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2021 GMC Yukon XL complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2021 record →

Engine
Filed May 1, 2025OH

The lifters in the engine are failing

Engine
Filed Apr 30, 2025KS

Engine failed while driving on interstate. Vehicle could not be put in neutral because engine has to be running to shift. Difficult to tow. 4 hours away from home. Took to nearest dealer. Hit by hail storm sitting on dealer lot with $8000 hail damage. Still making payments and have no vehicle to drive.

Engine
Filed Apr 28, 2025FL

We were driving on the interstate and the car completely shut off. It went to the 'restart engine' screen. My husband put it in neutral and tried to coast off the interstate almost getting hit by cars going 70+ mph. Cars were swerving not to hit us as we coasted across three lanes. One car almost hit another car because they quickly tried to go around us because of our decreasing speed and made that car swerve into the other lane. We ended up only inches off the right lane. We had 2 teenagers and our 1 year old baby in the car with us in the Florida heat. Sitting in that car was truly traumatizing because every semi that passed us, the whole car was shaking because we were so close to the line. I just knew that someone was going to veer off inches and wipe us completely out. Because the engine just shut off, we barely made it off the road so cars were honking at us because they knew the danger we were in not being far enough off the shoulder. We all had to climb out the doors on the right because opening the left side doors would be in the right lane of the interstate. There we sat for 2 hours in 99 degree weather with a 1 year old (who also got bit by ants being in the high grassy area off the interstate) waiting for a tow truck to pick up the Yukon to tow it in to a location that isn't even where we live. We had to wait on someone to come pick us up that could hold 5 people and a car seat plus all of our sports equipment that we had for our tournament that weekend that we w

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 28, 202524,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the low engine oil warning light was illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the lifters and camshafts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the VIN was included in the recall; however, the contact had not yet received a notification. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 26, 2025NY

I was driving on a highway at speeds of 65 mph and the engine stalled on the left lane. I almost got struck by a tracker trailer. The dealer supposedly fixed the issue and a few months went by and the vehicle died again engine failure in middle of the highway.

Engine
Filed Apr 23, 2025WA

I am writing to express my concern regarding a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon. Recently, while driving, I experienced a sudden surge in power. About five minutes later, when attempting to shift into reverse, the vehicle would not respond. I tried multiple times with no success. Afterward, while driving it briefly around the block, it made a clunking sound, which raised further concern. Ultimately, I had to call a tow truck, and the vehicle was taken to George Gee GMC in Liberty Lake, Washington. Unfortunately, the next day the dealership was unable to duplicate the issue. There were no warning messages on the screen at the time of the incident, and no diagnostic codes were found, so they could not move forward with any repair. I later discovered that this exact issue is addressed in Technical Service Bulletin N242454441-02. However, I was informed that my VIN is not included in the special coverage, despite my vehicle being the same year and equipped with the same transmission mentioned in the bulletin. I am deeply concerned that this problem could happen again—possibly while I am driving in Canada, transporting my children, or in a location where calling a tow truck would be very difficult. My safety and my family’s safety are at risk, and frankly, I am now anxious about driving a vehicle I used to trust. I also have an extended warranty, but when I contacted GM service, I was told that unless the problem can be duplicated, it would not be covered. This is extremely fr

Engine
Filed Apr 22, 2025LA

With no warning, the engine died in my vehicle. I was in the middle of a busy intersection at red light with my children. No sensors ever indicated there was a problem. The car could not be put into neutral so it couldn’t be moved until a tow truck came.

