2021 GMC Yukon problems
The 2021 GMC Yukon has 295 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2021 GMC Yukon has 295 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 143 complaints, typically surfacing around 80,142 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Yukon | 69 | 0 |
| 2019 Yukon | 51 | 0 |
| 2020 Yukon | 34 | 0 |
| 2021 Yukon (this page) | 295 | 0 |
| 2022 Yukon | 164 | 0 |
| 2023 Yukon | 211 | 0 |
| 2024 Yukon | 147 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 4 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2021 GMC Yukon SUV 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2021 GMC Yukon? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 143 owner reports · tends to show around 80,142 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- powertrain — 42 owner reports · tends to show around 71,140 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- electrical — 17 owner reports · tends to show around 12,750 mi · ~$850 to fix
- airbags — 12 owner reports · tends to show around 11,500 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 12,750 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2021 GMC Yukon
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Driving the vehicle on the highway when I started to hear a ticking sound from the engine. After a few minutes, the check engine light came on and started flashing, traction control shut off and some system related to the rear end shut off. After inspection, it appears to have…
The vehicle shifted into Neutral while driving, locked out gear selection, triggered a transmission warning, and now will not restart.
Vehicle: 2021 GMC Denali Mileage: ~48,000 miles Purchase Price: $62,000 Issue: Airbags & crash sensors failed to deploy Complaint Text: I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 GMC Denali. I was involved in a rear-end collision at approximately 45 mph, where I struck…
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the front windshield was extremely blurry. In addition, the contact stated that it was a safety failure, especially while driving at night. The contact…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Under investigation 2 open at NHTSA
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. RQ26001 on NHTSA →
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA25007 on NHTSA →
How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →
Common questions
Is the 2021 GMC Yukon reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 295 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 GMC Yukon is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2021 GMC Yukon?
The 2021 GMC Yukon is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 GMC Yukon?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 143 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 80,142 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2021 GMC Yukon a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 295 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 80,142 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2021 GMC Yukon?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 143 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 80,142 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 80,142 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my GMC Yukon has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 GMC Yukon?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 295 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.