Home · 2021 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500 · Complaints

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

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (295)Crash / fire / injury (9)Engine (156)Fuel system (52)Transmission & drivetrain (47)Engine & cooling (29)Electrical system (26)Airbags (18)Driver assistance (18)Steering (11)Brakes (7)Seats (6)

52 of 295 complaints match · Fuel system · clear filters · page 1 of 3

Jul 14, 2026EngineFuel system

Seems to be not accelerating properly as if the propulsion is not there. Also, when switching gears it seems as if it is slipping or missing to keep up with the propulsion. Lastly, riding with windows down on the highway alongside the concrete median, I can hear like metal clanking or rubbing against one another. Also, I get an oil change at George Ballas GMC on [XXX] and 3 weeks later truck says change oil soon. AND YES THEY RESET THE OIL LIGHT AND I DROVE IT FOR 3 WEEKS AND THE LIGHT POPPED ON!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11750280

Jul 10, 2026Fuel system

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. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 59,800.

NHTSA ODI 11749507

Jun 25, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

Engine overheated and performed an emergency shutdown while driving through Atlanta on my way to vacation with my family. We lost propulsion and had to cross 5 lanes of traffic to find a shoulder to pull over to. The engine shut down and we were left stranded 500 miles from home with our 3 children in a boiling car. The vehicle was inspected and passed the recall test 6 weeks prior to this incident. After the first failure we attempted to extend our power train warranty to which we were told it had too many miles by GM. The GM dealership and service center where the vehicle was towed confirmed the engine needed to be replaced and GM confirmed it falls under their extended warranty. However, GM refuses to cover any additional expenses incurred from their engine failure.

NHTSA ODI 11746548

May 20, 2026EngineFuel system

I was driving in the left lane on [XXX] , a 4 lane interstate just outside of Cleveland when i lost engine propulsion. Engine RPMs dropped to under 1000rpm, and quit responding to throttle. I had to change lanes and coast until there was a shoulder available to stall out at while i awaited a tow. No warning lamps until i tried to restart vehicle. Engine cranked but wouldnt start. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11738939

Apr 20, 2026Fuel system

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. The message to restart the vehicle was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off unexpectedly. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated the day before the failure. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and diagnosed with a fuel pump control module failure. The contact was made aware of an undisclosed recall. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel pump control module. The contact was informed that the fuel pump control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ODI 11732497

Apr 14, 2026Speed controlEngineFuel system

2021 Yukon Denali. Inspected by dealer under recall. Passed dealership test and new oil viscosity adjustment completed by dealer at 39k miles. Told no issues with vehicle continue to drive it. Today 4-14-26 on the interstate traveling 75mph the engine seized and lost all power. Instrument panel showed 0rpm as I coasted to a stop and the engine lost all power. I placed the vehicle in park on the shoulder and attempted to restart. Nothing! Engine would crank. Towed to Olathe gmc dealer and they took one looke at it , diagnosed it said it had all symptoms of total engine failure. Ordered me an engine and told 6 weeks out. Sent me home in a loaner. Service department told me They get one everyday sometime more than 1. They have hertz rental on standby for warranty loaner vehicle. I find it spilling that these vehicles come time to be sold. They’re all bad according to the service department. I also find it very frustrating that they park the broken defective vehicles at the very back of the dealer lot to hide the graveyard of 6.2’s from the public. My vehicle is under 5 year 60k warranty and engine is being replaced, but the tech could not share the extent of what would be replaced. All he mentioned was the block. Zero warning engine just went up like a grenade at 75mpg on the highway. Wife’s vehicle and left me stranded 2 hours from home on a work trip.

NHTSA ODI 11731242

Mar 6, 2026EngineFuel system

Exhaust fumes and stink on cold start . vehicle only has 40,000 mi and I have exhaust smells coming in through hvac system!!

NHTSA ODI 11722482

Jan 13, 2026EngineFuel system

I have a 2021 GMC Yukon with 74,000 miles I was recently told I need a new transmission.I am am trying to understand why a car that is 5 years with all the services done by Lehman GMC in North Miami would need a new transmission they have been servicing this car and no one mention anything breaking down of need of repair until now. I spoke with the service manager Franklin and he stated to me another client had the same issue and he flush the transmission just like I am doing today and it only worked for a short time and afterwards he had to replace the transmission. I feel this is a problem with these models and GMC don't want to address it. they just want the customer to pay for the repairs. Now I spoke to the Manager and the salesman that sold me the car and nicely told me he was sorry and he could get us out of this into a 2026. Now why would I buy a new car if they cannot get the 2021 right. I have included my invoice below I feel some one should look into this I feel this is a recall matter and GMC is trying to pass the buck. Thank You [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11710688

Jan 7, 2026Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

On [XXX] driving to Denver the 52,000 mile yukon started making a clicking sound when accelerating on the interstate. Traction control light came on as well as the check engine light. Low power was noticed and we immediately pulled over as it sounded like it was going to blow up. Towed the vehicle 145 miles where we bought it and the shop confirmed the lifters and 5th cylinder are the issue and that the cams could be damaged. Recommend replacing each side. The car is basically new and under the 60K drive train warranty but about 100 days past the 5 year mark. Terrible timing. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11709435

Jan 6, 2026EngineFuel systemDriver assistance

I was driving and a message popped up "Service Traction Control", then another message popped up "Forward Collision System Unavailable". Then the car started making this knocking sound and every time I would try and accelerate there would be a loud sound and almost a pulling stopping it from picking up much speed. I took the car into the dealer/repair shop and they said it was an issue with the lifters that had to be replaced and potentially an issue with the cam. They said this repair would cost upwards of $6,000 and I have never had this issue with the car before. This came out of nowhere and the car had not been showing any signs of this occurring before. This is a 2021 GMC Yukon and I drive my Wife and three sons in that car daily.

NHTSA ODI 11709048

Nov 24, 2025EngineFuel system

I got 3 messages on the dash going off simultaneously 1. Service Traction Control System 2. Forward Collision System unavailable 3. Service ESC I could feel the truck bogging and shaking a little at this point Then soon after the check engine light was flashing and it was noticeably misfiring and rough idling. I pulled some codes at Oreillys and got back 1. P0300 misfire 2. P050D cold start rough idle

NHTSA ODI 11701140

Nov 16, 2025EngineFuel system

On November 14,2025 my engine failed on the highway going 80 mph to 0 mph in the passing lane. Almost caused a major accident on US23. I’ve asked my dealership Bowman Chevrolet repeatedly to inspect my engine for the recall and have been denied every time. Most recent was October when I had my oil changed and I was told it wasn’t my turn and the recall for my vehicle was pending. I had my vehicle flatbed towed to the dealership where it sits dead in their parking lot. Thank God we didn’t die on the freeway that night. It was a horrible experience.

NHTSA ODI 11699629

Nov 5, 2025Fuel system

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 11697692

Oct 2, 2025Fuel system

Vehicle would not start. Vehicle was towed to GMC dealership for inspection. Vehicle diagnosed with "Fuel Pump Driver Control Module" issue and needed to be replaced. This was a known issue for the 2021 GMC Yukon: GMC Service Bulletin: #24-NA-139 (Release Date August 2024) Emission Recall: N212332040 (Release Date September 2021) Emission Recall: N252516900 (Release Date September 2025) However, this VIN was not covered under the recalls and payment was required out of pocket. Recall(s) need to be expanded to include additional 2021 GMC Yukon VINs - including this one.

