general problems of the 2021 GMC Yukon - part 1

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.

Driving on busy road when heard a squealing from the engine bay of the vehicle. Moments later the vehicle lost power. It was a very dangerous situation traveling approximately 45mph on a multi-lane road in urban st. Louis missouri. There was not a check engine light prior. The vehicle had a recall performed per GMC instructions prior (this amounted to a different viscosity oil. . . . ). The breakdown stranded my family and I while on vacation in another city. The vehicle was towed to a local GMC dealership and was diagnosed as a seized engine related to the recall. The engine is scheduled to be replaced as no cost through GMC's extended service. They have not provided coverage for the towing, for the multiple ride shares needed to get around on vacation, for the rental car needed to get home, or a rental car to help us with day-to-day life during the estimated 6-8 weeks we will be waiting. My family was at risk, other motorists on the parkway were at risk. It was pure luck and quick thinking that saved injury or loss of life. It is completely unbelievable GMC is letting these vehicles be on the road for peoples safety and for the money people pay as a consumer.

2022 GMC Yukon xl suffered catastrophic transmission failure at approximately 87,000 miles. An ase-certified transmission repair facility determined that the torque converter failed, resulting in transmission damage requiring over $7,000 in repairs. Gm declined any assistance solely because the repair was performed by an independent ase-certified facility. I am concerned that a major transmission component failure at this mileage may represent a broader defect, particularly given transmission-related service bulletins and NHTSA recall 26v085 affecting certain 2022 Yukon xl vehicles.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle jerked and the transmission shifted hard into 1st and 2nd gears. The message "service safety restraint" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed valve body. The contact was informed that the valve body or the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

My family and were traveling to visit family, and the transmission stalled on me on the interstate. I almost had a horrible accident with my kids in the vehicle. The vehicle is in the shop currently and dx with transmission issues. GMC needs to recall and or fix the transmissions in all of their vehicle.

Transmission abruptly failed after only 110k well maintained miles.

Issue description: the vehicle experienced a failure of the dynamic fuel management (dfm) system, resulting in a collapsed lifter. This caused a cylinder misfire and a sudden loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds. Safety concern: while traveling at highway speeds, the sudden misfire and loss of power created a dangerous condition. The vehicle could not maintain speed or accelerate properly with surrounding traffic, significantly increasing the risk of a collision. Failure details: the issue was diagnosed as a collapsed lifter related to the dfm system. This caused persistent misfiring, rough engine operation, and severe drivability issues. Repair outcome: due to the extent of internal engine damage caused by the lifter failure, the vehicle required complete engine replacement.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-60 mph, the vehicle was shuddering abnormally. The message "restraint safety system" was displayed, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Engine overheated and performed an emergency shutdown while driving through atlanta on my way to vacation with my family. We lost propulsion and had to cross 5 lanes of traffic to find a shoulder to pull over to. The engine shut down and we were left stranded 500 miles from home with our 3 children in a boiling car. The vehicle was inspected and passed the recall test 6 weeks prior to this incident. After the first failure we attempted to extend our power train warranty to which we were told it had too many miles by gm. The gm dealership and service center where the vehicle was towed confirmed the engine needed to be replaced and gm confirmed it falls under their extended warranty. However, gm refuses to cover any additional expenses incurred from their engine failure.

Took car in to have it checked for recall on engine and have oil changed to new standards with wd40 was told the engine and car was fine “just use this new oil” a month later was driving and engine would not shift come to find out our transmission was going out it was replaced thanks to our extended warranty (even tho it only had 98,000 miles on it) a week after a fuel pump was out and we had to pay to replace it. There were never check engine signs and no signs of the car having failure truly it ran great until the new oil.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would independently activate limp mode and would not accelerate past 30 mph. In addition, the vehicle would not shift into the reverse gear as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with error codes: p0777 and p18a1. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after restarted the engine and the vehicle did not operate in reverse. During the failure no warning messages had displayed. The vehicle was driven to the local diagnosed that the transmissions needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000(power train). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Transmission has been replaced, still having same problems. Actuator was fixed within the transfer case. Still shaking. Was driven by dealer and told to check again after changing into summer tires. Changed into summer tires and still having issues if not worse. Separately; the power running boards have never worked - been told its wiring issue. Wiring issue is a concern for fire safety.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission was shifting hard, with severe vibrations and shuddering. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who confirmed the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the failure was confirmed, but the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000 (power train); however, the failure occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the manufacturer had issued a special coverage associated with the failure but offered no assistance. There was no fault code retrieved associated with the previous software update that was performed under the recall campaign. The failure mileage was 78,000.

