2021 GMC Yukon Engine Problems
Engine complaints account for 211 of 329 total complaints (64%) filed on the 2021 GMC Yukon, the highest share of any model year in this dataset. A related recall (25V274000) covers 6.2L V8 engines in 2021-2024 GM SUVs and trucks, including the Yukon. Median mileage at failure was 81,000.
- Engine complaints
- 211
- 64% of 329
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 81,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report bad lifters and push rods causing popping or knocking noises from the engine, sometimes with very low mileage on the vehicle.
- Some describe the engine losing power or stalling while idling or driving, including one case where the vehicle stalled repeatedly in a drive-thru.
- Several report total engine failure on the highway, with rough running, rising engine pressure, high RPMs, and a dash warning telling the driver to pull over before the engine would not restart.
- Owners note dash warning lights for engine, brakes, and electrical systems appearing together, sometimes with the engine speed becoming limited.
- One complaint describes the engine revving on its own without the accelerator being pressed, including while the vehicle was in park.
When 2021 GMC Yukon engine complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 6, 2020, latest Sep 21, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2021 GMC Yukon
- 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 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2021 GMC Yukon have engine problems?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 211 engine-related complaints for the 2021 Yukon, which is 64% of all 329 complaints filed for that model year, the highest share among the years in this dataset.
- Is there a recall for the 2021 GMC Yukon engine?
- Yes. Recall 25V274000 covers 2021-2024 GM vehicles with the 6.2L V8 engine, including the Yukon. Dealers inspect the engine and repair or replace it as needed.
- At what mileage do 2021 Yukon engine problems happen?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 81,000 at the time of the failure, though several sample complaints describe issues appearing much earlier, in some cases under 10,000 miles.
- Have any 2021 Yukon engine complaints involved crashes or fires?
- No. NHTSA records 0 crashes and 0 fires among the complaints filed in this component area for the 2021 Yukon.