Power Train
Filed Apr 18, 202580,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 3-5 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly shifted to neutral, and the vehicle stalled immediately. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the engine was on backorder. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Engine
Filed Apr 15, 2025MT

Driving on the highway going 65 mph the engine started making a ticking noise and all of the sudden the car died and barely made it to the shoulder and after that the car wouldn’t start or nothing. Now the dealership had the car for a couple weeks already and still no update on when it’s getting fixed

Engine
Filed Apr 14, 2025TX

The engine failed, specifically the internal engine rod, which apparently came unhinged and caused extensive internal damage. This led to a complete engine failure. The failure was sudden and extreme. The vehicle is currently located at a GMC dealership and remains available for inspection if needed. The dealership also provided oil samples and internal findings to GM for further review.This failure put my safety and my children’s safety at serious risk. I regularly drive this vehicle alone with my children to remote areas—one of the main reasons I purchased this vehicle was because it is marketed as safe, reliable, and built for families. The engine shut off twice while driving before I could get it to a shop, and I was very fortunate it didn't happen on the highway or in a location where I couldn’t pull over safely. Had this occurred at high speeds or in heavy traffic, it could have resulted in a crash or left us stranded in a dangerous situation.Yes. The issue was first diagnosed as catastrophic engine failure by an independent auto shop. They advised me to take the vehicle directly to the GMC dealer. Once inspected, the GMC dealership confirmed full engine failure, radiator failure, and additional issues. They explicitly told me not to drive the vehicle again due to the severity of the internal engine damage. The vehicle is still at their shop- three weeks later. I’m not sure if the manufacturer (GM) has physically inspected the vehicle. However, the dealership has submit

Power Train
Filed Apr 14, 2025MN

Vehicle wont go in reverse and skips gears and an error came up to reduce acceleration. - Valve body Control assembly needing to be replaced.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 9, 202575,000 milesOR

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that only one side of the engine lifters replacement was covered. The vehicle was repaired accordingly. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 55-60 MPH, the engine started shuddering. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The messages "Service ESC", "Forward Collision System Unavailable", "System Failure", and other unknown messages were displayed. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine was blown and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 9, 2025CA

On [XXX], my wife and our children were driving back home from Barstow when the vehicle stalled on the [XXX] freeway near Colton, CA. While driving at approximately 50–65 mph, we heard a clanking noise coming from the engine, followed by multiple warning and maintenance lights illuminating on the dash. The vehicle then lost all acceleration power and shut off, leaving my wife and children stranded in the middle lane of moving traffic. All of this happened in a matter of seconds. This situation quickly became a life-threatening incident. Vehicles, including large semi-trucks, were swerving and honking to avoid colliding with our stalled Yukon. Fearing for my family’s safety, I was forced to exit the vehicle in the middle of traffic and physically push the Yukon to the side of the freeway, while trying to keep my wife and children calm inside the vehicle. The panic and distress this caused my family—especially my wife, whose anxiety skyrocketed—is beyond unacceptable. Highway law enforcement arrived and remained there until we were able to get a safety tow off the freeway and out to a service shop with GMC. Just before that, we had received our vehicle back on February 20th, 2025 after being with the GMC dealership since January 3rd, 2025, for engine replacement. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Apr 2, 2025SC

The transmission went out. Torque converter put metal all through the transmission. While driving at highway speeds in traffic almost got rear ended

Power Train
Filed Apr 2, 2025SC

The 6.2 engine started ticking now. It needs to be rebuilt. It's ridiculous. We service it every 3000 miles. Our 2017 Sierra had a valve stick that ruined the cam. It has the same 6.2 engine with only 78,000 miles on it.

Engine
Filed Apr 1, 2025IL

Complete engine failure due to lifters going bad in return had to replace the entire thing

Engine
Filed Mar 31, 2025AZ

Months after a bought the car brand new my engine failed, GMC took months to replace the engine leaving me without a car for months, while paid out of pocket for a rental. Further I’ve had numerous transmission issues that and other issues leaving the car in the dealership shop for months.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 27, 2025TX

I was driving with my [XXX] son and my car just stalled out in the middle of the road. I couldn’t start it and we were stuck in the middle of the road. My husband arranged for a tow and the repair shop (safe auto repair Mont Belvieu) told me that this type of thing they have seen a lot of. The fuel pump power control module needed to be repaired and they said when that happens it sometimes shorts out the fuel pump system too. They said they had to repair 4 like this already during the week. My neighbor said the exact same thing happened to her friend gmc at4 a month ago and was also driving and the car just stopped. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Mar 25, 202548,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while operating the vehicle on a cold day, the windshield wiper fluid failed to spray from the windshield wiper nozzle and the windshield and window could not be cleaned while driving. The contact stated that the failure was present with the front windshield and rear glass and had created a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 48,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 4, 2025TX