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.

The vehicle drove normally earlier in the day with no major drivability concerns. Later, reverse gear suddenly stopped functioning and the engine would rev abnormally without the vehicle moving properly while in reverse. Shortly afterward, while driving, the vehicle displayed the warning message “reduce acceleration – drive with care” and began losing acceleration and propulsion. The vehicle would not accelerate normally and later could not exceed approximately 20-35 mph. The condition created a significant safety concern due to sudden loss of acceleration and propulsion while operating in traffic. The engine rpm would increase abnormally while the vehicle failed to respond properly in drive and reverse. An independent mechanic inspected the transmission and found diagnostic trouble codes p0747, p0776, and p0700 related to transmission pressure control and valve body operation. Inspection also revealed significant metal contamination, sludge, and clutch material inside the transmission pan and filter. Reverse and 2nd gear were determined to be failed/burnt internally. The vehicle was later transported to an authorized GMC dealer for inspection. Dealer confirmed reverse gear would not engage even after adding transmission fluid. Vehicle is currently available for inspection.

Transmission valve body failed while driving on highway.

Had a valve body failure in mid xxx. The vehicle would not go into reverse and drove it in limp mode to a dealership about 5 miles away. Fortunately they were able to get a new valve body and repair it in one day. Cost was approximately $3,500 and not covered by warranty. The vehicle had about 110,000 miles on it at the time. This is a known defect on this vehicle and a recall should be initiated. Had we started our trip from [xxx] back to [xxx] before the failure occurred, we likely would have been stranded on the highway, or worse. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle decelerated unintentionally and failed to accelerate above 35 mph. The vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact arrived at the residence and was able to coast into the driveway; however, the vehicle failed to drive forward or reverse. The check engine warning light was illuminated at the time of the failure, with the message “reduce acceleration - drive with care” displayed. The contact waited for a while and then attempted to move the vehicle, and the vehicle drove forward slowly, and while attempting to reverse(r), the engine revved abnormally but failed to respond. The gear shifter was shifted to drive, but the vehicle failed to respond, and the engine continued to rev until depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the part was on back order. The contact researched and associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000 (power train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000 (power train), and it opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while accelerating approximately 35 - 40 mph from a stoplight, the contact believed that the engine was going to seize. The message low power mode was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into limp mode. The vehicle was immediately taken to the dealer, who retrieved dtc: p0700, p0776, and p1881. The contact researched and became aware of GMC recall number: n22382220; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.

Loss of power while driving on highway, would not speed up. Shaky driving. Appeared to go into limp mode. Dealer informed me that the transmission valve body will need to be replaced. No prior messages or alerts, check engine light came on after power loss.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle started shuddering and was losing automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact stated that it was the second transmission failure in less than 2 months. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the manufacturer had recommended a diagnostic test on the engine. The diagnostic test had not yet been performed. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

I was pulling out of my driveway when I noticed that my mailbox was blown open from a recent storm. I stopped and put it in reverse (well tried to) but the vehicle would not shift. Quickly I continued to drive to make a u-turn instead and at that point my vehicle would not drive normally. The rpms would not go up despite pressing the gas and the engine was reving very high. Gm dealer said $700 to pull the transmission to determine the issue, but after my research I’m certain it’s the valve failure in the transmission just as it’s done the same to others. Why is this transmission not recalled, but the disel engines on the same model are? seems as though it is a similar issue. I’m afraid to see what they will charge me as my vehicle has 76,000 miles and I’m told is outside warranty coverage.

