GMC Yukon XL Complaints (2021)

230 consumer complaints on file.

#11669184June 25, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the lifter in cylinder #8, resulting in damages to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: N212353840. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668958June 24, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a whining sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission pump had failed, causing severe damages to the transmission. The contact was advised that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced but while retrieving the vehicle from the dealer the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer, and it was determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668716June 23, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption, and the engine made an abnormal sound while driving at undisclosed speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668114June 20, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while his wife was driving 25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled over to the side of a parking lot waiting for towing assistance. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11668041June 20, 2025
ENGINE
Check engine light on, Abnormal engine noise and very significant loss of power. Info registered in the repair invoice: tech verify customer concern, check for code found code p0300 and looking to the live data found miss fire on cylinder number 6, tech swap the coil and spark plug with wire, miss fire still on the same cylinder, tech inspect the injector no problem found, remove the valve cover for inspection found, that the rocker arms is loose, customer approve tear down, tech remove the head on the right side to inspect the lifter and the camshaft, tech found damage on the camshaft, camshaft replacement and lifter is necessary, customer decline repair, tech assemble the engine back and returned to the customer. Customer decide to replace the engine, tech replace the engine test to verify repair vehicle working as design
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667224June 16, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon XL, equipped with the 6.2L V8 gasoline engine and covered under Recall N252494000. The vehicle is experiencing significant power loss while driving, and the engine is making a loud clattering noise, which raises serious concerns about the vehicle’s safety, performance, and long-term durability. These symptoms are ongoing and have severely affected the drivability of the vehicle. Despite these clear issues, the vehicle recently passed a dealership inspection. In an effort to improve performance, a higher viscosity oil change was performed and a new oil cap installed. Unfortunately, these measures have not resolved the problem. The vehicle continues to run poorly and does not perform as expected from a vehicle of this age and mileage. I respectfully request the following: A thorough re-evaluation of the vehicle in relation to Recall N252494000. Immediate corrective action, including repair or replacement of any defective engine components. A detailed explanation of how the vehicle could have passed inspection with such evident performance and mechanical issues. Reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to this ongoing problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667218June 16, 2025
ENGINE
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon XL, which is equipped with the 6.2L V8 gasoline engine and falls under Recall N252494000. The vehicle is losing power during operation and the engine is producing a loud clattering noise, raising major concerns about its safety, drivability, and long-term reliability. Despite these issues being clearly present, the vehicle recently passed an inspection, which raises questions about the adequacy of the diagnostic and repair procedures related to this recall. This situation is both frustrating and alarming. I am concerned that either the inspection was insufficient or the recall-related defect has not been properly identified or addressed. I respectfully request the following: A thorough re-inspection and diagnosis of the engine under the scope of Recall N252494000. Immediate repairs or replacement of defective parts at no cost. A clear explanation of why the vehicle passed inspection despite these evident issues. Reimbursement for any costs incurred if the recall defect caused further engine damage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667051June 15, 2025
ENGINE
While my [XXX] son was driving my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL, the engine failed suddenly without warning. The vehicle lost power completely and became inoperable, leaving them stranded far from home. This posed a significant safety risk to my family, especially given the location and time of day. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to a GMC-certified dealership, where the issue was diagnosed as a complete engine failure. The dealer confirmed that internal engine components were damaged and the entire engine required replacement. The dealership performed the repair and confirmed that the issue was consistent with known defects now acknowledged by GM in their 2025 recall affecting vehicles with the 6.2L V8 engine. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership. The defective engine is no longer available for inspection, as it was removed and replaced during service. The repair was performed at my personal expense prior to the recall. 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
