general problems of the 2021 GMC Yukon - part 2

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.

For whatever reason our 2021 GMC Yukon denali is not listed in the current 2025 GMC motor recall including cams and lifters and accompanying parts. While driving our truck about a mile from the house the vehicle began seizing and shaking (almost as if we had blown several tires); we immediately pulled over and accessed. Called dealership and had truck towed there immediately. We are told that it needs cams and lifters and that b/c our VIN does not pull up a recall that the repairs will cost ~$9800.

A valve in the transmission is sticking causing a loss of power, engine light warnings to flash, and hard gear shifts from park to drive or reverse. First occurred on 5/25/25, went to the dealer service department on 5/26/25. Part still not available and it’s been sitting at the dealership since.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle jumped and hesitated while accelerating until the vehicle exceeded 20 - 25 mph. The contact stated that at 1,500-2500 rpm, the failure recurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while looking online, the contact discovered information about NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling) with a similar failure. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). An appointment was scheduled for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling); because the manufacturing date was 3 months after the date for the vehicles listed under the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

We are back on shop for lifter replacement for the 3rd timeand possibly more once they open the project. Valve springs replaced and lifters.

Driving at 55mph and suddenly the car starts to shack and warning/notification lights copme up on the dash. Check engine traction control service light suspension service was able to drive it to GMC dealership nearby 2. 6mile.

Transmission issue - 2021 Yukon xl broke down 5/6/25 while driving with 2 of our children in the vehicle. The rpms skyrocketed but the vehicle wouldn't go. Was hard shifting and speed would not exceed 35ish mph. Message popped up on vehicle that said acceleration throttled and engine light came on. Took it to dealership and it is a known problem. Transmission needs a valve body replacement. This part is on national backorder for months. Spoke with the dealership on 6/5/25 and they still do not have an eta. They ordered one on 3/19/25 that still has not arrived. I received a case number from gm but they are extremely unhelpful.

Valve body failure 72000 miles and warranty ended at 60000.

I am writing to formally report a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The vehicle has developed multiple severe problems, including: •significant loss of engine power •noticeable engine knocking noises •transmission slipping while driving •transmission movement even when the vehicle is at a full stop these issues not only impair the performance of the vehicle but also raise serious safety concerns. The loss of power and the slipping transmission could lead to a dangerous situation while driving, placing both myself and other motorists at risk.

I have had major transmission failure in my 2021 GMC Yukon denali (6. 2l v8, 10-speed automatic). The vehicle has approximately 72,000 miles. Recently, a critical internal clip/retainer in the transmission broke loose, sending metal debris throughout the transmission. This catastrophic failure has rendered the vehicle undrivable and requires a complete transmission replacement. Unfortunately, the vehicle is just outside the powertrain warranty, yet I firmly believe this failure is due to a manufacturing/design defect – not normal wear and tear. I purchased this Yukon denali as a premium, flagship SUV and have maintained it carefully. I expected the transmission to last well beyond 72k miles under normal use. It is disappointing and that a core component failed so early. Not only has this imposed a significant financial burden, but it also undermines my confidence in the vehicle’s safety and reliability for my family. A modern transmission should not self-destruct at this mileage, especially given gm’s reputation and the denali’s top-of-the-line status. Importantly, I have discovered multiple known issues and gm bulletins related to the 10-speed automatic transmission used in my Yukon. For example, gm issued a major recall in late 2024 (NHTSA campaign 24v797000, gm recall #n242454440) affecting 2021 Yukon models (among others) due to a defective transmission control valve that could fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up, this demonstrates that gm has acknowledged serious problems in the 10l80/mqc 10-speed transmission design. Additionally, a recent gm service bulletin (pip6008c, Jan 24 2025) indicates that internal transmission retaining rings can dislodge, causing the internal gears to separate – which leads to loss of reverse and internal damage. This scenario is similar to what happened in my transmission. My family was left stranded away from home with no warning. The vehicle just stopped working. The warning lamp did not come on until diagnostics was run.

My lifters collapsed and camshaft got damaged and my cylinder in the bottom of my engine failed also. I know there is a recall for engine failure on the exact year make and model as my vehicle, the only difference is the liter engine. Mine and my 3 children’s safety were all put at risk when we were left stranded on the side of the road 6 hours from home the problem was inspected by GMC themselves and the tech admitted to this being a big problem with motors like mine yet they are offering zero help to make it right with me because my liter engine isn’t on the recall list even though many are acknowledging its happening with the 5. 3 liter engines as well. My engine has failed as part of Gmcs negligence. There were absolutely zero warning signs prior to this happening.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated while driving approximately 3-5 mph, the vehicle unintendedly shifted to neutral, and the vehicle stalled immediately. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the engine was on backorder. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.

I am writing to express my concern regarding a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon. Recently, while driving, I experienced a sudden surge in power. About five minutes later, when attempting to shift into reverse, the vehicle would not respond. I tried multiple times with no success. Afterward, while driving it briefly around the block, it made a clunking sound, which raised further concern. Ultimately, I had to call a tow truck, and the vehicle was taken to george gee GMC in liberty lake, washington. Unfortunately, the next day the dealership was unable to duplicate the issue. There were no warning messages on the screen at the time of the incident, and no diagnostic codes were found, so they could not move forward with any repair. I later discovered that this exact issue is addressed in technical service bulletin n242454441-02. However, I was informed that my VIN is not included in the special coverage, despite my vehicle being the same year and equipped with the same transmission mentioned in the bulletin. I am deeply concerned that this problem could happen again—possibly while I am driving in canada, transporting my children, or in a location where calling a tow truck would be very difficult. My safety and my family’s safety are at risk, and frankly, I am now anxious about driving a vehicle I used to trust. I also have an extended warranty, but when I contacted gm service, I was told that unless the problem can be duplicated, it would not be covered. This is extremely frustrating given the severity of the issue and the fact that it is already documented in an official bulletin. I am requesting that this situation be escalated. I would appreciate any additional support, coverage, or guidance gm can offer to help ensure this issue is resolved and does not put me or my family at risk again.

