2021 GMC Yukon Complaints

POWER TRAIN — Filed 10/07/2026

I was driving normally, going up a hill and the car skipped and lurched forward. Then when i touched the gas pedal the car would not accelerate but the rpms would increase. When I was able to pull over, the car would not reverse, the engine would rev when i pushed the gas pedal but it would not move. I drove it directly to a mechanic down the road and he believes the transmission is shot and agrees that it is part of the problems that GMC is having with its transmissions, and it seems as though my car should also be included. This was an extremely dangerous and frightening thing to happen to a car with no warning whatsoever. I was lucky not to have been in an accident.

ENGINE — Filed 09/18/2026

While driving on the highway with my child in the car, the car suddenly began shaking and warning lights to check the power train came on the dash. There was also a loss of power in acceleration. Other error codes (303) also appeared with the check engine light also coming in. Upon checking the code later once home, it indicated there was an issue with the lifters. The car was then towed to the dealership where it was confirmed there are issues with both the lifters and the cam shaft and both need to be replaced.

ENGINE — Filed 09/30/2026

I purchased this vehicle new in 2021. In XXX, the vehicle started shaking while driving then suddenly cut off. Mileage was a little over 12K. Diagnosis was an engine lifter issue. The dealership replaced all 16 engine lifters. The vehicle now has a little over 52K miles on it. The engine lifters have failed again. This is a known safety issue for this (and other GM vehicles) manufactured in the same timeframe. However, GM has not issued a recall. I am now looking at having to replace the lifters at my cost and/or driving an unsafe vehicle. I have a wife and [XXX] son. This is an untenable situation. GM must issue a recall and correct this issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SEATS — Filed 09/28/2026

I drove my car on Saturday and nothing was wrong with it. I opened my car door on Monday morning or work and my driver side seat was twisted. There was no warning signs nothing. The dealership said that a rod is not working probably. I have had two other yukons and drove them for almost 10 years and never had this issue. This is my third one and only has 41,000 miles and has been to dealership to be serviced. This should not have happened. According to research I have done it states that there were some TSBs on mechanical failures in the seats. I was directed to ask for the dealership to contact GM goodwill assistance on my behave since I have been a loyal GM customer. This is a serious safety concern if this would have happened while I was driving.

ENGINE — Filed 09/11/2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact's wife stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was determined that a fuse had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact's wife stated that while driving 55 MPH after the repair, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted into neutral, stalled, and lost motive power. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, where it was diagnosed that metal shavings were found in the oil, causing the engine to seize. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure on the manufacturer's website and by phone, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 72,850.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 08/06/2025

General Motors, Orr GMC and Sewell GMC are purposely concealing issues and service records related to my vehicle. I believe it is intentional fraud on their part to mislead the public, legal/judicial officials and oversote authorities about the severity the L87 engine failures and excessive oil consumption. They have lied about the status of the vehicle during oil consumption tests, refused to document test results and even rescinded their offer to replace the engine when I refused to sign their release of liability that contained false statements. Orr GMC also completed work on my vehicle without my knowledge or consent that led to worse issues. This is a safety issue for the public and for my family and I.

ENGINE — Filed 09/17/2026

I am filing this complaint regarding severe, excessive oil consumption in my 2021 GMC Yukon equipped with the 6.2L V8 engine (VIN: [XXX]). The vehicle is consuming oil at an accelerated and hazardous rate. Specifically, the engine oil level drops completely below the viewable crosshatches on the oil dipstick well before the vehicle’s automated Oil Life Monitoring system reaches 50%. This level of rapid oil depletion creates a significant safety risk, as it puts the vehicle at risk of sudden engine stalling, severe mechanical failure, or total engine lockup while driving at highway speeds, potentially causing a crash. General Motors has issued Safety Recall N252494000 to address internal manufacturing defects within the 6.2L engine that lead to mechanical damage and heavy oil loss. Although my vehicle is a 2021 model with the exact 6.2L V8 engine experiencing the identical, severe oil loss symptoms detailed in the recall, my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall list. I request that the NHTSA investigate this issue and pressure General Motors to expand the parameters of Recall N252494000 to include all affected 6.2L engines exhibiting this dangerous defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/21/2026

