2021 GMC Yukon XL problems & reliability
223 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, alongside 12 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Sep 23, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several components.
3 complaints report injuries (5 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2021 GMC Yukon XL vehicles were involved in 8 fatal crashes with 1 occupant death. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine → | 137 | 61% |
| Power Train → | 47 | 21% |
| Fuel/propulsion System → | 28 | 13% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling → | 21 | 9% |
| Electrical System → | 13 | 6% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 7 | 3% |
| Unknown / Other | 7 | 3% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | 3% |
| Service Brakes | 6 | 3% |
| Suspension | 6 | 3% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 22 reported components →Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Among the 43 complaints that included a usable odometer reading, the median reported incident mileage was 66,000 miles (middle 50% between 49,000 and 88,000 miles).
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Engine coolant control valve has failed three times. This last time so severely the car forced me to come to a complete stop in the middle of a busy street. Dangerous to drive while severe reduced acceleration is all that’s available during the episodes.”
Engine · filed Sep 19, 2026
“6.2L engine has the oil change update, and engine failed recently. took vehicle for repair to Golling GMC dealer. waiting on feedback.”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Sep 19, 2026
“Vehicle has been consuming engine oil at a rate of approximately 1 quart per 500 miles. On XXX, owner added 1 quart of oil in [XXX], then drove a round trip to [XXX] and back (approx. 860 miles). On XXX at 55,329 miles — only 9 days and roughly 860 miles after that quart was added — an oil change was performed at an…”
Engine · filed Sep 18, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Engineering Analysis EA26005 · opened Aug 20, 2026 · open
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Recall Query RQ26001 · opened Jan 16, 2026 · closed Aug 20, 2026
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Engineering Analysis EA25007 · opened Oct 23, 2025 · open
- Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 · opened Jan 16, 2025 · closed Oct 23, 2025 · led to recall 25V274
- Air Bag Malfunction
Preliminary Evaluation PE21010 · opened Apr 9, 2021 · closed Aug 24, 2023
Technical service bulletins
1,231 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The 10 most recent:
This preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.
PIT5801F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 10, 2026
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
PIP4902W · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 4, 2026
This PI provides a diagnostic tip when fuse F4DR is opening and dealerships are to inspect the wiring at the center console lid.
PIT5869B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 26, 2026
This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
PIC6551C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026
This PI Communicates information to ensure Memory Recall is enabled to ensure memory mirrors return to set position after curbview assist is used.
PIT6446A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 24, 2026
PI to help diagnose A/C concern
PIT5099J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2026
This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
PIT5509N · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2026
This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.
PIT5966F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 23, 2026
This PI advises dealers that if the K160 Brake System Control Module sets DTC P0606 along with P0562 and/or P25A2, additional diagnostic aids should be followed before replacing parts. The PI provides guidance to…
PIT6522 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 10, 2026
This Preliminary information communicates an issues with the HVAC making a hum buzz noise when the blower is set to a higher speed. Engineering is working on a new HVAC door seal material to correct the noise.
PIT6132E · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 9, 2026
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2021 GMC Yukon XL has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Among complaints with usable mileage, the median reported incident mileage was 66,000 miles. This does not predict when a particular vehicle will develop a problem.