Yukon (T1XX)
Verdict Step down to the 5.3L V8, which has drawn about 70% fewer powertrain complaints per vehicle built than the other engines. On a 2021-2024 6.2L V8, confirm the April 2025 connecting rod and crankshaft bearing recall was handled before the test drive.
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
L87
6.2L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
L84 - DI, ALUM, GEN 5, VAR 2
5.3L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LM2 - CRI, L6, VGT, ALUM
3.0L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
GMC Yukon Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
LZ0
3.0L 6-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The T1XX-generation GMC Yukon, built on GM's full-size body-on-frame platform shared with Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado, Sierra, and Cadillac Escalade, has accumulated 1,631 NHTSA complaints across five model years (2021-2025) and 21 separate recall campaigns. That works out to roughly 326 complaints per year. The reliability story is dominated by the 6.2-liter L87 V8.
The L87 (6.2-liter V8) accumulated 1,203 of the 1,631 complaints in the dataset and is the engine in Denali and most upper Yukon trims. The 5.3-liter L84 V8 (317 complaints across the full generation, 44 per year) and the 3.0-liter LM2 Duramax inline-six diesel (58 complaints, 9.5 per year) sit materially lower. The 2025 3.0-liter LZ0 Duramax update now appears as its own entry, with 24 complaints. Engine choice is the largest single reliability lever on this generation.
Engine-bucket complaints number 1,138 overall, transmission 276, electrical 205, fuel system 174, and cooling 124. NHTSA's largest action on the 6.2L L87 came in April 2025, covering 2021-2024 6.2L V8 Yukon, Yukon XL, Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado, Sierra, and Escalade for connecting rod and crankshaft end-bearing manufacturing defects that can cause engine damage. A separate February 2026 powertrain recall targets the 10-speed transmission with Electronic Transmission Range Select on 2022 cars across the same nameplate group. Earlier 2021 launch-year recalls covered loss of power steering assist, rear wheel driveshaft heat treatment, brake system calibration, fuel tank assembly adhesive, fuel pump power control module, front seat attachment bolts, air bag communications gateway, third-row seat belt routing and rivet, and daytime running light deactivation. A 2023 suspension recall covered improperly heat-treated rear outer control arm bolts, and a 2024 brake software recall affected the electronic brake control module.
The T1XX is the K2XX's successor (the 2015-2020 full-size SUV generation), which carried a different powertrain mix and a separate recall profile. The 2021 launch year on the T1XX shows the highest recall density (multiple seat-belt, fuel system, brake, and air bag campaigns), which is typical for a new platform's first year; 2022-2024 cars accumulate the larger powertrain recalls (engine bearings, transmission ETRS) that surface as miles accumulate on the platform.
The Yukon T1XX still makes sense for buyers who need the towing capacity and third-row capability of a full-size SUV on a body-on-frame platform. Buyers who do not need the 6.2L V8 should know that stepping down to the 5.3L V8 or the 3.0L Duramax diesel materially improves the complaint-volume picture, with the Duramax diesel running in the cleanest tier on this generation.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the GMC Yukon, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
The 6.2L L87 engine recall is the central question on any 2021-2024 Yukon with the 6.2L V8 (the Denali and high-trim engine). NHTSA's April 2025 campaign covers connecting rod and crankshaft end-bearing manufacturing defects. Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the engine has been inspected (and replaced if necessary) before any test drive. The 2022 cars also have an open February 2026 transmission recall on the 10-speed ETRS that should be closed.
At inspection, prioritize the engine on a 6.2L V8 candidate. Listen for any rod knock, ticking, or low oil pressure at startup and during light acceleration. Verify oil consumption history with the seller and check for oil-pressure or starvation indicators on the OBD-II scan. On any T1XX Yukon, test the steering for power assist on a cold start (the 2021 recall covered software-driven loss of assist), check the third-row seat belt routing visually, and confirm the rear control arm bolts on 2023 cars have had the recall remedy. On 2023-2024 cars, verify the electronic brake control module software recall has been performed.
For buyers who can step down from the 6.2L L87 V8, the 5.3L L84 V8 lowers the engine-bucket complaint exposure substantially (120 versus 959 across the same generation window). The 3.0L LM2 Duramax inline-six diesel runs cleaner still (58 complaints across 2021-2024). Diesel buyers should also confirm the narrow-scope 2025 incorrect fuel tank recall on certain 2022 and 2024 cars.
What to check on a used 2021-2025 GMC Yukon
On a used 2021-2025 GMC Yukon, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (1,138), the transmission and drivetrain (276) and the electrical system (205). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 1,138 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 GMC Yukon about the engine, all engines combined.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 276 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 GMC Yukon about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 205 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 GMC Yukon about the electrical system.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 174 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 GMC Yukon about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 124 owner complaints on the 2021-2025 GMC Yukon about the cooling system, all engines combined.
Recalls (21)
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2025–2026 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with 24-inch wheels. Incorrect bolts may have been installed on the left and right front wheel hubs, which can result in the bolts loosening or deforming over time.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles equipped with 10 Speed Transmission with ETRS (Electronic Transmission Range Select). The transmission control valve may fail and lock up the rear wheels.
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, 2021, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2022 and 2024 GMC Yukon vehicles equipped with a 6-cylinder diesel engine. The original fuel tank may have been replaced with an incorrect fuel tank, which can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.
Show 16 older recalls
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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The rear suspension outer control arm bolts may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause the bolts to break.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.
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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. Dealer service technicians may have calibrated the brake system incorrectly, affecting Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and braking while towing a trailer.
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.
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.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. The fuel tank assemblies may be missing adhesive between two layers of the fuel tank shell which may result in a fuel leak.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2021-2025 GMC Yukon complaints?
Owners have filed 1,631 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 GMC Yukon. The systems they name most often are the engine, the transmission and the electrical system.
Is the 2021-2025 GMC Yukon a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,631 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021-2025 GMC Yukon. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 GMC Yukon have?
NHTSA has 1,631 owner complaints on file for the 2021-2025 GMC Yukon as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2021-2025 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA lists 21 recalls covering some 2021-2025 GMC Yukon vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used GMC Yukon?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the transmission and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Yukon?
The 2025 GMC Yukon received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 5 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 3 stars (21.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard & Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Standard & Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,631 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.