What 295 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500

In January 2021, I purchased a new 2021 GMC Yukon Denali from a GMC dealership, which currently has only about 27,000 miles. To date, several recalls have been assigned and completed for my vehicle. per the websites for GMC and your agency. However, based on published recalls for my vehicle and a repair that is currently underway, I have reason to believe that my vehicle should have been subject to three prior recalls for which it was not [NHTSA ID Numbers: 20V735000 (Front Seat Bolts), 25V274000 (V8 Engine Failure, and 21V739000 (Fuel Power Control Module] Currently, the fuel pump control module is being replaced at a local GMC dealership because it failed last week and left my stranded at home. GMC issued a recall for this in 2021, but my vehicle was not included. Aside from risk and inconvenience, this is also costing my over $300 for a rental. Secondly, though my vehicle's make/model/year is cited in GMC's ongoing engine failure recall, which you are investigating, I have not received a recall notice. I note GMC's financial interest in minimizing vehicle's it recalls for such a costly repair. I have inquired with GMC and two of its dealers and have only received reiterations that my vehicle has not been subject to GMC's recall, which I already knew. I have not been given any explanation for why my Yukon has not been recalled despite my inquiries. Lastly, GMC issued a 2021 recall for front seat bolts; however, I did not receive a notice for my Yukon. I have occasionally felt slight movement in the driver's seat since buying the vehicle. Based on reason and facts, I am alleging that GMC appears to be artificially minimizing recalls and notifications for vehicles that are in fact impacted by defects in their vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11687539

My vehicle is currently in repair due to a known issue with GM. GM has put out a Technical Service Bulletin 20-NA-038 referencing a "well-known" problem with Cylinder 5 failing in 2021 5.3L and 6.0L engines. However, there has not been a recall. Ironically, there were other vehicles brought to the dealership (Sam Boswell GMC in Enterprise, AL) for the same repair on the same day as my vehicle. I'm hoping to get an initiative started for a recall

NHTSA ODI 11686249

We experienced catastrophic engine failure consistent with the current outstanding recall. A GM dealership replaced the parts that failed (crankshaft and connecting rods) however, based on the recall that was issued, the serial number on our engine would qualify under the remedies indicated by GM for a complete engine replacement, however, our VIN number is not currently included in the recall even though our year, make and model for the car and engine are consistent with other recalled vehicles. The GM dealer indicated that the catastrophic engine failure was not due to any lack or neglected maintenance and felt that our vehicle should be included in the recall. My wife and two toddler children primarily use this vehicle and I have serious concerns about their safety and would like to feel confident about their use of the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11685756

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called the local dealer, who was unable to assist due to the parts not being available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11684958

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 . My car is totaled. The driver’s car hit so hard the front of her car was in my third row of seats. I was taken to the hospital for chest pains since the seatbelt was the only thing that saved me .

NHTSA ODI 11683727

Problems with the engine shifting gears stalling delayed or won’t engage hard shifting while it’s in motion something’s going on with the engine we’ve called several and had it serviced times of times to ask them what was going on with it in Newport Oregon you can fill it still when you drive. The problem still is not fixed. It’s been happening since we purchased it took it in right away. we’ve asked if our Vin number has come up for a recall repairs we are worried for safety and are currently parking in the car because the dealership is unable to fix what is wrong with the car. They’re telling us there is something wrong and are aware of the recall and won’t fix the problem dealership refuses to take the car they don’t want it without the recall fixed due to safety concerns. you can definitely fill it when you drive I’m not exactly sure what the other issue if with the sounds it’s making when the issue keeps happening but it’s scary There is the recall on it. They are not taking into consideration or the seriousness of the situation and the safety of lives.

NHTSA ODI 11683455

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts for the recall repair were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11683107

My engine is currently experiencing loud knocking/shaking. It worsens as my vehicle is accelerating it is causing my engine to lose ability to accelerate which has posed a safety concern. This vehicle is my main source of transportation for my family. We have taken this vehicle to the dealership where they were unable to service due to the recall not being open and available and i have contacted GM customer service with no remedy to be issued at this time. The dealership cannot perform any maintenance pertained to the recall and yet cannot remedy. I am concerned for my family's safety. I was advised that i shall continue to drive the vehicle until it breaks down or the recall is open for repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11683218

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle jumped and hesitated while accelerating until the vehicle exceeded 20 - 25 MPH. The contact stated that at 1,500-2500 RPM, the failure recurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while looking online, the contact discovered information about NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) with a similar failure. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). An appointment was scheduled for the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); because the manufacturing date was 3 months after the date for the vehicles listed under the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11682343

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11682356

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11682075

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired out of pocket. The check engine warning light became illuminated again after the repair. The vehicle was taken to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Ed Rinke Chevrolet Buick GMC CO. (26125 Van Dyke Ave, Center Line, MI 48015) for a second opinion, and remained at the dealer for further investigation. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ODI 11682211

ESC light came on, knocking noise started, blinking engine light, car started lagging. I was just getting onto freeway and my slow speed could have caused an accident. I have taken it to Lithia Cheverolet of Redding where they diagnosed it. All the warning lights came on as the problems happen all at once. This is message from the dealer/service center: Update: REMOVED CYLINDER HEAD AND INSPECTED CAMSHFT AND FOUND DAMAGE ON THE CYLINDER 8 LOBE.

NHTSA ODI 11681169

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The following day, the contact's wife dropped the vehicle off at a dealer for a diagnostic test to be performed. Several days later, the contact was informed that the lower bearing in the crankshaft had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and linked the failure to the recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the recall, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was 124,296.

NHTSA ODI 11680134

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the failure was the result of an unrepaired recall. The contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11680201

GM may be installing recalled engines into other vehicles through warranty replacements, avoiding recall accountability. I purchased a 2021 GMC Yukon built before recall N252494002. Before my ownership, the original engine failed and was replaced under warranty at 24,339 miles on 9/16/2024. The dealer verbally told me it was new, but it had salvage yard markings and no serial number—indicating it was used. This donor engine was likely from a vehicle later covered by the recall. GM appears not to track donor VINs for warranty replacements, meaning recalled engines can remain in service without repair. This creates a serious safety risk and allows defective engines to escape recall compliance. I urge NHTSA to require manufacturers to track and report donor VINs for used engines and major components installed under warranty so they remain subject to applicable recalls.

NHTSA ODI 11679754

Loss of some power. No haul power.

NHTSA ODI 11679949

Dealership refused to inspect engine and provide new oil in regards to recall, they charged me $208.75 for oil that was supposed to be completed under recall L87 for GM

NHTSA ODI 11679669

the electronic solenoid in the valve body failed and it is available for inspection. it was struggling to shift on freeway at speeds of 65 mph and i would lose power. the vehicle was inspected by a gm dealership service man. there were no warning lamps when part started to fail, luckily when I parked the vehicle would not go into gear and then the warning light (check engine light) came on.

NHTSA ODI 11679320

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started, and then the engine seized. The contact stated that the gear shifter failed to shift into the intended gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

NHTSA ODI 11679322

Engine started missing out. After taken to dealer, cylinders 5 and 6 were filled with oil. New engine is needed, and is on nationwide back order as thousands of these are effected.

NHTSA ODI 11679147

While driving the vehicle, the engine started to make a knocking noise and we experienced illumination of the check engine light. We also experienced engine performance issues with hesistation and reduced acceleration. We were able to take the vehicle to a GM dealer and it was determined that the lifters and crankshaft were defective and need to be replaced. There is a warranty out for 2021 GMC Yukon Denali vehicles that were manufactured less than a year after ours that have currently have a recall issued by GM for the same problems that we experienced. My wife and two young children, ages [XXX] and [XXX] , frequently ride in this car and catastrophic engine failures put their safety and livelihood at serious risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11678448

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11678326

A valve in the transmission is sticking causing a loss of power, engine light warnings to flash, and hard gear shifts from park to drive or reverse. First occurred on 5/25/25, went to the dealer service department on 5/26/25. Part still not available and it’s been sitting at the dealership since.

NHTSA ODI 11676740

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. Police came and put cones around it until tow truck came the next morning. Tow operator got it onto a flatbed, which was difficult due to weight of the vehicle and not being able to put into Neutral (fortunately it was in 2wd which helped). It scares me to think what would’ve have happened if my son had been on the busy highway that he was planning to be on the next day or when it was on earlier that day. Vehicle is still at the dealership waiting on the replacement part which apparently is hard to get.

NHTSA ODI 11676465