My 2021 GMC Yukon suffered the same engine failure that is the subject of the recall. It has just over 70,000 miles. I'm now told I need a new engine. The dealer confirmed that this is the same issue that has impacted other similar vintage Yukons.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle started to lose motive power with the message "service transmission now" displayed. The driver was unable to shift the vehicle into reverse(r) and turned around and returned to the residence. The contact and his wife researched online and found that there was a recall for the transmission for the year and model under NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000 (power train). The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission valve body had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact discussed the recall and was advised by the dealer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The vehicle experienced a major engine failure involving the 6. 2l engine. The failure appeared sudden and premature and is not consistent with normal wear and tear for a vehicle of this type. Prior to the failure, there were intermittent performance concerns and warning indicators suggesting potential engine or drivetrain issues. The vehicle had previously undergone repair related to similar concerns, indicating a possible recurring problem. The failure created a potential safety risk due to the possibility of loss of power while driving, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. The issue has been confirmed by a service provider, and the vehicle requires significant repair. General motors has been notified but has declined repair assistance, classifying the issue as wear and tear. While no active recall is currently associated with this specific vehicle, similar vehicles with the same engine platform have documented issues, raising concerns about reliability and safety. The failed components are available for inspection upon request.

I have 60k miles on my 2021 Yukon xl denali. The transmission went out in it in January. I have it in the shop in January for a new transmission. I got it back and the transmssion went out again in it. Its currently in the shop. The transmission is a 10 speed and has been nothing but issues.

On [xxx] driving to denver the 52,000 mile Yukon started making a clicking sound when accelerating on the interstate. Traction control light came on as well as the check engine light. Low power was noticed and we immediately pulled over as it sounded like it was going to blow up. Towed the vehicle 145 miles where we bought it and the shop confirmed the lifters and 5th cylinder are the issue and that the cams could be damaged. Recommend replacing each side. The car is basically new and under the 60k drive train warranty but about 100 days past the 5 year mark. Terrible timing. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I live in alaska. It was -13f. We were out and about and when I tried to leave and back up, the vehicle would not go into reverse. If it hadn’t been for a passing motorist my daughter and I would have been stuck there overnight, in negative temps. I was able to drive it home, in limp mode. Come to find out, it is the valve body on the transmission. That in cold temps the valve body can fail. After some research I found that it is a known issue with these vehicles and there has even been a “urgent-distribute immediately” service update regarding the problem. Urging dealerships to review the VIN’s they have in their possession for the issue. I had the vehicle towed to a shop, where they confirmed the problem was the transmission valve body. They were unable to perform the work as it takes a qualified technician to replace. So it got towed to the closest GMC dealership. They have had it for two weeks now. They confirmed that it is a known issue and there have been no recalls. But they did tell me I was “in luck” because they stock that item so we won’t have to wait for a part. Not only is it going to cost me $3500 to replace something that is a know issue with this vehicle, but it could have ended in tragedy if no one would have come along when we were stranded. I urge you to make this a recall on these vehicles.

12/16/25 (evening): warnings began cycling across the screen: 1) service esc, 2) vehicle leveling for stability, 3) rear axel system off, 4) engine symbol began flashing, and 5) service traction control. I felt vibration/bouncing while driving as well. 12/17/25 9 took 2021 GMC Yukon denali to GMC dealership. They ran a computer scan and reported a misfire, but nothing else appeared to be wrong. They told me that sometimes a low battery can cause the warning lights and messages to cycle. They recommended that I keep driving it and return if the warnings appeared again. 12/17/25 9:18 I left the dealership. I drove 4. 5 miles, and all the same warning lights came back on. When I pulled into a parking lot, it smelled like my engine was on fire, and dark smoke was coming from my rear exhaust pipe. I called a flatbed tow truck and had the car returned to the dealership. Mileage: 52,285 GMC 2021yukon denali xl 6. 2l v8 engine well-maintained with regular oil changes. The dealership told me there was a lifter failure and that the engine could be damaged and would need to be replaced if the cam, pushrods, etc. , were damaged. They also told me I was out of warranty by less than 60 days. The dealership said my warranty expired in October 2025, even though my vehicle is a 2021 with only 52,285 miles. They just informed me that the left lifter was replaced at 6,000 miles and that they will replace the right lifter. I am concerned about further damage down the road, given the recalls on the GMC 6. 2l engines.

