General Motors has issued a major safety recall affecting certain 2021 GMC Yukon SUVs, focusing on a serious transmission defect. In late 2024, GM announced GMC Yukon Recall No. 24V-797 (Mfr. N242454440) for diesel-powered Yukons, warning that a faulty transmission control valve may wear prematurely and lead to a dangerous wheel lock-up.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Transmission Recall covers 461,839 trucks and SUVs across several models. For 2021 Yukons equipped with Duramax diesel engines, there are 2,980 units impacted.

Importantly, gasoline-powered Yukons use a different transmission and are not affected.

Transmission Valve Defect

According to official NHTSA recall documents, the problem lies in the automatic transmission's control valve body. Over time, excess wear in the valve can cause hydraulic pressure to drop, resulting in harsh shifting. In rare cases, when the transmission downshifts from eighth gear, the worn valve can fail and momentarily lock the rear wheels.

GM and regulators emphasize that a sudden rear-wheel lock-up at speed is a critical safety hazard that could cause loss of control and a crash. As CBT News reports, “the issue lies with the transmission control valve, which may fail … causing the rear wheels to lock up, creating a significant safety hazard for drivers”.

Owners may notice early warning signs: worsening shift quality and unusual noises or vibrations from the drivetrain. However, the failure can occur suddenly without warning if the valve seizes. When GM's investigation identified the defect, engineers noted that standard software could not detect the pressure loss in time.

For context, GM previously recalled some 2021 Yukons in early 2022 under NHTSA Recall 22V-036 for a faulty rear driveshaft assembly. That defect involved improperly heat-treated drive-shaft joints that could deform, seize, and cause “loss of propulsion”. Dealers addressed it by replacing the driveshafts. The current recall is separate and specifically targets the transmission control valve issue.

Who and How Many Are Affected

The scope of this recall is large. In total GM is calling back 461,839 vehicles to address the valve defect. Besides the Yukon, the recall covers 2020–2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500/3500, GMC Sierra 1500/2500/3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade/Escalade ESV, and Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban.

Among these, 2,980 2021 GMC Yukon and 2,162 Yukon XL diesel SUVs are included. Affected Yukons were built roughly between August 17, 2020 and September 22, 2021.

Owners can verify their status by entering their VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup or by checking GM's recall site for Campaign No. N242454440.

GM announced this recall in mid-November 2024 and began notifying dealers and owners soon after.

Safety Risks and Symptoms

The official 2021 GMC Yukon Transmission Recall notice and multiple news outlets stress the safety risk: a sudden loss of control if the rear wheels lock. NHTSA warns that “if the rear wheels lock-up momentarily while driving, there is increased risk of a crash”.

Affected drivers may first experience progressively rougher shifting or a service warning light. However, failure can happen abruptly during high-speed downshifts. GM's bulletin instructs dealers to “stop delivering the affected vehicles immediately” until repaired.

Drivers who detect any transmission issues – harsh downshifts, reduced power, or warning lights – should contact their dealer promptly. GM's remedy is software-based: updated TCM firmware will monitor the valve and limit the transmission to fifth gear if excessive wear is detected.

This preemptive fix prevents the gear change that can trigger wheel lock-up and displays a “reduced propulsion” alert. The recall repair is free of charge and will be performed by dealers as part of GMC Yukon Recall campaign.

Protecting Your Rights

If you own a 2021 Yukon with these transmission troubles, keep detailed repair records. Under New York and New Jersey lemon laws, owners with substantial and recurring problems may be entitled to a refund or replacement. Other owners may have claims for breach of warranty under the Magnuson-Moss Act. Our lemon law lawyers understand these recalls and can help. Call us today for a free consultation. We also work on a contingency basis.

Sources:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) - 2021 GMC Yukon Recalls Overview
• NHTSA Recall Report - 2024 Transmission Valve Defect - Recall No. 24V-797 (Campaign N242454440)
• NHTSA Recall Report - 2022 Driveshaft Issue - Recall No. 22V-036
• GM Authority - GMC Sierra And Yukon Recalled For Rear Wheel Lock-Up Due To Transmission Valve Failure
• USA Today - General Motors recalls Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac models
• GM Inside News - GM Recalls 461,839 Pickups and SUVs Over Transmission Problem
• CBT News - GM Recalls 461,839 Vehicles Over Transmission Issue

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