Worst 2021 GMC Yukon Xl Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine & Cooling
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 GMC Yukon Xl.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 103 | — | — | 69,116 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 40 | — | — | 71,078 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 19 | — | — | 63,997 mi | |
| Fuel System | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 10 | — | 1 | 55,000 mi | |
| Brakes | 6 | — | — | 10,327 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 5 | — | — | 20,504 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | 2,050 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbags | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel Pump | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump:Control/Drive Module | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Rear Window Wiper/Washer | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 GMC Yukon Xl. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 GMC Yukon Xl
12 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~2,932,374 vehicles.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
+ 2 more recalls
Other GMC Yukon Xl Years
2021 GMC Yukon Xl — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 GMC Yukon Xl reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 GMC Yukon Xl?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 GMC Yukon Xl?
How safe is the 2021 GMC Yukon Xl?
Does the 2021 GMC Yukon Xl have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 GMC Yukon Xl?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full GMC Yukon Xl reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 GMC Yukon Xl
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99