general problems of the 2021 GMC Yukon - part 1

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.

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.

Lifter failure with cylinder #6. Car violently shook prior to this failure. No engine lights or messages until the next day when tried to drive. Ended up towing car to dealer. Car had 76k miles on it. Recall on 6. 2l, but not on the 5. 3l which is not immune to this same issue as the 6. 2l engine.

Electronics- module went out @40,000 brand new car drive train teal differential went out.

While my wife was driving to pickup my son from school, the vehicle was stopped at a stoplight and the engine turned off approximately 1 mile after departing the house. After getting the vehicle towed to the dealership because it wouldn’t start, it was determined by the dealership that the engine was seized. The vehicle has 60,500 miles on it and is driven by a suburban woman and has always had all maintenance done at the dealership. The vehicle is parked in our driveway and there are no signs of oil leaks or anything else that would indicate a potential engine failure. This VIN was not recalled with the larger GMC 6. 2l engine failure recall, however other 2021 model years were recalled. Recommend immediate expansion of recall due to the unforeseen engine failure while driving with no previous warning lights (oil or check engine) or other indications prior to seizing. This experience indicates that the initial recall was not sufficient enough to locate and identify all of the 6. 2l engines affected by the poor quality control issues at GMC.

At the time an oil change is needed, there is a warning light that says "low oil pressure and low oil. " there also has been a "slipping" of the engine at around 60mph. GMC dealer states it is a torque converter. I am worried that the engine will fail or stall while driving the fuel pump control module has been replaced. Motor is not covered under the current motor recall and taking vehicle to transmission shop to have it checked as well.

Lifters failed.

My vehicle is currently in repair due to a known issue with gm. Gm has put out a technical service bulletin 20-na-038 referencing a "well-known" problem with cylinder 5 failing in 2021 5. 3l and 6. 0l engines. However, there has not been a recall. Ironically, there were other vehicles brought to the dealership (sam boswell GMC in enterprise, al) for the same repair on the same day as my vehicle. I'm hoping to get an initiative started for a recall.

Vehicle information make: GMC model: Yukon xl denali year: 2021 VIN: [xxx] 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the engine failed due to defective lifters and camshaft components, along with excessive oil consumption. These issues rendered the vehicle inoperable and required over $10,000 in repairs. The failed components are available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the engine failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a dangerous situation for my family and other drivers. Sudden loss of engine power could have led to a collision or left us stranded in unsafe conditions. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by defouw GMC in lafayette, indiana. GMC has acknowledged the defect and agreed to cover all but $2,000 of the repair costs. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the vehicle has been inspected by defouw GMC. GMC is aware of the issue under case #[xxx]. No inspections have been conducted by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no, it all happened at once. The vehicle was extremely well cared for, and gm has all of the oil change records. Additional comments: we have been without our family vehicle since [xxx], and GMC has not provided an estimated arrival date for the replacement engine. We are now entering month four without a vehicle, which has severely impacted our family’s mobility and safety. This delay is unacceptable and reflects poorly on GMC’s commitment to customer safety and service. Has also cost us over $10,000 out of pocket, which I will seek reimbursement for legally, if I must. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.

The electronic solenoid in the valve body failed and it is available for inspection. It was struggling to shift on freeway at speeds of 65 mph and I would lose power. The vehicle was inspected by a gm dealership service man. There were no warning lamps when part started to fail, luckily when I parked the vehicle would not go into gear and then the warning light (check engine light) came on.

The Yukon has stopped while driving twice. The check engine light came on, the dealership says there is an oil problem and the oil pump is bad along with bad lifters. There is wear to the motor as well.

10 speed transmission it’s been at the dealer for a month and they checked it today. Same issues as the mass recall dash alert for reduced speed drive with caution. It was extremely dangerous because it malfunctioned on curvy winding roads.

My 2021 GMC Yukon xl denali is part of the April 2025 recall for the 6. 2l v8 engine defect. The dealership confirmed the engine must be replaced, but the part is on backorder, potentially for several months. In the meantime, GMC only authorized a GMC acadia as a courtesy vehicle. The acadia is not comparable to our Yukon xl. We are a family of six, and while the acadia has a third row, there is almost no cargo space with it in use. Our Yukon xl has over three times the cargo capacity, which is necessary for safely transporting luggage and sports equipment during our frequent trips (2–3 times per month). Because of this, we have already been forced to rent a larger SUV at our own expense for a recent trip. GMC’s courtesy transportation program states that owners should receive comparable transportation during recall repairs. Despite escalating through the dealership, GMC customer assistance, and even the regional manager, we were denied a comparable loaner or guaranteed rental coverage. This leaves our family in an unsafe and impractical situation while waiting months for the recall repair.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the vehicle shuddered abnormally with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 24v797000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control valve had failed and needed to the replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

My denali had no previous problems, I pull out of the driveway and I felt a hard lunge forward without me pushing the gas. Almost like the car accelerated like a hard jerk. I pulled over because I thought I had been hit by another car. After checking no cars around, I pull back out and I felt it again a hard lunge forward. If someone would have been in front of me I would have hit the car in front of me without even pushing the gas. These GMC are dangerous and can’t trust my vehicle. After getting stranded on the road found out the transmission went out. My SUV is now being repaired at GMC at my expense. Only had the vehicle 6 months. Recall the transmission.

Knocking coming from engine, seems like engine failure.

Problems with the engine shifting gears stalling delayed or won’t engage hard shifting while it’s in motion something’s going on with the engine we’ve called several and had it serviced times of times to ask them what was going on with it in newport oregon you can fill it still when you drive. The problem still is not fixed. It’s been happening since we purchased it took it in right away. We’ve asked if our VIN number has come up for a recall repairs we are worried for safety and are currently parking in the car because the dealership is unable to fix what is wrong with the car. They’re telling us there is something wrong and are aware of the recall and won’t fix the problem dealership refuses to take the car they don’t want it without the recall fixed due to safety concerns. You can definitely fill it when you drive I’m not exactly sure what the other issue if with the sounds it’s making when the issue keeps happening but it’s scary there is the recall on it. They are not taking into consideration or the seriousness of the situation and the safety of lives.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated while driving approximately 45–50 mph, the engine was making an abnormal sound. The contact stopped and lightly depressed the accelerator pedal and continued driving. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift gear. The rpm increased to high. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer who determined that the failure was related to the transmission. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, hennessy GMC (145 industrial blvd, mcdonough, GA 30253); where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.