2021 GMC Yukon XL Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
93/100
#2 most-complained of 16 Yukon XL years
The 2021 GMC Yukon XL ranks 2nd worst of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 93 and 225 NHTSA complaints. Engine problems dominate at 70% of complaints, backed by 12 recalls, making this year an Avoid relative to other Yukon XL model years.
- Complaints
- 225
- Recalls
- 12
- Crashes / fires
- 2 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 16.5
- 15 city / 20 hwy
Top 2021 GMC Yukon XL problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine157 (70%)
- Transmission & Powertrain48 (21%)
- Fuel System33 (15%)
- Electrical System14 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (4%)
- Other8 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (3%)
- Brakes6 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (3%)
- Airbags4 (2%)
What owners report
- Engine knocking followed by warning lights and unexpected shutdown or stall while driving, in one case at only 52 miles.
- Sudden loss of power or jolting/sputtering at highway speed tied to a crankshaft position sensor code.
- Vehicle unexpectedly shifting into neutral or park while moving, then failing to restart, linked to the body control module.
- Rear safety features (blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, parking sensors) going completely offline, requiring a computer replacement.
- Adaptive suspension system repeatedly failing despite multiple dealer repair attempts.
- A parked vehicle catching fire at the rear after a burning smell was noticed, resulting in a total loss.
2021 GMC Yukon XL recalls
12 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V274000Apr 24, 2025Engine597,571 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 24V797000Oct 24, 2024Transmission & Powertrain463,295 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:fluid/lubricant:valves/valve body
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.
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.
- NHTSA 22V827000Nov 3, 2022Electrical System338,735 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
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."
Risk: 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.
2021 GMC Yukon XL fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 16.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Yukon XL years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
- Compared to other Yukon XL model years, 2021 ranks near the bottom, 2nd worst of 16 years tracked, with a complaint index of 93 and 225 NHTSA complaints, most tied to the engine.
- What are the most common 2021 Yukon XL problems?
- NHTSA data shows Engine issues account for 70% of complaints (157 of 225), followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 21% and Fuel System at 15%.
- Does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2021 Yukon XL, covering the engine, transmission control module software, electrical daytime running lights, seat belts, driveshaft assemblies, fuel pump control module, power steering, and airbags.
- At what mileage do engine problems appear on the 2021 Yukon XL?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at engine failure of 73,000 miles, though some owners reported issues within days of purchase.
- How does the 2021 Yukon XL compare to other years?
- The 2021 model has a complaint index of 93, worse than years like 2020 (20, Best) and 2018 (33, Good), but slightly better than 2023 (100, Avoid).