2021 GMC Yukon Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
93/100
#2 most-complained of 16 Yukon years
The 2021 GMC Yukon has 329 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 93, and 13 recalls, ranking it the 2nd worst year of 16 model years tracked. Engine issues make up 64% of complaints, earning this year an Avoid verdict relative to other Yukon years.
- Complaints
- 329
- Recalls
- 13
- Crashes / fires
- 9 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 15 city / 20 hwy
Top 2021 GMC Yukon problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine211 (64%)
- Fuel System56 (17%)
- Transmission & Powertrain51 (16%)
- Electrical System30 (9%)
- Other21 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras20 (6%)
- Airbags18 (5%)
- Brakes14 (4%)
- Steering11 (3%)
- Structure & Body8 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report the steering wheel moving independently at highway speed, forcing hard corrections to avoid veering off course.
- Some drivers describe the power steering suddenly locking up or cutting out at low speed, leading to loss of control and collision with fixed objects.
- Airbags have failed to deploy in multiple rear-end and frontal collisions despite visible crash damage.
- Owners describe the vehicle reversing on its own when the gear shifter is touched at startup, with brakes failing to stop the motion.
- Forward collision warning has sounded without the automatic emergency braking system engaging, resulting in a crash.
- Some owners report all dashboard warning lights illuminating at once along with lagging acceleration on a nearly new vehicle.
2021 GMC Yukon recalls
13 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 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 15 MPG
- Highway
- 20 MPG
- Combined
- 17 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 GMC Yukon a bad year?
- NHTSA data ranks the 2021 Yukon 2nd worst of 16 model years, with a complaint index of 93 and 329 complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Yukon years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 GMC Yukon?
- Engine problems are the top issue, accounting for 211 of 329 complaints (64%), with a median failure mileage of 81,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 GMC Yukon have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 13 recalls for the 2021 Yukon, covering the engine, transmission control module software, fuel pump power control module, power steering software, brake calibration, seat belt buckle rivets, and daytime running lights.
- Which GMC Yukon model years are best according to NHTSA data?
- NHTSA data gives 2014 and 2020 a complaint index of 7 and 0 with a Best verdict, while 2015 has the highest complaint index at 100 among the years listed.