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Your vehicleHome›GMC›Yukon› 2021
GMC · Large SUV

2021 GMC Yukon

Gas Diesel
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
20 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
46 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 4 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls1 critical 14
Complaints11 crash · 1 fire · 14 injured reported 570
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 4★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 23 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 GMC Yukon is sold in the U.S. as a gas and diesel large SUV with 20 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Yukon 2WD, is EPA-rated at 23 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 14 recall campaigns for this model year, 1 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 570 complaints, most often about the engine. NHTSA crash-tested it at 4 stars overall.

GMC Yukon — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
GMC Yukon · Photo: HJUdall · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Yukon 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl162018$3,700
Yukon 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl162018$3,700
Yukon XL 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl162018$3,700
Yukon 2WDGasRWD6.2L 8-cyl152017$4,850
Yukon 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl152017$3,950
Yukon 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl152017$3,950
Yukon XL 2WDGasRWD5.3L 8-cyl152017$3,950
Yukon XL 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl151917$3,950
Yukon 2WDGasRWD6.2L 8-cyl142016$5,150
Yukon 4WDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl141916$5,150
Yukon 4WDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl131916$5,150
Yukon XL 2WDGasRWD6.2L 8-cyl142016$5,150
Yukon XL 2WDGasRWD6.2L 8-cyl142016$5,150
Yukon XL 4WDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl141916$5,150
Yukon XL 4WDGas4WD6.2L 8-cyl131916$5,150
Yukon XL 4WDGas4WD5.3L 8-cyl151916$4,200
Yukon 2WDDieselRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo212723$4,150
Yukon XL 2WDDieselRWD3.0L 6-cyl turbo212723$4,150
Yukon 4WDDiesel4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202622$4,350
Yukon XL 4WDDiesel4WD3.0L 6-cyl turbo202622$4,350

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 42623, 42633, 42624, 42621, 44040, 44049, 44041, 42632, 44038, 42631.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Yukon 2WD, Yukon 4WD, Yukon XL 2WD, Yukon XL 4WD5 / 10California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Yukon 2WD, Yukon 4WD, Yukon XL 2WD, Yukon XL 4WD3 / 10California LEV-III ULEV125 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2F: 7,001 - 8,000 lb (3,175 - 3,629 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders8
Displacement5.3 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seating capacity8 seats

Transmission

Drivetrain4x2
TransmissionAutomatic

Driver assistance

Standard: Anti-lock brakes, Automatic emergency braking, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Forward collision warning, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Pedestrian automatic emergency braking, Rear cross-traffic alert

Optional: Adaptive cruise control

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: AT4, Denali, SLT). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length209.8–225.2 in
Width (body, without mirrors)81.1 in
Height75.6 in
Wheelbase120.9–134.3 in
Track, front68.5 in
Track, rear68.1 in
Curb weight5,377–5,851 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear51/49 to 53/47

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 6 configurations: 4-door SUV AWD, 4-door SUV RWD, AT4 / Denali 4-door SUV AWD, XL 4-door SUV AWD, XL 4-door SUV RWD, XL AT4 / Denali 4-door SUV AWD. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

Also on file Beside the 2021 Yukon
Other years The 2027 Yukon Recalls GMC recalls
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Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 GMC Yukon is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (14)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

N252494000
597,571 vehicles 88% reported repaired
Problem General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure. Risk Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 25V274000 reported Apr 24, 2025 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Power Train

N242454440
463,295 vehicles 78% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up. Risk Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 24V797000 reported Oct 24, 2024 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Exterior Lighting

N222382220
338,735 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Risk Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V827000 reported Nov 3, 2022 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

N222372380
484,155 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed. Risk A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDFRemedy instructions PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V617000 reported Aug 11, 2022 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Power Train

N212351030
1,789 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure. Risk Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDFOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 22V036000 reported Jan 27, 2022 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

N212332040
14,939 vehicles 98% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall. Risk An engine stall increases the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V739000 reported Sep 23, 2021 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

N212340970
2 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. Dealer service technicians may have calibrated the brake system incorrectly, affecting Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and braking while towing a trailer. Risk Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will recalibrate the brake system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1202; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340970.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V579000 reported Jul 29, 2021 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Steering

N212333900
26,847 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving. Risk Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash. Fix The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V455000 reported Jun 17, 2021 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Electrical System

N212338110
285,622 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate. Risk The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury. Fix The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V421000 reported Jun 10, 2021 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

N202313000
94,641 vehicles 98% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts. Risk A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant. Fix GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.
Filed with NHTSADefect report PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V190000 reported Mar 18, 2021 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Fuel System, Gasoline

N212327720
18 vehicles 89% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. The fuel tank assemblies may be missing adhesive between two layers of the fuel tank shell which may result in a fuel leak. Risk A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. Fix GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212327720.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V064000 reported Feb 11, 2021 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

N202322230
470 vehicles 94% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle. Risk If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V811000 reported Dec 23, 2020 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seat Belts

N202314670
624,216 vehicles 90% reported repaired
Problem General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position. Risk If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Fix GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 20V792000 reported Dec 17, 2020 General Motors, LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Seats

N202312720
94 vehicles 99% reported repaired
Problem General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed. Risk If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant. Fix GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202312720.
NHTSA campaign 20V735000 reported Nov 25, 2020 General Motors LLC the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Engine — Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy open

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or a

Opened Aug 20, 2026 · action EA26005 · the investigation’s page →

Engine — Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy closed

On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001.  This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been completed, whether that remedy involved an oil viscosity change or a complete engine replacement. General Motors (GM) issued Recall 25V-274 to address concerns of engine failure in the L87 engines produced between March 1, 2021 and May 31, 2024. GM cited the root cause as a supplier manufacturing and quality issue. GM’s recall remedy for Recall 25V-274 consisted of two different repairs, either an oil viscosity change or a

Opened Jan 16, 2026 · closed Aug 20, 2026 · action RQ26001 · the investigation’s page →

Engine — Loss of motive power due to engine failure open

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Years (MY) 2019–2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, and 2021-2024MY Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV vehicles. The subject engine failures were investigated as part of a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25001).  GM determined that these engine failures were due to multiple supplier manufacturing and quality issues. GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the supplie

Opened Oct 23, 2025 · action EA25007 · the investigation’s page →

Engine — Loss of motive power due to engine failure closed

On January 16, 2025, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25001 after receiving complaints and field reports concerning engine failures in MY2019-2024 GM’s full-size truck and SUV T1XX platform equipped with the L87 6.2L V8 engine. These complainants alleged engine bearing failures resulting in knocking and growling noises from the engine’s bottom end and in some cases more severe consequences such as broken connecting rods leading to engine damage, or engine failure. If the engine fails during vehicle operation, the vehicle will lose propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. On April 24, 2025, GM issued recall 25V-274 to address the concern with L87 en

Opened Jan 16, 2025 · closed Oct 23, 2025 · action PE25001 · the investigation’s page →

Air Bags:Srs Malfunction Warning Lamp/Light — Air Bag Malfunction closed

On April 9, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE21-010 to investigate instances of air bag malfunction indicator light (MIL) illumination and potential for frontal air bag non-deployment in several vehicles manufactured by General Motors (GM). The vehicles included model year (MY) 2020 through 2021 CT4 and CT5 passenger cars, Sierra and Silverado trucks (1500/2500/3500 models), XT4 and MY 2021 Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon SUVs. Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-NA-005, issued in March 2021, addresses air bag MIL illumination with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) B0001-1B or B0012-0D. It cites rust particles in the connection terminal interface of the driver air bag

Opened Apr 9, 2021 · closed Aug 24, 2023 · action PE21010 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Yukon

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2021 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. GMC publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

NHTSA VIN check →GMC’s own VIN lookup →

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2021 GMC Yukon, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2021 GMC Yukon

Search by fitment on eBay Motors — OEM take-offs, aftermarket, and the trim pieces dealers no longer stock. The listing and the price are the seller's.

Find parts for this Yukon →

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
570complaints filed

11 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 14 injuries · 0 deaths reported

55 per 10,000 built · GMC reported 104,460 Yukon built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2020: 4 · 2021: 21 · 2022: 22 · 2023: 36 · 2024: 41 · 2025: 261 · 2026: 185

Most-cited components

Engine → 381
Power Train → 104
Fuel/Propulsion System → 89
Electrical System 43
Forward Collision Avoidance 30
Unspecified 22

In depth: engine problems → · transmission and drivetrain problems → · fuel system problems →

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake pedal engaged without warning, then the vehicle proceeded to accelerate independently. As a result, the vehicle inadvertently stopped and jerked forward. No warning lights were illuminated.
Service Brakes at 20,504 miles Mar 30, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11514637
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.
Engine at 35,204 miles Feb 14, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11507228
The vehicle has 22,000 miles on it and is under warranty. The airbag light indicating a malfunction stays on. The vehicle has been to the dealer 2 different times. The dealer indicates the factory(GMC) is working on the problem but has no solution at this time.
Air Bags Jan 17, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11502286
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.
Electrical System Apr 3, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11515133
My vehicle lost power while driving on the highway. It was later determined that the fuel pump controller module required replacement. Losing power while driving 65 mph was not enjoyable or safe. The GMC Dealer Service department made the assessment, replaced the module, and the vehicle is now in my possession and functioning as normal.
Fuel/Propulsion System Jan 27, 2023 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11504005
After pulling out from parking lot into roadway, steering wheel locked up (right) and vehicle proceeded uncontrolled into a telephone pole - injuring driver. Driver stage 1 & 2 together with seatbelt pretensioner deployed upon impact. No warning lamps or defect symptoms prior to time of failure.
Steering Sep 21, 2022 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11485738

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by GMC itself: 44 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 2 killed, 71 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 42 per 100,000 built. Every Yukon model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 67k

miles, typically

Half the 115 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 28,000 and 94,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 12
10k–20k 8
20k–30k 10
30k–40k 5
40k–50k 3
50k–60k 10
60k–70k 12
70k–80k 14
80k–90k 10
90k–100k 6
100k–150k 21
150k + 4

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Engine7475,0001.5×
Power Train2070,0001.43×
Fuel/Propulsion System1652,0001.13×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2021-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported later: engine (1.5×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Across 2018–2022 model years the GMC Yukon ranks 72 of 79 nameplates in the odometer-at-first-complaint study: owners reported problems at 2.15× the mileage of vehicles the same age (median 60,000 miles against a fleet 23,512).

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆21%
SUV 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆21%
SUV 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%
SUV 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆22%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. Standard driver-assist: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking.

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 8 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

2 more in this page’s JSON.

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every GM warranty extension (33) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 2,474
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-05
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 2422 service bulletins, 32 service campaigns, 16 emissionss

Most often about: Engine, Electrical System, Equipment, Unknown Or Other, Power Train.

