2021 GMC Yukon XL Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 157 engine complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, 70% of its 225 total complaints for the year. Median mileage at failure was 73,000. A related engine recall (25V274000) covers 2021-2024 6.2L V8 models.
- Engine complaints
- 157
- 70% of 225
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 73,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine loses power or knocks, sometimes triggering stability control shutdown and stalling in traffic shortly after purchase.
- Owners describe faulty valve springs and lifters causing warning lights and repeat dealer visits for the same repair.
- Some vehicles lose power at highway speed and will not restart, later diagnosed with crankshaft position sensor or intake issues.
- Reports of complete internal engine failure requiring full engine replacement, in one case following a road trip breakdown.
- Check engine light paired with a Diesel Exhaust Fluid message and deceleration, tied to a failed NOX sensor that did not resolve after replacement.
- Sudden stalling with no warning light reported at low mileage.
When 2021 GMC Yukon XL engine complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 2, 2020, latest Sep 19, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
- 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.
Engine complaints by Yukon XL model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine complaints on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
- NHTSA records 157 engine complaints for the 2021 Yukon XL, which is 70% of all 225 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
- Yes. Recall campaign 25V274000, reported April 24, 2025, covers 2021-2024 Yukon XL and related GM models with the 6.2L V8 engine; the remedy is inspection and repair or replacement of the engine as needed.
- At what mileage do 2021 GMC Yukon XL engine problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 73,000 at the time of engine-related failure reports.
- Do the engine complaints involve crashes or fires?
- No. NHTSA records zero crashes, zero fires, and zero injuries among the reported engine complaints for the 2021 Yukon XL.
- How does the 2021 Yukon XL compare to other years for engine complaints?
- Engine complaints made up 70% of all complaints in 2021, higher than earlier years like 2015 (10%) or 2019 (58%), and close to 2022 (74%) and 2023 (73%).