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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 →

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 9, 2023DE

The front drain tubs of the sunroof are not installed properly and It leaks inside the vehicle the carpet on the car is always wet after raining or when I take it to the car wash, but is not just little water is a lot what is getting inside and I don’t want any electric part get damaged we just buy the vehicle and is frustrating been paying a vehicle’s almost $80,000 with this problem

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 5, 2023FL

1. Fuel pump power control module Code #P129F 2. Sudden stalling of engine at potential high speeds/ dense traffic areas. This created a major safety hazard for a potential FATAL accident. 3. It has been currently confirmed by the dealer Gerry Lane Buick GMC after initial the breakdown it was sent there for investigation. 4. No, It has only been inspected at the dealership in Gerry Lane Buick GMC in Baton Rouge Louisiana. 5. NO warning lamps or symptoms before COMPLETE and INSTANT vehicle failure at NIGHT on 10/1/2023. Additional Information: Please see NHTSA Recall #N212332040 After our own investigation we have found a recall report for the same year make and model for the same issue of the fuel pump power control module. Our VIN was not included in this recall but has the exact issue and year as the recall. This is very dangerous to have these vehicles driving around without the owners knowledge of the potential FATAL Danger.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 25, 2023GA

Vehicle without any warning quit running, had to be towed, 19,400 miles on vehicle. could have had a wreck since I was on a heavily traveled 4 lane highway. Dealer Heyward Allen in Athens Ga. determined that it was the fuel pump and is on national backorder. This would tell me that there are other vehicles with this issue. There was another recall for these types of vehicles that could have also included this one N212332040. GMC could not answer why my vehicle was not included in the recall. GMC has of today done nothing about this issue except to say that the NHTSA issued recalls and they did not. Would not even take responsibility for manufacturing the part.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 2, 2023TX

The suv shown safety message, it was diagnosed with airbag not deployed. This is very important specially for the rear backseat. GMC doesn’t want to be responsible and makes customer pay.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 4, 2023TN

Car lost power while driving at high speed. Luckily was able to coast to the side of a busy controlled access highway. This was the second time for this to happen while driving, first was on a surface road driving at lower speeds. Very first instance was trouble staring the car. This all took place over a month and half. Dealer could never replacate while the had the card the first time. They are saying now that this is due to a failed Fuel Pump Power Control Module, which there has been a recall on but my VIN was not in the recall. There were no warning light that come on before or when this happened. After multiple time trying to start the car the check engine light would come on.

Engine
Filed Apr 11, 2023NV

My family and I were on a road trip to go camping. We were approximately 30 minutes out of town when the engine blew. Lost all electronics and had to drive off to the side of the road. GM roadside would not tow it back to my dealer of choice even though it was approximately the same distance driving it to another state. The dealer in bullhead city, Arizona, installed a new engine and after 10 minutes of running, the new engine seized as well. My vehicle has been down for over 30 days and I still do not have it back. GM is having issues with the 6.2L engines and I have tried to have it repurchased by GM to no avail. What happens when we eventually get this vehicle back, the engine blows and my wife is in traffic as she uses this vehicle as a daily commuter and gets into an accident because the vehicles engine blows again?

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 3, 2023MI

Large fire started at rear of car. Car was parked on driveway and no one was inside. Noticed a burning smell before fire started. Could not locate any smoke. Vehicle rear burst into flames 20 minutes later. Fire department responded quickly and was able to put out the fire before it reached the house. Vehicle is totaled. Vehicle was inspected by fire department and police after fire was extinguished. They believe the fire was electrical. Vehicle is currently being inspected by insurance company. No warning lamps or messages appeared. Rear windshield wiper stopped working 2 weeks prior to fire.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 30, 202320,504 milesMO

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake pedal engaged without warning, then the vehicle proceeded to accelerate independently. As a result, the vehicle inadvertently stopped and jerked forward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,504.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 15, 2023WI

2021 GMC Yukon Headlight condensation with no accidents or exterior factors. Fills up with water and causes light bulbs burnout and safety issues. Reports driver’s side headlight to dealer’s service department. Day light went out followed by headlight and signal. Now passenger side is also developing condensations. Called GMC, and dealer. No solution or explanation of why this happens to a year old car.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 17, 2023FL

