CarModelProblems.com

2021 GMC Yukon XL Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 5.5× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
199Complaints
12Recalls
2Crashes
1Fires
6Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (57.8% of complaints) — is covered by 1 NHTSA recall campaign.

Engine complaints here are 5.5× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine115 · 57.8%RecalledRecall 25V274000
Power Train44 · 22.1%RecalledRecall 22V036000 · Recall 24V797000
Fuel/propulsion System24 · 12.1%RecalledRecall 21V739000
Engine And Engine Cooling21 · 10.6%RecalledRecall 25V274000
Electrical System12 · 6%No official action
Service Brakes6 · 3%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE115 · 57.8%
POWER TRAIN44 · 22.1%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM12 · 6%
SERVICE BRAKES6 · 3%
SUSPENSION6 · 3%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING6 · 3%
Unspecified / other6 · 3%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6 · 3%

Percentages are the share of the 199 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 12 campaigns

Steering:steering Control Module

NHTSA campaign 21V455000 · 2021 · reported 06/17/2021

Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: YES

Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

NHTSA campaign 22V036000 · 2022 · reported 01/27/2022

Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 20V792000 · 2020 · reported 12/17/2020

If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 20V811000 · 2020 · reported 12/23/2020

If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats

NHTSA campaign 20V735000 · 2020 · reported 11/25/2020

If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump:control/drive Module

NHTSA campaign 21V739000 · 2021 · reported 09/23/2021

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/light

NHTSA campaign 21V421000 · 2021 · reported 06/10/2021

The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: YES

Seat Belts

NHTSA campaign 21V190000 · 2021 · reported 03/18/2021

A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners

NHTSA campaign 22V617000 · 2022 · reported 08/11/2022

A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software

NHTSA campaign 22V827000 · 2022 · reported 11/03/2022

Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: YES

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module:software

NHTSA campaign 24V797000 · 2024 · reported 10/24/2024

Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:hard Parts Internal/mechanical

NHTSA campaign 25V274000 · 2025 · reported 04/24/2025

Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“Check engine light on, Abnormal engine noise and very significant loss of power. Info registered in the repair invoice: tech verify customer concern, check for…”NHTSA complaint 11668041 — filed 06/20/2025 · ENGINE
“I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon XL, which is equipped with the 6.2L V8…”NHTSA complaint 11667218 — filed 06/16/2025 · ENGINE
“While my [XXX] son was driving my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL, the engine failed suddenly without warning. The vehicle lost power completely and became…”NHTSA complaint 11667051 — filed 06/15/2025 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

120201020211620222020231720241502025652026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 115 of 199 NHTSA complaints (57.8%), followed by power train (44), fuel/propulsion system (24), engine and engine cooling (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have?

199 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 2 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 6 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have any recalls?

Yes — 12 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V455000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL's reported problems?

4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.