My 2021 GMC Yukon has approximately 36,900 miles. On September 12, 2026, the vehicle was at an authorized GMC dealership and passed a state safety inspection. On September 19, 2026, the check-engine warning light illuminated and I returned to the dealership. The dealer performed diagnostic testing and told me the fuel pump pressure was approximately 400 PSI when it should be approximately 700 PSI. I was told the fuel pump needs to be replaced. The vehicle is currently at the dealership awaiting the replacement part: Fuel pump I was not aware of a fuel-pump failure before the warning light appeared. I am particularly concerned because this failure occurred at only approximately 36,900 miles. GM previously recalled 3,386 2021 GMC Yukons under NHTSA Campaign 21V-739/GM Recall N212332040 for a fuel-pump power-control-module defect that can cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, interrupt fuel flow and potentially cause the engine to stall. My 2021 Yukon is not included in that recall and currently shows no unrepaired recalls associated with my VIN. I believe this represents a potential safety concern because inadequate fuel delivery or a fuel-system failure while driving could cause reduced engine power or an unexpected stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Given the low mileage, the dealer-confirmed fuel-pressure problem, and the existing fuel-pump-related safety recall affecting other 2021 Yukons, I am concerned that my vehicle may have the same or a related defect despite not being included in the recalled population. I believe NHTSA should evaluate whether additional 2021 Yukons should be included in a safety investigation or recall. I am paying out of pocket to have the fuel pump replaced and am filing this complaint to document the failure.A fuel-pump failure at only 36,900 miles is extremely concerning. I ask NHTSA to determine whether my vehicle has the same or a related defect and whether the existing recall population should be expanded.

ENGINE — Filed 09/12/2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 65 MPH on the highway at higher speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. The check engine, ECU, and traction control warning lights illuminated, and the message "Shut off Vehicle as soon as Possible" was displayed. The contact's wife pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The mechanic retrieved dDTCs: P0307 and P050D, indicating a failed roller lifter, valve spring, and valve roller lifters. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer, where the dealer diagnosed that the lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 08/01/2026

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle jerked and the transmission shifted hard into 1st and 2nd gears. The message "Service Safety Restraint" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed valve body. The contact was informed that the valve body or the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 08/06/2026

Crankshaft / Camshaft caused catastrophic engine failure while on a family road trip leaving family and kids stranded on the side of the highway for hours. 2021 GMCs are notoriously having this issue but they refused to include our VIN in the recall. It cost us almost 13,000 to replace with a brand new engine and only 4 days after picking up from dealership the vehicle stopped working and shut off at a light in the middle of the road. GMC has been no help and won’t cover anything.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/12/2026

Water is entering the passenger cabin through failed front sunroof drain tubes on both the left and right sides. The drains discharge inside the A pillars rather than to the exterior, pooling in the driver's side floorboard. An authorized GMC dealer diagnosed the cause in writing on August 12, 2026 as rubber grommet shrinkage and hardened internal buildup preventing water from flowing through, on both the left and right sides simultaneously. The identical bilateral failure mode indicates a component or assembly defect rather than debris blockage. Water is accumulating in the driver's footwell in proximity to cabin electrical components and the fuse block area, creating a risk of electrical shorting, connector corrosion, and circuit failure. Mold has developed in the front carpet and padding on the driver's side, and water intrusion staining is present on the passenger side. The dealer has quoted 2,727.16 to replace the drain tubes and the mold-damaged carpet and padding. The vehicle entered service on February 5, 2025 and has 45,211 miles. GM has issued service bulletin 20-NA-219 addressing sunroof drain hoses on 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Tahoe, Suburban, and Escalade models.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 04/16/2026

Had a valve body failure in mid XXX. The vehicle would not go into reverse and drove it in limp mode to a dealership about 5 miles away. Fortunately they were able to get a new valve body and repair it in one day. Cost was approximately $3,500 and not covered by warranty. The vehicle had about 110,000 miles on it at the time. This is a known defect on this vehicle and a recall should be initiated. Had we started our trip from [XXX] back to [XXX] before the failure occurred, we likely would have been stranded on the highway, or worse. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE — Filed 09/05/2026

