2021 GMC Yukon XL

227 complaints on file, page 1 of 12.

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure Jan 2, 2026Plymouth, INPower train

   Rear wheel lock up for a slight second and then down shifted and revved way up to high RPM then went into reduced power. then slowed down and had to drive about 15 miles an hour. to shop mechanic.

   NHTSA complaint 11768123
2. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Sep 28, 2026Pryor, OKEngine

   The vehicle is consuming every bit of oil at about 1500 to 1800 miles of the 3000 mile guidelines before the next oil change. No leaks. No smoke. No knocking in motor.

   NHTSA complaint 11767641
3. Filed Sep 22, 2026Failure Sep 18, 2026Manasquan, NJFuel/propulsion system

   part number 13554821 fuel pump control module has failed 2 times. April 2023 on Interstate 95 near Savannah GA in very busy traffic. Vehicle buckled and seized, just barely made it to the shoulder of the road. Same part failed again 9/18/26 while turning onto Sunrise Hwy in NY another very dangerous situation as we were stranded in the middle of a very busy intersection

   NHTSA complaint 11766090
4. Filed Sep 22, 2026Failure Aug 21, 2026Palmyra, MOPower train

   While driving the vehicle on a roadtrip in Missouri, the engine lost power and had a flashing check engine light. Upon diagnosis by three different technicians, the 6.2L Engine needs replaced after only 123000 miles. The lifters and camshaft have failed. This is a known safety issue and numerous recalls have been implemented, but my high end Denali is mysteriously absent from the recall. This is unsafe and unsatisfactory.

   NHTSA complaint 11766052
5. Filed Sep 19, 2026Failure Sep 16, 2026Lake Orion, MIFuel/propulsion system

   6.2L engine has the oil change update, and engine failed recently. took vehicle for repair to Golling GMC dealer. waiting on feedback.

   NHTSA complaint 11765506
6. Filed Sep 19, 2026Failure Sep 19, 2026Gurley, ALEngine

   Engine coolant control valve has failed three times. This last time so severely the car forced me to come to a complete stop in the middle of a busy street. Dangerous to drive while severe reduced acceleration is all that’s available during the episodes.

   NHTSA complaint 11765500
7. Filed Sep 18, 2026Failure Aug 28, 2026Sidney, MTEngine

   Vehicle has been consuming engine oil at a rate of approximately 1 quart per 500 miles. On XXX, owner added 1 quart of oil in [XXX], then drove a round trip to [XXX] and back (approx. 860 miles). On XXX at 55,329 miles — only 9 days and roughly 860 miles after that quart was added — an oil change was performed at an independent shop; the technician noted no oil was present on the dipstick prior to service. On XXX at 55,829 miles — exactly 500 miles later — the vehicle was taken to an authorized GMC dealership, and the dipstick again showed no oil prior to service. The dealer began the manufacturer's oil consumption test protocol, performing an oil and filter change and other maintenance. Within approximately 74 miles of this service (current mileage 55,903), the engine began making an audible knocking noise. Oil level was checked and confirmed full/normal, ruling out low oil as the cause. The knock has been intermittent — not present at cold idle start, but returning during driving conditions, raising concern about potential engine failure or loss of power while driving. They can not get it back in till XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint 11765236
8. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Sep 13, 2026Johnson City, TNEngine

   The rod bearing failed while traveling at highway speeds, so yes our safety as well as others traveling on the interstate. It is available for inspection. A dealership inspected and confirmed the reported problem. The manufacturer is aware of the persistent problems with these vehicles' engine components, reliability and safety. There were not any symptoms, warning lights, etc. prior to failure. I had just purchased the vehicle and it was inspected by two independent mechanics prior to failure. I have contacted the manufacture to find that my VIN was not covered under the recall. The recall covers vehicles manufactured starting 3/1/2021, my vehicle was manufactured 10/2020. THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO COVER ALL OF THESE VEHICLES.

   NHTSA complaint 11764288
9. Filed Sep 14, 2026Failure Sep 13, 2026Johnson City, TNEngine, Fuel/propulsion system

   According to the GM Dealership the rod bearing failed disabling the engine. Dealer recommends replacing the entire engine. This consistent with recall N 252494000-N252494003 but my VIN is not included in the recall. Estimated repair $11,200. Our family was traveling roughly 55 mph on the interstate at the time of incident.

   NHTSA complaint 11764136
10. Filed Sep 12, 2026Failure Aug 14, 2026Protection, KSEngine

    The engine failed, shop confirmed and replaced motor. No warning lamps on dash.

    NHTSA complaint 11763845
11. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Sep 10, 2026North Bend, WAEngine

    I own a 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. On September 10, 2026, we checked the engine oil and discovered that it was approximately two-thirds low. Mechanical inspection confirmed that the engine is consuming and burning oil internally rather than losing it through an external leak. The vehicle’s last oil change was performed in May 2026, and it is still more than 1,000 miles away from its next scheduled oil change. The vehicle provided no low-oil, low-oil-pressure, check-engine, or other dashboard warning, despite being severely low on oil and having its alerts enabled. I had no indication that the engine was operating with an unsafe amount of oil. I am concerned that the continued internal oil consumption could cause premature engine damage, engine seizure, or sudden loss of propulsion without adequate warning. I regularly use this vehicle to transport my young children. My VIN is not currently included in Recall 25V-274, although my vehicle has the same model year and 6.2L L87 engine involved in the ongoing NHTSA investigation. I am reporting this confirmed internal oil consumption and lack of driver warning so that problems occurring in currently excluded vehicles can be properly documented and investigated.

    NHTSA complaint 11763520
12. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Aug 18, 2026Brentwood, CAEngine

    My 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali with the 6.2L L87 V8 has experienced two significant lifter/valvetrain failures. The first occurred at approximately 6,500 miles and was repaired by a GMC dealer. That failure involved cylinder #4, including a collapsed/stuck lifter and bent pushrod. The current failure occurred at approximately 110,269 miles. The vehicle initially operated normally. While traveling about 10 mph and approaching a major thoroughfare, the engine suddenly began making a loud knocking noise and the vehicle began shaking violently. There were no warning lights or other symptoms beforehand. Three children were in the vehicle. When the driver attempted to accelerate, the vehicle failed to gain speed normally, and additional accelerator input made the knocking and shaking significantly worse. The check-engine light began flashing, and “Service ESC” and “Service Traction Control” warnings appeared, along with multiple other warning lights. The engine continued running. The driver made a U-turn before entering the major roadway and drove about 0.2 miles very slowly back home. An independent repair facility diagnosed P0305, cylinder #5 misfire. Moving the ignition coil and spark plug did not move the misfire, and the #5 spark plug was oil-soaked. A GMC dealer later confirmed a stuck lifter on cylinder #5 and advised that the failed lifter damaged the camshaft. My concern is the sudden loss of normal acceleration and severe engine malfunction without warning, especially because this same L87 engine previously suffered a major lifter failure at low mileage. I am asking NHTSA to determine whether repeated L87 lifter/valvetrain failures represent an additional safety-related defect or failure pattern.

    NHTSA complaint 11763260
13. Filed Sep 7, 2026Failure Nov 1, 2024Dallas, TXEngine

    We had to have an engine replaced because of engine failure. The new engine was provided by GMC free of charge. The second engine also failed and was also replaced by GMC.

    NHTSA complaint 11762580
14. Filed Sep 7, 2026Failure Aug 16, 2026Cedar Hill, TXEngine

    I purchased this vehicle 06/14/2026 The vehicle dash started lighting up like a Christmas tree. It was taken to GM Ed Morse Freedom Chevrolet X 3 separate occasions. The lights in the dash were intermittent. Dealership couldn't duplicate the issue. I was told if they aren't active they can't duplicate. The vehicle continued to illuminate on and off after it was returned July 26th. Then August 23 i was driving and it died right in the highway putting me in a bad spot in traffic. I. There was no illuminated symbols in the dash it just died as the symbols them lit up in the dash. I had it towed by AAA thinking just a battery or starter. I was told by GM dealership the engine seized. Propulsion, metal in the oil and the crankshaft failure. The exact recall problem. My Vin fell just outside of GM internal N252494003 program of 150,000 10 year extended warranty. I have 114, 689. 2021 yukon Denali. THE exact engine failure GM put out. GM is refusing to replace the engine. The engine has been torn down. I received pictures of my claim above. It's still at GM . I've opened a corporate GM case. I'm hitting a brick wall

