NHTSA lists 13 safety recalls and 344 owner complaints for the 2021 GMC Yukon. Most complaints involve engine (190) and power train (55). 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.
“As I was driving down the road at 60mph, no dash lights or warnings were present. All of a sudden, my 2021 yukon lost all power and I nearly crashed as I was in heavy, fast paced traffic. I got to the side of the road, and it was at this time the engine light came on. Car died and wouldnt start back up.”
“VEHICLE: 2021 GMC Yukon, 5.3L V8 (L84). VIN: [XXX]. Mileage at failure: approximately 88,000. Component: Engine. INCIDENT DATE: XXX While I was driving on a highway, the engine began to misfire and I heard a ticking noise. The check engine light then began flashing, indicating a severe misfire. I pulled off the highway immediately to a rest area. The vehicle was towed to a GMC dealer. The dealer's diagnosis suspected failed valve lifters, and the repair orders call for a misfire diagnosis with the Bank 1 cylinder head removed, and replacement of the camshaft, lifters, and related parts. This failure caused sudden loss of engine performance at highway speed. The engine began smoking. My family and I were in the vehicle, and we were fortunate there was a safe place to stop. I believe this is a known defect. GM Service Bulletin PIP5776, "Misfire Due to Collapsed Lifter," covers 2021 GMC Yukons with the 5.3L L84 engine. It describes a misfire with a bent pushrod leading to a collapsed lifter or a lifter that comes apart, and it attributes the cause to an internal lifter concern. Many other owners of GM V8 trucks and SUVs have reported the same failure, and a class…”
“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…”
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 2WD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 | 27 | 23 | $4,100 | 437 |
| Yukon 4WD Auto 10-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $4,300 | 444 |
| Yukon 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,550 | 492 |
| Yukon 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 20 | 18 | $3,550 | 496 |
| Yukon 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $4,700 | 525 |
| Yukon 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Yukon 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Yukon 2WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $5,000 | 544 |
| Yukon 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI; Stop-Start · 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $5,000 | 558 |
| Yukon 4WD Auto 10-spd, 8 cyl, 6.2 L, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 16 | $5,000 | 570 |
| 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 |
13 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 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 344 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (190), power train (55), fuel/propulsion system (44). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 GMC Yukon at 16–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 GMC Yukon 4 out of 5 stars overall.