Front grill is the Vader chrome and it is peeling off, GM told me there is nothing that can be done and this is a well know issue and is all over the forms. This is due to poor manufacturing quality. A car this expensive should not be having these issues

Engine
Filed Feb 14, 202335,204 milesMA

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted into neutral (N). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a test drive was performed and the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal engine failure and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,204.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 27, 2023NJ

My vehicle lost power while driving on the highway. It was later determined that the fuel pump controller module required replacement. Losing power while driving 65 mph was not enjoyable or safe. The GMC Dealer Service department made the assessment, replaced the module, and the vehicle is now in my possession and functioning as normal. Once I was able to pull over there was a service light. One note... it appears that this Safety recall N212332040, covers my issue. When searching the database with my VIN, this recall did not come up, or was I ever contacted. I am submitting this to make sure that a broader search is performed for this defect.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 17, 2023NV

The vehicle has 22,000 miles on it and is under warranty. The airbag light indicating a malfunction stays on. The vehicle has been to the dealer 2 different times. The dealer indicates the factory(GMC) is working on the problem but has no solution at this time. Researching I have found this to be a problem for years not just the 2021 model. I have asked the questions: do my airbags still work in a collision? Can the airbags inflate by mistake? I’m a grandfather and have young children in the car. Are they safe? No one will give me a firm answer. Know what if I want to sell the vehicle? Can’t do it? Someone needs to make GMC accountable. Peoples lives are at risk with this issue.

Engine
Filed Nov 16, 2022NY

Auto stalled in the middle of the road without any warning light causing life threatening incident auto only has 8000 miles

Engine
Filed Nov 2, 2022TX

GM has consistently failed to deliver safe and reliable vehicles to the american public. I purchased a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali XL and the transmission needs to be replaced completely after the valve body was already replaced once. This issue proves to me that GM is not a reliable and trustworthy brand, with poor business ethics and a track record of having to be bailed out by our very own government for low quality vehicles. I am asking for the Federal department to investigate thoroughly and recall all transmissions that could negatively impact american families. These vehicles are not affordable for the average household and the quality of workmanship does not match the price point. Please find attached a document from GM directly that covers all recalls and previous repairs done to my vehicle. I am now fighting to get my down payment refunded as well as the payments that I have made on my vehicle.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Oct 7, 202215,658 milesAK

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while stopped in traffic, the contact felt the vehicle shaking. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. After several attempts, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and shifted into neutral(N) to move the vehicle to the side of the roadway to safety. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough before losing motive power and stalling. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and fuel pump was replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 15,658.

Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Filed Aug 29, 202217,000 milesND

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 68 MPH, the panoramic sunroof exploded and shattered. The shattered pieces fell onto the shade guard. There were no injuries sustained. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would need to pay a repair fee as the part was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Steering
Filed Aug 24, 2022MN

Upon vehicle startup, dashboard displayed a warning about a problem with the power steering system. I attempted to drive the vehicle, and it appeared the power steering was not functioning. I did not believe I could safely handle the vehicle without the power steering functioning normally. I tried turning the car off briefly and then back on, which did not correct the problem. However, I then turned the car off for approximately 10 minutes. Upon restarting the car after being off for approximately 10 minutes, the error message was gone and the power steering functioned normally.

WheelsCrash
Filed Aug 18, 2022NC

The OEM tires, Bridgestone ALENZA A/S 02 - SIZE: 275/50R22 hydroplane and have very poor wet traction. Why traveling at low speeds , under 40mph in moderate rain, the vehicle will owe control.

