2021 GMC Yukon
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of common issues reported for the 2021 GMC Yukon, formatted for your website and tailored to specific engine and transmission configurations. The 2021 GMC Yukon is a full-size SUV that offers a blend of comfort, capability, and technology. It’s known for its spacious interior, especially in the extended-length Yukon XL, and its powerful engine options. Owners often praise its smooth ride, refined interior, and impressive towing capacity. However, some common complaints revolve around the vehicle’s large size making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, and the higher trims can be quite expensive.
The 2021 GMC Yukon comes with several engine options: a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 (355 hp, 383 lb-ft of torque), a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 (420 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque), and a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 (277 hp, 460 lb-ft of torque). All engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Engine
5.3L EcoTec3 V8
- Active Fuel Management (AFM)/Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) Lifter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The 5.3L V8, equipped with Active Fuel Management (AFM) or Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), is prone to lifter failure. Symptoms include a ticking or knocking noise from the engine, rough idling, misfires, and a check engine light. The issue is due to the deactivation system causing excessive wear on the lifters.
- Solution: Replacement of the failed lifters, often requiring removal of the cylinder head. Some owners opt to disable AFM/DFM via aftermarket tuning to prevent future issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,500+
- Recalls: None Found
6.2L EcoTec3 V8
- Active Fuel Management (AFM)/Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) Lifter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 5.3L, the 6.2L V8 can also experience lifter failure due to AFM/DFM. Symptoms are the same: ticking/knocking noise, rough idle, misfires, and check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the failed lifters. Disabling AFM/DFM is a common preventative measure.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,500+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6
No Issues Found
Transmission
10-Speed Automatic (All Engines)
- Harsh Shifting/Slipping/Delayed Engagement
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported harsh shifting, particularly between lower gears, as well as slipping or delayed engagement when accelerating. These issues can stem from valve body problems, internal wear, or software glitches.
- Solution: In some cases, a transmission control module (TCM) reflash can resolve the issue. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or, in rare instances, a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: TCM reflash: $150 - $300. Valve body replacement: $1,200 - $2,500. Transmission rebuild/replacement: $3,500 - $7,000+.
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Ride Suspension Failure (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Models equipped with the Air Ride Adaptive Suspension can experience issues with the air compressor, air struts, or sensors. Symptoms include the vehicle sagging, uneven ride height, error messages on the dashboard, and a noisy air compressor.
- Solution: Replacement of the faulty air compressor, air struts, or sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Air compressor replacement: $800 - $1,500. Air strut replacement (each): $600 - $1,200. Sensor replacement: $200 - $500.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Infotainment System Glitches
- Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can exhibit various glitches, including screen freezes, unresponsive touch controls, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and errors with the navigation system.
- Solution: Software updates are often released to address these issues. In some cases, a hard reset or replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update: $0 - $150 (dealer charge, if applicable). Infotainment unit replacement: $800 - $2,000+.
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported issues with the vehicle battery draining while the vehicle is turned off. This is typically caused by a faulty module not going into sleep mode.
- Solution: Diagnosis by a technician to identify the module not going to sleep, and then replacing that module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Diagnosis $100-200. Module replacement varies based on part.
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Automatic Running Board Malfunction (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Models equipped with automatic running boards can experience issues with them failing to extend or retract properly. This can be caused by motor failure, sensor issues, or debris buildup.
- Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the running board mechanism, replacing the motor or sensors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Cleaning/lubrication: $50 - $200. Motor replacement: $400 - $800 (per side). Sensor replacement: $200 - $400 (per side).
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat Control Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions in the power seat controls or memory seat functions. Can affect seat movement or the ability to save/recall settings.
- Solution: Diagnosis of the seat control module or motors. Replacement of faulty components.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the component.
- Recalls: None Found
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not fully closing or opening. Motor malfunction.
- Solution: Sunroof/moonroof motor replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2021 GMC Yukon, while generally a well-regarded SUV, does have some reported issues owners may encounter. The most significant and potentially costly problems revolve around the AFM/DFM lifter failure in the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines. Transmission issues, while less common, can also be expensive to address. Electrical glitches and air ride suspension problems are also concerns to be aware of. While some issues are relatively minor, others can lead to substantial repair bills. It is recommended that buyers have a prepurchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic.