CarRecallWatchThe 2021 GMC Yukon XL has 12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 230 complaints with NHTSA, including 2 crashes, 1 fire, 5 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (141 reports).
2021 GMC Yukon XL recalls
Engine may fail unexpectedly, raising crash risk
Certain 2021 full-size Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC SUVs and pickups equipped with the 6.2L V8 gas engine may have a connecting rod or crankshaft with a manufacturing defect.
Rear Wheels Can Lock Up, Raising Crash Risk
Certain 2020-2021 GM full-size pickups and SUVs equipped with diesel engines may have a transmission control valve that can fail.
Daytime Running Lights May Stay On With Headlights, Causing Glare
Certain 2021 full-size SUVs may have a software fault in the lighting control module that keeps the daytime running lights on when the headlights are also on.
Third-Row Seat Belts May Not Hold Occupants in a Crash
Some 2021-2022 full-size SUVs with third-row seats may have a seat belt buckle assembly where the rivet attaching the buckle to its mounting bracket was improperly formed.
Rear driveshaft may fail, causing sudden loss of power
Some rear driveshaft assemblies may contain internal parts that were not heat-treated properly.
Fuel Pump Module May Fail, Causing Engine Stalls
The fuel pump power control module in these vehicles can cause the fuel pump to fail or run intermittently.
Software Flaw Can Cause Sudden Loss of Steering Assist
A software issue in the steering control module can cause a loss of power steering assist, either when the vehicle starts or while it is being driven.
Air Bag Warning Light May Not Alert You to Faults
Some 2021 GM vehicles have a software problem in the communications gateway module.
Third-Row Seat Belts May Be Damaged, Risking Failure in a Crash
Some 2021 full-size SUVs have third-row outboard seat belts that may have been trapped or routed incorrectly behind the seat-folding mechanism.
Seat Belts May Not Be Securely Attached, Raising Crash Injury Risk
Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more points where the seat belts attach to the vehicle.
Front Center Seat Belt May Not Restrain Occupant in Crash
Some full-size Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups from the 2019 to 2020 model years have a problem with the seat belt brackets for the front center seat.
Loose front seat bolts may move seat in a crash
Some vehicles had one or both front seats removed during assembly, and the seat attachment bolts may not have been properly reinstalled.
Most common 2021 GMC Yukon XL problems
Problem areas named in the 230 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 141 |
| Power Train | 49 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 30 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 21 |
| Electrical System | 14 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 8 |
| Unknown Or Other | 7 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 |
| Service Brakes | 6 |
| Suspension | 6 |
What owners report
**Mileage at repair:** 76,165 miles **Component:** Fuel Pump Power Control Module While driving my 2021 GMC Yukon XL on [XXX] on a treacherous stretch decending [XXX] the engine unexpectedly stopped running, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion. This occurred on a section of interstate where there was no safe shoulder or suitable location to pull off the roadway. The unexpected failure created an extremely dangerous situation, exposing me and other motorists to the risk of a serious collision. The vehicle was subsequently towed, diagnosed and repaired by Darrell Waltrip Buick GMC in [XXX]. The dealership documented diagnostic trouble code P129F, "Fuel Pump Driver Control Module Fue
On September 21, 2026, my 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L V8 engine experienced a serious engine failure at approximately 83,330 miles while traveling on Interstate 10 near Litchfield Road in Arizona. The vehicle developed engine knocking and subsequently stalled, leaving my family and me at risk on the highway. This was a serious safety concern because the engine failed unexpectedly during operation. The GMC dealership determined that the engine needed to be replaced under warranty. The replacement engine was installed in October 2026, and I received the vehicle back on October 13, 2026. My concern is that the dealership installed a remanufactured engine, and I have not received s
High oil consumption, will have oil changed and days later need oil, catalyst converter failed causing what was said for the check engine light to come on, truck now has a shutter around 50 mph, my radio is in and out, and sometimes it sounds like a computer shutting down. It has been one thing after the next.
Rear wheel lock up for a slight second and then down shifted and revved way up to high RPM then went into reduced power. then slowed down and had to drive about 15 miles an hour. to shop mechanic.
The vehicle is consuming every bit of oil at about 1500 to 1800 miles of the 3000 mile guidelines before the next oil change. No leaks. No smoke. No knocking in motor.
2021 GMC Yukon XL questions
Does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL: Engine may fail unexpectedly, raising crash risk; Rear Wheels Can Lock Up, Raising Crash Risk; Daytime Running Lights May Stay On With Headlights, Causing Glare; Third-Row Seat Belts May Not Hold Occupants in a Crash; Rear driveshaft may fail, causing sudden loss of power. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
Based on 230 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (141), Power Train (49), Fuel/Propulsion System (30).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 GMC Yukon XL has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.