Power Train
Filed Aug 1, 2022TX

While traveling at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly and without warning lost power. All gauges remained in the normal range. After pulling on to the shoulder of a highway and turning the vehicle off, the vehicle would not start. After being towed the dealership, the vehicle would not power up. Dealership checked DTCS and found code P0016 Crankshaft Position Sensor and Intake/Single Camshaft Position Sensor Correlation. Dealership inspected wiring for chaffing and tested camshaft position sensor circuitry and all found in normal condition. Dealership followed document ID: 5646662 diagnostic procedure inspecting camshaft position sensor and camshaft actuator solenoid valve for incorrect installation or damage. While inspecting, dealership found internal engine bearing material in oil indicating internal mechanical failure. Dealership removed engine oil pan and #1 and #2 connecting rods and found bearings spun causing catastrophic engine failure. Crankshaft main bearing cap #3 also found discolored from extreme heat. Dealership then followed bulletin #22-NA-074 for replacement of engine oil, cooler lines and engine oil cooler after connecting rod and main bearing damage The vehicle only had 17,067 miles.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 24, 2022WA

The vehicle had a total failure of its rear safety package which includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors and rear safety alert. The warning illuminated on the dash that all of these functions were offline and service was needed. We took the Yukon to a GM dealer and they replaced a computer and had a hard time getting it to program. This failure also affected the HVAC system in the car, with the fan staying on high. After 23 days of service, the dealer thought they fixed it. After two weeks of having the vehicle back the same alert came on 5-6 times in the same day, with another safety package failure. Now the alert doesn’t come on but none of those safety features work, they are all offline. It is bad enough driving a 20’ long vehicle without the safety package working, but now it is worse in that the car doesn’t alert you to the fact it isn’t working and you might not remember that it is defective. This could cause a collision on the highway or result in the driver backing into something or someone, relying on this technology.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking3 injured
Filed Feb 1, 2022OH

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, while driving from Columbia, SC to Cincinnati, we were heading northwest through the mountains of North Carolina, on I-40, just east of the TN border. Traffic was fairly steady and heavy, so we were traveling at approximately 45 MPH, in the right lane, winding through the mountains. Our friend, ** ***** was driving, my wife, ********* *****, was sitting in the right front passenger seat, working on her laptop, and I was sitting immediately behind her, also working on my laptop. With a semi-trailer truck slowing ahead of us, *** signaled to make a lane change into the left lane (this is only a two lane highway). As we were transitioning to the left lane, the vehicle suddenly – without any warning or driver inputs – slammed on its brakes, bringing the truck to a sudden and violent stop. Given the violent halting of the truck, we all assumed we had been rear-ended by a truck. The braking was so serious, luggage from the rear of the vehicle shot forward like a missile, striking my wife in the back of the head. She suffered what we believe to be a concussion, and she did seek medical attention in the days following the incident. Sitting behind her, the sudden stopping action caused me to twist my left knee, resulting in what might be a cartilage tear. I also saw my physician in the days following, and he acknowledged the swelling of the left knee. He advised me to monitor the knee carefully, and if the pain persists, to get an MRI. The pain has not

Engine
Filed Jan 11, 2022TX

I was traveling on the highway and the vehicle started to jolt, sputter and speed acceleration was reduced in a highly congested area with little room to maneuver. I had to quickly shift lanes and get off at the first exit I could as I figure out what the issue was. I immediately contacted my Dealership and they were able to get me an emergency appointment so my vehicle could be inspected that day. After the Dealers analysis they said that a lifter needed to be replaced. I have a brand new vehicle with less than 8,611 miles on it. The lifter issue puzzled me so I went to the GMC Yukon message and sure enough there are ALOT of 2021 Yukon/Tahoe owners that have had this exact same issue with even worse stories than mine.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 15, 2021GA

I was driving 30 mph when the car went into neutral and rolled to a stop. When I put on the brakes the engine shut off and it went into park. It would not restart or shift out of park . I was stuck in an active busy road. The car was towed to the dealer. They said it was a problem with the BCM. GMC had put out a bullletin which was to reprogram the BCM. My concern is that if this had happened on a busy interstate in traffic at highway speeds the results could have been fatal.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 9, 2021CA

Make left turn and distracted by kids in the back. Looked back and felt a crash. Collided with a traffic signal pole and caused major/total damage to vehicle. Driver side airbag DID NOT deploy causing injury to neck, shoulder, and lower back.

Engine
Filed Jun 24, 2021AR

Our vehicle had a warning light of traction system not working - we were told to take to nearest dealer that springs with the valves were faulty and lifters not working. Took it to Everett in Benton, AR. Took two weeks to get the parts to fix. Told this was a problem. We had 4000 miles on the vehicle. Yesterday, it happened again. Told by Cowboy in Heber Springs, AR where we bought the vehicle they had six in their shop with same problem. They advised that our vehicle would have to be towed. GMC does not think it is a safety issue but it is - the vehicle slows down and there is little power to drive. Yesterday I was pulling a bass boat and only made it home with great difficulty. This problem that seems to be prevalent with all the 2021 Denalis needs to be investigated before someone gets hurt or killed. First incident was May 2, 2021 and second (after allegedly being fixed) was June 23, 2021.

Suspension
Filed Apr 1, 20212,050 milesNY

VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER WITH GM INVOLVEMENT STARTING JANUARY 6TH AND IT HAS BEEN OUT OF THE REPAIR FACILITY FOR LESS THAN 2 WEEKS UP TO TODAY, 4/1/2021. THE VEHICLE HAS AN ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT HAS NOT ONLY FAILED, BUT HAS CONTINUED TO FAIL AFTER MULTIPLE REPAIR ATTEMPTS. THERE SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THIS NEW ADAPTIVE SUSPENSION, SPECIFICALLY WHEN THE 'VEHICLE ACCESS' OPTION IS TOGGLED IN THE SETTINGS. THIS HAS CAUSED MULTIPLE SAFETY WARNINGS; 'VEHICLE TOO HIGH, DRIVE SLOWLY VEHICLE UNSAFE' AND 'VEHICLE TOO LOW, DRIVE SLOWLY, VEHICLE UNSAFE'. DEALER AND GM HAVE REPLACES MILLIE PARTS, SOFTWARE AND SENSORS, TO NO AVAIL. THE MAJOR CONCERN IS THAT MOST OWNERS DON'T REALIZE THE RISK AND THIS IS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN WHICH COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENTS. MY VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED IN AT THE LAST RESURGENCE BECAUSE IT WAS NOT IN AS STATE TO BE DRIVEN. THE SUSPENSION COLLAPSED AFTER HAVING 35 DAYS IN THE SHOP. IT SEEMS THAT THE SOFTWARE AND THE SYSTEM AREN'T PROPERLY FUNCTIONING/DESIGNED. THIS COULD BE ENDEMIC IN EVERY DENALI, OR OTHER GM VEHICLE WITH THIS SYSTEM, THAT ENABLES THE AUTOMOTIVE ACCESS (VEHICLE LOWERS WHEN IN PARK). THIS ISSUE OCCURRED WHILE PARKED AND WHILE DRIVING, BOTH LOCALLY AND HIGHWAY. THE SCARIEST WAS WHEN I WAS DRIVING TO THE DEALER AND THE SUSPENSION STARTED BOUNCING CAUSING ME TO GO NO MORE THAN 40MPH ON THE INTERSTATE TO THE DEALER.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 31, 2021100 milesNC

I'VE OWNED OVER A DOZEN GM TRUCKS OVER THE LAST 20+ YEARS AND THIS MODEL IS THE WORST EVER! MY COMPLAINT: GM TOOK AWAY THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS ON THE SIDE MIRRORS. THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS ON THE DASH ARE TOO SMALL AND LOCATED WITH MANY OTHER LIGHTS/INDICATORS, SO THEY CANNOT BE SEEN QUICKLY NOR 'EASILY' AND CAN'T BE HEARD UNDER NORMAL TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. THIS CREATES AN INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH DRIVER DISTRACTION TRYING TO SEE IF A TURN SIGNAL HAS BEEN ACTIVATED AND INCREASES THE RISK OF VEHICLES NEXT TO THE TRUCK NOT EXPECTING A LANE CHANGE IF THEY ARE AHEAD OF THE TAIL LIGHTS. NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, I'VE ALMOST RUN INTO ADJACENT VEHICLES I COULDN'T 'SEE' BECAUSE THE BLIND SPOT WARNING SYSTEM DOES NOT DETECT VEHICLES WELL ENOUGH TO AVOID TURNING INTO THEM AND ALSO BECAUSE I WAS DISTRACTED TRYING TO SEE THE TURN INDICATOR ON THE DASHBOARD, OOK INTO THE SIDE MIRRORS AND WATCH MY DISTANCE TO CARS IN FRONT OF ME. THE TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS ON THE MIRRORS ON THE PRIOR MODEL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED DRIVER DISTRACTIONS AND INCREASED SAFETY TO THE DRIVER, PASSENGERS AND ADJACENT VEHICLES. GM MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR REMOVING SAFETY FEATURES! THEY MUST BE FORCED TO REPLACE THE MIRRORS WITH ONES THAT HAVE TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS IN THEM LIKE ON PRIOR MODEL YEARS. IF IT'S NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, WHY DID THEY HAVE THE INDICATORS IN THE MIRRORS BEFORE?? REMOVING THE MIRROR SIGNAL LIGHTS WAS OBVIOUSLY A SICK WAY FOR GM TO SAVE A FEW DOLLA

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2021150 milesNC

GM CHANGED THE TRAVEL OF THE STEERING COLUMN SO NOW IT'S ONLY A FEW INCHES FROM THE DASHBOARD. IN PRIOR MODELS, THE STEERING WHEEL (SW) TRAVEL WAS MUCH MORE. DUE TO GM'S DESIRE TO SAVE MONEY AND COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR DRIVER, PASSENGER AND OTHER VEHICLES SAFETY, THE DRIVER HAS TO REACH OUT TO THE SW RESULTING AT DANGEROUS ELBOW ANGLES. IN PERFORMANCE CARS, THE SW IS DESIGNED TO BE CLOSE TO THE DRIVER BECAUSE PHYSICS PRINCIPLES OF TORQUE REVEAL: THE GREATER THE ANGLE OF REACH, THE MORE TORQUE IT REQUIRES TO TURN THE SW. SO REACHING OUT WITH THE ELBOW AT ZERO TO 10 DEGREES REQUIRES A MUCH LONGER REACH, THUS GREATER FORCE/TORQUE AND LONGER REACTION TIME, THAN HAVING THE SW AT A 30-40 DEGREE 'ELBOW BEND'. THE POINT IS, FOR A DRIVER TO TURN THE SW ON THIS VEHICLE, IT TAKES TOO MUCH STRENGTH AND TOO LONG A REACTION TIME TO SAFELY OPERATE IT. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS MODEL LIKE I DID WITH PRIOR MODEL YEARS. WITH THIS 'LAND YACHT' HAVING AN EVEN LONGER WHEELBASE THAN BEFORE, THE DISTANCE TO THE SW IS EVEN MORE CRITICAL IN REGARDS TO REACTION TIME AND SAFE DRIVING! PLUS, SINCE THE SW IS SO CLOSE TO THE DASHBOARD, WHEN I RAISE MY LEG TO STEP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL (WHICH NOW I HAVE TO DO BECAUSE GM ALSO TOOK AWAY THE FOOT PEDAL ADJUSTER!), MY LEG HITS THE BOTTOM OF THE SW! THE TIME IT NOW TAKES TO BRING A FOOT UP OVER THE BRAKE PEDAL, TO LOOK DOWN TO SEE IF YOUR LEG IS GOING TO HIT THE SW AND CAUSE THE SW TO EITHER STOP MOVING OR RE-DIRECT THE VEHICLE INTO AN UNPLANNED DIRECTION, AL

Engine
Filed Nov 2, 202052 milesCA

WITH ONLY 52 MILES (2-DAYS OLD), I WAS DRIVING HOME WHEN I HEARD A KNOCK. THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL LOWERED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. I WAS LEFT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC UNABLE TO MOVE THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE LOCATION. NEUTRAL WOULD NOT WORK EITHER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE GMC DEALERSHIP, THEY KNEW EXACTLY WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR, BROKEN SPRINGS IN THE ENGINE. APPARENTLY THEY SENT A NOTICE STATING THAT THE ENGINE SPRINGS WERE BREAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALERSHIP ONLY OFFERED TO REPLACE THE 2 BROKEN SPRINGS, NOT ALL OF THEM SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS BUILT AFTER THE DATE NOTED FOR HAVING ISSUES. THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ME WITH ANY PAPERWORK ABOUT THE SERVICE. I'M NOT SURE HOW THIS COMPANY CAN GET AWAY WITH SELLING VEHICLES THEY KNOW HAVE ISSUES WITH FAULTY PARTS.

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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