Is the 2021 Gmc YUKON XL reliable?

The 2021 Gmc YUKON XL has 271 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Gmc YUKON XL?

Top problems: ENGINE (132 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (42 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (27 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Gmc YUKON XL?

Yes, there are 12 recall(s): STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE, POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT, SEAT BELTS, SEAT BELTS, SEATS, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE, AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT, SEAT BELTS, SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL. Contact any Gmc dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Gmc YUKON XL?

The 2021 Gmc YUKON XL gets 18 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2667. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Gmc YUKON XL?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Gmc YUKON XL is approximately $1,809/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Gmc YUKON XL

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2021 Gmc YUKON XL has 271 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.4x the segment average of 79. The most common issue is engine problems (49% of all complaints), specifically: 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.. There are 12 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 4 injuries

271

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

3.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

132 complaints

49%

• 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.
• 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 ve
• 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

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“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.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Gmc YUKON XL

Based on 60 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 64K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 60-100K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

Earlier than typicalmedian 21K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 73K mi · 31 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 66K mi · 11 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (12)

STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE17/06/2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.

Risk: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Gmc YUKON XL

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,667

Per month

$222

Per mile

22.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,429/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Gmc YUKON XL

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,809

Full coverage / month

$151

Liability only / year

$626

vs US avg

+8%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1809

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Gmc YUKON XL Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Gmc New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2021 YUKON XL, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 271 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: 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 Dealer
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 12 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)