2021 GMC Yukon XL Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 9%of 229 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, 9% of the 229 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for a routine oil change. While driving, the oil low light illuminated. The vehicle was burning an excessive amount of oil. The local dealer was contacted again, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who referred to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 149,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11740801, filed 2026-05, 149,000 miles“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine made an abnormal loud sound, and the vehicle became undrivable. The vehicle was taken to Midas, where an unknown repair was performed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH on the expressway, the vehicle shuddered significantly, and the engine made an abnormal loud knocking sound. Unknown warning lights were illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11662402, filed 2025-05, 73,000 miles“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the lifters and camshaft, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11659087, filed 2025-05, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the check engine warning light started blinking. The contact pulled over and became aware that the vehicle was shaking. The vehicle was turned off and restarted; however, the failure persisted, with smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11749993, filed 2026-07, 116,204 miles“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that only one side of the engine lifters replacement was covered. The vehicle was repaired accordingly. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the engine started shuddering. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. …”
NHTSA complaint #11653662, filed 2025-04, 75,000 milesRelated recalls
- 25V274000Apr 24, 2025General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500…Covers: GMC Yukon XL 2021–2024, Chevrolet Tahoe 2021–2024, GMC Yukon 2021–2024 +5 more
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 9% |
| 2023 | 11 | 5% |
| 2022 | 14 | 8% |
| 2021 | 21 | 9% |
| 2020 | 3 | 6% |
| 2019 | 6 | 9% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2016 | 2 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 9 | 10% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 10 | 11% |
| 2001 | 3 | 3% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
140 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsAir bags
4 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 28, 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