2021 GMC Yukon: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
All-new T1XX launch year with the most recalls of its generation, including the 6.2L L87 engine-failure recall, fuel-system loss-of-propulsion and 10-speed concerns. The roughest fifth-gen year. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 GMC Yukon ranged from $51,000 to $68,600 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
All-new T1XX launch year with the most recalls of its generation, including the 6.2L L87 engine-failure recall, fuel-system loss-of-propulsion and 10-speed concerns. The roughest fifth-gen year.
Sources (4)
- fixdapp.comhttps://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-gmc-yukon-graphs-owne…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/gmc-yukon-buying-guide
- slashgear.comhttps://www.slashgear.com/1774701/gmc-yukon-years-avoid/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=yukon&mod…
Known issues
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6.2L L87 V8 connecting-rod and main-bearing failure causing sudden loss of power and engine failure, subject to a GM engine recall and inspection.
commonly reported · 98 NHTSA complaints · engine
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Fuel-system and engine faults causing stalling and loss of propulsion while driving, concentrated in the launch year.
occasional · 15 NHTSA complaints · fuel
-
10-speed automatic harsh or delayed shifting and shudder.
occasional · 22 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=yukon&mod…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=yukon&mod…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=gmc&model=yukon&mod…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/gmc/yukon
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Spacious, upscale interior with a vastly improved independent-rear-suspension ride.
- Strong 6.2L V8, 5.3L V8 and an efficient turbo-diesel powertrain choice.
- Large displays, available Super Cruise hands-free driving and a premium Denali Ultimate trim.
Cons
- V8 fuel economy is still poor; only the diesel is thrifty.
- The 6.2L L87 V8 is subject to a connecting-rod and bearing engine-failure recall.
- Pricing climbs steeply on Denali and Denali Ultimate trims.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLE | $51,000 | discontinued | — | — |
| SLT | $58,000 | discontinued | — | — |
| AT4 | $65,100 | $76,600 | — | — |
| Denali | $68,600 | $80,400 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-gmc-yukon-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/gmc-yukon-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($51,000). Higher trims started higher (up to $68,600), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 33% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/gmc-yukon/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $700–750/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,500–2,600/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/gmc/yukon
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/gmc/yukon/insurance
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 GMC Yukon have?
Documented issue patterns include: 6.2L L87 V8 connecting-rod and main-bearing failure causing sudden loss of power and engine failure, subject to a GM engine recall and inspection; Fuel-system and engine faults causing stalling and loss of propulsion while driving, concentrated in the launch year; 10-speed automatic harsh or delayed shifting and shudder. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 GMC Yukon reliable?
All-new T1XX launch year with the most recalls of its generation, including the 6.2L L87 engine-failure recall, fuel-system loss-of-propulsion and 10-speed concerns. The roughest fifth-gen year.
How much did the 2021 GMC Yukon cost new?
Between $51,000 and $68,600 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the GMC Yukon expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $700–750/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.