2021 GMC Yukon Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 18 airbag complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon, 5% of its 329 total complaints that year, tied to 7 crashes and 7 injuries. A related recall (21V421000) covers a communications gateway module issue, with median failure mileage at 11,500.
- Airbags complaints
- 18
- 5% of 329
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 7
- Median mileage
- 11,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in rear-end and frontal collisions even at moderate speeds, sometimes totaling the vehicle.
- A recurring 'Service Safety Restraint System' warning light appears intermittently, leaving owners unsure if the airbags will work.
- Some owners report the warning returned even after dealer service or recall repairs meant to fix the restraint system.
- One owner linked the warning to a broader issue also affecting transmission performance in the same vehicle.
- Owners note GM has issued multiple service bulletins pointing to different causes, including wiring, software, and the steering wheel clock spring.
When 2021 GMC Yukon airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 1, 2020, latest Jun 23, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2021 GMC Yukon
- NHTSA 21V421000Jun 10, 2021Airbags285,622 vehiclesOver-the-air fix
Air bags:SRS malfunction warning lamp/light
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.
Remedy: 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.
Airbags complaints by Yukon model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many airbag complaints does the 2021 GMC Yukon have?
- NHTSA lists 18 airbag-related complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon, making up 5% of its 329 total complaints for the model year.
- Is there an airbag recall for the 2021 GMC Yukon?
- Yes. Recall 21V421000, reported June 10, 2021, covers a communications gateway module issue affecting the 2021 GMC Yukon and related GM vehicles; it is fixed via a dealer or over-the-air software update.
- Have airbag problems caused crashes or injuries in the 2021 Yukon?
- NHTSA data shows 7 crashes and 7 injuries associated with the 18 airbag complaints for this model year.
- At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2021 GMC Yukon is 11,500 miles.