2021 GMC Yukon XL power train problems
44 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My family and were traveling to visit family, and the transmission stalled on me on the interstate. I almost had a horrible accident with my kids in the vehicle. The vehicle is in the shop currently and dx with transmission issues. GMC needs to recall and or fix the transmissions in all of their…”
filed Jul 3, 2026
“Issue Description: The vehicle experienced a failure of the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system, resulting in a collapsed lifter. This caused a cylinder misfire and a sudden loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds. Safety Concern: While traveling at highway speeds, the sudden misfire…”
filed Jul 1, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-upCampaign 24V797000 · Oct 24, 2024
- Rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated…Campaign 22V036000 · Jan 27, 2022
Power Train problems in other Yukon XL years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Yukon XL | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 Yukon XL | 2 | 9% |
| 2024 Yukon XL | 10 | 16% |
| 2023 Yukon XL | 32 | 17% |
| 2022 Yukon XL | 27 | 18% |
| 2020 Yukon XL | 12 | 27% |
| 2019 Yukon XL | 13 | 20% |
| 2018 Yukon XL | 8 | 15% |
| 2017 Yukon XL | 34 | 24% |
| 2016 Yukon XL | 32 | 16% |
| 2015 Yukon XL | 35 | 11% |
| 2011 Yukon XL | 4 | 9% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.