Driving on a highway at 70 MPH then vehicle shut off / lost all power (with my kids in the car!!). Luckily we made it across three lanes of traffic to the shoulder. Got the vehicle to the dealership where they said they found large amounts of metal shavings in my engine. The engine was replaced but I am still nervous when office that it could happen again. I’m in a Facebook group where people are continually reporting the same thing happening to them. I bought this large vehicle to transport my kids and this is an extreme safety hazard (not only for us but those driving around us). This happened when I only had approximately 18,000 miles on the vehicle. Pretty much still brand new. Since then, I recently had to have the belt replaced again and the rear differentials flushed for loud grinding noises.

Engine
Filed Feb 28, 2025UT

Our family of 6 were traveling home on the Freeway, from a family road trip going about 75 mph. The engine revved up and then the entire car all electronics went black. And then flashed back on. A warning told me to "Start Engine" I attempted to, and it would not turn over. I was able to get to the shoulder to get us out of the hi-speed traffic. I put our hazards on, and the "Start Engine" warning popped up again. I attempted to start the engine again and it wouldn't turn over. All the warnings started to flash things like "check transmission, check battery.." etc. We asked our kids to stay buckled, because of the hi-speed traffic, and that it was dark outside, and we were in more of rural area. We called the nearest tow company, and had to wait about 30-40 minutes for him to get to us. The tow truck operator was not able to get the car in neutral to be able to get the Yukon on to the tow truck, he eventually got it on. The next morning the Service Tech called and said the car was completely dead when he got to it. Then, he called me later in the day and said he was able to look at the vehicle and run diagnostics and said the engine had seized. My car is less than 4 years old and had 66k miles. I had it serviced right before our family road trip at 64k miles. We have been the only owners and have always serviced it through GMC Service Centers Only. *Note*We had complained multiple times of a squeaking/chirping noise coming from the engine. Since we first received it. The serv

Engine
Filed Feb 28, 2025TN

We purchased our 2021 GMC Yukon used from a dealership 1 year ago with zero issues. 3 days ago out of no where there is a very loud squeaking sound in the front under the hood. No engine or warning lights just the sound. We had a mechanic check it and a part inside the tansmission is broke. NOT fixable, MUST be replaced.......

Engine
Filed Feb 25, 2025AZ

My wife was driving down the road with my Daughter and the engine simply stopped running without warning. She was able to coast to a stop on the side of the road and engage her hazard lights. When she tried to restart the engine it just cranked but never started. We had it towed to a mechanic and the mechanic told us that the engine is seized and we likely need a new engine, total cost of over $20,000. This vehicle should not be having this type of issue at 70,000 miles. If they were on a busy highway in the middle of rush hour it would have been a very dangerous situation.

Engine
Filed Feb 24, 2025IL

Car shutdown and shifted on its own down to neutral from drive. Was driving on highway. Never was able to shift to another gear after pulling over. Computer board was completely blank. Engine would never restart. This is the second engine to go out in this vehicle.

Engine
Filed Feb 19, 2025NC

On [XXX] while driving my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali to work, the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning. I had it towed to the dealership, where I was informed that the fuse pack needed replacement. Less than 36 hours after getting my vehicle back, I experienced another critical failure—while driving, the traction control light and check engine light came on, and the engine began making a loud clacking noise. Upon returning it to the dealership, I was told that the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. Prior to this incident, my Yukon had no known mechanical issues. However, despite the vehicle being only three years old and under GMC’s 5-year/60,000-mile PowerTrain warranty, the failure occurred at 65,722 miles—just over the coverage limit. GMC has acknowledged nearly 900,000 reported issues related to this engine defect, yet instead of issuing a full recall, I was only offered 60% coverage, leaving me with over $5,000 in out-of-pocket costs for an issue that is clearly a widespread manufacturing defect. I purchased this vehicle for its reputation of reliability and safety, especially as the primary mode of transportation for my family of five, with no nearby relatives to rely on. Given the known defects, it is unacceptable that GMC has failed to take full responsibility. I am formally requesting that GMC cover the full cost of the engine replacement and issue a recall to prevent other consumers from experiencing the same failure. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUA

Engine
Filed Feb 10, 2025FL

Car shakes in drive, car shakes when accelerating, transmission issues, rear differential had to be replaced.