Vehicle would not go in reverse. Rear tires locked up. When I went forward an error came up "reduce acceleration" and went into limp mode while driving down the highway and shifted hard and almost caused an accident. Bought into dealer and they found that it needs a valve body assembly part which is on backorder with no eta. Currently been waiting for a month and still no eta on part. This should be a recall for 5. 3l 10 speed. .

Vehicle wont go in reverse and skips gears and an error came up to reduce acceleration. - valve body control assembly needing to be replaced.

The transmission went out. Torque converter put metal all through the transmission. While driving at highway speeds in traffic almost got rear ended.

The engine needs replaced and gm doesn't have any engines or know when we will get any engines. Evidently this affects numerous 6. 2 liter engines that gm made from 2021-2024.

Driving at normal speed when my 2021 Yukon backfired and began to lose power. The check engine light came on. The vehicle would go into reverse and would not get over 20 miles an hour. It has been at a gm repair shop since March 24th waiting on the tranmission valve body. There is no eta from general motors on when this part will be available. Could this be associated with the most recent GMC recall of 2021-2024 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles?.

Transmission valve body (transmission control unit) failure at 72,000 miles. This is the 10-speed transmission that is the subject of several other recalls for diesel versions of the GMC Yukon. No warning lights, and potential for rear wheel lock up.

Transmission failure at 72k miles.

In March 2025, a situation happened to me during a six hour round trip drive. I experienced a loss of acceleration. Vehicle engine felt it was stumbling when accelerating or seemed like I had ran something over. I don't remember seeing any lights coming on. Pulled over immediately, turned off the vehicle. Turned it back on and drove back home three hours worried it may happen again. I didnt see any warning lights on the trip.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a whining sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission pump had failed, causing severe damages to the transmission. The contact was advised that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced but while retrieving the vehicle from the dealer the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer, and it was determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA campaign number: 25v274000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 73,000.

Car shakes in drive, car shakes when accelerating, transmission issues, rear differential had to be replaced.

Main value body goes out when it wants to in the transmission . No replacement parts available . Been 6 week , when this value goes out while go down the highway there is no pull to the wheels.

While I was driving home from the grocery store with my 4 kids our 2021 GMC Yukon xl (5. 3l v8 engine), the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical engine failure without warning. The engine began violently shaking, lost major propulsion, and dropped into a severe misfire state when we were coming down the highway. This created an immediate safety hazard on the road, as I suddenly lost the ability to safely accelerate or maintain highway speeds while hauling my children. A certified technician diagnosed the issue as a complete failure of the active fuel management hydraulic valve lifters and bent pushrods, a known manufacturing defect explicitly documented in gm technical service bulletin pip5776f. The internal failure required a total engine teardown and valvetrain replacement, costing over $10,000 out of pocket. General motors has failed to issue a safety recall for this specific 5. 3l valvetrain defect, despite it causing unexpected engine stalls, severe power loss, and immediate traffic hazards for drivers. This defective component poses an ongoing safety risk to families and should be upgraded to a mandatory safety recall. I am afraid to drive it every time I get on the highway in fear it could shut down again.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the local dealer for further investigation. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 24v839000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Rear end locking up still after 3 attempts at repair. Concerned about an accident when the vehicle stops moving in traffic.

The motor on my 2021 Yukon completely failed while driving on a busy state road. The blown motor was replaced by a local GMC dealership, so I do not know it's status or if it'd be available to inspect. My safety was greatly put at risk. I am blessed that my wife and children were not with me, if they were, I would be even more furious. While driving on a busy state road, the tachometer dropped to zero and the truck automatically shifted into neutral. I quickly realized the engine had shutdown, and attempted a restart while coasting. The motor would not restart and I was lucky enough to coast into a nearby parking lot. Had I been in traffic, on the highway, or at a stop light, the situation could have been even more dangerous. As it was, I was stuck in below freezing temps for several hours waiting for triple a. They sent the wrong tow truck twice, and I eventually cancelled the triple a call and called a local wrecking company to come tow the car more than 24 hours later. . . Luckily in the interim I was picked up by a family member. The issue was simply stated to me by the mechanics at the local GMC shop as the motor had "blown", they didn't know why, and they completely minimized the magnitude of the situation. To the best of my knowledge the blown engine has only been looked at by GMC employees. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms associated with any such failure of this type - which in my opinion, makes the matter even worse and more dangerous. I am frankly furious that GMC is not doing more to address these known catastrophic issues. They have said they will not extend the powertrain warranty and I've read online that people have had their "new" motors blow the same way that the old ones did.

My vehicle has a message that pops up and says "service transmission now, unable to shift soon". I took my vehicle in to a gm dealership and they did a diagnostics and told me that it needed to be "updated and "rebooted". This was not covered under my power train warranty because it was software. However, the message is stil showing and my vehicle is not shifting, jumping, and not wanting to drive- indicating that the transmission may be going out. This is a safety hazard.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the message "reduced acceleration" was displayed, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 40 mph, and the vehicle was driven back to the residence. The vehicle was taken to bmi automotive transmission shop, where the valve body and the intermittent speed sensor were replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact was able to drive to the residence. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was in the process of being towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,500.