2021 GMC Yukon electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

30 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2021 GMC Yukon, 9% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 18,000 mi.

Electrical System complaints
30
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
18,000 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system28
Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator:integrated starter(other than propulsion)1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1

Electrical System complaints across GMC Yukon years

1200519200711200912201137201342920153720201738201923020213228202318820253
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2021 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

2Under 10k310k–30k130k–60k260k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 21V421000Jun 10, 2021285,622 vehicles
    AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.

    Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.

What owners say

  1. Filed Sep 11, 2026FLElectrical System
    Water is entering the passenger cabin through failed front sunroof drain tubes on both the left and right sides. The drains discharge inside the A pillars rather than to the exterior, pooling in the driver's side floorboard. An authorized GMC dealer diagnosed the cause in writing on August 12, 2026 as rubber grommet shrinkage and hardened internal buildup preventing water from flowing through, on both the left and right sides simultaneously. The identical bilateral failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11763591 · source
  2. Filed Aug 31, 2026SCElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
    While driving the vehicle on the interstate, the vehicle shifted to neutral without warning. Our daughter was able to fortunately coast to the side of the interstate without incident. The vehicle was shut off and attempted to turn back on without success, so vehicle was towed to Lugoff Chevy dealership where repairs are always performed. The dealership stated the problem was related to fuse block melted and shorted. The problem was fixed; however, I am not convinced that…
    NHTSA complaint #11761018 · source
  3. Filed Aug 26, 2026MNElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned. The Fuel Pump Module failed unexpectedly while the vehicle was being driven. Failure caused the engine to stall, resulting in a complete loss of power and mobility. Unsure if part is available for inspection. 2021 GMC Yukon have a recall N252516900, but our VIN is not included in this. Can our VIN be added to this recall please? 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle abruptly stalled while…
    NHTSA complaint #11759643 · source
  4. Filed Aug 18, 2026TXBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    As I was driving, the vehicle's air conditioning suddenly began blowing warm/hot air. Moments later, the check engine light and all electronic service stability lights illuminated on the dashboard. Simultaneously, the vehicle suffered a complete loss of electronic brake assist, resulting in an extremely hard brake pedal and a severe reduction in braking power. The vehicle also displayed a "No Drive Mode Available" message. Third-party diagnostic scanning revealed network…
    NHTSA complaint #11757731 · source
  5. Filed Jun 23, 2026NHAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts
    The driver's seat inboard airbag assembly and internal structural wiring harness failed due to a direct short circuit, completely deactivating the vehicle's supplemental restraint system. General Motors has a known engineering bulletin for this issue (#23-NA-085), noting that sharp internal seat frame components slice the airbag wiring harness. Rather than permanently fixing this structural design flaw while under warranty, dealership technicians repeatedly executed…
    NHTSA complaint #11746089 · source
  6. Filed Jun 3, 202642,000 miNYElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving approximately driving 45 MPH and turning onto an exit the vehicle suddenly reduce speed and lost power and the message "Press Start" had displayed. The contact stopped the vehicle and eventually restarted the engine and the vehicle operated as normal. The next day the vehicle was driven to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the problem and determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer…
    NHTSA complaint #11741740 · source
  7. Filed May 16, 2026AKElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain
    transmission has been replaced, still having same problems. Actuator was fixed within the transfer case. still shaking. was driven by dealer and told to check again after changing into summer tires. changed into summer tires and still having issues if not worse. separately; the power running boards have never worked - been told its wiring issue. wiring issue is a concern for fire safety.
    NHTSA complaint #11738231 · source
  8. Filed Dec 27, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    The vehicle shifted into Neutral while driving, locked out gear selection, triggered a transmission warning, and now will not restart.
    NHTSA complaint #11707247 · source
  9. 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
  10. Filed Nov 7, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngineSteering
    I’m not happy with just a change in oil viscosity because the car has already been on the road for 70000 miles before we were aware of the recall on the engine. Changing the oil viscosity doesn’t help when there is a underlying engine problem it should be replaced not just change your oil and send you on your way because now I’m always wondering and worried if the engine will still fail when my kids and wife are in the car. Furthermore I just had it inspected and the oil…
    NHTSA complaint #11698109 · source
  11. Filed Nov 6, 202595,000 miTXBrakesElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The brake pad sensor warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle continued to roll forward. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that a nearby driver assisted by providing a jumpstart. The…
    NHTSA complaint #11698010 · source
  12. Filed Oct 23, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngineSeats & Seat Belts
    I purchased the vehicle in July 2024. I drove the car for 10 days, and when I was driving 65 mph, the check engine light blinked three times and then went off. After that, the engine made a sound that was not there before. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they had the car for many weeks, concluding that the lifters broke and the engine needed to be replaced. The dealership said they replaced the engine and the car was returned to me towards the end of August. Since…
    NHTSA complaint #11695265 · source

Other 2021 GMC Yukon problem areas

Back to all 2021 GMC Yukon problems →

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