Engine
Filed Feb 8, 2025AZ

I was driving down the highway when the engine started making a very loud rattling noise. I was able to almost get out of the travel lane. The engine does not restart and is seized. The temperature was 10°f and the closest two was 3 hours away and the vehicle was partially blocking the 2 lane highway on the right side. Unknown inspection status by manufacturer. There was no warning light at any time even after the shutdown. The symptom of the intense loud rattling occurred approximately 60 seconds before complete failure. Just enough time to get to a pull out off a bridge.

Power Train
Filed Jan 30, 202563,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the local dealer for further investigation. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V839000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 29, 2025IL

On or about September 28 while traveling N on US 67 it was necessary to stop at a construction stop light. As I started to accelerate a pinging started. I continued roughly 10 miles, to my daughters house. The truck was flat bedded back to Jones Auto Center in Monmouth Ill. The found a bent push rod and bad lifter in the #1 Cyl. Repairs were done per the attached Invoice. Milage was 103,000. On 11/5/2024 while traveling on US 116 @ 65+-MPH the engine froze, with instant stoppage. Flatbedded to Myler Automotive where the engine was replaced per the attached Invoices. Milage was 105907.

Engine
Filed Jan 23, 2025SC

Engine is consuming 3qt oil every 1,000 miles. Has been consuming oil since 34,000 mile mark and the transmission has been slipping where it revs very high before downshifting. GM has asked for an oil consumption test to be done and now we are 9,000 plus miles into it and they still say it's fine. This car is not worth the price. I can't even take it out of town due to needing the oil consumption every thousand miles by GM request. Complained about engine knocking at 22,000 miles and they said it was normal and I know it's not

Power Train
Filed Jan 23, 2025ID

We purchased a new 2021 GMC Yukon Denali in July 2021.We have had continuous issues with the truck starting almost immediately after we purchased it and ending with a catastrophic engine failure despite only have ~81,000 miles on it. Even more concerning is that the engine failed while my two of my children were driving with 3 of their friends. The car seized up in the middle of a busy road while driving 55 mph. The kids had to coast to the side of a busy road where they exited the vehicle and waited for a tow truck. Despite regular oil changes and maintenance, we have experienced non-stop problems with the truck * Aug 2022 (29,470 miles): Engine wire chaffing relating to the fuel pressure sensor. Transmission slipping. * Oct 2022 (34,220 miles): “Grinding noises” related to brakes. Faulty brake sensor and brake replacement. * Nov 2022 (35,954 miles): Continued “grinding noises” * May 2023 (51,163 miles): Continued “grinding noises” which were again “shrugged off” by the dealership despite us bringing in the truck for the 3rd time related to this issue. Transmission slipping (transmission torn down, clutch assembly replaced, etc.) * Oct 2023 (62,365 miles): Continued “grinding noises” (4th time bringing the truck in for this reason). * Sep 2024 (81,000 miles): Catastrophic engine failure while driving on a busy road at 55 mph. Based on discussions with a wide range of mechanics, dealerships, shops, individuals within the automative industry, we have come to understand that th

Engine
Filed Jan 23, 202560,000 milesKS

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off with the message to restart the vehicle displayed. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle after several attempts; however, the failure reoccurred soon after the vehicle was restarted. Due to the failure, the vehicle was initially towed to a dealer but was later towed to an independent mechanic. The mechanic performed a diagnostic test and diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle remained in the possession of the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 20, 2025LA

On Friday, [XXX] at approximately [XXX], my family was traveling on [XXX] at [XXX} in Colorado. Our 2021 Yukon Denali XL all of a sudden shut down without warning while going up the mountain at a spot where there was no shoulder. The car would not restart despite multiple attempts. We called 911 several times and waited in the lane of interstate traffic for approximately 45 minutes for emergency vehicles to arrive to block the lane. It was one of the most harrowing experiences of our lives. Our car was nearly hit five times by semi-trucks and cars that could not change lanes fast enough, and all we could do was put our flashers on, honk the horn at incoming cars, and tell our four children to lean back in the seat and prepare for impact. When the tow truck arrived, they could not get the car in neutral and the tow truck had to winch the Yukon on the flatbed to tow it. The car was towed to Raton, New Mexico. The mechanic said that he tried to put a bar on the engine and turn it over but it would not move. The vehicle is still at the mechanic’s shop in Raton, New Mexico. I am in the process of trying to get it towed to a GMC dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Jan 18, 2025SC

We were driving on the interstate outside of Chattanooga TN when our car went into neutral while we were in the left hand lane next to a 18 wheeler. My husband was driving and we have our four children and dog in the car. We lost acceleration. My husband was successful in getting us off the highway and onto the shoulder. The car started again and we tried to make it to the next exit when it went into neutral again and lost power. This was on [XXX]. We had it towed to the nearest dealer, Integrity Motors. They called us and said that it threw a rod and that the engine was broken and the whole engine would need to be replaced. After replacing the engine (it took 2 months) we picked the car up only to have the engine light come on. I took it to Autozone where they ran the codes and told me that the fuel injectors were bad and possibly the intake manifold gasket. I called Chattanooga and they told me that I should take it to the nearest GMC dealer. Parks GMC in Greenville inspected the car and we had to put in 8 fuel injectors. I have documentation of all of these issues. There was no warning light or any warning that our engine was about to shut down. We could have been in a serious wreck with the 18 wheeler with possible loss of life or injury. We have had significant financial loss. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine
Filed Jan 17, 2025VA

Our 6.2L failed unexpectedly after regular maintenance. No warning, just the sound of knocking in the engine then loss of power and bad sounds from the engine. Stranded on side of road. GM wants to replace the entire engine without opening engine, claiming lower engine damage. Technicians say this is spun rod bearing problem that is very common. Dangerous and poor quality.

Engine
Filed Dec 23, 2024MD

Engine failure of lifters and piston rings at 58000 miles. Engine failure at highway speeds causing complete loss of power on highway. It is completely unacceptable to have such catastrophic engine failure on such a new vehicle.

Suspension
Filed Nov 29, 2024FL

GMC currently has bulletin out on the issue and how to fix it. unfortunately this doesn't not fix it and I am going to have to replace my whole rear differential at only 60,500 miles. Gmc is well aware of the situation and has not done a recall. The fix the bulletin proposes would not work and there was over and inch of metal shaving found. This is a huge issue in the specific vehicle and the part to replace the rear differential isn't even available (national backorder with no ETA) leaving customers without a vehicle or solution for their faulty issues. GMC should be liable for their negligence and putting customers in potential harm if the vehicle is continued to be driven with a failing rear differential. The vehicle did not prompt any warning messages but the grinding sound was very loud. Bulletin No.: 21-NA-028 Date: January, 2023

Engine
Filed Nov 24, 2024MA

Our 2021 GMC Yukon XL for the third time now has shifted from Drive to Neutral and then turned off on us on the highway. The first time GM changed the motor (at approximately 35,000 miles), the second time was about a month ago we were at the White Mountains and it shut off on a highway, the third time was yesterday [XXX] (with 61,057 miles), my wife and I were driving on [XXX] in Massachusetts and when I accelerated the vehicle shifted from Drive to Neutral and then shut off on me. This vehicle is not safe and on all of these three occasions I have been lucky not to be hit and have been the driver. I am a trained and professional driver and I must state that this vehicle is not safe at all. I need to find a solution to this with General Motors. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 20, 2024FL

The wiper system turns off randomly when it’s raining…. It’s been taken in to the dealer multiple times but no changes made. Doesn’t matter if auto sensing is on or off.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module
Filed Sep 3, 202463,000 milesFL

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start up. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump power control module was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
Filed Sep 1, 2024CO

The chest clip button is not difficult to open. The chest clip is a button on this carseat instead of a buckle. My child, who will be 2 years old this month, has been able to unbuckle the chest clip for months now. I am concerned if an accident occurs and the chest clip is unbuckled, he will get seriously injured.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 5, 2024FL

On [XXX] I brought my vehicle to Rivard Buick GMC with a squeaking noise that was check and attempted to be repair four times at the same location. They provided a quote for $2,309.10 stating it was the Master Cylinder. Rick the Services director said it was not cover under warranty and it need it to be cover by me, at that point I explain to him the vehicle has been in and out of his services department for the same issue since it had 20,000 miles. 1st time-They replaced the front brake pad stating GM had a defect on them (Noise went away for a few thousand miles) 2nd time- They apply conditioner to the brake and lubricant so they say (noise went away for a few thousand miles) 3rd time- They said it was not the front brakes anymore making the noise. They said warranty did not cover rear brakes due to GM not flagging it as defected pad. I complained the noise was coming from the front of the vehicle but they insisted it was the rear so I paid $500 plus to get the rear brakes at 60% life left on them. At the time of picking up the vehicle after repair completed the noise came back within a few miles from the dealer. I returned to the dealer and spoke with the Services Manager Troy, he apologized for the inconvenience and said they will take care the front brake at no cost to me, however they submitted a claim to GM to get the work done and kept my money when they misdiagnosed the issue. 4th time- Noise comes back at this point the warranty it's expired and they tell me it's th

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 7, 202416,448 milesWA

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) message was displayed. During the failure the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the NOX sensor, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,448.

Electrical System
Filed May 17, 202455,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL. The contact stated that during rainy weather, rainwater leaked into the vehicle through the drainage hose, causing an electrical short. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was confirmed that the drainage hose and wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Mar 27, 2024MO

Our rear seat belts no longer retract after unbuckling. We do not know if they will work in the case of an accident as they will not even retract their own weight after unbuckling.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 5, 2024TX

While driving my check engine light came on indicating that service was needed on the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), brake assist the vehicle top speed reduced to 43mph. My braking system was compromised and I have to travel at reduced speeds on busy roadways to arrive at my destinations. I have taken the vehicle to a certified GMC technician for diagnostics and repair.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 16, 2024MA

I was driving on a normal local highway and my car started to slow and an indicator to 'press start' to restart the engine came up. I tried to do that and the engine wouldn't turn over. My car sputtered to a stop during rush hour traffic as I was able to drift over to side of the road. The car wouldn't start after that, waiting for 10-20 minutes and re-trying wouldn't work either. I had to have it towed and am now awaiting a fuel pump module that is on back order. No warnings to me that it would happen and I fear that this could have happened on the highway at high speeds, causing a crash. My car is a large SUV that takes a lot to stop, the car just sputtering and dying is unacceptable. I see my car wasn't included in the recall of this issue back in 2021, but I believe it was manufactured during the impacted window and I took deliver in May of 2021 of the new car. I think more cars should be recalled to prevent this from happening to other people. Very scary when it happens and the alternative situations it can happen in, especially for such a large vehicle that typically is carrying multiple passengers.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Dec 27, 2023AZ

Breaking system engages at high-speed for no reason. Very scary incident Breaking system engages at slow speed also for no reason.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Dec 19, 2023IA

Driving down the interstate at 70mph and it randomly slams on the brakes. At about 45mph it let's loose and speeds back up. There's never anything in front of the car and it does it a few times a week. Usually throws everything on the floor that was on the seats and scares the hell out of anyone inside the vehicle. Waiting for it to do it with a semi behind us that can't stop as fast!

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 1, 202321,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH during a rainstorm, the front windshield wipers suddenly failed operate, causing the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 21,000.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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