NHTSA vehicle safety data

2021 GMC Yukon XL Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2021 GMC Yukon XL has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 230 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized GMC dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

2021 GMC Yukon XL owner complaints

Owners have filed 230 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, describing incidents dated October 16, 2020 to October 17, 2026.

Most-cited components

  • Engine 159 complaints
  • Power Train 49 complaints
  • Fuel/Propulsion System 34 complaints
  • Electrical System 14 complaints
  • Forward Collision Avoidance 7 complaints
  • Unknown or Other 7 complaints

Of the 230 complaints on file, 2 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 230 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #11774053 · Filed

    **Mileage at repair:** 76,165 miles **Component:** Fuel Pump Power Control Module While driving my 2021 GMC Yukon XL on [XXX] on a treacherous stretch decending [XXX] the engine unexpectedly stopped running, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion. This occurred on a section of interstate where…

  • ODI #11771244 · Filed

    On September 21, 2026, my 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L V8 engine experienced a serious engine failure at approximately 83,330 miles while traveling on Interstate 10 near Litchfield Road in Arizona. The vehicle developed engine knocking and subsequently stalled, leaving my family and me at…

  • ODI #11771151 · Filed

    High oil consumption, will have oil changed and days later need oil, catalyst converter failed causing what was said for the check engine light to come on, truck now has a shutter around 50 mph, my radio is in and out, and sometimes it sounds like a computer shutting down. It has been one thing…

Read all 230 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2021 GMC Yukon XL in 5 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Engine Failure

NHTSA #25V274000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Hard Parts Internal/Mechanical · NHTSA notice

Reported April 24, 2025 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 597,571 vehicles

Repair completion: 88.38% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N252494000 · Owners notified June 18, 2025 · Vehicles built starting March 1, 2021 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: GM 6.2L V8 (L87) engine

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Rear Wheel Lock-Up from Transmission Valve Failure

NHTSA #24V797000 · Power Train — Automatic Transmission — Control Module — Software · NHTSA notice

Reported October 24, 2024 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 463,295 vehicles

Repair completion: 77.96% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N242454440 · Owners notified December 12, 2024

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Running Lights May Not Deactivate/FMVSS 108

NHTSA #22V827000 · Exterior Lighting — Lighting Control Module — Software · NHTSA notice

Reported November 3, 2022 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 338,735 vehicles

Repair completion: 96.39% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N222382220 · Owners notified December 15, 2022

Defect description

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."

Safety consequence

Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Improper Rivets on Seat Belt Buckle Assembly

NHTSA #22V617000 · Seat Belts — Critical Fasteners · NHTSA notice

Reported August 11, 2022 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 484,155 vehicles

Repair completion: 95.71% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N222372380 · Owners notified November 1, 2022

Defect description

General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.

Safety consequence

A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Rear Wheel Driveshaft Assemblies May Fail

NHTSA #22V036000 · Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft · NHTSA notice

Reported January 27, 2022 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 1,789 vehicles

Repair completion: 95.42% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N212351030 · Owners notified March 14, 2022

Defect description

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.

Safety consequence

Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Power Control Module May Cause Fuel Pump Failure

NHTSA #21V739000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump — Control/Drive Module · NHTSA notice

Reported September 23, 2021 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 14,939 vehicles

Repair completion: 97.64% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N212332040 · Owners notified October 14, 2021

Defect description

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.

Safety consequence

An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Loss of Power Steering Assist

NHTSA #21V455000 · Steering — Steering Control Module · NHTSA notice

Reported June 17, 2021 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 26,847 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.94% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N212333900 · Owners notified July 13, 2021

Defect description

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.

Safety consequence

Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Air Bag Light May Not Indicate Malfunction

NHTSA #21V421000 · Air Bags — SRS Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light · NHTSA notice

Reported June 10, 2021 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 285,622 vehicles

Repair completion: 99.11% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N212338110 · Owners notified July 1, 2021

Defect description

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.

Safety consequence

The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Seat Belts May Become Damaged

NHTSA #21V190000 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice

Reported March 18, 2021 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 94,641 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.41% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N202313000 · Owners notified April 21, 2021

Defect description

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.

Safety consequence

A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Incorrect Bolts Used To Attach Seat Belts

NHTSA #20V811000 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice

Reported December 23, 2020 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 470 vehicles

Repair completion: 93.83% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N202322230 · Owners notified January 29, 2021

Defect description

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Safety consequence

If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Front Center Seat Belts may not be Secured

NHTSA #20V792000 · Seat Belts · NHTSA notice

Reported December 17, 2020 · General Motors, LLC

Potentially affected: 624,216 vehicles

Repair completion: 89.99% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N202314670 · Owners notified January 26, 2021

Defect description

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.

Safety consequence

If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Bolts for Front Seats Incorrectly Installed

NHTSA #20V735000 · Seats · NHTSA notice

Reported November 25, 2020 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 94 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.94% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign N202312720 · Owners notified December 21, 2020

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.

Safety consequence

If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202312720.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Other GMC Yukon XL model years

Check your 2021 GMC Yukon XL VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your GMC Yukon XL at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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