2021 GMC Yukon problems
Owners have filed 439 complaints about the 2021 GMC Yukon with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 36.7% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of power train at 10.9%.
Complaints439
Crashes16
Fires0
Injuries15
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 36.7% · 161
Power train 10.9% · 48
Fuel/propulsion system 9.1% · 40
Engine and engine cooling 6.8% · 30
Electrical system 6.2% · 27
Forward collision avoidance 4.8% · 21
Unknown or other 4.3% · 19
Air bags 4.1% · 18
Severity
Of those complaints, 16 describe a crash and 15 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 22 model years of the GMC Yukon in this data, 2021 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 2015 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 355 in the last three years against 79 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 59,900 miles.
In owners' own words
Purchased certified used from Davis Chevrolet in 2023 with multi-point inspection. Had motor replaced due to engine lifter failure in July 24, 2024. Electronic fuel module failed June 22, 2025. I have had multiple issues in between including alternator, belt/pulley system, rear end issues costing thousands of dollars all while paying a large amount monthly. The vehicle is giving constant issues and is not safe. Engine
I got 3 messages on the dash going off simultaneously 1. Service Traction Control System 2. Forward Collision System unavailable 3. Service ESC I could feel the truck bogging and shaking a little at this point Then soon after the check engine light was flashing and it was noticeably misfiring and rough idling. I pulled some codes at Oreillys and got back 1. P0300 misfire 2. P050D cold start rough idle Engine
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 continue driving. This created a serious safety risk and appears consistent with reported GM lifter or engine defects. Engine
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…