2021 Gmc Yukon Problems
Shopping for a used 2021 Gmc Yukon? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 267 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2021 Gmc Yukon has 267 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2021 Gmc Yukon Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2021 Gmc Yukon trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2021 Gmc Yukon Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 GMC Yukon SUV 4WDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
21.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
21.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Gmc Yukon has 267 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 13 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Gmc
- Model
- Yukon
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 267
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 13
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 18
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 20
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2021 Gmc Yukon problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Fuel/Propulsion System
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Fuel/Propulsion System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2021 Gmc Yukon?
The 2021 Gmc Yukon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2021 Gmc Yukon
Inspection Focus
- 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.
Before You Close the Deal
- 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.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Gmc Yukon, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based 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
Full breakdown
All 2021 Gmc Yukon complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Gmc Yukon. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
In their words
Real 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.
Safety recalls
2021 Gmc Yukon recalls
13 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Gmc Yukon. 13 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
SEAT BELTS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
SEATS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2021 Gmc Yukon buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Gmc Yukon reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 267 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 13 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Gmc Yukon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Gmc Yukon, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 267 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Gmc Yukon have any recalls?▾
Yes. 13 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Gmc Yukon. A major recall area is STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE. 13 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Gmc Yukon?▾
The 2021 Gmc Yukon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Gmc Yukon based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.