This technical bulletin provides a procedure replace the tappet that is located on the fuel door.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 GMC Yukon fuel system problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 GMC Yukon have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the fuel system, typically surfacing around 50,500 miles at roughly $1,200 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See fuel system across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,200
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of GMC Yukon we track for fuel system problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 11.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering fuel system 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 advises the tech that there are extra characters on the fuel injector and to ignore the last numbers when identifying flow rate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel pressure situation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides a procedure to program the Reductant Control Module and Setup and Perform the Reductant Fluid Tank Level Reset.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2021–2022 GMC Yukon vehicles report the fuel pump control module failing and causing the engine to stall, often suddenly and without warning. Failures occur as early as 9,000 miles, though most cluster in the 29,000–67,000 mile range. One owner reported failure at 200,000 miles.
When the module fails, the vehicle either won't start at all or stalls while driving at speeds ranging from 5 mph to 80 mph. Many owners describe being unable to restart after stalling, forcing them to call for a tow. Some saw warning lights beforehand (check engine, traction control), while others report no lights at all until after shutdown. One owner references a fuel pump modulator failure that caused engine seizure with family inside.
Diagnostic trouble code P129F appears in at least one case. Dealers consistently recommend fuel pump control module replacement, but multiple owners report backordered parts and no repair performed. Two owners state their vehicles were repaired; eight others remain unrepaired at complaint time.
All owners reference NHTSA Campaign 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but GM has not consistently recognized their vehicle VINs as recall-eligible, leaving owners confused about coverage. Manufacturer responses range from opening cases and promising expedited parts to referring owners to the NHTSA Hotline without assistance.
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel pump control module failure
The fuel pump control module fails, cutting power to the fuel pump and causing loss of fuel pressure. This results in stalling, no-start conditions, and inability to accelerate. Owners report the vehicle becomes undrivable until the module is replaced.
When: 9,000 to 200,000 miles; most failures between 29,000 and 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving; Loss of motive power; Vehicle fails to restart after stalling; Difficult to start; Inability to accelerate or exceeding low speeds (e.g., stuck at 25 mph); Vehicle shudders before shutdown; Check engine light illuminated; Message displays: 'Press Start Again', 'Restart Vehicle'
Codes mentioned: P129F, Fuel pump control module fault codes (specific codes not stated by most owners)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump control module replacement required. Parts availability issue noted; backorder delays reported at dealer. Repair completed in at least two cases (narratives #6 and #10); multiple other owners awaiting parts or repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) referenced by owners; however, VINs typically not included in recall despite owners believing their vehicles are covered. Manufacturer opened cases for some owners and offered expedited part delivery. No recall assistance provided for others. Owner advised to contact NHTSA Hotline.
High-pressure fuel pump failure and related fuel pump system faults
Initial diagnosis in one vehicle pointed to high-pressure fuel pump requiring replacement. Owner experienced repeated failures even after replacement, with subsequent diagnostics suggesting low-pressure pump involvement and pump reset attempts. This suggests either misdiagnosis, recurring component failures, or an underlying system-wide issue not fully resolved by replacing individual pump components.
When: 56,751 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate despite depressing accelerator pedal; Shuddering or poor response under acceleration; Messages displayed: 'Reduce Acceleration - Drive with Care', 'Service Traction Control', 'Service ESC'; Check engine and traction control warning lights illuminated
Codes mentioned: Check engine and traction control codes (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: High-pressure fuel pump replaced; failure reoccurred. Low-pressure fuel pump failure suspected and diagnostic codes cleared; failure reoccurred. High-pressure fuel pump reset performed; failure persisted. Vehicle held at dealer for further investigation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of the failure. Related to NHTSA Campaign Number 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline).
Fuel pump modulator failure
Fuel pump modulator fails, causing complete engine shutdown and inability to restart. One case involved engine seizure during operation, creating a safety hazard with multiple occupants in the vehicle.
When: 52,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls while driving; Engine seized; Vehicle fails to restart; Jumpstart attempt unsuccessful
Codes mentioned: Fuel pump modulator fault (specific codes not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump modulator replacement required. Vehicle not repaired at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware and case filed. Related to NHTSA Campaign Number 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); VIN not included in recall. Owner advised to contact NHTSA Hotline.
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had fuel system 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 fuel system problem on the 2021 GMC Yukon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,200 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the fuel system typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most fuel system failures cluster between 29,000 and 59,800 miles, with the median around 50,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,000; a quarter make it past 59,800. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,200 for fuel system 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 fuel system?
No active recalls currently cover fuel system 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.