2021 GMC Yukon Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 55about this part
- Share
- 16%of 344 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 55 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 GMC Yukon, 16% of the 344 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 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.
“Vehicle will not shift into gear from park. When it's in gear (you can hold the button to select a gear to move), but as soon as you release the button - it goes right back into park. It comes and goes. I've been stuck in my driveway. Stuck at the grocery store. Had it once surprise me at a stoplight and was almost rear ended - that time I needed to hold the button to escape to the nearest parking lot. Dealer, of course, was not able to replicate as they said the issue does not throw a code. I have video and pictures, which I have supplied. Sometimes the engine light comes on too. …”
NHTSA complaint #11383127, filed 2020-12, 1,200 miles“the electronic solenoid in the valve body failed and it is available for inspection. it was struggling to shift on freeway at speeds of 65 mph and i would lose power. the vehicle was inspected by a gm dealership service man. there were no warning lamps when part started to fail, luckily when I parked the vehicle would not go into gear and then the warning light (check engine light) came on.”
NHTSA complaint #11679320, filed 2025-08“My 2021 GMC Yukon suffered the same engine failure that is the subject of the recall. It has just over 70,000 miles. I'm now told I need a new engine. The dealer confirmed that this is the same issue that has impacted other similar vintage Yukons.”
NHTSA complaint #11720183, filed 2026-02“I believe it’s a transmission. While driving down the interstate and the car just won’t get up and go like it should, and I’m gonna get rear ended. I’ve I’ve taken it to the dealership three or four times. I keep telling me nothing’s wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #11771545, filed 2026-10“My vehicle is currently in repair due to a known issue with GM. GM has put out a Technical Service Bulletin 20-NA-038 referencing a well-known problem with Cylinder 5 failing in 2021 5.3L and 6.0L engines. However, there has not been a recall. Ironically, there were other vehicles brought to the dealership (Sam Boswell GMC in Enterprise, AL) for the same repair on the same day as my vehicle. I'm hoping to get an initiative started for a recall”
NHTSA complaint #11686249, 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 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 2021, Chevrolet Tahoe 2021, GMC Yukon XL 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 | 11 | 25% |
| 2025 | 7 | 12% |
| 2024 | 13 | 12% |
| 2023 | 47 | 19% |
| 2022 | 29 | 16% |
| 2021 | 55 | 16% |
| 2020 | 15 | 41% |
| 2019 | 13 | 24% |
| 2018 | 18 | 26% |
| 2017 | 48 | 24% |
| 2016 | 36 | 13% |
| 2015 | 46 | 9% |
| 2014 | 3 | 5% |
| 2013 | 5 | 4% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 7 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 8 | 4% |
| 2007 | 21 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 7% |
| 2005 | 8 | 9% |
| 2004 | 4 | 3% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% |
| 2001 | 13 | 7% |
| 2000 | 8 | 5% |
| 1999 | 14 | 7% |
| 1998 | 8 | 10% |
| 1997 | 15 | 11% |
| 1996 | 8 | 11% |
| 1995 | 4 | 4% |
| 1994 | 2 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 6% |
| 1992 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Yukon
190 complaintsFuel system
56 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsForward collision avoidance
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 GMC Yukon
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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