2021 GMC Yukon recalls and problems

The 2021 GMC Yukon has 13 safety recalls and 350 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
13
Complaints
350
Crashes / fires
9 / 0
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 GMC Yukon vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 GMC Yukon recalls

Recall 25V-274: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Apr 24, 2025 · 597,571 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

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.

Recall 24V-797: Power Train

Reported Oct 24, 2024 · 463,295 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

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.

Recall 22V-827: Exterior Lighting

Reported Nov 3, 2022 · 338,735 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

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.

Recall 22V-617: Seat Belts

Reported Aug 11, 2022 · 484,155 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

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.

Recall 22V-036: Power Train

Reported Jan 27, 2022 · 1,789 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

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.

Recall 21V-739: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Sep 23, 2021 · 14,939 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

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.

Recall 21V-579: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jul 29, 2021 · 2 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 21V-455: Steering

Reported Jun 17, 2021 · 26,847 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

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.

Recall 21V-421: Air Bags, Electrical System

Reported Jun 10, 2021 · 285,622 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

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.

Recall 21V-190: Seat Belts

Reported Mar 18, 2021 · 94,641 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

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.

Recall 21V-064: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Feb 11, 2021 · 18 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: 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.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-811: Seat Belts

Reported Dec 23, 2020 · 470 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

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.

Recall 20V-735: Seats

Reported Nov 25, 2020 · 94 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

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.

2021 GMC Yukon problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine191
Power Train56
Fuel/Propulsion System45
Engine and Engine Cooling33
Electrical System31
Unknown or Other23
Forward Collision Avoidance22
Air Bags18
Fuel System, Gasoline12
Steering11
Service Brakes10
Seats7

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 11
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 9
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module — 3
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 2
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
  • Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Abs Warning Light — 2
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Dynamic Brake Support/Brake Assist — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 GMC Yukon complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Nov 9, 2026
The vehicle (2021 GMC Yukon Denali) has suffered three consecutive, catastrophic failures of the engine's rear main seal. Following the initial replacement—which requires mechanics to unbolt and drop the vehicle's exhaust system—a massive exhaust leak developed in the engine bay. The vehicle is now actively pumping toxic exhaust fumes directly through the air conditioning vents into the passenger cabin, creating an immediate carbon monoxide inhalation hazard. The underlying mechanical issue is a chronic failure: either excessive crankcase pressure (clogged PCV system) is repeatedly blowing…
Engine · reported Nov 6, 2026
On XXX, at [XXX], my vehicle’s engine locked up, causing the vehicle to shut off while I was driving at 65 mph on a two-way highway. The vehicle could not be safely driven. My family and I were stranded on the side of the road, where semi trucks passing at highway speeds forced us to remain in the vehicle. Unreliable cellphone service and OnStar connectivity limited my ability to request assistance, communicate my location, or obtain timely support, making Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)-arranged towing necessary. DPS requested the tow at approximately 7:52 p.m.; it was completed…
Exterior Lighting · reported Nov 4, 2026
My driver side headlamp went out while driving. The amber turn signal light remained on after I shut the engine off. This made my battery die. The headlamp is full of condensation and none of the lights are working. I had to replace the battery and have been told by GM that they've had many complaints but aren't issuing a recall yet. Can you please advise me. Thank you
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 79,000 miles · reported Nov 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while her husband was inspecting the vehicle, he discovered that there was no oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil after performing an oil consumption test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and agreed to cover 20% of the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Oct 28, 2026
While stopped in a parking lot. I returned my vehicle to drive home, and the car would not start. I had it towed to the dealer. They did a diagnostic inspection for "crank-no-start ". Two trouble codes: P0340 intake single camshaft ignition sensor circuit and P00C6- fuel rail pressure load during engine cranking. Performed diagnostic checks and suspect a broken timing chain and timing tensioner that causes the bottom of the engine to free spin while the top 0.5 does not. These engines are known as interference engines, and anytime there is a mismatch between the top 0.5 and the bottom 0.5…

Other GMC Yukon years

Compare all GMC Yukon years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 GMC Yukon have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2021 GMC Yukon: 25V-274 (engine and engine cooling), 24V-797 (power train), 22V-827 (exterior lighting), 22V-617 (seat belts), 22V-036 (power train) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 GMC Yukon?

Owners report engine problems most often (191 reports), followed by power train (56). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.