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

Transmission abruptly failed after only 110k well maintained miles

NHTSA ODI 11746604

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

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50-60 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering abnormally. The message "Restraint Safety System" was displayed, and the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. 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 138,000.

NHTSA ODI 11744561

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would independently activate Limp mode and would not accelerate past 30 MPH. In addition, the vehicle would not shift into the Reverse gear as intended. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with error codes: P0777 and P18A1. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on backorder. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an Unknown NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11741458

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after restarted the engine and the vehicle did not operate in reverse. During the failure no warning messages had displayed. The vehicle was driven to the local diagnosed that the transmissions needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V797000(POWER TRAIN). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ODI 11740530

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

Transmission valve body failed while driving on highway.

NHTSA ODI 11735212

Loss of power while driving on highway, would not speed up. Shaky driving. Appeared to go into limp mode. Dealer informed me that the transmission valve body will need to be replaced. No prior messages or alerts, check engine light came on after power loss.

NHTSA ODI 11729441

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. Quickly I continued to drive to make a u-turn instead and at that point my vehicle would not drive normally. The rpms would not go up despite pressing the gas and the engine was reving very high.gm dealer said 700 to pull the transmission to determine the issue, but after my research I’m certain it’s the valve failure in the transmission just as it’s done the same to others. Why is this transmission not recalled, but the disel engines on the same model are? Seems as though it is a similar issue. I’m afraid to see what they will charge me as my vehicle has 76,000 miles and I’m told is outside warranty coverage.

NHTSA ODI 11724498

My 2021 GMC Yukon suffered the same engine failure that is the subject of the recall. It has just over 70,000 miles. I'm now told I need a new engine. The dealer confirmed that this is the same issue that has impacted other similar vintage Yukons.

NHTSA ODI 11720183

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. I was able to drive it home, in limp mode. Come to find out, it is the valve body on the transmission. That in cold temps the valve body can fail. After some research I found that it is a KNOWN issue with these vehicles and there has even been a “Urgent-Distribute Immediately” Service Update regarding the problem. Urging dealerships to review the VIN’s they have in their possession for the issue. I had the vehicle towed to a shop, where they confirmed the problem was the transmission valve body. They were unable to perform the work as it takes a qualified technician to replace. So it got towed to the closest GMC dealership. They have had it for two weeks now. They confirmed that it is a known issue and there have been no recalls. But they did tell me I was “in luck” because they stock that item so we won’t have to wait for a part. Not only is it going to cost me $3500 to replace something that is a know issue with this vehicle, but it could have ended in tragedy if no one would have come along when we were stranded. I urge you to make this a recall on these vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11710382

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

After noticing a "groaning/moaning" sound from the vehicle when turning sharp at low speeds the vehicle was brought into a dealership to be inspected. After inspection, the mechanic stated that the sound is coming from the rear differential and that it would need to be flushed/cleaned up to three times as a potential correction. If the clean/flush does not correct the issue, they would need to replace the entire rear differential. When asked what happens if the rear differential fails, we were advised that we could experience total failure and lock up. This is a safety issue in that if we are driving and the wheels lock up the potential for collision or major accidents is high. I also understand that the differential is meant to last the life of the vehicle and had 123k miles, the life of the vehicle is far from over. Another issue we are experiencing is excessive oil burning. The vehicle "add engine oil" light comes on after 2,500 miles when being regularly maintenanced. The vehicle should not require the addition of oil after that many miles, more so should not require oil at all unless you weren't properly maintaining the vehicle (which is not the case). I understand issues arise and things happen; I just want this to be acknowledged as a potential safety issue and corrected. Thank you,

NHTSA ODI 11705356

At the time an oil change is needed, there is a warning light that says "low oil pressure and low oil." There also has been a "slipping" of the engine at around 60mph. GMC dealer states it is a torque converter. I am worried that the engine will fail or stall while driving The fuel pump control module has been replaced. Motor is not covered under the current motor recall and taking vehicle to transmission shop to have it checked as well

NHTSA ODI 11704618

Clicking/rubbing noise when turning slowly. Rear differential issue diagnosed by dealer.

NHTSA ODI 11704122

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

NHTSA ODI 11697734

While my wife was driving to pickup my son from school, the vehicle was stopped at a stoplight and the engine turned off approximately 1 mile after departing the house. After getting the vehicle towed to the dealership because it wouldn’t start, it was determined by the dealership that the engine was seized. The vehicle has 60,500 miles on it and is driven by a suburban woman and has always had all maintenance done at the dealership. The vehicle is parked in our driveway and there are no signs of oil leaks or anything else that would indicate a potential engine failure. This VIN was not recalled with the larger GMC 6.2L engine failure recall, however other 2021 model years were recalled. Recommend immediate expansion of recall due to the unforeseen engine failure while driving with no previous warning lights (oil or check engine) or other indications prior to seizing. This experience indicates that the initial recall was not sufficient enough to locate and identify all of the 6.2L engines affected by the poor quality control issues at GMC.

NHTSA ODI 11692647

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

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 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 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

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

I have again taken my vehicle in for about 8th time trying to get an understanding of why my vehicle vibrates. Again, I was told that the problem could not be duplicated. However, when picking up, I had a discussion with the service manager whom had driven the vehicle as well.. He stated that he felt and heard something from the rear end. I explained that I had the differential fluid change about 2 months ago due to a growling noise when making a left turn. He printed the service bulletin for the differential and put it with my paper. I was told I would receive a call from him the following Monday to bring my truck back in to further investigate because it sounded like the vehicle has a bad rear end. I have not received a call back and have attempted to make contact with service manager twice. My powertrain warranty is almost up and fear that after is when they will finally make a diagnosis of the issue. My engine and transmission vibrates and the whole vehicle shakes when cranking and turning off. This is in addition when driving at any speed. At idle it vibrates and can be felt throughout the entire vehicle. I am afraid that this vehicle is going to stall or fail why traveling with my family. The problem is only getting worst, transmission fluid temperature is starting to rise higher than normal. I am just afraid at this point that I have wasted thousands of dollars on a vehicle and GMC is not willing to fix the problem. I have the L87 and just not understanding with the problems I am having why my truck hasn't been recalled. It was built before 07/2021 when the Arlington plant had to stop make on rear axle drive shaft for propulsion. This truck is a safety hazard. 3rd notice to NHTSA

NHTSA ODI 11673375

My Denali had no previous problems, I pull out of the driveway and I felt a hard Lunge forward without me pushing the gas. Almost like the car accelerated like a hard jerk. I pulled over because I thought I had been hit by another car. After checking no cars around, I pull back out and I felt it again a hard lunge forward. If someone would have been in front of me I would have hit the car in front of me without even pushing the gas. These GMC are dangerous and can’t trust my vehicle. After getting stranded on the road found out the transmission went out. My suv is now being repaired at GMC at my expense. Only had the vehicle 6 months. Recall the transmission.

NHTSA ODI 11671846

Knocking coming from engine, seems like engine failure

NHTSA ODI 11670400