GMC Yukon Complaints (2021)

345 consumer complaints on file.

#11759232August 24, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving down the highway and all at once a bunch of different lights and emergency warnings started flashing on my dashboard and my car was almost like sputtering like it wasn’t getting the gas it needed or something. You could feel lots of movement right up front and I was forced to pull over and get towed. They said the engine would need to be completely replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758771August 22, 2026
ENGINE
I am writing to report my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali. This vehicle recently suffered a catastrophic failure of its 6.2L V8 engine while traveling on the freeway with my family inside, creating a severe and terrifying safety hazard. This failure occurred after my vehicle was supposedly remedied under GM’s official safety recall for the known L87 engine defect (Recall N252494001). As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) recently escalated Engineering Analysis reflects, the recall inspection and 0W-40 oil remedy are failing to prevent these engines from destroying themselves. My experience is direct evidence of this continued safety defect. GM has since now fully replaced my engine however only reimbursed me 30% of what it cost to tow to their dealership. Thank you for your consideration.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758697August 22, 2026
ENGINE
I am filing this complaint regarding repeated catastrophic engine failures in my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8. I purchased this vehicle as a GM Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. At approximately 7,000 miles, the engine developed a knocking noise and was determined to require complete replacement. I brought the vehicle to the dealership on May 19, 2025, and it remained there until September 17, 2025—nearly four months—while the replacement engine was obtained and installed. Since receiving the replacement engine, I have driven approximately 6,000 miles. On August 4, 2026, I was informed by the dealership that the replacement engine has also failed and requires another complete engine replacement. This means my vehicle has now experienced two major engine failures at extremely low mileage, including failure of the replacement engine. I understand that the 6.2L L87 engine has been subject to a GM recall involving potential engine failure and loss of propulsion. I have now learned that NHTSA has escalated its investigation into continued failures involving these engines, including failures occurring after the recall remedy. My experience appears directly relevant to that investigation. I regularly transport my children in this vehicle and am extremely concerned about the possibility of an engine failure occurring while traveling at highway speeds or with my family in the vehicle. I feel fortunate that the previous failures did not occur under those circumstances. I have contacted GM and requested that they repurchase or replace my vehicle. GM denied my request and has refused to provide me with a reason for the denial. I am asking NHTSA to document my complaint and investigate whether the existing recall remedy is adequately addressing the underlying safety defect, particularly given that my replacement engine failed after only approximately 6,000 miles.I can provide repair orders, recall documentation, mileage records, and correspondence with GMC
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757731August 18, 2026
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
As I was driving, the vehicle's air conditioning suddenly began blowing warm/hot air. Moments later, the check engine light and all electronic service stability lights illuminated on the dashboard. Simultaneously, the vehicle suffered a complete loss of electronic brake assist, resulting in an extremely hard brake pedal and a severe reduction in braking power. The vehicle also displayed a "No Drive Mode Available" message. Third-party diagnostic scanning revealed network power codes U3018, U3505, P00FF, and P0700, indicating a total loss of power to the Body Control Module (BCM). This is the second life-threatening incident with this vehicle I have experienced following a previous highway engine stall due to engine recall. The vehicle was towed to a GM dealership for diagnostic and emergency electrical repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756557August 12, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle was driving down the highway when the oil pressure instantly dropped. 2021 Yukon’s safety system advised pulling over immediately, engine warning light appeared, and vehicle turned off. No prior indications of an issue. It would not restart and was towed to mechanic. Independent service center diagnosed issue as a broken crank shaft. It now needs the engine replaced and does not fall under the recall vin numbers acknowledged for the same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756194August 11, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES
On July 28, 2026, while traveling on vacation with my family, our vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure. There were warning lights displayed for 30 seconds prior to the engine failure. On July 23, 2026, one day before taking the vehicle to the dealership, the following warning indicators appeared on the dashboard and then disappeared: “Service ESC,” “Service Traction Control,” and a flashing engine light. We took the vehicle to the dealership on July 24, 2026, because we wanted to be proactive and ensure that the vehicle was safe to operate. The dealership inspected the vehicle but reported that no diagnostic trouble codes were identified and no issue was found. We picked the vehicle up from the dealership on the evening of July 27, 2026. On July 28, 2026, while traveling on the highway approximately 2.5 hours from home, the same warning messages appeared on the dashboard again. Because we were traveling at highway speeds and vehicle speed management was becoming an issue, I immediately exited the highway and stopped in a parking area. I placed the vehicle in park, at which point the engine began idling extremely rough. I could feel the vehicle shaking while sitting in the driver's seat. I exited the vehicle to open the hood, but before I was able to do so, I noticed gray smoke coming from the exhaust. We located a GMC dealership approximately two miles away. Because of the vehicle's condition, we drove there slowly on the frontage road at approximately 15 mph and dropped the vehicle off for diagnostic inspection. The GMC dealership subsequently diagnosed the vehicle with catastrophic engine failure and recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle remains at the dealership and is available for inspection.We made a reasonable effort to have the vehicle inspected before our trip because we were concerned about the warning indicators and wanted to ensure that the vehicle was safe to travel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753973July 31, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning light started blinking and the vehicle started shaking violently. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a stuck lifter. The contact was informed that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with an undisclosed recall number. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753505July 29, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission was shifting hard, with severe vibrations and shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who confirmed the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the failure was confirmed, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the manufacturer had issued a special coverage associated with the failure but offered no assistance. There was no fault code retrieved associated with the previous software update that was performed under the recall campaign. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753121July 27, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally before the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The traction control light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a lifter failure inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752786July 25, 2026
