2021 GMC Yukon XL engine problems
135 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL — 61% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The rod bearing failed while traveling at highway speeds, so yes our safety as well as others traveling on the interstate. It is available for inspection. A dealership inspected and confirmed the reported problem. The manufacturer is aware of the persistent problems with these vehicles' engine…”
filed Sep 15, 2026
“According to the GM Dealership the rod bearing failed disabling the engine. Dealer recommends replacing the entire engine. This consistent with recall N 252494000-N252494003 but my VIN is not included in the recall. Estimated repair $11,200. Our family was traveling roughly 55 mph on the interstate…”
filed Sep 14, 2026
“My 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L L87 V8 has experienced two significant lifter/valvetrain failures. The first occurred at approximately 6,500 miles and was repaired by a GMC dealer. That failure involved cylinder #4, including a collapsed/stuck lifter and bent pushrod. The current failure occurred at…”
filed Sep 10, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that…Campaign 25V274000 · Apr 24, 2025
Engine problems in other Yukon XL years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Yukon XL | 20 | 63% |
| 2025 Yukon XL | 16 | 59% |
| 2024 Yukon XL | 53 | 76% |
| 2023 Yukon XL | 142 | 67% |
| 2022 Yukon XL | 108 | 66% |
| 2020 Yukon XL | 24 | 52% |
| 2019 Yukon XL | 34 | 51% |
| 2018 Yukon XL | 14 | 26% |
| 2017 Yukon XL | 26 | 18% |
| 2016 Yukon XL | 26 | 13% |
| 2015 Yukon XL | 26 | 8% |
| 2013 Yukon XL | 1 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.