Is transmission valve body and torque converter failure a known issue with the 2021 Gmc Yukon?

24 NHTSA complaints have been filed about transmission valve body and torque converter failure on the 2021 Gmc Yukon (2025-03 → 2026-07). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11753505): "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission was shifting hard, with severe vibrations and shuddering" Source: NHTSA.

Is excessive oil consumption a known issue with the 2021 Gmc Yukon?

8 NHTSA complaints have been filed about excessive oil consumption on the 2021 Gmc Yukon (2025-05 → 2026-06). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11719710): "Oil consumption is an issue. My vehicle is using a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. Manufacturer says oil changes are 5,000 mile intervals, however at 2500 miles the dipstick is dry and the low oil light comes on" Source: NHTSA.

Is driver seat airbag and restraint system failure a known issue with the 2021 Gmc Yukon?

7 NHTSA complaints have been filed about driver seat airbag and restraint system failure on the 2021 Gmc Yukon (2025-03 → 2026-06). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11683727): "I was read ended at a stop light. The other drive fell asleep. She was in a 3.25 ton dodge ram going 45-55 mph. She never touched her brakes. She pushed me into the car in front of me. Air bags never deployed" Source: NHTSA.

2021 Gmc Yukon Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is lifter, camshaft, and crankshaft engine failure a known issue with the 2021 Gmc Yukon?

112 NHTSA complaints have been filed about lifter, camshaft, and crankshaft engine failure on the 2021 Gmc Yukon (2025-03 → 2026-08). Reported component: ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11753973): "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning light started blinking and the vehicle started shaking violently. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is fuel pump control module failure a known issue with the 2021 Gmc Yukon?

15 NHTSA complaints have been filed about fuel pump control module failure on the 2021 Gmc Yukon (2025-03 → 2026-07). Reported component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11749507): "The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired" Source: NHTSA.

The 2021 Gmc Yukon carries 13 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering steering control module and driveshaft. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission valve body and torque converter failure.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

13 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

Campaign #21V455000 · Jun 17, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.

Risk: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #22V036000 · Jan 27, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.

Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #21V579000 · Jul 29, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. 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.

Risk: Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will recalibrate the brake system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1202; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340970.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #20V811000 · Dec 23, 2020

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign #21V064000 · Nov 2, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. The fuel tank assemblies may be missing adhesive between two layers of the fuel tank shell which may result in a fuel leak.

Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212327720.

SEATS

Campaign #20V735000 · Nov 25, 2020

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.

Risk: If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202312720.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

Campaign #21V739000 · Sep 23, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. 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.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.

AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

Campaign #21V421000 · Oct 6, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. 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.

Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #21V190000 · Mar 18, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. 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.

Risk: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #22V617000 · Nov 8, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. 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.

Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #22V827000 · Mar 11, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #24V797000 · Oct 24, 2024

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.

Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Campaign #25V274000 · Apr 24, 2025

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Gmc Yukon.

2 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA

Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Action #EA25007 · opened Oct 23, 2025
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Year…
View on NHTSA →
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Action #EA26005 · opened Aug 20, 2026
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been comple…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission valve body and torque converter failure

POWER TRAIN

24 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03 → 2026-07

“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission was shifting hard, with severe vibrations and shuddering”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753505

“I live in Alaska. It was -13f. We were out and about and when I tried to leave and back up, the vehicle would not go into reverse. If it hadn’t been for a passing motorist my daughter and I would have been stuck there overnight, in negative temps”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710382

“I was pulling out of my driveway when I noticed that my mailbox was blown open from a recent storm. I stopped and put it in reverse (well tried to) but the vehicle would not shift”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724498

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Lifter, camshaft, and crankshaft engine failure

ENGINE

112 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the check engine warning light started blinking and the vehicle started shaking violently. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and turned off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11753973

“I am filing a complaint regarding my 2021 GMC Yukon due to a serious engine failure involving the camshaft, lifters, and crankshaft. The vehicle began exhibiting engine ticking and knocking noises, rough idle, loss of power, and reduced performance”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742402

“At approximately 148,239 miles, I experienced a catastrophic lifter failure. My mechanic diagnosed a failed AFM lifter and metal contamination, requiring full engine replacement”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11713397

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Excessive oil consumption

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2025-05 → 2026-06

“Oil consumption is an issue. My vehicle is using a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. Manufacturer says oil changes are 5,000 mile intervals, however at 2500 miles the dipstick is dry and the low oil light comes on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719710

“The engine has started using large quantities of oil. Not dripping oil, burning oil. I have been doing oil consumption studies with GMC for months now. It burned 7 quarts in 5,000 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11713798

“I am having an oil burning issue in my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali 6.2L engine and understand that some Yukon's have been recalled for this, but not all. GMC directed me here”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659041

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump control module failure

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03 → 2026-07

“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749507

“My 2021 Yukon Denali (83264 miles), Fuel Pump Control Module failed causing car to lock up without any warning as my son was turning vehicle onto a main street. Car would not restart and wasn’t able to be put into Neutral to push it to side of road to a safer location”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676465

“While driving the vehicle shut off, leaving my family stranded in the middle of traffic. It was a 90+ degree day and my family was stuck in a hot car unable to move off the roadway. This was very unsafe”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11672290

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver seat airbag and restraint system failure

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03 → 2026-06

“I was read ended at a stop light. The other drive fell asleep. She was in a 3.25 ton dodge ram going 45-55 mph. She never touched her brakes. She pushed me into the car in front of me. Air bags never deployed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683727

“The driver's seat inboard airbag assembly and internal structural wiring harness failed due to a direct short circuit, completely deactivating the vehicle's supplemental restraint system”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746089

““Service safety restraint” light comes on and the dealership cannot pin point exactly what the issue is without taking the entire seat and air bag out. It’s come on 3 times”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11691222

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 3 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

4 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Gmc Yukon reflects GMC's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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