NHTSA ODI 11690931

Sep 30, 2025EngineFuel system

My 2021 GMC Yukon Denali is affected by NHTSA Recall #25V-274. The recall notice states that defects in the engine’s connecting rod and/or crankshaft can cause engine damage and failure, resulting in sudden loss of propulsion and increasing crash risk. The recall status for my vehicle is currently listed as “Incomplete – Remedy Not Available.” My dealership confirmed that no repair is available and further told me that GMC will not authorize a buyback, trade-in, or loaner vehicle until a remedy is developed. This has left me with an unsafe vehicle that cannot be repaired, yet I am still obligated to make monthly payments. This defect creates a serious crash risk because the engine may fail and the vehicle could lose all propulsion without warning. My family is forced to either risk driving a defective vehicle or go without reliable transportation. Dealer Interaction •Dealer confirmed that the recall is active but has no available remedy. •Dealer stated GMC will not authorize a buyback, trade-in, or loaner vehicle until the recall repair is developed. •I am effectively stranded with an unsafe vehicle and no safe options. Remedy I am requesting that GMC be required to: 1.Buy back my vehicle under federal recall and warranty obligations; or 2.Provide a safe, comparable loaner or replacement vehicle at no cost until the defect is remedied. If a loaner is provided, I will continue making my monthly payments on my Yukon Denali.

NHTSA ODI 11690519

Sep 29, 2025Fuel system

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The messages "Reduce Acceleration - Drive with Care", "Service Traction Control", and "Service ESC" were displayed on the instrument panel. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the owner’s expense; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed as possibly needing a low-pressure fuel pump failure and codes that needed to be cleared. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer, where it was diagnosed as needing a high fuel pressure pump reset. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the same local dealer, where it remained for further investigation. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,751.

NHTSA ODI 11690313

Sep 24, 2025Fuel system

While driving back home on the highway (I-95) on February 26, 2025, my truck stopped accelerating right in the middle of the highway and cut off. Tried to crank it back up to no avail. I had it towed to the nearest GMC dealer which is GMC Coral Springs. They did an inspection and immediately communicated that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The only option at the time was to just have it fixed because I was out of warranty. At the time, I had about 100k miles on it and the guy at the dealer told me that he's supriesed it lasted that long as those modules usually go out before 100k mile. I got it fix and on March 1, 2025, the truck was ready for pickup. Fast forwarding, now GMC is recalling the 2021 Yukon with recall N252516900 for the same EXACT issue. I spoke to GMC corporate this morning to see if I can be reimbursed for the cost. When the rep Tina ran my vin, she states my vin wasn't attached to the recall number. So I was trying to understand that the issues are the same, why can't they reimburse me. Same issue on the same year truck. GMC refused to help me. I'm so disappointed because I'm not even sure why my truck wasn't included in the recall but has the same issue. I need your help. Please and thank you. (I contacted the dealer to have the email me a copy of my invoice for the service at the time, however I haven't received it. I will contact them again to see if they can email it again. But I will obtain a copy of it even if I have to drive out ther)

NHTSA ODI 11689317

Sep 23, 2025Fuel system

My vehicle fuel pump control module has failed. GMC has an open recall for my year, make and model however claims that my vehicle is not listed on the recall list that came out around 9/15/2025. I contacted GMC and they cannot provide me with a specific reason as to why it’s not included.

NHTSA ODI 11689121

Sep 16, 2025SeatsEngineFuel system

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

Aug 10, 2025EngineFuel system

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

Jul 27, 2025Fuel system

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

Jul 25, 2025Fuel system

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, and the engine seized. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to restart. There were several family members inside the vehicle during the failure. No warning lights were illuminated. A nearby driver attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel pump modulator. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed fuel pump modulator. The contact was informed that the fuel pump modulator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel system, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ODI 11676126

Jul 16, 2025Electrical systemFuel system

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

Jul 9, 2025Fuel system

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. No warning lights prior, the engine just stopped. After multiple times trying to restart the vehicle, the battery died. After waiting several hours, the vehicle was towed to the local dealership where it was determined that the driver fuel control module needed replaced and re programmed.

NHTSA ODI 11672290

Jun 30, 2025Fuel system

Recall N212332040 Car lost power and stalled on highway, at highway speed Dangerous Recall on fuel pump PCM did not cover this year vehicle based on VIN.

NHTSA ODI 11670267

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Working with the data? Download all 295 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 25, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2021 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500 verdict →