2021 GMC Yukon XL problems
The 2021 GMC Yukon XL has 317 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (51%) concerns engine. After that come drivetrain & axles (15%) and fuel system (10%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 317 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Engine 51% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 2 and 2
- Injuries and deaths
- 5 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 64,000 miles 60 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 10 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 8 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 8 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 19 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 5 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 5 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 3 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Among the 60 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 64,000 miles. For engine specifically, the median reported mileage is about 73,000 miles (31 complaints with mileage).
Safety-related details: 2 complaints mention a crash; 2 complaints mention a fire; 5 injuries reported. Its complaints are less severe on average than those of 92% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 2021 ranks 2nd most-complained-about out of 24 model years of the GMC Yukon XL with enough data (317 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 12 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
Make left turn and distracted by kids in the back. Looked back and felt a crash. Collided with a traffic signal pole and caused major/total damage to vehicle. Driver side airbag DID NOT deploy causing injury to neck, shoulder, and lower back.
Large fire started at rear of car. Car was parked on driveway and no one was inside. Noticed a burning smell before fire started. Could not locate any smoke. Vehicle rear burst into flames 20 minutes later. Fire department responded quickly and was able to put out the fire before it reached the house. Vehicle is totaled. Vehicle was inspected by fire department and police after fire was extinguished. They believe the fire was electrical. Vehicle is currently being inspected by insurance company.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into neutral (N). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a test drive was performed and the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal engine failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a loud sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that when the vehicle was driven around the block, the sound was still present coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where an oil change was performed but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to the residence.