#11666126June 10, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 45–50 MPH, the engine was making an abnormal sound. The contact stopped and lightly depressed the accelerator pedal and continued driving. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift gear. The RPM increased to high. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who determined that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Hennessy GMC (145 Industrial Blvd, McDonough, GA 30253); where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11666039June 10, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was grey smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic for a second opinion, and it was diagnosed and determined that the engine and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unstated recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665935June 9, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle has almost 75000 miles. No warnings whatsoever, the GMC app actually reported the vehicle has no issues and all systems are working. The engine began to knock, the transmission was not shifting well, traction control stopped working. Took the vehicle to the local dealership who called me and said it was complete engine failure that is going to require a brand new engine. All of the maintenance is up to date.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665130June 5, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Transmission issue - 2021 Yukon XL broke down 5/6/25 while driving with 2 of our children in the vehicle. the RPMs skyrocketed but the vehicle wouldn't go. was hard shifting and speed would not exceed 35ish MPH. message popped up on vehicle that said acceleration throttled and engine light came on. Took it to dealership and it is a known problem. Transmission needs a valve body replacement. This part is on national backorder for months. Spoke with the dealership on 6/5/25 and they still do not have an ETA. They ordered one on 3/19/25 that still has not arrived. I received a case number from GM but they are extremely unhelpful.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663895May 30, 2025
ENGINE, SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Subject: Formal Complaint – Engine Failure in 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL VIN: [XXX] Defect Number (GM): [XXX] GM Case Numbers: [XXX] / [XXX] / [XXX] Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to formally report a critical mechanical failure in my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL, which resulted in a complete engine failure, rendering the vehicle inoperable and exposing my family to significant safety and financial risks. Despite following the recommended maintenance schedule and driving under normal conditions, the engine failed prematurely. The vehicle has been out of service for over four months, and I have yet to receive a definitive resolution or timeline from General Motors. I have incurred over $13,000 in out-of-pocket costs, including towing, repair estimates, rental vehicles, and continued loan payments on a non-functional vehicle. Key Details: Vehicle: 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL VIN: [XXX] Failure Type: Total engine failure requiring full rebuild or replacement Time Out of Service: 4+ months and ongoing Financial Impact: $13,335.58 in documented costs GM Defect Number: [XXX] (noted internally by GM) Dealer(s) Involved: Midas Auto Service, Beaman GMC (Nashville, TN) I have made repeated efforts to escalate this through GM’s Case Advisors and Executive Team, but have received no meaningful resolution or written acknowledgment of my request for either reimbursement or a good faith vehicle buyback. Given the safety implications of such a catastrophic failure in a relatively new vehicle, I believe this may represent a broader manufacturing defect or quality control issue and warrants NHTSA investigation. I respectfully request that NHTSA: Log this complaint into your safety database Investigate whether similar failures have occurred in other 2021 Yukon Denali XL vehicles Contact GM for further information regarding this defect and associated safety risk Thank you for your attention to this matter. 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
#11663613May 29, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a loud sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that when the vehicle was driven around the block, the sound was still present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where an oil change was performed but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the residence. The vehicle was next taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and metal shavings were found in the oil, possibly coming from the crank bearing or connecting rod bearing. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,371.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662654May 22, 2025
ENGINE
Loss of propulsion, engine over consuming oil per dealership inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662492May 22, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662402May 21, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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. The contact was able to exit the expressway and drove back to Midas, where the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced, and the mechanic provided an estimated fee for the repair. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle remained at the dealer for approximately three months. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001(Engine, Engine and Engine and Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed that the part was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661583May 16, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Rear view camera fails to display on screen when vehicle is shifted to reverse. Failure remains during the remainder of ignition on cycle. The failures does not generate system error codes. Dealer service unable to diagnose failure
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661064May 14, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Noticeable ticking from the motor, loss of power while driving and smoking. Took to dealership to for repairs. Lifters replaced on one side, within 30 miles after leaving dealership vehicle lost power and would not crank. Per dealership same issue with spun bearing and crankshaft. New lifters and crankshaft placed. While driving 3 weeks later vehicle shifted into neutral and lost power and hand to coast to side of the road. Replace battery and still would not crank, had to be jumped off and able to drive home. 3 codes were retrieved from reader.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660894May 14, 2025
ENGINE
The engine failed while driving. Dealership reviewed the issue and a new engine had to be installed to replace the defective motor. It failed due to a camshaft/lifter failure. After talking with the dealership, this appears to be a common failure in the 6.2L motors. It resulted in a bill in excess of $12,000 to repair. Similar to recall N252494000, the 6.2L motor has defective components causing premature failure that should be recalled.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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