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

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. General Motors has a known engineering bulletin for this issue (#23-NA-085), noting that sharp internal seat frame components slice the airbag wiring harness. Rather than permanently fixing this structural design flaw while under warranty, dealership technicians repeatedly executed temporary, non-compliant field patches, including plastic zip-ties and Velcro tape inside the cushion. These temporary patches continuously failed, leaving the airbags disabled. Furthermore, the vehicle was sold under "Certified Pre-Owned" designation with an active, uncompleted 2020 manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Program Campaign (#N202310850-02) for this exact airbag circuit defect. Component failed & available for inspection: The driver's seat inboard airbag assembly and internal structural wiring harness failed due to a direct short circuit. The components are available for inspection inside the vehicle at the servicing dealership. Safety risk: Safety was put at extreme risk because active Diagnostic Trouble Code B14DC completely deactivates the airbags. This means the airbags may fail to deploy in a collision, leaving the driver completely unprotected in an accident. Confirmed by dealer: The problem has been explicitly reproduced and confirmed by an authorized franchise dealership across seven separate service visits spanning from August 2025 to June 2026. Inspected by manufacturer/others: The components have been physically inspected multiple times by authorized franchise dealership technicians acting on behalf of the manufacturer. Warning lamps & symptoms: The vehicle displays "Service Safety Restraint System" warning message on the dashboard. The warning lamp first appeared on August 26, 2025, at 78,472 miles while the vehicle was strictly within its CPO warranty

NHTSA ODI 11746089

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately driving 45 MPH and turning onto an exit the vehicle suddenly reduce speed and lost power and the message "Press Start" had displayed. The contact stopped the vehicle and eventually restarted the engine and the vehicle operated as normal. The next day the vehicle was driven to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem and determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contact regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.

NHTSA ODI 11741740

transmission has been replaced, still having same problems. Actuator was fixed within the transfer case. still shaking. was driven by dealer and told to check again after changing into summer tires. changed into summer tires and still having issues if not worse. separately; the power running boards have never worked - been told its wiring issue. wiring issue is a concern for fire safety.

NHTSA ODI 11738231

The vehicle shifted into Neutral while driving, locked out gear selection, triggered a transmission warning, and now will not restart.

NHTSA ODI 11707247

Vehicle: 2021 GMC Denali Mileage: ~48,000 miles Purchase Price: $62,000 Issue: Airbags & crash sensors failed to deploy Complaint Text: I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 GMC Denali. I was involved in a rear-end collision at approximately 45 mph, where I struck another vehicle straight on from behind. The impact was severe enough to total my vehicle, yet no airbags deployed, and no forward collision warning or crash sensor systems activated. This is especially concerning because this vehicle was previously involved in a front-end collision (not my fault) and underwent extensive repairs. I was assured all systems were repaired and functioning properly. Additionally, my vehicle had completed recall work related to safety systems prior to this crash. This is the second front-end crash involving this vehicle where airbags failed to deploy. Given the speed and severity of the impact, airbags should have deployed. The failure of these systems placed my life at serious risk. The vehicle has since been totaled and taken by insurance, but I am requesting that this failure be formally investigated as a potential safety defect in the airbag and sensor systems. I am extremely concerned that the vehicle’s safety systems were either defective or not properly restored following repairs and recalls.

NHTSA ODI 11706440

I’m not happy with just a change in oil viscosity because the car has already been on the road for 70000 miles before we were aware of the recall on the engine. Changing the oil viscosity doesn’t help when there is a underlying engine problem it should be replaced not just change your oil and send you on your way because now I’m always wondering and worried if the engine will still fail when my kids and wife are in the car. Furthermore I just had it inspected and the oil changed to new viscosity a week ago and the oil level is already half way on the dipstick so I’m taking back to the dealership to express my concern. If I would have known this was going to be an issue with this suv I would have purchased something else. I’d just like the engine replaced so that I don’t have to worry every time I pull out of the driveway with my family. My power steering assist still whines and there is no open recall on it. I think GMC should be responsible for replacing engines and power steering assembly and power steering motors on 2021 GMC YUKON DENALIS because of the wear and tear they have endured before the recall was taken care of by adding a different viscosity oil because the damage has already been done.

