2020 GMC Yukon XL problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Yukon XL, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 47
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Median mileage
- 86,000 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 26 of 47 complaints (55%).
- Transmission & Drivetrain (13) and fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion (3) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 86,000 mi.
- Owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury.
- The 2020 GMC Yukon XL has 2 recalls on file.
- It ranks 9th of 22 GMC Yukon XL model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
- That is 27% fewer complaints than the 2019 model year (64).
2020 GMC Yukon XL problems by category
- Engine · 1 crash26 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain13 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion3 complaints
- Steering3 complaints
- Brakes3 complaints
- Other / Unknown3 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash2 complaints
- Lighting2 complaints
- Electrical System2 complaints
- Airbags · 1 crash1 complaints
- Body & Structure1 complaints
- Suspension1 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 24 |
| Power train | 12 |
| Unknown or other | 3 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 |
| Service brakes | 3 |
| Steering | 3 |
| Traction control system | 2 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2020 GMC Yukon XL recalls (2)
- 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.
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
Risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.
Recent 2020 GMC Yukon XL complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Sep 21, 2026MOTransmission & Drivetrain
The transmission failed on August 8, 2026, while I was driving on a highway. I moved safely to the shoulder, but the vehicle became inoperable and required towing. The loss of propulsion in active highway traffic created a potentially hazardous situation. My GMC Bommarito Buick GMC dealership advised that GM cannot currently supply the required replacement transmission. The dealer has no estimated delivery date and does not know when GM can supply the unit. The vehicle has…
NHTSA complaint #11765937 · source - Filed Sep 12, 2026TXBody & Structure
Passenger door handle caused laceration in my sons hand. Peeling interior paint or chrome created a cut on hand. Causing it to bleed and get first aid. Noticed all door handles were in same condition. Very un safe and can repeat incidents like this to other in household.
NHTSA complaint #11763856 · source - Filed Jul 23, 2026TXOther / Unknown
The vehicle has an unpredictable and random tendency to hesitate when the gas is pressed. This has been happening at some level since the vehicle was new. The dealership service department was never able to get the vehicle to do what I was concerned about, so they never helped resolve the issue. Now that it is out of warranty, the issue is getting worse. It is to the point that I believe it is unsafe for anyone but me to drive it. I have to make sure that when I turn onto a…
NHTSA complaint #11752402 · source - Filed Jul 12, 2026TNEngine
My family drove from [XXX] to [XXX]. Upon arrival check engine light came on, we proceeded to a local shop, by the time we arrive check engine light was flashing and engine was knocking and was clearly malfunctioning. Shop owner recommended we transport the vehicle back home as service shops in the area were experiencing high volume and parts shortages. We had vehicle towed to a local shop in [XXX]. The engine is giving diagnostic codes P0300, P050D, [XXX] with internal…
NHTSA complaint #11749853 · source - Filed Jun 28, 2026KYTransmission & Drivetrain
Without any indications of a problem our transmission began making a loud whining noise. The evening before it was fine and the next morning on startup the noise just began. The Vehicle only has 45,000 miles on it and the transmission had been serviced at the recommend manufacturer interval. Took it immediately to my auto repair shop where it was diagnosed as a transmission failure (they has seen this before) and told not to drive until replaced due to safety issues related…
NHTSA complaint #11747021 · source - Filed Jun 5, 2026TXEngine
The engine light came on and started making noise. We drove it to a mechanic shop, and they said the code stated camshaft and other component issues, but the engine ended up failing completely and was rebuilt. We initially checked for recalls and our VIN did not show any; however, we recently became aware that our engine (6.2L) might be part of the ongoing current problems associated with a recall. We are hoping that GMC will cover any remaining repairs and/or reimburse us…
NHTSA complaint #11742328 · source - Filed Apr 23, 2026FLEngine
Engine started with a rough idle, I attributed this to mileage. Check engine light did not come on until days before scheduling service. Per diagnostic from Chevrolet service department: Lifter roller damaged and camshaft damaged on lobe. need to replace camshaft and lifters. this has been diagnosed by Chevrolet dealer mechanics at Ferman Chevrolet North Tampa, in Tampa Florida. Check Engine Light came on 4 days before I took it for diagnostic. Chevrolet and GMC have issued…
NHTSA complaint #11733325 · source - Filed Apr 6, 202670,000 miNJEngine
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH and attempting a lane change, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over to the shoulder and restarted the vehicle, but the vehicle struggled to restart and failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence at a reduced speed. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included…
NHTSA complaint #11729392 · source
Compare the 2020 GMC Yukon XL with another vehicle →
Other 2020 GMC models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology