Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 GMC Yukon XL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 80,000.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the engine stalled and the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the fuel pump power control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while stopped in traffic, the contact felt the vehicle shaking. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. After several attempts, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and shifted into neutral(N) to move the vehicle to the side of the roadway to safety. The contact stated that the vehicle was running rough before losing motive power and stalling. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and fuel pump was replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 15,658.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start up. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump power control module was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V739000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
The vehicle drove normally earlier in the day with no major drivability concerns. Later, reverse gear suddenly stopped functioning and the engine would rev abnormally without the vehicle moving properly while in reverse. Shortly afterward, while driving, the vehicle displayed the warning message "Reduce Acceleration - Drive with Care" and began losing acceleration and propulsion. The vehicle would not accelerate normally and later could not exceed approximately 20-35 MPH. The condition created a significant safety concern due to sudden loss of acceleration and propulsion while operating in traffic. The engine RPM would increase abnormally while the vehicle failed to respond properly in drive and reverse. An independent mechanic inspected the transmission and found diagnostic trouble codes P0747, P0776, and P0700 related to transmission pressure control and valve body operation. …
I was driving on a normal local highway and my car started to slow and an indicator to 'press start' to restart the engine came up. I tried to do that and the engine wouldn't turn over. My car sputtered to a stop during rush hour traffic as I was able to drift over to side of the road. The car wouldn't start after that, waiting for 10-20 minutes and re-trying wouldn't work either. I had to have it towed and am now awaiting a fuel pump module that is on back order. No warnings to me that it would happen and I fear that this could have happened on the highway at high speeds, causing a crash. My car is a large SUV that takes a lot to stop, the car just sputtering and dying is unacceptable. I see my car wasn't included in the recall of this issue back in 2021, but I believe it was manufactured during the impacted window and I took deliver in May of 2021 of the new car. …
My 2021 GMC Yukon XL Denali is part of the April 2025 recall for the 6.2L V8 engine defect. The dealership confirmed the engine must be replaced, but the part is on backorder, potentially for several months. In the meantime, GMC only authorized a GMC Acadia as a courtesy vehicle. The Acadia is not comparable to our Yukon XL. We are a family of six, and while the Acadia has a third row, there is almost no cargo space with it in use. Our Yukon XL has over three times the cargo capacity, which is necessary for safely transporting luggage and sports equipment during our frequent trips (2-3 times per month). Because of this, we have already been forced to rent a larger SUV at our own expense for a recent trip. GMC's Courtesy Transportation Program states that owners should receive comparable transportation during recall repairs. …
The vehicle experienced a major engine failure involving the 6.2L engine. The failure appeared sudden and premature and is not consistent with normal wear and tear for a vehicle of this type. Prior to the failure, there were intermittent performance concerns and warning indicators suggesting potential engine or drivetrain issues. The vehicle had previously undergone repair related to similar concerns, indicating a possible recurring problem. The failure created a potential safety risk due to the possibility of loss of power while driving, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially at highway speeds or in traffic. The issue has been confirmed by a service provider, and the vehicle requires significant repair. General Motors has been notified but has declined repair assistance, classifying the issue as wear and tear. …
March 29th 2026 my 2021 Yukon XL engine stalled while driving at 45mph (No prior warning lamps or messages, restart engine came on dash) causing me to immediately pull over and come to a stop still in traffic, it shifted my vehicle into park, I was in an in an un-safe spot and was stuck in park (conditions not correct for shift on dash) because my vehicle would not allow me to shift to neutral and push it to the side of the road, (could not jump start) Had towed to dealership and mentioned Engine Failure and Fuel pump control module Recalls but according to them it was a starter issue, I asked them to still check the fuel pump control module regardless. …
1. Fuel pump power control module Code #P129F 2. Sudden stalling of engine at potential high speeds/ dense traffic areas. This created a major safety hazard for a potential FATAL accident. 3. It has been currently confirmed by the dealer Gerry Lane Buick GMC after initial the breakdown it was sent there for investigation. 4. No, It has only been inspected at the dealership in Gerry Lane Buick GMC in Baton Rouge Louisiana. 5. NO warning lamps or symptoms before COMPLETE and INSTANT vehicle failure at NIGHT on 10/1/2023. Additional Information: Please see NHTSA Recall #N212332040 After our own investigation we have found a recall report for the same year make and model for the same issue of the fuel pump power control module. Our VIN was not included in this recall but has the exact issue and year as the recall. …
Related recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump › Control/drive module
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021.
Fuel System complaints in other Yukon XL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2021 GMC Yukon XL?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, 14% of the model year's 229 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 GMC Yukon XL fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 21V-739 (control/drive module, Sep 23, 2021). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2021 GMC Yukon XL fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.