2021 GMC Yukon driver assistance & safety tech problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 11, 2026TXDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   Crankshaft / Camshaft caused catastrophic engine failure while on a family road trip leaving family and kids stranded on the side of the highway for hours. 2021 GMCs are notoriously having this issue but they refused to include our VIN in the recall. It cost us almost $13,000 to replace with a brand new engine and only 4 days after picking up from dealership the vehicle stopped working and shut off at a light in the middle of the road. GMC has been no help and won’t cover…

   NHTSA complaint #11763546 · source
2. Filed Jul 27, 202686,000 miMADriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a misfire coming from the vehicle, the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally before the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The traction control light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with a lifter failure inside the engine. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11753121 · source
3. Filed Jun 30, 2026FLDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   I bought the vehicle used with 40,000 miles it’s has 100,856 now the engine shot off while I was driving and brought it to the GMC dealer that GM instructed me to the dealer had me pay 284.95 for inspection and then try to charge me 1284.95 for a complete tar down of the engine because of misfiring and ESC error codes.

   NHTSA complaint #11747447 · source
4. Filed Mar 20, 2026110,000 miNCDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered abnormally with blue smoke coming from the exhaust, with the message "Lane Departure Assist" displayed. The check engine and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local service center, where it was diagnosed with cylinder #1 misfire. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further…

   NHTSA complaint #11725844 · source
5. Filed Jan 6, 2026MDDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I was driving and a message popped up "Service Traction Control", then another message popped up "Forward Collision System Unavailable". Then the car started making this knocking sound and every time I would try and accelerate there would be a loud sound and almost a pulling stopping it from picking up much speed. I took the car into the dealer/repair shop and they said it was an issue with the lifters that had to be replaced and potentially an issue with the cam. They said…

   NHTSA complaint #11709048 · source
6. Filed Dec 25, 2025TXDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineOther / Unknown

   traction control system ESC system Suddenly and without warning, multiple warning lights started flashing including check engine. The vehicle lost power and traction. There was a loud knocking and metallic whining sound. The vehicle began to vibrate and struggled to move forward and felt like the wheels were slipping. The loss of these functions was alarming because it was dark, we were in a construction zone, and my 15-year old daughter was driving having recently earned…

   NHTSA complaint #11707007 · source
7. Filed Dec 22, 2025NCCrash1 injuredTowedAirbagsDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   Vehicle: 2021 GMC Denali Mileage: ~48,000 miles Purchase Price: $62,000 Issue: Airbags & crash sensors failed to deploy Complaint Text: I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2021 GMC Denali. I was involved in a rear-end collision at approximately 45 mph, where I struck another vehicle straight on from behind. The impact was severe enough to total my vehicle, yet no airbags deployed, and no forward collision warning or crash sensor systems activated. This is especially…

   NHTSA complaint #11706440 · source
8. Filed Nov 13, 2025ALDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   While driving vehicle on 11/08/2025, vehicle made a popping noise and loss power. We were out of town and had to pay out of pocket to have vehicle towed to a dealership and hour away from our home. Dealership diagnosed issue with engine failure due to lifter fell and caused damage to cam shaft and bore. I will be without a vehicle for an additional 2 to 4 weeks waiting on a back ordered engine from GM, and continue making payments on vehicle as well. This issue seems to be…

   NHTSA complaint #11699201 · source
9. Filed May 5, 202520,000 miCADriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineSeats & Seat Belts

   The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance system erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to suddenly slow down. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who serviced the Forward Collision Avoidance system camera and sensors. No further information was available. Additionally, while driving at highway speeds, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, and the seat…

   NHTSA complaint #11659001 · source
10. Filed Mar 11, 2025102,000 miFLTowedDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

    The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power. The Electronic Stability Control warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a spun rod bearing failure; however, further investigation was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was…

    NHTSA complaint #11647571 · source
11. Filed Mar 10, 2025NCBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

    The component that failed was the Camshaft and Lifters in the Engine - My safety and others was put at risk because while going 45mph, I suddenly lost forward moving power and couldn't go faster than 35 - braking power was sketchy and only responsive when pumped. - I received the following errors on my dash "Service ESC" "Service Traction Control", Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care", "Forward Collision System Unavailable", "Service Emission System" the vehicle would…

    NHTSA complaint #11647336 · source
12. Filed Feb 7, 2025OHDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    Font Camera failure. Front camera controls many "safety features" which fail without the camera. Vehicle under mileage warranty amount but not under time warranty ( 3 years ). Camera only covered under bumper to bumper.

    NHTSA complaint #11641343 · 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