2021 GMC Yukon XL Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 230 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 117,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the air bags of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, 2% of the 230 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 117,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The vehicle has 22,000 miles on it and is under warranty. The airbag light indicating a malfunction stays on. The vehicle has been to the dealer 2 different times. The dealer indicates the factory(GMC) is working on the problem but has no solution at this time. Researching I have found this to be a problem for years not just the 2021 model. I have asked the questions: do my airbags still work in a collision? Can the airbags inflate by mistake? I’m a grandfather and have young children in the car. Are they safe? No one will give me a firm answer. Know what if I want to sell the vehicle? …”
NHTSA complaint #11502286, filed 2023-01“The contact owned a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the “Service Safety Restraint Device” warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the air bag was not repaired correctly because there was electrical tape and packing foam inside the air bag housing. The air bag was replaced and the front driver seat belt was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11689682, filed 2025-09, 117,000 miles“Make left turn and distracted by kids in the back. Looked back and felt a crash. Collided with a traffic signal pole and caused major/total damage to vehicle. Driver side airbag DID NOT deploy causing injury to neck, shoulder, and lower back.”
NHTSA complaint #11424049, filed 2021-07“The suv shown safety message, it was diagnosed with airbag not deployed. This is very important specially for the rear backseat. GMC doesn’t want to be responsible and makes customer pay.”
NHTSA complaint #11525020, filed 2023-06Related recalls
- 21V421000Jun 10, 2021General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon…Covers: GMC Yukon XL 2021, Chevrolet Tahoe 2021, GMC Yukon 2021 +7 more
Related service bulletins
- 11011993Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides repair information to correct customer concerns of Wheel Lock Up, ABS Event, Loud Bang and a Flashing “D” on Driver Information Center (DIC) when…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 1% |
| 2022 | 3 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 3 | 4% |
| 2018 | 2 | 4% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 2 | 18% |
| 2013 | 5 | 23% |
| 2012 | 5 | 38% |
| 2011 | 21 | 45% |
| 2010 | 15 | 54% |
| 2009 | 10 | 43% |
| 2008 | 42 | 61% |
| 2007 | 58 | 60% |
| 2005 | 2 | 5% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
141 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology