This bulletin advises the tech to inspect deeper into what may be to main cause of an engine failure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 GMC Yukon electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2021 GMC Yukon have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Yukon | 17 |
| 2019 Yukon | 8 |
| 2021 Yukon (this page) | 17 |
| 2022 Yukon | 23 |
| 2023 Yukon | 20 |
| 2024 Yukon | 22 |
| 2025 Yukon | 6 |
2crashes
2injuries
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides a procedure on how to check for a battery drain utilizing the Picoscope and how to measure the load on the system that may be causing a drain.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering Vibration/Shudder, Intermittent DTCs/MIL Illuminated, Engagement/Disengagement/Ratcheting Concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe catastrophic electrical failures in 2021 GMC Yukons starting with complete brake loss and engine shutdown without warning. Two owners had total brake failure at highway speeds with no prior warning lights; brakes went to floor and would not respond. One owner with three small children in the vehicle experienced engine speed limitation, brake loss, and multiple error codes simultaneously while driving 69 mph. Another owner's brakes dropped 62 mph speed limit and disabled forward collision warning.
The fuel pump power control module failure is the most common complaint: engine shuts off abruptly at any speed with zero warning, and the vehicle cannot restart. Dealers confirm this is a known recurring problem on 2021 Yukons. A serious compounding issue: when the engine dies, the electric transmission locks—cannot be shifted to neutral without running engine—making the vehicle impossible to tow without a special tool or dragging it onto a flat bed. Owners report parts on nationwide back order and a recall that doesn't cover their vehicles despite the exact same failure.
Other electrical issues include windshield wipers activating randomly while driving, infotainment brightness flashing between maximum and dim while driving (nearly causing accidents), and a transmission that shifted into neutral on its own during driving and then would not restart.
Airbag failure in one crash and non-deployment in a second crash is reported, along with "Safety Restraint Unavailable" messages that recur even after battery replacement and dealer reset.
Same GMC Yukon electrical reports on nearby years: 2022 · 2023 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel Pump Power Control Module Failure
The fuel pump control module fails without warning, causing complete engine shutdown and loss of power while driving. Vehicle cannot be restarted and remains disabled. Transmission cannot be shifted to neutral when engine is off due to electric shift design, making the vehicle impossible to move out of traffic or tow safely. Owners report dealers recognize this as a known recurring issue on 2021 Yukons.
When: Between 9,000 and 61,263 miles; one report at less than 9,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off abruptly while driving at various speeds; Vehicle will not crank or restart; No warning lights or indicators prior to failure; Transmission cannot shift to neutral when engine is off; Multiple error codes flash after failure occurs
Codes mentioned: Fuel pump control module fault (part 13554821 or 13537053)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement fuel pump control module (part 13554821 or 13537053); parts reported on nationwide back order
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N212332040 exists for some 2021 Yukons, but many vehicles experiencing the failure are not included in the recall; Safety Bulletin also issued
Complete Brake System Failure
Brake system fails without warning, leaving the driver unable to stop the vehicle. Brake pedal goes to floor with no response. Parking brake is inoperative because it is electronic. Multiple dashboard warnings appear only after brake failure occurs, providing no advance notice.
When: One report at approximately 20,000 miles; another at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor with no resistance or stopping power; No warning lights before failure; Multiple warning messages appear after failure ('BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE', 'SERVICE ESC', 'SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM'); Electronic parking brake inoperative; ABS, ESC, and Check Engine lights illuminate after failure
Codes mentioned: ECS (Electronic Control System) fault, ABS fault, ESC fault
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder and ECS replacement; one owner refused to drive vehicle again due to safety concerns
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty; dealer repair in progress; GM rep contacted owner and discussed buyback but changed position
Infotainment Display Brightness Malfunction
Interior infotainment lighting randomly flashes between maximum brightness and dim settings while driving, creating a blinding and distracting distraction to the driver. No warning messages accompany the malfunction. The sudden brightness changes have nearly caused accidents.
When: Occurs after approximately one month of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Interior infotainment lighting randomly brightens to maximum; Lighting then dims without driver control; No warning messages when malfunction occurs; Malfunction happens while vehicle is parked and while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to confirm malfunction during inspection; owner has video evidence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GMC initially stated no record of the issue on other vehicles; however, owner found multiple reports from other GMC owners with same problem
Transmission Shift and Control Failure
Vehicle shifts into Neutral unexpectedly while driving without driver input. Transmission becomes locked out and will not accept gear selection commands. Vehicle remains disabled and will not restart. One report describes vehicle reversing on its own upon touching the gear shifter, then lunging forward into traffic.