ENGINE
Knocking sound and flashing engine light came on. When brought to dealership it was determined that lower bearing failure took place requiring full engine replacement. '
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752500July 23, 2026
STEERING
The power steering went out. The dealership said it's the rack and pinion. This part is not available anywhere in the United States. I have been waiting over 3 weeks. I feel the part is unavailable as there is an issue with the rack and pinion and others who have the same vehicle ran into the same problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751456July 20, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds from 2 - 30 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and bucked while accelerating and switching between 4- and 8-cylinders operation. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who installed a part used to override the engine cylinder mode, and the engine only operated using 8 cylinders. No further information was available. The manufacturer and local dealer were not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750280July 14, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Seems to be not accelerating properly as if the propulsion is not there. Also, when switching gears it seems as if it is slipping or missing to keep up with the propulsion. Lastly, riding with windows down on the highway alongside the concrete median, I can hear like metal clanking or rubbing against one another. Also, I get an oil change at George Ballas GMC on [XXX] and 3 weeks later truck says change oil soon. AND YES THEY RESET THE OIL LIGHT AND I DROVE IT FOR 3 WEEKS AND THE LIGHT POPPED ON!!!! 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
#11749937July 13, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and failed to accelerate above 25 MPH. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was metal in the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it remained for eight months before the engine was replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749507July 10, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 59,800.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11747447June 30, 2026
ENGINE, BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I bought the vehicle used with 40,000 miles it’s has 100,856 now the engine shot off while I was driving and brought it to the GMC dealer that GM instructed me to the dealer had me pay 284.95 for inspection and then try to charge me 1284.95 for a complete tar down of the engine because of misfiring and ESC error codes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746604June 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission abruptly failed after only 110k well maintained miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746548June 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Engine overheated and performed an emergency shutdown while driving through Atlanta on my way to vacation with my family. We lost propulsion and had to cross 5 lanes of traffic to find a shoulder to pull over to. The engine shut down and we were left stranded 500 miles from home with our 3 children in a boiling car. The vehicle was inspected and passed the recall test 6 weeks prior to this incident. After the first failure we attempted to extend our power train warranty to which we were told it had too many miles by GM. The GM dealership and service center where the vehicle was towed confirmed the engine needed to be replaced and GM confirmed it falls under their extended warranty. However, GM refuses to cover any additional expenses incurred from their engine failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746089June 23, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS
The driver's seat inboard airbag assembly and internal structural wiring harness failed due to a direct short circuit, completely deactivating the vehicle's supplemental restraint system. General Motors has a known engineering bulletin for this issue (#23-NA-085), noting that sharp internal seat frame components slice the airbag wiring harness. Rather than permanently fixing this structural design flaw while under warranty, dealership technicians repeatedly executed temporary, non-compliant field patches, including plastic zip-ties and Velcro tape inside the cushion. These temporary patches continuously failed, leaving the airbags disabled. Furthermore, the vehicle was sold under "Certified Pre-Owned" designation with an active, uncompleted 2020 manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Program Campaign (#N202310850-02) for this exact airbag circuit defect. Component failed & available for inspection: The driver's seat inboard airbag assembly and internal structural wiring harness failed due to a direct short circuit. The components are available for inspection inside the vehicle at the servicing dealership. Safety risk: Safety was put at extreme risk because active Diagnostic Trouble Code B14DC completely deactivates the airbags. This means the airbags may fail to deploy in a collision, leaving the driver completely unprotected in an accident. Confirmed by dealer: The problem has been explicitly reproduced and confirmed by an authorized franchise dealership across seven separate service visits spanning from August 2025 to June 2026. Inspected by manufacturer/others: The components have been physically inspected multiple times by authorized franchise dealership technicians acting on behalf of the manufacturer. Warning lamps & symptoms: The vehicle displays "Service Safety Restraint System" warning message on the dashboard. The warning lamp first appeared on August 26, 2025, at 78,472 miles while the vehicle was strictly within its CPO warranty
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746057June 23, 2026
ENGINE
engine failure causing vehicle to be unsafe to drive. our vehicle was not included in the L-87 loss of propulsion GMC recall even though it is a 2021 Yukon 6.2L. the engine failure is same as those being recalled. vehicle is currently at Cardinale GMC in Seaside CA waiting repair. the only warning of the impending failure was loud noises coming from engine compartment while driving on the freeway. Cardinale confirmed the problem and our extended warranty is covering repair costs. it seems that GMC should have included our VIN in the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to GMC Yukon