2021 GMC Yukon XL transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 24V797000Oct 24, 2024463,295 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY

  General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.

  Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

• Recall 22V036000Jan 27, 20221,789 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

  General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.

  Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. 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 N212351030.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026INTransmission & Drivetrain

   Rear wheel lock up for a slight second and then down shifted and revved way up to high RPM then went into reduced power. then slowed down and had to drive about 15 miles an hour. to shop mechanic.

   NHTSA complaint #11768123 · source
2. Filed Sep 22, 2026MOTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving the vehicle on a roadtrip in Missouri, the engine lost power and had a flashing check engine light. Upon diagnosis by three different technicians, the 6.2L Engine needs replaced after only 123000 miles. The lifters and camshaft have failed. This is a known safety issue and numerous recalls have been implemented, but my high end Denali is mysteriously absent from the recall. This is unsafe and unsatisfactory.

   NHTSA complaint #11766052 · source
3. Filed Sep 1, 2026ILEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle is equipped with the 6.2L L87 V8 engine. Prior to receiving the dealer service for Recall 25V-274, the vehicle experienced a distinct highway vibration, powertrain shudder, and fluctuating/jumping RPMs on the highway. The dealer subsequently performed the recall remedy by updating the vehicle to the thicker 0W-40 oil specification. However, the underlying transmission torque converter had already suffered catastrophic failure due to the powertrain stress/shudder and…

   NHTSA complaint #11761330 · source
4. Filed Aug 24, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   2022 GMC Yukon XL suffered catastrophic transmission failure at approximately 87,000 miles. An ASE-certified transmission repair facility determined that the torque converter failed, resulting in transmission damage requiring over $7,000 in repairs. GM declined any assistance solely because the repair was performed by an independent ASE-certified facility. I am concerned that a major transmission component failure at this mileage may represent a broader defect, particularly…

   NHTSA complaint #11759178 · source
5. Filed Aug 21, 2026ILElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Driving on busy road when heard a squealing from the engine bay of the vehicle. Moments later the vehicle lost power. It was a very dangerous situation traveling approximately 45mph on a multi-lane road in urban St. Louis Missouri. There was not a check engine light prior. The vehicle had a recall performed per GMC instructions prior (this amounted to a different viscosity oil....). The breakdown stranded my family and I while on vacation in another city. The vehicle was…

   NHTSA complaint #11758496 · source
6. Filed Jul 3, 2026SCEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   My family and were traveling to visit family, and the transmission stalled on me on the interstate. I almost had a horrible accident with my kids in the vehicle. The vehicle is in the shop currently and dx with transmission issues. GMC needs to recall and or fix the transmissions in all of their vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint #11748113 · source
7. Filed Jul 1, 2026KSEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Issue Description: The vehicle experienced a failure of the Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) system, resulting in a collapsed lifter. This caused a cylinder misfire and a sudden loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds. Safety Concern: While traveling at highway speeds, the sudden misfire and loss of power created a dangerous condition. The vehicle could not maintain speed or accelerate properly with surrounding traffic, significantly increasing the risk of a…

   NHTSA complaint #11747701 · source
8. Filed Jun 6, 2026OREngineSeats & Seat BeltsTransmission & Drivetrain

   While I was driving home from the grocery store with my 4 kids our 2021 GMC Yukon XL (5.3L V8 engine), the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic mechanical engine failure without warning. The engine began violently shaking, lost major propulsion, and dropped into a severe misfire state when we were coming down the highway. This created an immediate safety hazard on the road, as I suddenly lost the ability to safely accelerate or maintain highway speeds while hauling my…

   NHTSA complaint #11742514 · source
9. Filed May 11, 2026IAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle drove normally earlier in the day with no major drivability concerns. Later, reverse gear suddenly stopped functioning and the engine would rev abnormally without the vehicle moving properly while in reverse. Shortly afterward, while driving, the vehicle displayed the warning message “Reduce Acceleration – Drive with Care” and began losing acceleration and propulsion. The vehicle would not accelerate normally and later could not exceed approximately 20-35 MPH.…

   NHTSA complaint #11737062 · source
10. Filed Apr 16, 2026GAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    The vehicle experienced a major engine failure involving the 6.2L engine. The failure appeared sudden and premature and is not consistent with normal wear and tear for a vehicle of this type. Prior to the failure, there were intermittent performance concerns and warning indicators suggesting potential engine or drivetrain issues. The vehicle had previously undergone repair related to similar concerns, indicating a possible recurring problem. The failure created a potential…

    NHTSA complaint #11731580 · source
11. Filed Apr 13, 2026167,000 miKSTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while accelerating approximately 35 - 40 MPH from a stoplight, the contact believed that the engine was going to seize. The message Low Power Mode was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was immediately taken to the dealer, who retrieved DTC: P0700, P0776, and P1881. The contact researched and became aware of GMC Recall Number: N22382220; however, the VIN was not…

    NHTSA complaint #11730844 · source
12. Filed Apr 13, 202682,000 miOHTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintentionally and failed to accelerate above 35 MPH. The vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact arrived at the residence and was able to coast into the driveway; however, the vehicle failed to drive forward or reverse. The check engine warning light was illuminated at the time of the failure, with the message…

    NHTSA complaint #11730783 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology