.
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
Consequence: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. Dealer service technicians may have calibrated the brake system incorrectly, affecting Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and braking while towing a trailer.
Lifter and camshaft failure. Metal shards throughout the engine. Engine knocking and uncontrollable shaking. Safety was at risk of myself (driver) and two kids under the age of [XXX] while being broke down on a highway as vehicle was un-drivable. Reviewed by a Chevrolet dealership and Automotive repair shop both agreed on same repairs needed. No warning lights appeared before incident, multiple came up seconds after the problem occurred. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Loss of power while driving on highway, would not speed up. Shaky driving. Appeared to go into limp mode. Dealer informed me that the transmission valve body will need to be replaced. No prior messages or alerts, check engine light came on after power loss.
Engine is leaking alot of oil from crankshaft..I was informed there was a recall on the same type and years for the problem I am having but I do not have a recall on mine
The contact's daughter owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. While the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The sound was intermittent but frequent. The vehicle stalled intermittently with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised that the vehicle needed to be taken to a dealer for additional assistance. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but it was not yet diagnosed. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.
The 2021 GMC Yukon has 13 NHTSA recalls and 261 consumer complaints on file. It received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash testing. The high number of complaints suggests potential reliability concerns — review the complaint details above before purchasing. For the most detailed information about a specific vehicle, decode its VIN using our free decoder above.
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| Side Crash |
| Rollover |
Consequence: Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. GM's number for this recall is N212340970.
Component: SEAT BELTS
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
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. GM's number for this recall is N212327720.
Component: SEATS
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.
Consequence: 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.
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. 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.
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
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.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Component: AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
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.
Consequence: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
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. 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.
Component: SEAT BELTS
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.
Consequence: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
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. 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.
Component: SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
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.
Consequence: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
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. 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.
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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."
Consequence: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
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. 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.
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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.
Consequence: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
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. 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.
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
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.
Consequence: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
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. 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.
ngine seized (according to GMC dealership service department). I was driving 75mph down the highway and the car shut down. I noticed it losing power so I was able to get off at the exit ramp, but not in a safe location. The car shut completely down in the right lane at the stop sign. Approximately 7:50pm car broke down - stuck on the road until 10:22pm. Yes safety of myself and others were put at risk. We purchased the car 2 weeks ago with no signs of issues. Bought the car with 103,499 miles. The car had very well maintained service records as well at time of purchase. We towed the car to the GMC dealership and they said the engine is seized up. No warning lamps or messages at time of failure. I drove the car early that day and it was running fine. I do not have any documents to upload at this time. Since this all happened on Friday and we are just now getting the report back today (Tuesday).
Engine shut down in 2022 due to faulty lifters. Repairs were made. Same problem again in 2026.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally with blue smoke coming from the exhaust, with the message "Lane Departure Assist" displayed. The check engine and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local service center, where it was diagnosed with cylinder #1 misfire. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the GMC Service Bulletin:15-06-01-002L. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
I was pulling out of my driveway when I noticed that my mailbox was blown open from a recent storm. I stopped and put it in reverse (well tried to) but the vehicle would not shift. Quickly I continued to drive to make a u-turn instead and at that point my vehicle would not drive normally. The rpms would not go up despite pressing the gas and the engine was reving very high.gm dealer said 700 to pull the transmission to determine the issue, but after my research I’m certain it’s the valve failure in the transmission just as it’s done the same to others. Why is this transmission not recalled, but the disel engines on the same model are? Seems as though it is a similar issue. I’m afraid to see what they will charge me as my vehicle has 76,000 miles and I’m told is outside warranty coverage.
I had just pulled off from street light, hit button to turn auto engine shutoff off, all of sudden I lose power as if I'm in neutral, engines reving up but won't go. Then kicks in but with less power like gears will not shift. I get to my destination but car will not go in reverse.
Exhaust fumes and stink on cold start . vehicle only has 40,000 mi and I have exhaust smells coming in through hvac system!!
My vehicle started making a weird noise and when I took it to the shop, they told me my crankshaft has gone bad and I was lucky I caught it before the entire engine blew
My 2021 GMC Yukon suffered the same engine failure that is the subject of the recall. It has just over 70,000 miles. I'm now told I need a new engine. The dealer confirmed that this is the same issue that has impacted other similar vintage Yukons.
Oil consumption is an issue. My vehicle is using a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. Manufacturer says oil changes are 5,000 mile intervals, however at 2500 miles the dipstick is dry and the low oil light comes on. There are no leaks in the driveway, nor is it smoking. The manufacturer claims this is normal. If I were to wait the 5,000 miles for an oil change I would only have three quarts of oil left in an engine that is supposed to have 8 quarts and therefore my engine would lock up. I fear that this engine will fail and I travel with our daughter all over the state of MO and OK for horse shows and do not wanted to be stranded on the interstate with my child in the car. After much research it is obvious this is a common problem with the 6.2L engines. There is an abundance of videos, forums, chats, etc stating how widespread this issue is and that GM continues to put off developing a fix or replacing the engines. We just completed an oil consumption test with the dealership and they are going to submit it to the warranty company. However, our fear is they will deny it saying it's a GM issue and kick it back to us.
Air bag suspension does not work in sub freezing temperatures. Vehicle bounces up and down excessively and is extremely unstable and unsafe to drive at any speed. Vehicle speed was limited to 56 mph. Dealer stated that this is a known flaw but not recall has been issued. This is a design flaw that GMC should be responsible to correct.
I own a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL with approximately 81,000 miles. On 4 separate occasions, after coming to a complete stop in traffic and then attempting to accelerate, the vehicle violently jerks and shifts itself into park. I am not pressing the brake when this occurs. I must manually shift the vehicle back into drive in order to continue moving. This happens so fast, that I am only able to see a red outlined box that intermittantly flashes on the dashboard but I cannot see what it says before it disappears. The incident feels as though the vehicle has been struck from behind due to the abrupt force. This has occurred more than once and creates a dangerous situation in traffic, particularly when vehicle are behind me. The vehicle has been taken to a GMC dealership, which has serviced the vehicle since 2021. The dealership reports they were unable to duplicate the condition after driving approximately 60 miles and therefore cannot perform a repair. This issue remains unresolved. Given that the vehicle is shifting into park while in motion or during acceleration, I believe presents a significant safety hazard.
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