2021 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2021 GMC Yukon XL has 3 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $50 to $3,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2015-2024 GMC Yukon XL, four-wheel-drive Yukon XL models with the NP263 (NQH) and NP246 transfer cases develop fluid leaks from the front and rear output shaft seals. The leak typically starts as a slow weep and progresses to a steady drip, leaving ATF spots on the driveway. If left unaddressed, the transfer case runs low on fluid, causing internal damage to the chain, sprockets, and bearings. The rear output seal is the most common failure point.
Replace the leaking output shaft seal(s). The rear seal can be replaced with the transfer case in the vehicle by removing the rear driveshaft and prying out the old seal. The front seal requires more disassembly. Use only genuine ACDelco seals (ACDelco 24232325) as aftermarket seals have a higher failure rate on this application. Refill with Dexron VI ATF to the proper level. Inspect the output shaft for scoring — a scored shaft will destroy the new seal quickly.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2015-2024 GMC Yukon XL, the 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed (10L80) automatic transmissions in the Yukon XL develop a torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder felt as a vibration or shake at light throttle between 25-50 mph. The shudder mimics driving over rumble strips. GM issued multiple TSBs (18-NA-355, 19-NA-193) and eventually reformulated the transmission fluid specification. The root cause is the TCC friction material interaction with the original Dexron HP fluid formulation.
First-line fix: complete transmission fluid flush and fill with GM-approved Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP (Blue Label) — NOT the original red-label Dexron HP. This updated fluid resolves the shudder in approximately 80% of cases. If shudder returns within 30,000 miles of the fluid change, the torque converter requires replacement. Do NOT use aftermarket friction modifiers or additives — they void the GM powertrain warranty and can damage the transmission.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2015-2024 GMC Yukon XL, the Yukon XL rear liftgate gas struts lose their charge and fail to hold the heavy liftgate open, typically between 3-5 years regardless of mileage. The oversized liftgate of the XL model is significantly heavier than the standard Yukon, putting more stress on the struts. A failing strut allows the liftgate to slowly drop or slam closed, posing a head injury risk. In cold weather, weak struts fail more noticeably due to gas contraction.
Replace both liftgate support struts as a pair (never replace just one). Strongarm 6262 or Sachs SG330090 are popular OE-equivalent replacements. The replacement takes about 15 minutes with a trim removal tool to pop the ball socket clips. Ensure the new struts are rated for the correct force (the XL requires higher-force struts than the standard Yukon). Power liftgate models should have the motor assembly inspected simultaneously.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
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."
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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."
SUSPENSION:REAR
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.
TIRES
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
+ 13 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2021-2021 GMC Yukon XL has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Transfer Case Fluid Leak from Output Shaft Seal, Transmission Torque Converter Shudder (8L90/10L80), Rear Liftgate Support Strut Failure. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2021-2021 GMC Yukon XL has 3 known issues documented across 0+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known GMC Yukon XL issues range from $50 to $3,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Four-wheel-drive Yukon XL models with the NP263 (NQH) and NP246 transfer cases develop fluid leaks from the front and rear output shaft seals. The leak typically starts as a slow weep and progresses to a steady drip, leaving ATF spots on the driveway. If left unaddressed, the tra… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.
The 8-speed (8L90) and 10-speed (10L80) automatic transmissions in the Yukon XL develop a torque converter clutch (TCC) shudder felt as a vibration or shake at light throttle between 25-50 mph. The shudder mimics driving over rumble strips. GM issued multiple TSBs (18-NA-355, 19-… Repairs typically run $150-$3,000. Severity: medium.
The Yukon XL rear liftgate gas struts lose their charge and fail to hold the heavy liftgate open, typically between 3-5 years regardless of mileage. The oversized liftgate of the XL model is significantly heavier than the standard Yukon, putting more stress on the struts. A faili… Repairs typically run $50-$200. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
