GMC Yukon XL Complaints (2021)

230 consumer complaints on file.

#11638004January 23, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
We purchased a new 2021 GMC Yukon Denali in July 2021.We have had continuous issues with the truck starting almost immediately after we purchased it and ending with a catastrophic engine failure despite only have ~81,000 miles on it. Even more concerning is that the engine failed while my two of my children were driving with 3 of their friends. The car seized up in the middle of a busy road while driving 55 mph. The kids had to coast to the side of a busy road where they exited the vehicle and waited for a tow truck. Despite regular oil changes and maintenance, we have experienced non-stop problems with the truck * Aug 2022 (29,470 miles): Engine wire chaffing relating to the fuel pressure sensor. Transmission slipping. * Oct 2022 (34,220 miles): “Grinding noises” related to brakes. Faulty brake sensor and brake replacement. * Nov 2022 (35,954 miles): Continued “grinding noises” * May 2023 (51,163 miles): Continued “grinding noises” which were again “shrugged off” by the dealership despite us bringing in the truck for the 3rd time related to this issue. Transmission slipping (transmission torn down, clutch assembly replaced, etc.) * Oct 2023 (62,365 miles): Continued “grinding noises” (4th time bringing the truck in for this reason). * Sep 2024 (81,000 miles): Catastrophic engine failure while driving on a busy road at 55 mph. Based on discussions with a wide range of mechanics, dealerships, shops, individuals within the automative industry, we have come to understand that the issues we have been facing with our truck are not unique. To be clear, we have experienced: i) the same problem repeatedly over a short period of time; ii) repeated unsuccessful attempts to fix the same issues; iii) a prolonged period for repairs where we did not have the vehicle; and iv) significant value loss due to catastrophic engine failure. Further, these problems compromised the safety of my family and has significantly disrupted our life.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637898January 23, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Engine is consuming 3qt oil every 1,000 miles. Has been consuming oil since 34,000 mile mark and the transmission has been slipping where it revs very high before downshifting. GM has asked for an oil consumption test to be done and now we are 9,000 plus miles into it and they still say it's fine. This car is not worth the price. I can't even take it out of town due to needing the oil consumption every thousand miles by GM request. Complained about engine knocking at 22,000 miles and they said it was normal and I know it's not
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11637208January 20, 2025
ENGINE
On Friday, [XXX] at approximately [XXX], my family was traveling on [XXX] at [XXX} in Colorado. Our 2021 Yukon Denali XL all of a sudden shut down without warning while going up the mountain at a spot where there was no shoulder. The car would not restart despite multiple attempts. We called 911 several times and waited in the lane of interstate traffic for approximately 45 minutes for emergency vehicles to arrive to block the lane. It was one of the most harrowing experiences of our lives. Our car was nearly hit five times by semi-trucks and cars that could not change lanes fast enough, and all we could do was put our flashers on, honk the horn at incoming cars, and tell our four children to lean back in the seat and prepare for impact. When the tow truck arrived, they could not get the car in neutral and the tow truck had to winch the Yukon on the flatbed to tow it. The car was towed to Raton, New Mexico. The mechanic said that he tried to put a bar on the engine and turn it over but it would not move. The vehicle is still at the mechanic’s shop in Raton, New Mexico. I am in the process of trying to get it towed to a GMC dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636704January 18, 2025
ENGINE
We were driving on the interstate outside of Chattanooga TN when our car went into neutral while we were in the left hand lane next to a 18 wheeler. My husband was driving and we have our four children and dog in the car. We lost acceleration. My husband was successful in getting us off the highway and onto the shoulder. The car started again and we tried to make it to the next exit when it went into neutral again and lost power. This was on [XXX]. We had it towed to the nearest dealer, Integrity Motors. They called us and said that it threw a rod and that the engine was broken and the whole engine would need to be replaced. After replacing the engine (it took 2 months) we picked the car up only to have the engine light come on. I took it to Autozone where they ran the codes and told me that the fuel injectors were bad and possibly the intake manifold gasket. I called Chattanooga and they told me that I should take it to the nearest GMC dealer. Parks GMC in Greenville inspected the car and we had to put in 8 fuel injectors. I have documentation of all of these issues. There was no warning light or any warning that our engine was about to shut down. We could have been in a serious wreck with the 18 wheeler with possible loss of life or injury. We have had significant financial loss. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636676January 17, 2025
ENGINE
Our 6.2L failed unexpectedly after regular maintenance. No warning, just the sound of knocking in the engine then loss of power and bad sounds from the engine. Stranded on side of road. GM wants to replace the entire engine without opening engine, claiming lower engine damage. Technicians say this is spun rod bearing problem that is very common. Dangerous and poor quality.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632104December 23, 2024
ENGINE
Engine failure of lifters and piston rings at 58000 miles. Engine failure at highway speeds causing complete loss of power on highway. It is completely unacceptable to have such catastrophic engine failure on such a new vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627987November 29, 2024
SUSPENSION
GMC currently has bulletin out on the issue and how to fix it. unfortunately this doesn't not fix it and I am going to have to replace my whole rear differential at only 60,500 miles. Gmc is well aware of the situation and has not done a recall. The fix the bulletin proposes would not work and there was over and inch of metal shaving found. This is a huge issue in the specific vehicle and the part to replace the rear differential isn't even available (national backorder with no ETA) leaving customers without a vehicle or solution for their faulty issues. GMC should be liable for their negligence and putting customers in potential harm if the vehicle is continued to be driven with a failing rear differential. The vehicle did not prompt any warning messages but the grinding sound was very loud. Bulletin No.: 21-NA-028 Date: January, 2023
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11627117November 24, 2024
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Our 2021 GMC Yukon XL for the third time now has shifted from Drive to Neutral and then turned off on us on the highway. The first time GM changed the motor (at approximately 35,000 miles), the second time was about a month ago we were at the White Mountains and it shut off on a highway, the third time was yesterday [XXX] (with 61,057 miles), my wife and I were driving on [XXX] in Massachusetts and when I accelerated the vehicle shifted from Drive to Neutral and then shut off on me. This vehicle is not safe and on all of these three occasions I have been lucky not to be hit and have been the driver. I am a trained and professional driver and I must state that this vehicle is not safe at all. I need to find a solution to this with General Motors. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11620872October 20, 2024
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The wiper system turns off randomly when it’s raining…. It’s been taken in to the dealer multiple times but no changes made. Doesn’t matter if auto sensing is on or off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612212September 3, 2024
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start up. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump power control module was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612023September 1, 2024
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
The chest clip button is not difficult to open. The chest clip is a button on this carseat instead of a buckle. My child, who will be 2 years old this month, has been able to unbuckle the chest clip for months now. I am concerned if an accident occurs and the chest clip is unbuckled, he will get seriously injured.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11606463August 5, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
On [XXX] I brought my vehicle to Rivard Buick GMC with a squeaking noise that was check and attempted to be repair four times at the same location. They provided a quote for $2,309.10 stating it was the Master Cylinder. Rick the Services director said it was not cover under warranty and it need it to be cover by me, at that point I explain to him the vehicle has been in and out of his services department for the same issue since it had 20,000 miles. 1st time-They replaced the front brake pad stating GM had a defect on them (Noise went away for a few thousand miles) 2nd time- They apply conditioner to the brake and lubricant so they say (noise went away for a few thousand miles) 3rd time- They said it was not the front brakes anymore making the noise. They said warranty did not cover rear brakes due to GM not flagging it as defected pad. I complained the noise was coming from the front of the vehicle but they insisted it was the rear so I paid $500 plus to get the rear brakes at 60% life left on them. At the time of picking up the vehicle after repair completed the noise came back within a few miles from the dealer. I returned to the dealer and spoke with the Services Manager Troy, he apologized for the inconvenience and said they will take care the front brake at no cost to me, however they submitted a claim to GM to get the work done and kept my money when they misdiagnosed the issue. 4th time- Noise comes back at this point the warranty it's expired and they tell me it's the master cylinder the actual issue. When I talked to Rick, he said that GM was willing to pay for half of the work and the other half it's my responsibility. On [XXX], my wife and three kids almost hit a wall while trying to stop and the braked did not work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11593045June 7, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) message was displayed. During the failure the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the NOX sensor, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,448.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11589374May 17, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL. The contact stated that during rainy weather, rainwater leaked into the vehicle through the drainage hose, causing an electrical short. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was confirmed that the drainage hose and wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11579730March 27, 2024
SEAT BELTS
Our rear seat belts no longer retract after unbuckling. We do not know if they will work in the case of an accident as they will not even retract their own weight after unbuckling.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11575674March 5, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While driving my check engine light came on indicating that service was needed on the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), brake assist the vehicle top speed reduced to 43mph. My braking system was compromised and I have to travel at reduced speeds on busy roadways to arrive at my destinations. I have taken the vehicle to a certified GMC technician for diagnostics and repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11565828January 16, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I was driving on a normal local highway and my car started to slow and an indicator to 'press start' to restart the engine came up. I tried to do that and the engine wouldn't turn over. My car sputtered to a stop during rush hour traffic as I was able to drift over to side of the road. The car wouldn't start after that, waiting for 10-20 minutes and re-trying wouldn't work either. I had to have it towed and am now awaiting a fuel pump module that is on back order. No warnings to me that it would happen and I fear that this could have happened on the highway at high speeds, causing a crash. My car is a large SUV that takes a lot to stop, the car just sputtering and dying is unacceptable. I see my car wasn't included in the recall of this issue back in 2021, but I believe it was manufactured during the impacted window and I took deliver in May of 2021 of the new car. I think more cars should be recalled to prevent this from happening to other people. Very scary when it happens and the alternative situations it can happen in, especially for such a large vehicle that typically is carrying multiple passengers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11562155December 27, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Breaking system engages at high-speed for no reason. Very scary incident Breaking system engages at slow speed also for no reason.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11561007December 19, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Driving down the interstate at 70mph and it randomly slams on the brakes. At about 45mph it let's loose and speeds back up. There's never anything in front of the car and it does it a few times a week. Usually throws everything on the floor that was on the seats and scares the hell out of anyone inside the vehicle. Waiting for it to do it with a semi behind us that can't stop as fast!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11553001November 1, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH during a rainstorm, the front windshield wipers suddenly failed operate, causing the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to GMC Yukon XL