2021 GMC YUKON Complaints

I took my vehicle into the GMC dealer near my home in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin (Napleton) on April 30, 2025 to have the L87 engine recall addressed. I had a video with sound where a loud clacking noise could be clearly heard, coming from the passenger side of the engine. The service attendant and the mechanic assigned to my vehicle listened to it and both agreed that the sound was not normal, or good. Four hours later, they called and said the vehicle was ready to be picked up. They did neither pass or fail the engine, and didn't put in thicker oil. I was told that they aren't doing anything until they received clearer direction from GM. This is very disappointing for me and now afraid to drive on the highway for fear of catstrophic failure and potential crash. I called another GMC dealer nearby, in Watertown, WI, who said they weren't doing anything either with the L87 engines (year 2021-2024) until they recieve clearer direction from GM. I have taken my vehicle in 2 previous times to address the "clacking" noise, each time they say they hear nothing wrong.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. While the contact’s partner was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started making a rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The driver pulled over to the side of the road and waited before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that a quarter mile later, while idling at a stop, the vehicle suddenly lost power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

I am writing to formally report a serious issue with my 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The vehicle has developed multiple severe problems, including: •Significant loss of engine power •Noticeable engine knocking noises •Transmission slipping while driving •Transmission movement even when the vehicle is at a full stop These issues not only impair the performance of the vehicle but also raise serious safety concerns. The loss of power and the slipping transmission could lead to a dangerous situation while driving, placing both myself and other motorists at risk.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the service suspension and low oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the engine oil had leaked out of the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Driving at normal speed when my 2021 Yukon backfired and began to lose power. The check engine light came on. The vehicle would go into reverse and would not get over 20 miles an hour. It has been at a GM repair shop since March 24th waiting on the tranmission valve body. There is no ETA from General Motors on when this part will be available. Could this be associated with the most recent GMC recall of 2021-2024 Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles?

Engine failed while driving on interstate. Vehicle could not be put in neutral because engine has to be running to shift. Difficult to tow. 4 hours away from home. Took to nearest dealer. Hit by hail storm sitting on dealer lot with $8000 hail damage. Still making payments and have no vehicle to drive.

I have had major transmission failure in my 2021 GMC Yukon Denali (6.2L V8, 10-speed automatic). The vehicle has approximately 72,000 miles. Recently, a critical internal clip/retainer in the transmission broke loose, sending metal debris throughout the transmission. This catastrophic failure has rendered the vehicle undrivable and requires a complete transmission replacement. Unfortunately, the vehicle is just outside the powertrain warranty, yet I firmly believe this failure is due to a manufacturing/design defect – not normal wear and tear. I purchased this Yukon Denali as a premium, flagship SUV and have maintained it carefully. I expected the transmission to last well beyond 72k miles under normal use. It is disappointing and that a core component failed so early. Not only has this imposed a significant financial burden, but it also undermines my confidence in the vehicle’s safety and reliability for my family. A modern transmission should not self-destruct at this mileage, especially given GM’s reputation and the Denali’s top-of-the-line status. Importantly, I have discovered multiple known issues and GM bulletins related to the 10-speed automatic transmission used in my Yukon. For example, GM issued a major recall in late 2024 (NHTSA Campaign 24V797000, GM recall #N242454440) affecting 2021 Yukon models (among others) due to a defective transmission control valve that could fail and cause the rear wheels to lock up, this demonstrates that GM has acknowledged serious problems in the 10L80/MQC 10-speed transmission design. Additionally, a recent GM service bulletin (PIP6008C, Jan 24 2025) indicates that internal transmission retaining rings can dislodge, causing the internal gears to separate – which leads to loss of reverse and internal damage. This scenario is similar to what happened in my transmission. My family was left stranded away from home with no warning. The vehicle just stopped working. The warning lamp did not come on until diagnostics was run.

Driving down highway. Engine failure, loss of power. Ended up being lifter and camshaft failure.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the low engine oil warning light was illuminated while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the lifters and camshafts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the VIN was included in the recall; however, the contact had not yet received a notification. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Driving approx 60mph on expressway and engine stuttered for 3-4 seconds, check engine light came on and vehicle completely shut down. Wouldn't restart. Family with kids had to cross 4 lanes of traffic to make it to the shoulder of an on-ramp. Towed to dealership and they stated the motor seized and needs a complete replacement. Vehicle has 72,000 miles on it, always stored in a temperature controlled attached garage, oil changes before schedule at the local dealership.