My 2021 Yukon Denali received the Recall 25V-274 oil fix and I am now experiencing an active light engine knock. My gas mileage has reduced significantly and I am having to add oil in between regular oil changes. Not only does it burn through oil and fuel faster but I now get charged an extra fee for "Premium oil". My oil changes cost me roughly 40 dollars more now. (140 instead of 100) I don't feel as if this fix with the oil change has improved anything and that the cost to maintain the vehicle has only gone up. I am still worried this vehicle will break down on my next road trip.

ENGINE — Filed 03/01/2025

Fraud and gross negligence by General Motors, Orr GMC and Sewell Buick GMC.

ENGINE — Filed 08/28/2026

My 2021 GMC Yukon began experiencing severe engine problems, including shaking/rough running, a noticeable ticking/knocking noise from the engine, and a flashing check-engine light. The vehicle also displayed Service ESC and traction control warnings and exhibited symptoms of an engine misfire. I took the vehicle to a dealership for evaluation. I was advised that the problem may involve failed lifters and that the vehicle could be out of service for several weeks for repairs. I was also advised that the repair could be very costly. At this time, I have not been given a final diagnosis, so the exact internal engine component responsible for the failure is UNKNOWN. I am concerned that the condition presents a safety risk because the engine is running extremely rough and the check-engine light is flashing. I am afraid the engine could lose power or fail while the vehicle is being driven, potentially putting me, my passengers, and other motorists at risk. I have also become aware of NHTSA's investigation involving failures of the 6.2-liter L87 V8 engine in GM vehicles, including the GMC Yukon, as well as reports of engine failures occurring after certain repairs or recall remedies. This has increased my concern about whether repairing or replacing individual engine components will permanently resolve the problem. I am submitting this complaint so that my vehicle's symptoms, dealer evaluation, and potential engine failure are documented. The vehicle and affected components are available for inspection upon request. The dealership has evaluated the vehicle, but a final determination of the exact cause has not yet been provided.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 12/01/2025

Vehicle: 2021 GMC Denali Mileage: ~48,000 miles Purchase Price: $62,000 Issue: Airbags & crash sensors failed to deploy Complaint Text: I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 GMC Denali. I was involved in a rear-end collision at approximately 45 mph, where I struck another vehicle straight on from behind. The impact was severe enough to total my vehicle, yet no airbags deployed, and no forward collision warning or crash sensor systems activated. This is especially concerning because this vehicle was previously involved in a front-end collision (not my fault) and underwent extensive repairs. I was assured all systems were repaired and functioning properly. Additionally, my vehicle had completed recall work related to safety systems prior to this crash. This is the second front-end crash involving this vehicle where airbags failed to deploy. Given the speed and severity of the impact, airbags should have deployed. The failure of these systems placed my life at serious risk. The vehicle has since been totaled and taken by insurance, but I am requesting that this failure be formally investigated as a potential safety defect in the airbag and sensor systems. I am extremely concerned that the vehicle’s safety systems were either defective or not properly restored following repairs and recalls.

AIR BAGS — Filed 08/22/2025

I was read ended at a stop light. The other drive fell asleep. She was in a 3.25 ton dodge ram going 45-55 mph. She never touched her brakes. She pushed me into the car in front of me. Air bags never deployed . My car is totaled. The driver’s car hit so hard the front of her car was in my third row of seats. I was taken to the hospital for chest pains since the seatbelt was the only thing that saved me .

