2021 GMC Yukon XL Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 140about this part
- Share
- 61%of 229 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 140 complaints about the engine of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, 61% of the 229 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“With only 52 miles (2-days old), I was driving home when I heard a knock. Then the engine light came on and the vehicle stability control lowered the vehicle and the vehicle shut off. I was left in the middle of traffic unable to move the vehicle to a safe location. Neutral would not work either. When the vehicle was towed to the Gmc dealership, they knew exactly what was wrong with the car, broken springs in the engine. Apparently they sent a notice stating that the engine springs were breaking and needed to be replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #11372749, filed 2020-11, 52 miles“On August 21, 2025, my vehicle engine died in Connecticut when I was taking my son back to college. I had to have it towed back to South Jersey, where I live. The dealer informed me that my engine failed due to a major recall. I was without my vehicle for three months while they waited for a new engine. My car was returned to me with a refurbished engine.”
NHTSA complaint #11719634, filed 2026-02“While I was driving home from the grocery store with my 4 kids our 2021 GMC Yukon XL (5.3L V8 engine), the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical engine failure without warning. The engine began violently shaking, lost major propulsion, and dropped into a severe misfire state when we were coming down the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11742514, filed 2026-06“I experienced complete engine failure at around 76000 miles similar to a current engine recall for 2021 to 2024 6.2L V8 engines. However, my engine isn't included in the current recall. I also experienced the fuel pump control module problem requiring replacement. Again there is a recall for 2021 to 2024 6.2L V8 engines and again my engine wasn't included in this recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11719979, filed 2026-02“I was driving from New Orleans with my family when traveling at 75 mph when it’s like the transmission started straining and the engine was losing power/pressure it’s like the engine or transmission was struggling I’m not sure what was causing it but it was a scary experience knowing I’d my kids and my wife with me and we were out in the middle of nowhere.”
NHTSA complaint #11681351, filed 2025-08Related service bulletins
- 11032588May 11, 2026Certain vehicles may have a condition that could cause the cylinder 2 glow plug to fail. If this failure occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Light (Check Engine Light) will…
- 11027714Jan 21, 2026Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to…
- 11025492Nov 6, 2025Under Field Actions N252494000, N252494001, the service procedure includes performing a PICO test on vehicle engines within the identified suspect VIN population. If the engine…
- 11023152Sep 16, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition that could cause the engine coolant control valve to fail an onboard vehicle diagnostic test. If this condition were to occur…
- 11024330Sep 6, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11018541May 23, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components in these vehicles may have manufacturing defects that can lead to…
- 11024486May 16, 2025This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main cause of an engine failure.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 65% |
| 2025 | 17 | 61% |
| 2024 | 56 | 75% |
| 2023 | 154 | 68% |
| 2022 | 114 | 66% |
| 2021 | 140 | 61% |
| 2020 | 24 | 51% |
| 2019 | 34 | 50% |
| 2018 | 16 | 29% |
| 2017 | 26 | 18% |
| 2016 | 27 | 13% |
| 2015 | 26 | 8% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 2 | 15% |
| 2011 | 3 | 6% |
| 2010 | 3 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 13% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 10 | 10% |
| 2006 | 2 | 12% |
| 2005 | 7 | 17% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
49 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsEngine cooling
21 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