    NHTSA complaint 11762576
15. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Apr 30, 2026Tunnel Hill, ILEngine, Power train

    Vehicle is equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. Prior to receiving the dealer service for Recall 25V-274, the vehicle experienced a distinct highway vibration, powertrain shudder, and fluctuating/jumping RPMs on the highway. The dealer subsequently performed the recall remedy by updating the vehicle to the thicker 0W-40 oil specification. However, the underlying transmission torque converter had already suffered catastrophic failure due to the powertrain stress/shudder and required a complete transmission replacement at 84,000 miles. I am reporting this because the initial 6.2L engine defect and subsequent recall remedy overlap heavily with severe powertrain and torque converter failures at low mileage

    NHTSA complaint 11761330
16. Filed Sep 1, 2026Failure Aug 16, 2026Richmond, ILEngine

    Our 2021 YukonXL started running rough and the check engine light came on. We took it to the shop the next day and was told there was complete lifter failure and that we need a new engine.

    NHTSA complaint 11761201
17. Filed Aug 31, 2026Failure Aug 3, 2026Mitchell, SDEngine

    the engine started knocking and vehicle shaking while on interstate. vehicle was towed to service center and they determined that one valve was stuck and another one turned 90 degrees and the cam shaft was also ruined. It was required to replace the engine as that was a less costly option than replacing the damaged parts. A dash light came on and was flashing while my daughter was driving it to [XXX]. The vehicle was towed from the parking lot they were at when reaching [XXX]. Unsure of where the engine went to after the service center removed it, but I think they had to send it back to GM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    NHTSA complaint 11761076
18. Filed Aug 28, 2026Failure Mar 28, 2025Leeds, ALEngine

    I have a 6.2L that we took in with bad rods due to the cam. The fixed the motor and now it is consuming oil and GM says it is normal. Normal for an engine to consume quarts of oil?? I cannot trade out of the vehicle because of the extreme depreciation that these vehicles have incurred due to the known engine issues. I know others are having the same issues I just want GM to make this right and help loyal customers.

    NHTSA complaint 11760388
19. Filed Aug 25, 2026Failure Aug 22, 2026Land O Lakes, FLEngine

    Lifter/camshaft/engine failure. GM knows this is an issue with these models/years. They only want to cover half of the repair sticking me with a bill for $5600. Safety is a concern because they know this is an issue and not issuing a recall currently. I waS driving when this happened which could have caused me to get into an accident. Very dangerous. Car is currently as GMC Started by showing low oil in between oil changes last year. Went in for an oil change and told them about it. Dealership told me it was the air hose box and that they didn't see any other issue. I believe they are told to lie to get each customer further out of warranty. I was driving and all of a sudden the car started violently shaking and lights started flashing at me.

    NHTSA complaint 11759486
20. Filed Aug 25, 2026Failure Aug 5, 2026Antioch, CAEngine

    Driving on the freeway the engine started making super loud knocking noises for while going 70mph . Then it immediately died everything turned off no power I was barely able to get it off the freeway while coasting. And my husband tried to push it off the road more but when it dies we are not able to put the car in neutral !! It’s a push button gear shift ! When there’s no power the buttons don’t work!! It was 105 degrees out that day in Sacramento , the car had zero power the battery is not the problem . The motor is blown and the car hasn’t started since that day. These cars are dangerous to just die in the middle of the freeway! The motor has already been replaced in Feb 2026, we bought it in march of 2026 with 57k miles on it. I added about 12k miles and the motor blew up again!

    NHTSA complaint 11759446