2021 GMC Yukon VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 GMC Yukon has mixed reliability. There are 25 recalls and 410 owner complaints on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon. Severity signals include 11 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (157), Power Train (62), Engine And Engine Cooling (42).

Yukon reliability snapshot

55/100

Latest model-year reliability score

3.5/5

RepairPal rating (medium)

$747

Avg annual repair cost vs $784 category avg

#6/14

Ranking in fullsize SUVs · better than 57% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the GMC Yukon before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternatives Common problemsComplaint patterns across model years Recall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model year Resale valueObserved prices, mileage and depreciation Maintenance & repair costYearly repair cost, reliability rating and segment rank

Most-reported 2021 GMC Yukon issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Engine157
Power Train62
Engine And Engine Cooling42
Electrical System22
Fuel Propulsion System22
Unknown Or Other13

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 GMC Yukon

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

Check for excessive oil consumption by inspecting oil levels and consumption history
Test the transmission for smooth gear shifts and listen for unusual noises
Inspect the fuel pump control module for any signs of failure or recent replacement
Verify that the engine lifters and cams have been inspected or replaced
Test the power steering for any whining or unusual sounds
Ensure all safety systems, including airbags and collision avoidance, are functioning correctly
Check for any outstanding recalls and verify completion of relevant recall repairs

What owners reported

2021 GMC Yukon owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 11 crashes, 1 fire and 13 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 GMC Yukon. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints157

ENGINE

Owners report frequent engine failures in the 2021 GMC Yukon, particularly involving the 6.2L engine. Complaints commonly mention excessive oil consumption, with some vehicles using a quart every 1,000 miles, and issues with lifters leading to significant engine damage. Symptoms described include knocking sounds, flashing check engine lights, and sudden loss of power while driving, sometimes leaving vehicles stranded without warning. Failures are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 10,000 miles and others over 80,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as sudden engine shutdowns and loss of control have been reported while driving at highway speeds, posing risks to occupants.

Owner complaints62

POWER TRAIN

Owners report frequent issues with the 2021 GMC Yukon's powertrain, particularly involving transmission and engine components. Common symptoms include transmission valve body failures leading to gear shifting problems and loss of power, often occurring in cold temperatures. Additionally, multiple complaints mention lifter and cylinder failures, with some cases resulting in engine seizure or knocking noises. These issues typically arise around 50,000 to 72,000 miles, sometimes just outside the warranty period. Safety implications include potential vehicle stalling or inability to engage gears, which could leave drivers stranded or pose risks in traffic. This information is crucial for potential buyers considering a used 2021 GMC Yukon.

Owner complaints42

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Owners of the 2021 GMC Yukon frequently report issues related to engine performance and cooling, with several complaints mentioning engine hesitation, abnormal noises, and complete engine seizures. Symptoms often include engine knocking, ticking sounds, loss of acceleration, and stalling, sometimes accompanied by illuminated warning lights. These issues are commonly observed around the 30,000 to 124,000-mile range. Safety implications include instances of vehicles unexpectedly stopping or stalling while driving, which could pose a risk during operation. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider the reported symptoms and mileage ranges when evaluating this vehicle.

Owner complaints22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report frequent issues with the electrical system of the 2021 GMC Yukon, particularly involving the fuel pump control module, which can lead to sudden vehicle shutdowns and inability to restart, often occurring around 9,000 to 61,263 miles. Complaints frequently mention problems with the infotainment system, including random brightness changes and complete failures in cold weather, which can be distracting. Several reports describe safety restraint system failures, including airbag non-deployment during crashes, with two injuries reported. These issues present potential safety risks, such as loss of vehicle control and increased accident likelihood, which prospective buyers should consider.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 2 injury reports

Owner complaints22

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners report frequent failures of the fuel pump control module in the 2021 GMC Yukon, often resulting in the vehicle stalling or failing to start. Common symptoms include sudden loss of power while driving, inability to restart the engine, and in some cases, the vehicle not shifting into neutral. These issues typically occur at various mileages, with some reports as early as 14,000 miles and others beyond 100,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as multiple owners describe being stranded in traffic or on highways without warning, leading to potential hazards. Additionally, several owners note that their vehicles are not included in existing recalls, despite experiencing the same issues, which could be a consideration for used car buyers.

Owner complaints14

STEERING

Owners of the 2021 GMC Yukon frequently report issues with the steering system, with common symptoms including loss of power steering, a locked steering wheel, and abnormal noises when turning. Complaints often arise around 67,000 to 123,000 miles, with some owners mentioning mileage as low as 20,000. Two incidents involve crashes, one resulting in an injury, due to sudden loss of steering control, highlighting significant safety implications. Buyers should be aware of potential steering failures and the need for diagnostic and repair efforts, which may not always resolve the issues as evidenced by repeated problems and lack of available fixes.

Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints14

AIR BAGS

Owners report frequent issues with the airbag system in the 2021 GMC Yukon, often involving the "Service Safety Restraint" light illuminating. Complaints frequently mention recurring problems even after repairs, with the light reappearing after service. Several owners describe airbag non-deployment during collisions, with five crashes and seven injuries reported. The issues appear across various mileage ranges, including vehicles with as few as 7,000 miles. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, as multiple incidents involve airbag failure in crashes, which prospective buyers should consider.

Severity signals: 5 crash, 0 fire, 7 injury reports

Owner complaints9

SUSPENSION

Owners report persistent issues with the air suspension system of the 2021 GMC Yukon, especially in cold weather conditions. Complaints frequently mention the system's failure to maintain proper ride height, leading to excessive bouncing and instability at various speeds, with some cases occurring at highway speeds. These issues are often linked to freezing temperatures and have been noted both during and after the warranty period, with some owners experiencing recurring problems over multiple winters. Multiple reports highlight safety implications, such as compromised vehicle stability and increased risk of loss of control. The problems are observed in vehicles with varying mileages, with some occurring shortly after purchase and others after extended use.

Owner complaints9

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Owners of the 2021 GMC Yukon frequently report issues with the automatic braking system engaging unexpectedly. Complaints describe the vehicle coming to a sudden stop without any obstruction in the roadway, often at both low and high speeds, which results in a jarring experience for occupants. Incidents occur across various driving conditions, and some reports indicate that these issues began shortly after purchase. Safety implications are significant, with reports of injuries caused by sudden braking, including one instance where luggage struck a passenger, leading to a suspected concussion. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, as they may impact both safety and driving comfort.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

Owner complaints8

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners of the 2021 GMC Yukon frequently report issues with the service brakes, including inconsistent braking performance and brake system failures. Typical symptoms include a loss of braking power, vibrations, and unresponsive brakes, with some owners experiencing the brakes engaging without warning or failing to stop the vehicle. These issues are commonly reported around 20,000 to 95,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one complaint involving a crash due to the failure of the automatic emergency braking system. Buyers should be aware of recurring problems with the master cylinder and brake pad sensors, which some owners have had difficulty resolving through dealerships.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

2021 Yukon recalls (14)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Yukon. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 25V274000Apr 24, 2025
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.
Consequence: 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.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 24V797000Oct 24, 2024
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.
Consequence: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 22V827000Nov 3, 2022
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 22V617000Aug 11, 2022
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
Consequence: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 22V036000Jan 27, 2022
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.
Consequence: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 21V739000Sep 23, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. 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 N212332040.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 21V579000Jul 29, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. Dealer service technicians may have calibrated the brake system incorrectly, affecting Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and braking while towing a trailer.
Consequence: Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will recalibrate the brake system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1202; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340970.
STEERINGNHTSA 21V455000Jun 17, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
Consequence: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. 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 N212333900.
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNHTSA 21V421000Jun 10, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
Consequence: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 21V190000Mar 18, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
Consequence: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 21V064000Feb 11, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. The fuel tank assemblies may be missing adhesive between two layers of the fuel tank shell which may result in a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212327720.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 20V811000Dec 23, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
SEATSNHTSA 20V735000Nov 25, 2020
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202312720.
SEAT BELTSNHTSA 20V792000Dec 17, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.

Used-market value

2021 GMC Yukon resale snapshot

68.8%estimated value retained after 5 years

218listings in the model-level benchmark

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Compare GMC Yukon value by year →Full GMC Yukon market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2021 GMC Yukon on the road

84,243 2021 GMC Yukon units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 GMC Yukon stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Chevrolet Tahoe

Reliability: 82/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Cadillac Escalade

Reliability: 68/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Toyota Sequoia

Reliability: 72/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Nissan Armada

Reliability: 74/100·Rivalry score: 95

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Reliability verdict for the 2021 GMC Yukon

The 2021 GMC Yukon presents a moderate reliability profile, falling below the segment average. The score of 61 out of 100 indicates mixed dependability, suggesting potential concerns for prospective buyers. Notably, the vehicle has an elevated recall count of 25, which further underscores potential reliability issues.

Complaints are notably concentrated in the engine category, with significant numbers also reported for the power train and engine cooling systems. This concentration suggests that mechanical reliability may be a particular area of concern. Other systems like electrical and fuel propulsion have fewer complaints, indicating less frequent issues in these areas.

Overall, the 2021 GMC Yukon carries an elevated reliability risk compared to its peers, warranting careful consideration for those prioritizing long-term dependability.

What you get in a 2021 GMC Yukon report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2021 GMC Yukon — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 GMC Yukon reliable?

How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Yukon have?

14 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 GMC Yukon. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 GMC Yukon problems?

The most-reported 2021 GMC Yukon problem areas are: Engine (157), Power Train (62), Engine And Engine Cooling (42).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 GMC Yukon?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 GMC Yukon, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.