2021 GMC YUKON Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Gmc Yukon. This model year has 267 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
Model-Year Complaints
267 owner reports
Recall Campaigns
13 NHTSA campaigns
Top Failure Area
Engine Problems
Worst 2021 Gmc Yukon Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Fuel/Propulsion System
AI Interpretation — 2021 Gmc Yukon
Low ConfidenceBased on 267 complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon, issues are concentrated in the engine, transmission, and fuel systems. There are 13 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Engine Problems account for 165 of 267 complaints, the highest count.
- Transmission/Drivetrain and Fuel/Propulsion System each have over 30 complaints.
- Forward Collision Avoidance and Airbag Malfunctions each have over 10 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission/Drivetrain
- Fuel/Propulsion System
- Inspect engine performance and check for any known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine, transmission, and fuel system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Gmc Yukon. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 165 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 40 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 37 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 23 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 17 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 15 | 7 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Gmc Yukon. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Hello, I was driving on the highway with my family and my engine had a sudden loss of power. I only have 52,000 miles on the engine and it has been serviced the entire time. We almost got in a major accident as we had cars and trucks moving around us at a very high speed as we t…
While operating my 2021 GMC Yukon AT4, my vehicle suddenly developed a popping noise, the check engine light began flashing, and the traction control warning illuminated. The vehicle lost power and had reduced acceleration, forcing me to pull off the road because it was unsafe to…
Lifter failure.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The message to restart the vehicle was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. Additionally, the check engine warning light was i…
I was driving on the highway, I-55 N just north of Bloomington. I was on cruise control and was coming up to a lane merge going into construction zone. I braked, moved over, turned off cruise control and noticed the engine was cut off and rpm’s dropped to 0. Luckily I was able to…
2021 Yukon Denali. Inspected by dealer under recall. Passed dealership test and new oil viscosity adjustment completed by dealer at 39k miles. Told no issues with vehicle continue to drive it. Today 4-14-26 on the interstate traveling 75mph the engine seized and lost all power. I…
Lifter and camshaft failure. Metal shards throughout the engine. Engine knocking and uncontrollable shaking. Safety was at risk of myself (driver) and two kids under the age of [XXX] while being broke down on a highway as vehicle was un-drivable. Reviewed by a Chevrolet dealers…
Loss of power while driving on highway, would not speed up. Shaky driving. Appeared to go into limp mode. Dealer informed me that the transmission valve body will need to be replaced. No prior messages or alerts, check engine light came on after power loss.
Engine is leaking alot of oil from crankshaft..I was informed there was a recall on the same type and years for the problem I am having but I do not have a recall on mine
The contact's daughter owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. While the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. The sound was intermittent but frequent. The vehicle stalled intermittently with several unknown warning ligh…
ngine seized (according to GMC dealership service department). I was driving 75mph down the highway and the car shut down. I noticed it losing power so I was able to get off at the exit ramp, but not in a safe location. The car shut completely down in the right lane at the stop s…
Engine shut down in 2022 due to faulty lifters. Repairs were made. Same problem again in 2026.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally with blue smoke coming from the exhaust, with the message "Lane Departure Assist" displayed. The check engine and stabili-trak warning lights were illumina…
I was pulling out of my driveway when I noticed that my mailbox was blown open from a recent storm. I stopped and put it in reverse (well tried to) but the vehicle would not shift. Quickly I continued to drive to make a u-turn instead and at that point my vehicle would not drive …
I had just pulled off from street light, hit button to turn auto engine shutoff off, all of sudden I lose power as if I'm in neutral, engines reving up but won't go. Then kicks in but with less power like gears will not shift. I get to my destination but car will not go in reve…
Exhaust fumes and stink on cold start . vehicle only has 40,000 mi and I have exhaust smells coming in through hvac system!!
My vehicle started making a weird noise and when I took it to the shop, they told me my crankshaft has gone bad and I was lucky I caught it before the entire engine blew
My 2021 GMC Yukon suffered the same engine failure that is the subject of the recall. It has just over 70,000 miles. I'm now told I need a new engine. The dealer confirmed that this is the same issue that has impacted other similar vintage Yukons.
Oil consumption is an issue. My vehicle is using a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. Manufacturer says oil changes are 5,000 mile intervals, however at 2500 miles the dipstick is dry and the low oil light comes on. There are no leaks in the driveway, nor is it smoking. The manu…
Air bag suspension does not work in sub freezing temperatures. Vehicle bounces up and down excessively and is extremely unstable and unsafe to drive at any speed. Vehicle speed was limited to 56 mph. Dealer stated that this is a known flaw but not recall has been issued. This is …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Gmc Yukon.
Recalls for 2021 Gmc Yukon
13 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Gmc Yukon. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2021 Gmc Yukon — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Gmc Yukon reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2021 Gmc Yukon has 267 NHTSA owner complaints, 9 crash-related, and 13 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (165 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Gmc Yukon?▾
#1: Engine Problems (165 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (40 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (37 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Gmc Yukon?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Gmc Yukon?▾
The 2021 Gmc Yukon has 9 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 267 total NHTSA complaints. 9 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Gmc Yukon have any recalls?▾
Yes — 13 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Gmc Yukon. The largest issue: STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Gmc Yukon?▾
The 2021 Gmc Yukon has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Gmc Yukon reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
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Check Your Specific 2021 Gmc Yukon
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $12.95 (vs. Carfax $39.99).