2021 GMC Yukon

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
3L V6 Turbo
Oil Type & Capacity
0W-20 Full Synthetic (6 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 10-spd
Wheel Torque
140
ft-lbs

The 2021 GMC Yukon maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your GMC Yukon.

For oil changes, the 2021 GMC Yukon takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 6 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Dex-Cool (OAT), and transmission fluid is Dexron VI. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the GMC Yukon, torque the lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2021 GMC Yukon have reported 5 common issues including "DFM Lifter Failure on V8 Engines", "6.2L V8 Connecting Rod and Crankshaft Manufacturing Defect" and "Incorrect Fuel Tank on Diesel Models". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 13 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 GMC Yukon. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2021 GMC Yukon uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (6 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 140 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2021 GMC Yukon Specifications
Motor Oil0W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity6 qt
Lug Nut Torque140 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantDex-Cool (OAT)
Transmission FluidDexron VI
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
Dexron VI
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Dex-Cool (OAT)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2021 GMC Yukon. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
7,500 mi / 12 mo
Dexos1 Gen3 0W-20 synthetic, 8 qt (5.3L/6.2L)
Tire Rotation
7,500 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
22,500 mi / 24 mo
Located behind glove box
Engine Air Filter
45,000 mi / 48 mo
Inspect at 22,500 mi
Brake Fluid
45,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 3
Transmission Fluid
45,000 mi
10-speed automatic; Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP
Transfer Case Fluid
45,000 mi
4WD models; Autotrak II
Coolant
150,000 mi
Dex-Cool OAT; then every 30,000 mi
Spark Plugs
97,500 mi
Iridium-tipped; AC Delco
Serpentine Belt
90,000 mi
Inspect at 60,000 mi
Battery
60 mo
Check terminals annually
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2021 GMC Yukon.

Common problems reported by 2021 GMC Yukon owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

DFM Lifter Failure on V8 Engines

The Yukon's 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines are afflicted by the same DFM lifter collapse problem as all other T1XX platform vehicles. The NHTSA has received 63 engine-related complaints for the 2022 Yukon at an average of just 7,651 miles. Symptoms include engine ticking, misfires, and loss of power.

Solution

Dealer replaces lifters, VLOM, and camshaft as necessary under powertrain warranty. GM's Component Coverage program provides extended warranty for vehicles with repeated lifter repairs. Owners may also consider aftermarket DFM disable devices as a preventive measure.

Est. Cost: $1,500 - $4,000 (typically warranty covered)
2

6.2L V8 Connecting Rod and Crankshaft Manufacturing Defect

Certain 2021-2024 Yukon models with the 6.2L V8 have potentially defective connecting rod and crankshaft components. Manufacturing defects in these critical engine parts can lead to complete engine failure, posing a serious crash risk due to sudden loss of power, steering assist, and brake assist.

Solution

NHTSA Recall N252494000. Dealers inspect the engine and repair or replace as needed. Preventive measures applied to vehicles passing inspection. All repairs performed free of charge.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)
3

Incorrect Fuel Tank on Diesel Models

Certain 2022 Yukon models equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine may have had the original fuel tank replaced with an incorrect fuel tank during a prior service visit. The incorrect tank can allow fuel to leak in a rollover crash, increasing fire risk.

Solution

GM recall issued to inspect and replace the fuel tank with the correct part if an incorrect tank was installed. The repair is performed free of charge at the dealer.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)
4

Daytime Running Lights Fail to Deactivate

The DRLs may remain illuminated when the headlights are turned on, creating excessive glare for oncoming drivers. This lighting malfunction violates FMVSS requirements and can reduce nighttime visibility safety for both the Yukon driver and other road users.

Solution

NHTSA recall for 2022-2023 models. Dealers update the BCM software, or the fix is available via OTA update. Free of charge.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)
5

Front Suspension Noise and Component Wear

Owners report knocking, popping, and snapping noises from the front suspension area when driving over bumps. The noise is most pronounced at low speeds. Common culprits include worn stabilizer bar end links, upper control arm ball joints, and on Denali models with MagneRide, leaking adaptive shock absorbers.

Solution

Replace stabilizer bar end links and inspect ball joints. For MagneRide-equipped models, replace leaking magnetic ride control shocks. Perform a complete front end inspection to identify all worn components. Strut mount replacement may also be needed.

Est. Cost: $250 - $2,800 (MagneRide shocks add significant cost)

13 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 GMC Yukon. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Campaign: 25V274000 Date: 24/04/2025

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.

2

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 24V797000 Date: 24/10/2024

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.

3

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 22V827000 Date: 03/11/2022

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.

4

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign: 22V617000 Date: 11/08/2022

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.

5

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign: 22V036000 Date: 27/01/2022

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.

6

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

Campaign: 21V739000 Date: 23/09/2021

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.

7

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:ELECTRIC:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 21V579000 Date: 29/07/2021

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.

8

STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

Campaign: 21V455000 Date: 17/06/2021

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.

9

AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

Campaign: 21V421000 Date: 10/06/2021

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.

10

SEAT BELTS

Campaign: 21V190000 Date: 18/03/2021

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.

11

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Campaign: 21V064000 Date: 11/02/2021

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.

12

SEAT BELTS

Campaign: 20V811000 Date: 23/12/2020

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.

13

SEATS

Campaign: 20V735000 Date: 25/11/2020

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.

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Yukon — Other Model Years
2026202520242023202220202019201820172016
See Also
2021 GMC Yukon Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2021 GMC YukonAll Vehicles Using 0W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2021 GMC YukonWiper Replacement: 2021 GMC Yukon