2021 GMC Yukon XL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 49about this part
- Share
- 21%of 230 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 66,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 49 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, 21% of the 230 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,000 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“My family and were traveling to visit family, and the transmission stalled on me on the interstate. I almost had a horrible accident with my kids in the vehicle. The vehicle is in the shop currently and dx with transmission issues. GMC needs to recall and or fix the transmissions in all of their vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11748113, filed 2026-07“I have 60k miles on my 2021 yukon xl denali. the transmission went out in it in January. i have it in the shop in january for a new transmission. i got it back and the transmssion went out again in it. its currently in the shop. the transmission is a 10 speed and has been nothing but issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11729617, filed 2026-04“In March 2025, a situation happened to me during a six hour round trip drive. I experienced a loss of acceleration. Vehicle engine felt it was stumbling when accelerating or seemed like I had ran something over. I don't remember seeing any lights coming on. Pulled over immediately, turned off the vehicle. Turned it back on and drove back home three hours worried it may happen again. I didnt see any warning lights on the trip.”
NHTSA complaint #11662492, filed 2025-05“My 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali is part of the April 2025 recall for the 6.2L V8 engine defect. The dealership confirmed the engine must be replaced, but the part is on backorder, potentially for several months. In the meantime, GMC only authorized a GMC Acadia as a courtesy vehicle. The Acadia is not comparable to our Yukon XL. We are a family of six, and while the Acadia has a third row, there is almost no cargo space with it in use. …”
NHTSA complaint #11684664, filed 2025-09Related recalls
- 24V797000Oct 24, 2024General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade…Covers: GMC Yukon XL 2021, Sierra 2500 2020–2022, Sierra 3500 2020–2022 +9 more
- 22V036000Jan 27, 2022General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The…Covers: GMC Yukon XL 2021, Chevrolet Tahoe 2021, GMC Yukon 2021 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 11024189Oct 9, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11019752Jun 26, 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…
- 11023369May 16, 2025This service bulletin advises the technician to check if the transmission cooler lines are twisted to correct customer concerns of Harsh Shift, Shudder, Surge, Stall…
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017255Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering…
- 11014565Feb 13, 2025This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern noted.
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 11013150Jan 28, 2025Certain vehicles listed above, may have a condition where the transmission control valve has worn, resulting in a gradual loss of pressure within the valve. The effects can cause…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11012943Jan 9, 2025This Preliminary information communicates a possible retainer ring dis-lodged for a DTC P2714, may not have reverse as well.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 2 | 7% |
| 2024 | 12 | 16% |
| 2023 | 39 | 17% |
| 2022 | 33 | 19% |
| 2021 | 49 | 21% |
| 2020 | 13 | 28% |
| 2019 | 15 | 22% |
| 2018 | 9 | 16% |
| 2017 | 36 | 24% |
| 2016 | 33 | 16% |
| 2015 | 35 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 5% |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 7% |
| 2004 | 4 | 5% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 9 | 9% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
141 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 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 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