2021 GMC Yukon Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 GMC Yukon ranks worst of 21 model years, with 329 complaints, a complaint index of 100, and 13 recall campaigns. Engine problems dominate at 64% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 81,000 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 21 Yukon years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 329
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 13
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 9
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 9
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 17
- 15 city / 20 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
Top 2021 GMC Yukon problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering wheel moves independently or locks up at highway speed, sometimes causing the vehicle to veer and crash.
- Airbags fail to deploy in rear-end and frontal collisions despite significant impact force and vehicle damage.
- Forward collision warning sounds but automatic emergency braking does not activate, resulting in a crash.
- Vehicle reverses or lunges without warning when the gear shifter is touched, even with the brake pedal depressed.
- Power steering assist is lost at low speed, leading to loss of control and collision.
- Warning lights for the engine, brakes, and electrical system illuminate simultaneously while driving, with the vehicle lagging under acceleration.
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 reliable?
- NHTSA data ranks the 2021 Yukon worst among 21 model years tracked, with 329 complaints and a complaint index of 100. It also carries 13 recall campaigns, more than most other Yukon years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 GMC Yukon?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 64% of complaints (211 of 329), with a median failure mileage of 81,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 GMC Yukon have a steering recall?
- Yes. Recall 21V455000 covers a software issue that may cause loss of power steering assist at start, and NHTSA also lists a separate rear driveshaft recall, 22V036000.
- How does the 2021 Yukon compare to other years?
- The 2021 Yukon has a complaint index of 100, the highest of any year in the dataset, placing it worse than years like 2020 (index 5) and 2012 (index 15, rated Best).