2021 Gmc YUKON XL problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
215 owner complaints analyzed
12 distinct recall campaigns
65,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 46 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 130 of 215 complaints (60.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 32 | 14.9% |
| Engine operation | 24 | 11.2% |
| Fuel system concerns | 19 | 8.8% |
| Braking behavior | 15 | 7.0% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 14 | 6.5% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 0.9% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Engine | 130 |
| Power Train | 47 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 26 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 21 |
| Electrical System | 13 |
| Unknown Or Other | 7 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 6 |
Engine: 130; Power Train: 47; Fuel/Propulsion System: 26; Engine And Engine Cooling: 21; Electrical System: 13; Unknown Or Other: 7; Vehicle Speed Control: 7; Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking: 6
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 11 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 16 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 6 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 9 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 11; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 16; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 9; 150,000 and above: 1
50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (16). 169 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 109 |
| 2026 | 61 |
2020: 1; 2021: 6; 2022: 10; 2023: 16; 2024: 12; 2025: 109; 2026: 61
Pattern summary
Engine leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 32 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 24 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 19 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11443857 · 2021-12-15 (December 15, 2021)
I was driving 30 mph when the car went into neutral and rolled to a stop. When I put on the brakes the engine shut off and it went into park. It would not restart or shift out of park . I was stuck in an active busy road. The car was towed to the dealer. They said it was a problem with the BCM. GMC had put out a bullletin which was to reprogram the BCM. My concern is that if this had happened on a busy interstate in traffic at highway speeds the results could have been fatal.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11443857 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11488411 · 2022-10-07 (October 7, 2022)
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while stopped in traffic, the contact felt the vehicle shaking. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. After several attempts, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and shifted into neutral(N) to move the vehicle to the side of the roadway to safety. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough before losing motive power and stalling. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and fuel pump was replaced. Th…
Owner-reported narrative. 15,658 miles reported. Look up ODI 11488411 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11493755 · 2022-11-16 (November 16, 2022)
Auto stalled in the middle of the road without any warning light causing life threatening incident auto only has 8000 miles
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11493755 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11504005 · 2023-01-27 (January 27, 2023)
My vehicle lost power while driving on the highway. It was later determined that the fuel pump controller module required replacement. Losing power while driving 65 mph was not enjoyable or safe. The GMC Dealer Service department made the assessment, replaced the module, and the vehicle is now in my possession and functioning as normal. Once I was able to pull over there was a service light. One note... it appears that this Safety recall N212332040, covers my issue. When searching the database with my VIN, this recall did not come up, or was…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11504005 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11390885 · 2021-01-31 (January 31, 2021)
GM CHANGED THE TRAVEL OF THE STEERING COLUMN SO NOW IT'S ONLY A FEW INCHES FROM THE DASHBOARD. IN PRIOR MODELS, THE STEERING WHEEL (SW) TRAVEL WAS MUCH MORE. DUE TO GM'S DESIRE TO SAVE MONEY AND COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR DRIVER, PASSENGER AND OTHER VEHICLES SAFETY, THE DRIVER HAS TO REACH OUT TO THE SW RESULTING AT DANGEROUS ELBOW ANGLES. IN PERFORMANCE CARS, THE SW IS DESIGNED TO BE CLOSE TO THE DRIVER BECAUSE PHYSICS PRINCIPLES OF TORQUE REVEAL: THE GREATER THE ANGLE OF REACH, THE MORE TORQUE IT REQUIRES TO TURN THE SW. SO REACHING OUT WITH THE …
Owner-reported narrative. 150 miles reported. Look up ODI 11390885 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11477035 · 2022-08-01 (August 1, 2022)
While traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly and without warning lost power. All gauges remained in the normal range. After pulling on to the shoulder of a highway and turning the vehicle off, the vehicle would not start. After being towed the dealership, the vehicle would not power up. Dealership checked DTCS and found code P0016 Crankshaft Position Sensor and Intake/Single Camshaft Position Sensor Correlation. Dealership inspected wiring for chaffing and tested camshaft position sensor circuitry and all found in normal condit…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11477035 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11515133 · 2023-04-03 (April 3, 2023)
Large fire started at rear of car. Car was parked on driveway and no one was inside. Noticed a burning smell before fire started. Could not locate any smoke. Vehicle rear burst into flames 20 minutes later. Fire department responded quickly and was able to put out the fire before it reached the house. Vehicle is totaled. Vehicle was inspected by fire department and police after fire was extinguished. They believe the fire was electrical. Vehicle is currently being inspected by insurance company. No warning lamps or messages appeared. Rear winds…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11515133 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11481099 · 2022-08-24 (August 24, 2022)
Upon vehicle startup, dashboard displayed a warning about a problem with the power steering system. I attempted to drive the vehicle, and it appeared the power steering was not functioning. I did not believe I could safely handle the vehicle without the power steering functioning normally. I tried turning the car off briefly and then back on, which did not correct the problem. However, I then turned the car off for approximately 10 minutes. Upon restarting the car after being off for approximately 10 minutes, the error message was gone and…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11481099 at NHTSA ↗