STEERING,AIR BAGS — Filed 02/27/2025

The contact owned a 2021 GMC Denali. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering. The vehicle failed to turn and crashed into a tree. There were no reported injuries. There were no warning lights. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V455000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to his residence. There was no police report filed, airbag deployment, or fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company deemed the vehicle to be a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,AIR BAGS — Filed 10/13/2022

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and completing a turn, the forward warning collision system alarm sounded, but the vehicle failed to activate automatic emergency braking. As a result, the vehicle collided with another vehicle ahead. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the ABS. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was not filed, and no injuries were reported. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/07/2023

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle independently reversed without warning upon touching the gear shifter. The vehicle first reversed into a cement barrier and then lunged forward into an intersection while she repeatedly depressed her brake pedal to no avail. The contact managed to call 911 and while speaking with an operator, she was able to regain control of the vehicle. The contact crashed into a parked vehicle as well as a barrier during the failure. Once the contact regained control of the vehicle, she pulled into a gas station where she was met by police. A police report was filed. The contact suffered mental anguish as a result of the failure. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where they were unable to duplicate or diagnose the failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent body shop where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.

AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 10/06/2021

I was involved in a vehicle accident on 10/6/2021 where my vehicle was stuck by an uninsured motorist driving recklessly on the interstate causing a total of 4 car collision. My vehicle was a a 2021 GMC YUKON SLT SUV, in which I was struck on rear drivers side quarter panel and again by another vehicle in the front bumper by another vehicle that struck in the rear bumper by the reckless driver. With my vehicle being struck by two vehicles I was shocked to learn the Onstar safety security features did not detect or contact me regarding the accident. It wasn’t until the wrecker driver arrived to pull my vehicle onto the tow truck that I received a diagnosis notification email from o star about my antilock braking system. Although I was wearing my seat belt, the impact of the collision was very shocking, my chest and neck struck the steering wheel, my glasses were knocked completely off my face on to the passenger side floor board, my personal belongings in the passenger seat, were thrown and scattered over the passenger floor area. Once the emergency authorities were on the scene everything was about over I contacted Onstar via phone, and asked why wasn’t I contacted or my accident detected, and the call taker/on star representative advised me because my airbags wasn’t deployed, they did not receive a notification or alert regarding my emergency. I have attempted to make contact with Onstar several times since the accident and as of today I have yet to get an answer of why my air bags did deploy and why the emergency sensors did detect the impact notify emergency services as this is a feature that i was charged for monthly and added protection that I counted on to assist me but very much failed me at my time of need.

STEERING — Filed 07/26/2022

After pulling out from parking lot into roadway, steering wheel locked up (right) and vehicle proceeded uncontrolled into a telephone pole - injuring driver. Driver stage 1 & 2 together with seatbelt pretensioner deployed upon impact. No warning lamps or defect symptoms prior to time of failure. Inspection revealed DTC codes for power steering of U0420:00 (invalid data received from power steering module) and U3000:49 (control module internal malfunction). Scanner evidences power steering position sensor data not being reported. Vehicle VIN indicates that it was included in NHTSA recall 21V455000. Power Steering Component Part Nos: 85103817, 848935231 and 85116776.

AIR BAGS — Filed 10/06/2021

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while stopped on the highway a Crown Victoria crashed into the rear driver's quarter panel and a Honda Civic crashed into the front bumper of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There was a police report filed. There was no reported fire. The contact sustained pain and medical attention was provided. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000. The contact stated there was visible damage to the rear axle and fuel tank.

AIR BAGS,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 08/18/2021

The contact rented a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact was driving at 75mph, the contact stated they felt the steering wheel was moving independently causing the vehicle to veer in the opposite direction. Both hands were required in order to control the steering wheel. The contact attempted to avoid a large puddle, the vehicle independently veered to the right causing a crash with a curb and crossed an exit ramp which caused the vehicle to crash then into an embankment and into a ditch. This caused damage to the front passenger side tire of the vehicle. The side air bags did deploy but not the front driver or passenger side airbag did not deploy. No warning lights illuminated from the vehicle. The medical treatment was at the scene in which they checked the contact father in- law and their baby and took them to the hospital by ambulance with the contact's wife who was also in the vehicle. The contact also sustained a cut from the airbag being deployed, the contact wife also had bruises to their upper chest and leg, The contact father-in-law was also injured with his upper body and also a small rash on their face when the side airbag was deployed, as well the contact mother-in-law has complained of a headache. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an impound lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 16,000.