The Lemon Index2021 GMC Yukon.
The 2021 GMC Yukon is about average by owner complaints: 79 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 97, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 13 recalls, and it gets 16 to 23 mpg combined. The best GMC Yukon year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 339 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every GMC Yukon year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 24K to 94K miles on the car (71 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 27K–96K miles
Recalls 13
- engine 2025
The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
- transmission & drivetrain 2024
The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.
- lights 2022
The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on.
Show all 13 recalls
- seat belts 2022
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.
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
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.
- brakes 2021
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.
- steering 2021
A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.
- airbags 2021
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.
- seat belts 2021
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.
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The fuel tank assemblies may be missing adhesive between two layers of the fuel tank shell which may result in a fuel leak.
- seat belts 2020
Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle.
- seats 2020
During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems GMC told dealers about
GMC sent dealers 1240 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Concernof running poor and stalling
- Concern of service engine light, misfire
- This service bulletin provides information to correct a customer concern of an in-tank fuel…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
- OpenLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy2026
- ClosedLoss of motive power due to engine failure2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMC Yukon SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon XL SUV 4WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| GMC Yukon XL SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3550–5000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Total engine failure due to bearing issues in the bottom half of the engine.
2021 GMC Yukon owner · NHTSA complaint 11580224
Quick answers
Is the 2021 GMC Yukon reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 97; 100 is average, lower is better). The best GMC Yukon year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2021 GMC Yukon problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (30%), fuel or ev drive system (18%) and electrical (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Yukon have?
13 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 GMC Yukon get?
16 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 GMC Yukon safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 GMC Yukon problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 24,000 and 94,600 miles. The middle report was at 69,000 miles, from 71 complaints.
Does the 2021 GMC Yukon have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 GMC Yukon cost in fuel a year?
About $3550 to $5000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 GMC Yukon have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl.
What GMC Yukon year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2020 and 2019.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works