The 2021 GMC Yukon is a GMT1XX platform full-size SUV with three powertrain options. The 5.3L V8 with Dynamic Fuel Management (cylinder deactivation) carries over known lifter/AFM issues, while the 10-speed automatic has early cooler and mount failures. The 3.0L Duramax is generally more reliable but rarer in the field.
5.3L V8 Lifter Collapse and AFM/DFM Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise at idle, worse when warm, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300 series), Loss of power under load, Metal shavings in oil at changes
Fix: Collapsed lifters damage cam lobes and require full AFM/DFM lifter replacement, camshaft, sometimes head gaskets if debris entered cylinders. Requires engine disassembly. 18-24 labor hours depending on extent of damage. AFM/DFM delete kits are common aftermarket solution but void powertrain warranty.
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant or coolant in transmission (strawberry milkshake fluid), Transmission slipping or harsh shifts, Engine overheating or transmission overheating warnings, Loss of drive suddenly
Fix: Internal cooler in radiator fails, cross-contaminates coolant and ATF. Requires radiator replacement, transmission flush (sometimes full rebuild if contamination severe), all cooling system and trans lines flushed. 8-12 hours labor for cooler/flush, add 20-25 hours if trans rebuild needed.
Estimated cost: $2,200-3,800 (cooler only), $6,500-9,500 (with trans rebuild)
Transmission Mount Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Visible sagging or torn rubber on mount
Fix: The rear transmission mount fails from weight and torque cycling. Replacement requires trans support and removal of crossmember. 2.5-3.5 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Fuel Pump Control Module Failure (Recall 21V853)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: No start or stalling while driving, Intermittent loss of power, Fuel pump not priming (no hum when key on)
Fix: NHTSA recall for fuel pump control module software/hardware fault causing sudden stall. Dealer reflash or module replacement under recall. If out of recall window, module is $300-500 part plus 1.5 hours labor for diagnosis and replacement.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall), $500-800 (if not covered)
Driveshaft Balance Issues and Carrier Bearing Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Vibration at highway speeds (65-75 mph most common), Clunk or thud from undercarriage on acceleration, Squeaking or grinding from center of vehicle
Fix: Two-piece driveshaft has carrier bearing that fails or driveshaft loses balance. Related to recall 22V696 for some VINs. Requires driveshaft removal and balancing or bearing replacement. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Fuel Tank Deformation and Evap System Leaks (Recall 22V833)
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Check engine light with EVAP codes (P0442, P0455, P0456), Fuel smell around vehicle, Visible tank sag or deformation
Fix: Some tanks were manufactured out-of-spec and deform under load, causing EVAP leaks. Recall coverage for tank replacement. If not covered, tank R&R is 4-5 hours including fuel system depressurization and exhaust removal.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall), $1,200-1,800 (if not covered)
Owner tips
If buying a 5.3L V8, insist on oil consumption test and cold-start inspection for lifter tick — walk away if present
Check transmission fluid color religiously every 15k miles; pink-orange is good, any brown or milky = cooler failure imminent
Avoid extended idle times with 5.3L; DFM cycling at idle accelerates lifter wear
3.0L Duramax is the most reliable powertrain option if you can find one and don't need max towing
Run full-synthetic 0W-20 in 5.3L and consider AFM/DFM delete if out of warranty and lifters have already failed once
Skip the 5.3L V8 unless it's had the lifters done already or you're willing to budget for it; otherwise a solid truck with typical GM 10-speed growing pains — the 6.2L or 3.0L Duramax are safer bets for long-term ownership.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM required for start-stop system; located under second row seat
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Control Modules — 2021 GMC Yukon
Every control module on the 2021-2026 GMC Yukon — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Integrated trailer brake controller. Calibration may be needed. Standard on most trims.
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.7 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hrwith LED or adaptive headlamps▸ programming details
📍 Behind left headlamp assembly in engine compartment
🔧 Autel MaxiSys or GM SPS2
⚠️ Standard LED headlamps on most trims. Adaptive lighting requires calibration.
Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrgasoline engines only▸ programming details
📍 Under vehicle, mounted to frame rail ahead of fuel tank
🔧 GM SPS2 or Autel
⚠️ Simple relearn procedure. Controls fuel pump speed based on ECM commands. Diesel models do not use FPCM.
Rear Camera Mirror Module (RCMM)0.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.2 hrwith rear camera mirror▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with interior rearview mirror assembly
🔧 Autel MaxiSys or GM SPS2
⚠️ Digital rearview mirror with camera feed. Available on higher trims.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL · 25V274000
2025-04-24 · PE25001
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.
Consequence: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · 24V797000
2024-10-24
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.
Consequence: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · 22V827000
2022-11-03
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."
Consequence: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.
SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS · 22V617000
2022-08-11
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.
Consequence: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · 22V036000
2022-01-27
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.
Consequence: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.
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.
Consequence: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE · 21V579000
2021-07-29
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.
Consequence: Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the brake system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1202; GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340970.
STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE · 21V455000
2021-06-17
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.
Consequence: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.
AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT · 21V421000
2021-06-10
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.
Consequence: 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.
SEAT BELTS · 21V190000
2021-03-18
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.
Consequence: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.
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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began March 6, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212327720.
SEAT BELTS · 20V811000
2020-12-23
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.
Consequence: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
SEATS · 20V735000
2020-11-25
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.
Consequence: If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202312720.
Vehicle Info — 2021 GMC Yukon
Performance
Horsepower
420hp
Torque
460lb-ft
0–60 mph
5.9sec
Quarter mile
14.3sec
Top speed
112mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
14mpg
Highway
20mpg
Combined
16mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
8,400lb
Payload
1,750lb
Curb weight
5,786lb
Seating
8seats
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Wiper blades
First year of GMT T1XX generation redesign. Rear wiper may be 11 or 12 inches depending on source.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2021 GMC Yukon 6.2L V8 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.