2021 GMC Yukon Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 51 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon, 16% of its 329 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 75,000. Two related recalls cover transmission control module software and rear driveshaft assemblies.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 51
- 16% of 329
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 75,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Owners report the vehicle failing to shift out of park or dropping back into park after being manually held in gear.
- Some drivers describe being unable to move the vehicle into neutral without the engine running, requiring a special tool per GM repair guidance.
- Several complaints describe hard or rough shifting, shuddering, jerking, and stalling during acceleration, sometimes with the check engine light on and a warning message like "Service Transmission Now."
- Owners report rear differential or driveshaft noise and failure, with dealers advising against driving until repaired.
- Multiple reports describe torque converter failure sending debris into the valve body and transmission fluid, leading to hard shifting and recommended transmission replacement.
- Some owners report rear-end lockup or loss of power to the wheels caused by transmission valve body failure, occurring even at highway speeds.
When 2021 GMC Yukon transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Dec 12, 2020, latest Sep 15, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 GMC Yukon
- 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 22V036000Jan 27, 2022Transmission & Powertrain1,789 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
Transmission & Powertrain 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 transmission complaints does the 2021 GMC Yukon have?
- NHTSA lists 51 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon, which is 16% of the 329 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall for the 2021 GMC Yukon?
- Yes. Recall 24V797000 covers transmission control module software on 2021 GMC Yukon and related GM models, and recall 22V036000 covers rear wheel driveshaft assemblies on the 2021 GMC Yukon.
- At what mileage do 2021 GMC Yukon transmission problems usually show up?
- The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2021 GMC Yukon is 75,000 miles.
- Do the 2021 GMC Yukon transmission problems involve crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records show 0 crashes and 0 fires linked to the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon.