CarBrief

NHTSA has 570 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Yukon[1], and 14 recalls, more than any other Yukon model year in the data[2]. The engine group appears in more complaints than any other group[3], so a recall check by VIN is a smart first step.

570owner complaints[1]
14recalls[2]
16–23MPG combined (EPA)[4]
4★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 570 complaints with NHTSA[1]. Eleven mention a crash, one a fire and 14 an injury, and none report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

Some of the component groups by complaint count:

Component group Complaints
Engine[3] 375
Power train[6] 104
Fuel/propulsion system[7] 73
Electrical system[8] 43
Unknown or other[9] 29
Forward collision avoidance[10] 26
Air bags[11] 22
Brakes[12] 18

Engine. The engine group has 375 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 75,000 and no crashes, fires or injuries listed[3]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe worn or failed valve train parts, such as lifters and push rods, on fairly new vehicles. Some also describe a sudden loss of power[3].

Power train. There are 104 complaints, with a median mileage of 70,000[6]. In the sample we read, owners describe trouble shifting, the vehicle dropping into neutral or park on its own, and transmission or valve body repairs[6].

Fuel and propulsion. There are 73 complaints[7]. In the sample we read, owners describe sudden stalling or loss of power while driving. Several say the dealer pointed to the fuel pump control module[7].

Electrical. There are 43 complaints, including 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries, at a median mileage of 20,000[8]. In the sample we read, owners describe a burst of dash warnings, brake system messages and sudden power loss[8].

Air bags. The group is small at 22 complaints, but it links to 8 crashes and 8 injuries[11].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 14 recalls for the 2021 Yukon[2]. Several cover other GM models too, and some apply only to certain vehicles. Check your VIN with NHTSA or a GMC dealer.

Newest first:

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive type. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Engine Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
3.0L turbo diesel[4][27] 22 to 23 $4,150 to $4,350
5.3L V8, regular[28][29] 16 to 18 $3,700 to $4,200
6.2L V8, premium[30][31] 16 to 17 $4,850 to $5,150

Highway ratings run from 19 to 20 MPG for the gasoline V8s, and 26 to 27 for the diesel[28][32][4][33]. City ratings run from 13 to 16 MPG for the V8s[34][28].

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star ratings are the same for 2WD and 4WD: 4 stars overall, 4 for frontal crash, 5 for side crash and 3 for rollover[5][35][36][37]. The rollover risk is listed as 21.2% for 2WD and 21.9% for 4WD[5][35][36][37].

Engine and size

EPA lists three engines for the 2021 Yukon: a 3.0L 6-cylinder rated 277 hp[38], a 5.3L 8-cylinder rated 355 hp[39] and a 6.2L 8-cylinder rated 425 hp[40].

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Yukon Yukon XL
Length[41][42] 210 in 225 in
Width[41][42] 81 in 81 in
Height[41][42] 76 in 76 in
Wheelbase[41][42] 121 in 134 in
Curb weight[43][44][45][46] 5,377 to 5,703 lb 5,494 to 5,851 lb

How 2021 compares with other years

1995: 90 complaints, 6 recalls19951996: 70 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 133 complaints, 0 recalls1998: 80 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 234 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 253 complaints, 8 recalls2001: 374 complaints, 8 recalls2002: 308 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 442 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 404 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 210 complaints, 6 recalls2006: 76 complaints, 3 recalls2007: 706 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 388 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 199 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 217 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 375 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 129 complaints, 4 recalls2013: 181 complaints, 4 recalls2014: 72 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 975 complaints, 10 recalls20152016: 518 complaints, 5 recalls2017: 359 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 129 complaints, 5 recalls2019: 126 complaints, 3 recalls20192020: 84 complaints, 4 recalls2021: 570 complaints, 14 recalls57020212022: 358 complaints, 5 recalls2023: 470 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 179 complaints, 3 recalls2025: 85 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 80 complaints, 3 recalls2027: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2027
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Yukon model year. The 2021 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995906
1996703
19971330
1998802
19992341
20002538
20013748
20023083
20034425
20044044
20052106
2006763
20077064
20083884
20091995
20102173
20113755
20121294
20131814
2014723
201597510
20165185
20173593
20181295
20191263
2020844
202157014
20223585
20234704
20241793
2025852
2026803
202710

NHTSA counts for each Yukon model year show 2021 with 570 complaints and 14 recalls[2]. Only 2015 (975) and 2007 (706) have more complaints[2]. No other year has more than 10 recalls, and the next highest is 2015 with 10[2].