While driving my 2021 GMC Yukon?xl, the vehicle unexpectedly lost acceleration. After lifting off the gas pedal, it jolted forward, triggered a “reduced performance” dashboard warning, and remained in what felt like second gear, refusing to shift. I immediately pulled into a parking spot; when I attempted to reverse, the vehicle would not move backward. As you may imagine, this was a major safety concern, as I had my [xxx] and [xxx] children in the vehicle with me. I had the Yukon inspected at a GMC dealership, where a technician confirmed the issue originated from a faulty transmission valve body. My independent research has revealed this to be a widespread defect in the 2021 Yukon xl, prompting gm to issue special coveragexxx, which explicitly covers valve-body replacements for 2021 Yukon xls experiencing reduced performance. Despite meeting these criteria and receiving identical diagnostic alerts, I was informed that my VIN is not covered. I am formally requesting that this safety-related defect—widespread among this model year—be recognized and my VIN included under special coverage xxx. The valve body causing the loss of propulsion in my Yukon xl is exactly the same defective component gm has acknowledged and is covering under this program. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Clicking/rubbing noise when turning slowly. Rear differential issue diagnosed by dealer.

I'm vehicle has experience both active recalls for similar model year but my VIN isn't listed as been one that is covered by the call. 25v274000 and 21v739000.

After noticing a "groaning/moaning" sound from the vehicle when turning sharp at low speeds the vehicle was brought into a dealership to be inspected. After inspection, the mechanic stated that the sound is coming from the rear differential and that it would need to be flushed/cleaned up to three times as a potential correction. If the clean/flush does not correct the issue, they would need to replace the entire rear differential. When asked what happens if the rear differential fails, we were advised that we could experience total failure and lock up. This is a safety issue in that if we are driving and the wheels lock up the potential for collision or major accidents is high. I also understand that the differential is meant to last the life of the vehicle and had 123k miles, the life of the vehicle is far from over. Another issue we are experiencing is excessive oil burning. The vehicle "add engine oil" light comes on after 2,500 miles when being regularly maintenanced. The vehicle should not require the addition of oil after that many miles, more so should not require oil at all unless you weren't properly maintaining the vehicle (which is not the case). I understand issues arise and things happen; I just want this to be acknowledged as a potential safety issue and corrected. Thank you,.

Routine oil change by professional local mechanic. Upon completion we were told that the vehicle would not turnover. The mechanic diagnosed and found that were 2 recalls for our vehicle - one for the fuel pump module and one for the engine. We had our vehicle towed to the local gm dealership. They then replaced the fuel control module. Gm tried to manually crank over but engine seized once again. We spoke to the gm advisor prior to this and were told that our vehicle was not part of the engine recall because our VIN was not listed as part of it even though our vehicle had the same exact issues as described in the engine recall and was for the exact year/make/model of the engine. The dealer quoted us $14,896 to replace the engine. They stated they would submit a goodwill claim to GMC to help discount the cost to repair/replace the engine. The dealer called back later that day and said GMC would be willing to cover 30% of the cost so our expense would be around $10,000. All this for a vehicle we've only driven for less than a year and a half. The vehicle went in for a routine oil change and has never had any issues prior to this. This happened suddenly without any sort of warning. To make matters worse, our powertrain warranty expired a day or two before this occurred. We are still trying to fight with GMC to cover this engine failure. The car has less than 75,000 miles and is only used for basic personal needs like driving to school and the store so it is shocking that the engine would suddenly fail like this and to make matters, the manufacturer refuses to take responsibility for it and to cover it under the recall even though there has been known widespread issues with this engine.