NHTSA ODI 11698109

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The brake pad sensor warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle continued to roll forward. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that a nearby driver assisted by providing a jumpstart. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with alternator failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to two independent mechanics, and the vehicle was diagnosed with alternator failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with similar vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure with the alternator and the brake pad sensor. The contact was informed that the repairs were not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ODI 11698010

Electronics- module went out @40,000 brand new car Drive train teal differential went out

NHTSA ODI 11697734

I purchased the vehicle in July 2024. I drove the car for 10 days, and when I was driving 65 mph, the check engine light blinked three times and then went off. After that, the engine made a sound that was not there before. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they had the car for many weeks, concluding that the lifters broke and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealership said they replaced the engine and the car was returned to me towards the end of August. Since then, the AC has been worked on three different times in the past year and on the third attempt, there is finally cool air coming out of the driver's air vents. The driver's seat AC blowers malfunctioned and were repaired. The dealership put the original engine's belt back on and then broke. The electric system inside glitches from time to time when you first start the car. The front windshield wipers will randomly swipe while driving. After getting a regular oil change, the car sprang an oil leak due to the cap not being tight enough. Over the past 5 months, there has been a random popping sound in the front driver's side area when coming to a stop that two dealerships can not figure out. The belt in the engine still makes a high-pitched sound when first starting up and lasts for about 1 minute. While in park or sitting at a light, the engine will idle up and down from time to time. The vehicle has been worked on by the dealership where it was purchased and also a GMC dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11695265

I attempted to start my vehicle and it turned over and at the end of trying it sounded like it wanted to start. This repeated itself with no change. I contacted the dealer which I purchased it from and the service mgr said it was the fuel pump control module. Numerous 2021 Yukon had this problem and there is both a service bulletin and a recall for this part. N212332040. My vehicle is NOT on recall. I attempted to have it towed to the local Chevy dealer and was unable to as NO local tow company had the tool to put the transmission in neutral. They all wanted to drag it onto the trailer. Bad design that it can not be put in park if it’s not running. I purchased a replacement fuel pump control module part 13554821 from the dealership. I installed it and the problem was fixed. I have the defective part if needed. This would have been much more of an issue if it happened anywhere other than my house, especially with the inability to put he transmission in neutral !!

NHTSA ODI 11689931

Vehicle: 2021 GMC Yukon Denali Component: Fuel System, Gasoline – Fuel Pump Control Module Incident Date: 7-10-2025 Mileage 61,263 Location: SR 2006 Coats, NC Summary of Complaint: While my wife was pulling out of our neighborhood in our 2021 Yukon Denali, the vehicle suddenly shut off while navigating a slight curve. It came to a complete stop in the roadway and could not be restarted. The engine would not crank, and the vehicle could not be shifted into neutral, making it impossible to move out of traffic. The Yukon remained disabled in the roadway for over an hour and ultimately had to be towed. Upon inspection, the dealership mechanic immediately identified the issue without even running diagnostics. He confirmed it was a failed fuel pump control module, which he stated is a common issue with this model. This failure represents a serious safety risk, particularly had it occurred on a high-speed interstate or in dense traffic. A sudden loss of power and inability to move the vehicle can result in dangerous roadside situations or collisions. GMC needs to address this recurring defect before it leads to more severe incidents or injuries. No warning lights or indicators appeared prior to the failure.

NHTSA ODI 11673975

For whatever reason our 2021 GMC Yukon Denali is not listed in the current 2025 GMC motor recall including cams and lifters and accompanying parts. While driving our truck about a mile from the house the vehicle began seizing and shaking (almost as if we had blown several tires); we immediately pulled over and accessed. Called Dealership and had truck towed there immediately. We are told that it needs cams and lifters and that b/c our VIN does not pull up a recall that the repairs will cost ~$9800.

NHTSA ODI 11664389

My vehicle showing service safety restraint system and airbag light . When check with dealer code b14dc has appeared ( Driver inboard seat side air bag high control).

NHTSA ODI 11651383

Complete failure of infotainment system in cold weather. This is a safety concern because most controls are operated through the infotainment system and can de distracting to a driver who is trying to operate all features of a vehicle while driving. For instance having cold children in the rear seats and not knowing if the heat is activated in the rear of the vehicle and at what temperature or if it is blowing at all. There is no manual indication of rear climate. This is already a safety bulletin for 2021 Yukon that for some reason my vehicle is not included in. GM recall number: N212327470 I want my vehicle included since this is a safety concern ( see above ) and this should be a real recall rather than a notification or safety bulletin.

NHTSA ODI 11641348

While on a red light and foot on the break, the car turned off completely and would not turn back on after many tries. Truck was towed but mechanic did not find any issues with vehicle as he turned it on with no issues. All lights flashed and indicated battery was low but was not warned prior. The previous week, the truck shut off completely as well but it turned on quickly.

NHTSA ODI 11618694

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the message “Safety Restraint Unavailable” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery voltage was low. The battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two other occasions, where the system was reset, but the failure reoccurred approximately two months later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.

NHTSA ODI 11607218

“Service steering column” notice appears on dash board. Steering wheel is locked and car won’t start leaving us stranded. Dealer could not diagnose problem. Car started at dealership. Took it home. One month later happened again.

NHTSA ODI 11600880

FUEL PUMP POWER CONTROL MODULE SKU NUMBER 13537053 brand new GMC denali less than 9000 miles had serviced for 5 previous recalls drove for a week. Truck completely shut down on road no power will cause serious or death if person is on highway as engine turns off and car shuts down due to electric shift cant put car in neutral not even with key from key fob so if get vehicle towed cant even shift into neutral big fail on gm part and will cause major issues as vehicle just shuts off do to this issue no service light. Major accident waiting to habit and back ordered parts on a expensive machine

NHTSA ODI 11569524

The lighting on the entire interior infotainment area will randomly go bright and dim all by itself. I was almost in an accident on the interstate due to this. It was blinding and distracting to have the lighting dim and then go bright. It has been randomly doing this for about a month. I called GMC and they said they had no record of this happening on other vehicles, however when I searched for the issue with my vehicle, I realized other GMC owners have experienced the same issue. I was able to get a video of it happening one morning while waiting in my driveway to drop my kids off at the bus stop. I was in the parked position. There are no warning or messages when the lighting malfunctions, so I am not at all prepared when the car turns the lighting to MAX brightness. It poses a risk when driving by blinding the driver, causing the driver to loose focus while driving trying to adjust the lighting back to dim. It is an unnecessary distraction. The dealership couldn't confirm any malfunctions in my car. As previously stated, I have a video of the malfunction, but I am not able to upload it. I am willing to send via email.

NHTSA ODI 11569064

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the odometer was inoperable. There was an abnormal odor of fuel while starting the vehicle. The parking brake and TPMS warning lights were illuminated and flashing. The parking brake was inoperable. Additionally, the seat belts were inoperable. The contact stated that there was a cut in brake line. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11526929

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that upon the start of the vehicle, the vehicle independently reversed without warning upon touching the gear shifter. The vehicle first reversed into a cement barrier and then lunged forward into an intersection while she repeatedly depressed her brake pedal to no avail. The contact managed to call 911 and while speaking with an operator, she was able to regain control of the vehicle. The contact crashed into a parked vehicle as well as a barrier during the failure. Once the contact regained control of the vehicle, she pulled into a gas station where she was met by police. A police report was filed. The contact suffered mental anguish as a result of the failure. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where they were unable to duplicate or diagnose the failure. The vehicle was then towed to an independent body shop where it remained in their possession. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11516354

The vehicle had a sudden loss power shortly after i started the vehicle. When I pressed down the gas pedal, the vehicle turned off. It was only a 20 mph zoned residential neighborhood so I was able to safely coast to the side of the road. I dont think i could have safely gotten to the side of the road if it had been on any type of a multi lane road. There was no warning, no lights, no sounds that there was a problem. I had the truck towed to the local dealership as i was 120 miles from home. The mechanic at dealership said it was a faulty “fuel pump power control module“ and that they are failing a lot. Last I heard that the part was on nationwide back order. There was a recall for this very same problem over a year ago but my vehicle is not part of the recall. Yet the problems are still occurring with many similar vehicles (Tahoe / Yukon)

NHTSA ODI 11515319

I own a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali that had TOTAL BRAKE FALIURE last Tuesday. I had it towed to a local GMC dealer and are repairing it under warranty. I was lucky to be on a back road when my brakes went out. I had no warning lights come on prior to hitting the brake pedal and was able to coast to a stop on the shoulder When I applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor and did nothing. You can't stop the car with the parking brake because it is electric. My concern is what if I was on a busy road when this happened or what if this happens to a family in traffic they could be seriously hurt or worse yet killed. I do have good photos of my instrument panel with all of the warning lights coming on after I tried to stop. In good conscience feel that I have to at least try and report this to GM, the state and anyone else that will listen. If nothing comes of this at least I tried and just hope no one gets hurt if this happens again. My wife refuses to ride in that vehicle until I have solid answers. The dealer said they will have my car repaired this week and are replacing the master cylinder and ECS This is fine but why did it happen and how can I be sure it won't happen again? I believe in GM and have a 2023 Yukon Denali on order. I would hope that after 3 years of this model they have most of the little quirks worked out. A rep from GM did contact me and at first was talking about buying my car back but changed that today. My case number is 9-8497380349 . The problem is I have no idea when my new car is coming in our should I just cancel it and find something else. In my opinion this is a very serious problem.

NHTSA ODI 11491401

TRAVELLING DOWN THE HIGHWAY 69 MPH WITH MY WIFE AND THREE SMALL CHILDREN WHEN THE DASH FLASHED MULTIPLE ERROR CODES, ENGINE SPEED LIMITED TO 62 MPH, AND BRAKES ESSENTIALLY WENT OUT. WAS ABLE TO GET SAFELY STOPPED. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADVISED SHUTTING IT OFF FOR 20 MIN AND IT WOULD "RESET". IT DID NOT RESET AND WE REFUSED TO DRIVE IT IN SUCH UNSAFE CIRCUMSTANCES WITHOUT ADEQUATE BRAKE FUNCTION ETC. GMC ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CAME AND TOWED IT AWAY. COULD HAVE RESULTED IN MUCH WORSE OUTCOMES AND WE ARE THANKFUL NO ONE WAS INJURED. VERY NERVOUS TO DRIVE IT AGAIN AFTER WE GET IT BACK, NOT KNOWING IF IT WILL MALFUNCTION AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI 11406358

DRIVING APPROX. 62 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, WENT TO SLOW DOWN AND UNABLE TO BRAKE, UPON PUSHING DOWN ON THE BREAK THERE WAS RESISTANCE, AFTER PUMPING THE BREAKS MULTIPLE TIMES I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO SLOW DOWN WITH A LOT OF FORCE. MESSAGES ON DASHBOARD READ "BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE" "62 MAX SPEED ESC, SERVICE ESC, SERVICE TRAILER BREAK SYSTEM, AND FORWARD COLLISION SYSTEM UNAVAILABLE." ABS, ESC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALL ILLUMINATED ON DASH SCREEN.

NHTSA ODI 11402695