Neighboring years look different. 2020 has 84 complaints and 4 recalls, 2022 has 358 and 5, and 2023 has 470 and 4[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, but they are fair to compare across years of the same model.

Should you buy a used 2021 Yukon?

The 2021 Yukon has a long recall list and a high complaint count for its model line[1][2]. Engine and transmission complaints stand out, and the sample we read shows lifter, shifting and stalling stories[3][6][7]. Recalls are repaired by dealers, so ask for the VIN history and confirm each one was done[13][14]. Fuel costs vary a lot by engine, from $3,700 to $5,150 a year for gasoline models[28][31]. Complaints are unverified, so use them as a checklist for a pre-purchase inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA lists 570 complaints[1]. The engine group has the most at 375, followed by power train at 104[1][3][6].
How many recalls does the 2021 Yukon have?
NHTSA lists 14 recalls, more than any other Yukon model year in the data[2]. They cover engines, seat belts, fuel, brakes, steering and more[13][16][18][19][20].
What MPG does the 2021 Yukon get?
EPA combined ratings are 16 to 18 MPG for the V8s and 22 to 23 for the diesel[30][28][4][27].
What is the safety rating of the 2021 Yukon?
NHTSA gives 4 stars overall, with 5 for side crash and 3 for rollover[5][35].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 570 owner complaints on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon (11 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 14 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Yukon model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 375 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. EPA rating for Yukon 2WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 104 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 73 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 43 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 29 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 26 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 22 complaints name the air bags component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 18 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,752). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 25V274, filed April 24, 2025: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Hard Parts Internal / Mechanical. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 24V797, filed October 24, 2024: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Fluid / Lubricant › Valves / Valve Body. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 22V827, filed November 3, 2022: Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module › Software. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 22V617, filed August 11, 2022: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 22V036, filed January 27, 2022: Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 21V739, filed September 23, 2021: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control / Drive Module. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 21V579, filed July 29, 2021: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module › Software. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 21V455, filed June 17, 2021: Steering › Steering Control Module. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 21V421, filed June 10, 2021: Air Bags › Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp / Light. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 21V190, filed March 18, 2021: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 21V064, filed February 11, 2021: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  24. Recall 20V811, filed December 23, 2020: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  25. Recall 20V792, filed December 17, 2020: Seat Belts › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  26. Recall 20V735, filed November 25, 2020: Seats › Critical Fasteners. NHTSA recall database
  27. EPA rating for Yukon XL 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Yukon 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 20 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. EPA rating for Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Yukon 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA rating for Yukon 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  32. EPA rating for Yukon XL 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  33. EPA rating for Yukon 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 10-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  34. EPA rating for Yukon XL 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  35. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  36. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 2WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  37. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  38. EPA Test Car List, 2021 GMC Yukon with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 277 hp. www.epa.gov
  39. EPA Test Car List, 2021 GMC Yukon with 5.3L 8-cylinder: rated 355 hp. www.epa.gov
  40. EPA Test Car List, 2021 GMC Yukon with 6.2L 8-cylinder: rated 425 hp. www.epa.gov
  41. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON 4DR SUV AWD: length 210 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 121 in, curb weight 5,564 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  42. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON XL 4DR SUV AWD: length 225 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 134 in, curb weight 5,703 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  43. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON AT4 / DENALI 4DR SUV AWD: length 210 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 121 in, curb weight 5,703 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  44. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON 4DR SUV RWD: length 210 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 121 in, curb weight 5,377 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  45. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON XL 4DR SUV RWD: length 225 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 134 in, curb weight 5,494 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  46. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON XL AT4 / DENALI 4DR SUV AWD: length 225 in, width 81 in, height 76 in, wheelbase 134 in, curb weight 5,851 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.