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

The roof of the car has a metal defect that is causing the paint to bubble off. The manufacturer initially misdiagnosed the problem as a paint issue. The car was repainted but the paint is coming off again within a year. I am afraid that the integrity of the roof is compromised by corrosion. The manufacturer claims that the car is no longer in warranty and does not have to repair it.

NHTSA ODI 11662902

We are back on shop for lifter replacement for the 3rd timeand possibly more once they open the project. Valve springs replaced and lifters.

NHTSA ODI 11662589

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 55 MPH with two child passengers, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The driver was able to pull over safely to the side of the road. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the crankshaft fractured, causing metal shards to enter the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer recommended that the engine be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the dealer and to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 94,558.

NHTSA ODI 11661490

Transmission valve body went out, part is back ordered. There is a recall for this part on 2019 to current GM eight speed and 10 speed transmissions. This is clearly one of them. I’m not sure why it’s not recalled?

NHTSA ODI 11660102

The engine was missing and losing power with no check engine lights or messages at all, it is available for inspection. I was 3 hours from home in 4 lane busy traffic in St. Louis taking my daughter to a doctors appointment, losing power is not ideal for this situation and pulling over on the side of this busy road with my whole family in the car is dangerous. When I got the car home I took it to the dealership, they did an inspection and told me that my engine had 20,000 misses and I would need new lifters and a cam. I have not had insurance look at the vehicle since I had the dealership look at it, there has been a recall for this issue on these motors but somehow my vehicle is not on the recall list.

NHTSA ODI 11660122

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

NHTSA ODI 11659688

Valve body failure 72000 miles and warranty ended at 60000

NHTSA ODI 11659348

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance system erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to suddenly slow down. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who serviced the Forward Collision Avoidance system camera and sensors. No further information was available. Additionally, while driving at highway speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the seat restraint failure message was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.

NHTSA ODI 11659001

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. My check engine light went on last week and when it was plugged in it showed critical oil life despite being well below my next scheduled oil change (which has also resulted in me having a Rejected state inspection sticker due to this being in the computer at time of inspection). I am concerned that not all Yukons have been recalled but I'm clearly having the same issue as others as this is only a 4 year old vehicle and otherwise in very good condition. This would be available for inspection by you at any time. Also, this issue has been confirmed with the dealer but my VIN is not part of the current recall. Is there a way to get this VIN added to the recall for further inspection/resolution at GM?

NHTSA ODI 11659041

I took my vehicle into the GMC dealer near my home in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (Napleton) on April 30, 2025 to have the L87 engine recall addressed. I had a video with sound where a loud clacking noise could be clearly heard, coming from the passenger side of the engine. The service attendant and the mechanic assigned to my vehicle listened to it and both agreed that the sound was not normal, or good. Four hours later, they called and said the vehicle was ready to be picked up. They did neither pass or fail the engine, and didn't put in thicker oil. I was told that they aren't doing anything until they received clearer direction from GM. This is very disappointing for me and now afraid to drive on the highway for fear of catstrophic failure and potential crash. I called another GMC dealer nearby, in Watertown, WI, who said they weren't doing anything either with the L87 engines (year 2021-2024) until they recieve clearer direction from GM. I have taken my vehicle in 2 previous times to address the "clacking" noise, each time they say they hear nothing wrong.

NHTSA ODI 11658389

The vehicle’s air suspension system failed multiple times, followed by failures in the rod and/or crankshaft engine components. Currently, the vehicle is also experiencing engine warning lights and reduced propulsion issues. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. The loss of propulsion and engine failures create a serious safety hazard on the road, as the vehicle can unexpectedly lose speed or stop functioning, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions or being stranded in dangerous traffic situations. The dealership has explicitly stated that the vehicle is not safe to drive due to the risk of potential accidents. Yes, the dealership has confirmed the air suspension failure and the engine component damage. However, they have not yet been able to identify the exact cause of the current reduced propulsion issue despite multiple service attempts. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by the dealership’s service department. Prior to the failures, engine warning lights and other dashboard warning signals appeared. These warning indicators first appeared after the air suspension failure and before the reduced propulsion issue emerged. These issues closely match the conditions described in the recent GMC recall; however, our specific vehicle model was not included in the recall. We believe this might be a systemic issue and request that NHTSA investigate whether the recall scope should be expanded.

NHTSA ODI 11658403

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. While the contact’s wife was driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to coast off the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was slow to start. The contact stated that after refueling the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an oil pump failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the rod bearing had failed, and the engine seized. There was no warranty on the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired, but there was an issue with the payment. The manufacturer was contacted, and informed the contact that the dealer was in charge of the process. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658448

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. While the contact’s partner was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started making a rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and waited before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that a quarter mile later, while idling at a stop, the vehicle suddenly lost power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ODI 11658121

Driving at normal speed when my 2021 Yukon backfired and began to lose power. The check engine light came on. The vehicle would go into reverse and would not get over 20 miles an hour. It has been at a GM repair shop since March 24th waiting on the tranmission valve body. There is no ETA from General Motors on when this part will be available. Could this be associated with the most recent GMC recall of 2021-2024 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles?

NHTSA ODI 11657840

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the service suspension and low oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the engine oil had leaked out of the vehicle. 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 vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure mileage was approximately 83,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI 11657888

Driving down highway. Engine failure, loss of power. Ended up being lifter and camshaft failure.

NHTSA ODI 11657652

I have had major transmission failure in my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali (6.2L V8, 10-speed automatic). The vehicle has approximately 72,000 miles. Recently, a critical internal clip/retainer in the transmission broke loose, sending metal debris throughout the transmission. This catastrophic failure has rendered the vehicle undrivable and requires a complete transmission replacement. Unfortunately, the vehicle is just outside the powertrain warranty, yet I firmly believe this failure is due to a manufacturing/design defect – not normal wear and tear. I purchased this Yukon Denali as a premium, flagship SUV and have maintained it carefully. I expected the transmission to last well beyond 72k miles under normal use. It is disappointing and that a core component failed so early. Not only has this imposed a significant financial burden, but it also undermines my confidence in the vehicle’s safety and reliability for my family. A modern transmission should not self-destruct at this mileage, especially given GM’s reputation and the Denali’s top-of-the-line status. Importantly, I have discovered multiple known issues and GM bulletins related to the 10-speed automatic transmission used in my Yukon. For example, GM issued a major recall in late 2024 (NHTSA Campaign 24V797000, GM recall #N242454440) affecting 2021 Yukon models (among others) due to a defective transmission control valve that could fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up, this demonstrates that GM has acknowledged serious problems in the 10L80/MQC 10-speed transmission design. Additionally, a recent GM service bulletin (PIP6008C, Jan 24 2025) indicates that internal transmission retaining rings can dislodge, causing the internal gears to separate – which leads to loss of reverse and internal damage. This scenario is similar to what happened in my transmission. My family was left stranded away from home with no warning. The vehicle just stopped working. The warning lamp did not come on until diagnostics was run.

NHTSA ODI 11657665

The engine needs replaced and GM doesn't have any engines or know when we will get any engines. Evidently this affects numerous 6.2 liter engines that GM made from 2021-2024.

NHTSA ODI 11657130

The contact owned a 2021 GMC Denali. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering. The vehicle failed to turn and crashed into a tree. There were no reported injuries. There were no warning lights. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V455000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to his residence. There was no police report filed, airbag deployment, or fire. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company deemed the vehicle to be a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ODI 11657167

Driving approx 60mph on expressway and engine stuttered for 3-4 seconds, check engine light came on and vehicle completely shut down. Wouldn't restart. Family with kids had to cross 4 lanes of traffic to make it to the shoulder of an on-ramp. Towed to dealership and they stated the motor seized and needs a complete replacement. Vehicle has 72,000 miles on it, always stored in a temperature controlled attached garage, oil changes before schedule at the local dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11657268

Engine, just froze while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11656963

I was driving my Yukon with my family back from a trip and my Yukon engine shut off while on the highway. The vehicle went into neutral but I was driving down a hill when is all happened. Luckily there wasn’t much traffic and I was able to pull of to the side of the road. There was no check engine light or indication of any issues prior to this incident happening. After this incident, the vehicle turned back on and was able to drive home. Now it is seating at a dealership waiting for a new engine with no eta on a new engine.

NHTSA ODI 11656866

Crank shaft has failed.

NHTSA ODI 11656907

Vehicle has an engine knocking. The oil pressure will drop and will go into low power

NHTSA ODI 11655778

I've taken my 2021 Yukon Denali to GMC dealers complaining of "clacking" noise coming from the passenger side of the engine on 3 occasions. Each time, they tell me that they do not hear anything. Now, I see that the L87 engine has defective bearings which could lead to abrupt engine failure which could lead to a dangerous situation. I envision power sliding on the highway going 70 mph and ultimately rolling over and getting killed. I am now frightened to travel on the highway and see no resolution forthcoming from GM. They are just looking at $. My wife and I are [XXX] and travel to Florida from Wisconsin every year for winter. The Yukon to me was the most expensive, ni est vehicle that I have ever owned, but now feel like I could die anytime while driving it. Who would want to buy it now with this cloud over it, all hinging on how GM handles this mess. I've only owned GM products my whole life, but would never buy another now. Lost faith, and hopefully won't die waiting for GM to do something. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11655286