2021 GMC Yukon XL Transmission & Power Train Problems
NHTSA component category: POWER TRAIN · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How power train ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 198 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL overview page.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 45â50 MPH, the engine was making an abnormal sound. The contact…”NHTSA complaint 11666126 — filed 06/10/2025
“Transmission issue - 2021 Yukon XL broke down 5/6/25 while driving with 2 of our children in the vehicle. the RPMs skyrocketed but the vehicle…”NHTSA complaint 11665130 — filed 06/05/2025
“In March 2025, a situation happened to me during a six hour round trip drive. I experienced a loss of acceleration. Vehicle engine felt it…”NHTSA complaint 11662492 — filed 05/22/2025
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Power Train complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have transmission & power train problems?
Power Train is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL: 44 of 198 complaints on file (22.2%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2021 GMC Yukon XL have in total?
198 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 2 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 6 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's power train category include?
NHTSA groups complaints about the transmission (automatic or manual), driveline, axles, transfer case and related parts under a single component category called POWER TRAIN. This page reports that category as NHTSA defines it.
