Recall 22V036 covers 1,789 2021 GMC SUVs for driveshaft assemblies that can fail and cut drive power. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
GMC is recalling 1,789 2021 Yukon Xl, Tahoe, Escalade Esv, Escalade, Suburban, and Yukon vehicles because the rear wheel driveshaft assemblies were recalled for internal components that were not heat-treated properly. A failed driveshaft can cause sudden loss of drive power and increase crash risk; GMC dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear wheel driveshaft assembly in these 2021 Yukon Xl, Tahoe, Escalade Esv, Escalade, Suburban, and Yukon vehicles is the shaft that sends power to the rear wheels. It spins under the vehicle as you accelerate, linking the driveline to the rear axle so the wheels receive engine power.
Inside the affected assemblies, small steel recirculating balls were not heat-treated properly during supplier production. Heat treatment hardens the steel so it keeps its shape under load. Because that step was wrong, those internal balls can deform after long use. Once they deform, the driveshaft assembly can no longer work as designed and the vehicle can lose propulsion.
Occupants will notice gradually increasing noise and vibration before the part fails. Treat that change as the warning sign, especially if it grows stronger while driving.
Who's affected?
Six 2021 full-size SUV nameplates use the same rear wheel drive shaft assembly in this recall.
| 2021 GMC Yukon Xl | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe | driveline |
| 2021 Cadillac Escalade Esv | driveline |
| 2021 Cadillac Escalade | driveline |
| 2021 Chevrolet Suburban | driveline |
| 2021 GMC Yukon | driveline |
| Units affected | 1,789 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A rear driveshaft failure can cause sudden loss of drive power and increase crash risk. Gradually increasing noise or vibration is the warning sign; treat it as a reason to slow down, stop where safe, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised GMC dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 GMC Yukon Xl, Tahoe, Escalade Esv, Escalade, Suburban, or Yukon is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised GMC dealer to schedule the free rear driveshaft assembly replacement.
- Tell the dealer the repair addresses rear driveshaft assemblies with improperly heat-treated internal parts that can fail and cause sudden loss of drive power.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, and reference recall number 22V036 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Avoid unnecessary trips and leave extra room to pull over if drive power drops.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a GMC technician replaces the left rear driveshaft assembly, the right rear driveshaft assembly, or both, as the recall repair requires. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Repairs already paid out of pocket are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because all covered vehicles are under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| January 27, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 27, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| January 27, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 14, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 15, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V036?
Recall 22V036 covers 1,789 2021 GMC Yukon Xl, Tahoe, Escalade Esv, Escalade, Suburban, and Yukon vehicles with rear driveshaft assemblies that were not heat-treated properly. Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2021 GMC Yukon Xl, Tahoe, Escalade Esv, Escalade, Suburban, or Yukon is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 22V036. If it is, contact a franchised GMC dealer to schedule replacement of the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies. Reference GM recall number N212351030 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and GMC dealers will replace the affected rear driveshaft assemblies free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is sudden loss of drive power if a rear driveshaft fails. That loss of power can increase crash risk, especially in traffic. The fix is to have the dealer replace the affected left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies for free.
When were owners notified about recall 22V036?
Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included before calling the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V036000 |
|---|---|
| GMC customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V036 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V036000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →