NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls and 237 owner complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL. Most complaints involve engine (148) and power train (49). The EPA rates it 16–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
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.
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.
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“INCIDENT 1: Internal Engine Failure & Excessive Oil Consumption Component / System Failed: Engine Internal Components (Piston Rings, Valve Guide Seals, Spark Plugs) Failure Description: Excessive oil consumption (1.5 to 2.0 quarts burned every 2,000 miles) leading to heavy oil-fouling on spark plugs #5 and #7. Required complete cylinder head, oil pan, and piston teardown to replace all pistons, rings, connecting rod bearings, lifters, guides, valve guide seals, and spark plugs. Safety Risk: Severe internal engine oil consumption and plug fouling create an immediate risk of engine misfires, unexpected loss of power, or catastrophic engine failure while driving at highway speeds. Dealer / Repair Shop Confirmation: Confirmed by Dealership Service Department via oil consumption tests, spark plug inspection with oil dye, compression tests, cylinder leak-down tests, and physical teardown. Warning Symptoms: Low oil warning lamp illuminated; continuous need to top off oil between routine maintenance services. Inspection Availability: Vehicle and replaced components are available for inspection upon request.”
“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.”
“INCIDENT 2: Total Electrical / Power System Shutdown Component / System Failed: Electrical / Power Control System (Auto-Stop/Start System) Failure Description: Total loss of electrical power causing the main dashboard and display screen to go completely dark, stalling the vehicle during an autostop event at a traffic light and preventing the engine from restarting. Safety Risk: Sudden total electrical shutdown leaves the vehicle completely dead, unresponsive, and immobilized in active traffic lanes/intersections, creating a high risk of rear-end or multi-vehicle collisions. Dealer / Repair Shop Confirmation: Customer complaint and active fault codes confirmed by dealership service department following standard maintenance schedule. Warning Symptoms: Display screen went blank; failure occurred instantly during autostop/traffic light stop without prior warning. Inspection Availability: Vehicle and affected systems are available for inspection upon request. INCIDENT 3: Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM) Failure Component / System Failed: Fuel Pump Driver Module (FPDM - Part #13554821) / Engine Control Module (ECM) Communication Failure Description: Total loss of…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon XL 2WD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $4,100 | 437 |
| Yukon XL 4WD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $4,300 | 444 |
| Yukon XL 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,450 | 492 |
| Yukon XL 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Yukon XL 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,650 | 515 |
| Yukon XL 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,850 | 539 |
| Yukon XL 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,850 | 566 |
| Yukon XL 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,850 | 558 |
| Yukon XL 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 16 | $4,850 | 570 |
| Yukon XL 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
12 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 237 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (148), power train (49), fuel/propulsion system (34). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 GMC Yukon XL at 16–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 GMC Yukon XL 4 out of 5 stars overall.