When: One incident at approximately 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts to Neutral without driver action; Gear selection becomes locked out; Transmission warning message triggered; Vehicle will not restart; One report of unexpected reverse followed by uncontrolled forward motion
Codes mentioned: Transmission control fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate or diagnose failure; vehicle towed to independent body shop
Airbag and Crash Sensor Non-Deployment
Airbags fail to deploy in rear-end collision at 45 mph, despite impact severity being sufficient to total the vehicle. Forward collision warning and crash sensor systems do not activate. This is the second front-end collision involving the vehicle where airbags failed to deploy. Previous safety-related repairs and recall work do not resolve the issue.
When: Occurred during rear-end collision at approximately 45 mph
Symptoms owners cite: No airbag deployment despite severe impact; No forward collision warning activated; Crash sensor systems inactive; Safety systems failed following previous front-end collision and repairs
Codes mentioned: Crash sensor system fault, Airbag control module fault
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; formal investigation requested
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Previous safety system repairs and recall work completed; systems still defective
Safety Restraint System and Airbag Warning Light
Safety Restraint Unavailable message displays on dashboard. Battery replacement does not resolve the issue. System reset by dealer does not provide lasting fix; failure recurs approximately two months after each reset.
When: Occurred around 16,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: 'Safety Restraint Unavailable' message appears on dashboard; Low battery voltage message; Failure recurs after repairs
Codes mentioned: B14DC (Driver inboard seat side air bag high control)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; system reset by dealer on multiple occasions; problem recurs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified
Engine Lifter Failure and Related Engine Issues
Check engine light blinks and engine makes new abnormal sounds; dealership diagnoses broken lifters and replaces entire engine. After replacement, multiple new electrical and mechanical issues emerge, suggesting possible installation problems or pre-existing defects.
When: 10 days after July 2024 purchase at 65 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light blinks three times then turns off; New engine noise not present before; Engine belt makes high-pitched sound on startup lasting about 1 minute
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (unspecified code)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replaced; belt placed from original engine and then broke; subsequent AC, oil leak, and electrical glitches reported
Multiple Electrical Glitches and Sensor Failures
Various random electrical system malfunctions occur, including front windshield wipers swiping on their own while driving, electric system glitches during startup, and unexplained popping sounds. Dashboard error codes flash with messages limiting engine speed and disabling brake and collision systems.
When: Various incidents; error messages occurred while driving at 69 mph on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Front windshield wipers activate randomly while driving; Electric system glitches when first starting vehicle; Dashboard flashes multiple error codes; Engine speed limited to 62 mph message appears; Brakes lose effectiveness when error codes appear; Forward collision system unavailable message; Random popping sound in front driver-side area when stopping
Codes mentioned: ENGINE SPEED LIMITED, SERVICE ESC, SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE
Repairs/costs cited: Popping sound not resolved by two dealerships; high-pitched belt noise persists
Infotainment System Cold Weather Failure
Infotainment system complete failure in cold weather, leaving driver unable to control rear climate settings and unaware of rear heating function. No manual controls available for rear climate, creating safety concern for rear passengers. Safety Bulletin N212327470 exists for 2021 Yukon but vehicle not included despite experiencing the problem.
When: Cold weather operation
Symptoms owners cite: Infotainment system becomes unresponsive in cold weather; Unable to control or confirm rear heating activation; No manual rear climate control available on vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety Bulletin N212327470 issued for some 2021 Yukons but does not cover this vehicle despite same problem
Intermittent Shutdown and Battery Voltage Issues
Vehicle shuts off unexpectedly while parked or at traffic light with foot on brake. Restart fails on first attempt. Subsequent week shows similar shutdown that resolves quickly. All dashboard lights flash indicating low battery voltage, but no prior warning given to driver. Mechanic unable to diagnose issue during inspection.
When: Two incidents one week apart while vehicle parked or at red light
Symptoms owners cite: Complete vehicle shutdown without warning; Will not restart on first attempt; All dashboard lights flash after shutdown; Low battery voltage indicated on display; No warning prior to shutdown
Codes mentioned: Low battery voltage
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer inspection found no issues; vehicle started without problem during inspection
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
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 another vehicle straight on from behind. The impact was severe enough to total my vehicle, yet no airbags deployed, and…
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 GMC Yukon?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2021 GMC Yukon?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 17 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 12,750 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/GMC/Yukon.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.