Engine failures after the redesign
The 2021 Yukon has about 690 complaints per 100,000 sold. Engine failures lead by far, followed by valve body and fuel pump module faults.
Updated November 2026 · based on 584 owner complaints and 14 recalls
693 1.6x the Yukon average
14 free to fix at a dealer
Every Yukon year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Top problems and what they cost
Engine failure
Knocking, misfires or a seized engine, often on the 6.2-liter.
Fix: Free under recall if covered; otherwise $8,000+
Engine
Fuel pump control module
Sudden loss of power.
Fix: Module $300 to $700
Fuel system
Recalls
Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the ...
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.
Show all 14 recalls
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.
A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of inju...
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2021 GMC Yukon
- Check by VIN for open engine recalls.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2021 Yukon has 14 recalls on record, listed below.
- Listen for ticking or knocking.Knocking, ticking or rattling from the engine, especially when cold, can mean worn bearings, lifters or a stretched timing chain. These are engine-out repairs costing thousands.392 of the 584 owner complaints about the 2021 Yukon involve the engine (67%).
- Ask for engine repair records.Some engines on this car were repaired or replaced under recalls or extended warranties. Paperwork shows whether that was done and how much coverage is left.392 of the 584 owner complaints about the 2021 Yukon involve the engine (67%).
Questions
Is the 2021 GMC Yukon reliable?
Engine failures after the redesign. The 2021 Yukon has about 690 complaints per 100,000 sold. Engine failures lead by far, followed by valve body and fuel pump module faults.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Yukon have?
14 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2021 GMC Yukon problems?
Engine failure; Fuel pump control module.
Crash rating shown for the 2021 GMC Yukon SUV 4WD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.