  • PIT6477D Service bulletin
    2026-10-05 · Unknown Or Other
  • This preliminary PI was created to advise techniians in the field that they will not be able to perform a GDS automated bleed with the scan tool dues to a issue with the software in the scan tool
  • PIT5698F Service bulletin
    2026-09-26 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
  • PIT5801F Service bulletin
    2026-09-10 · Unknown Or Other
  • This preliminary information communicates diagnostic tips for air leveling suspension system.
  • PIP4902W Service bulletin
    2026-09-04 · Unknown Or Other
  • This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
  • PIT5869B Service bulletin
    2026-08-26 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI provides a diagnostic tip when fuse F4DR is opening and dealerships are to inspect the wiring at the center console lid.
  • PIC6551C Service bulletin
    2026-08-20 · Unknown Or Other
  • This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
  • PIT6446A Service bulletin
    2026-07-24 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI Communicates information to ensure Memory Recall is enabled to ensure memory mirrors return to set position after curbview assist is used.
  • PIT5509N Service bulletin
    2026-07-21 · Unknown Or Other
  • This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
B14DC
B14DC on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Air Bags43 bulletins · 2 owner reports
P12A6
P12A6 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine22 bulletins
P0300
P0300 on GMC →		Misfire detected, but not isolated to one cylinder.Engine · Ignition coils →18 bulletins · 2 owner reports
P129F
P129F on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Electrical System · Battery →12 bulletins · 4 owner reports
U3000
U3000 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Steering15 bulletins · 1 owner report
P0106
P0106 on GMC →		The manifold pressure sensor reading does not track what the engine is doing.Engine13 bulletins
P0747
P0747 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train12 bulletins · 1 owner report
P0201
P0201 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine · Fuel injector →12 bulletins
P0202
P0202 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine · Fuel injector →12 bulletins
P0203
P0203 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine · Fuel injector →12 bulletins
P0204
P0204 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine · Fuel injector →12 bulletins
P0205
P0205 on GMC →		Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine12 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you request a quote or buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nothing on this page changes because of it.

At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 GMC Yukon failed the emissions check on 4.6% of first inspections — higher than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.4% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%).

New York inspections 4.6%

failed emissions

1,704 initial inspections of 1,665 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2021 YukonEvery 2021 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check4.6%1.9%1,701
Failed the safety inspection1.4%1.5%1,704
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.12%0.19%1,704
Miles driven a year13,39210,343odometer at inspection
Average odometer70,63554,681odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2021 vehicle” is every 2021 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Yukon by model year

all years, side by side →
Year Safety Recalls Complaints
2027 A 0 1 23 mpg2026 C 3 83 Do not drive2025 B 2 85 23 mpg2024 B 3 181 23 mpg2023 C 4 471 23 mpg2022 D 5 358 23 mpg2021 this page F 14 570 23 mpg2020 D 4 84 Do not drive2019 C 3 126 Do not drive2018 D 5 130 Do not drive2017 C 3 359 19 mpg2016 D 5 518 Do not drive

Common questions about the 2021 Yukon

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2021 GMC Yukon have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 14 recall campaigns for the 2021 GMC Yukon, 1 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 24V797000, covering Power Train. 1 of them was filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2021 GMC Yukon?

NHTSA gave the 2021 GMC Yukon 4 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 4-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 3-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (46/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2021 GMC Yukon?

Across the 20 EPA-rated configurations of the 2021 GMC Yukon, the best EPA combined figure is 23 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2021 GMC Yukon?

Transport Canada measured it at 209.8–225.2 in long, 81.1 in wide (body, without mirrors), 75.6 in tall, on a 120.9–134.3 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 5,377–5,851 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2021 GMC Yukon?

Owners have filed 570 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Yukon, most often about engine, power train, fuel/propulsion system. Of those, 11 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 14 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2021 GMC Yukon?

The EPA smog rating for the 2021 GMC Yukon runs 3 to 5 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III ULEV125, California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2021 GMC Yukon?

The manufacturer has filed 2474 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2021 GMC Yukon, most often covering engine, electrical system, equipment. The most recent is dated 2026-10-05. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2021 GMC Yukon do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 GMC Yukon failed the emissions check on 4.6% of first inspections — higher than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.4% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations20 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates20 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls14NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints570NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings4 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins2474NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations5NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reportsnoneNHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01No report has been filed. Only entities named in the order report, and only crashes they hear of — so this is also what an unequipped car, or a manufacturer without telematics, looks like.
Specifications filed with NHTSA10 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Where to go next

pages beside this one
Other years The 2027 Yukon The Yukon model year with the cleanest record on file — grade A, 0 recalls.Recalls Every GMC recall on file All campaigns filed against GMC vehicles, newest first, with the manufacturer's own number.Recall Watch Watch this Yukon by VIN Give it the VIN and you hear the night a campaign is filed — from $29 a month for a lot, free for ten.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

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