2020 GMC Yukon XL Problems

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Premium Report

Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

ENGINE

9 complaints

Knocking noise from engine-no check engine light initially. Next time it was started knocking was still present and the check engine light was on. Contacted Champion Chevrolet in LaGrange KY. Dealership diagnosed problem (Code P0308 - Cylinder 8 misfire). Compression test on Cylinder 8 failed. Removed valve cover and confirmed loud tick in the rocker shaft and worn camshaft lobes. Was told I would need a new engine and that repairing the existing engine was not cost effective. So, $22,722.14 later, i have a new engine in my 2020 GMC Yukon and have the original engine (core charge) in my shop in case it is needed for evaluation to help determine if the GM recall should be expanded to 2020 model year (and others not covered by the current recall).

Jan 04, 2026

This concerns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali motor (6.2L gas) 118,000 miles. Regular maintenance performed every 5 K miles and per request of original dealer. Beginning 2 weeks ago a new regular pinging developed and the vehicle was taken to the dealer (at which time new tires were installed routinely). No clear issues were found upon brief inspection/auscultation and advised to return if the sound was recurrent. The sound persisted on a fairly frequent though intermittent basis. A recording was made and another appt made for routine spark plug replacement. Upon return and repeat inspection it was discovered that oil filter was full of metal shavings and advised it was very likely necessary for a complete engine overhaul (with $18-20 K price tag). Checking online it was discovered that this GM motor had a 580,000 vehicle recall for 2021-2024 models. A new ODI study is being done for similar complaints for 2019-2021 year models (additional 280,000 vehicles). The 6.2L motors have been found to have a crankshaft/bearing issue leading to motor failure and even sudden loss of power often presenting with metal particulate matter being discovered. Awaiting resolution.

Dec 04, 2025

Complete Engine Failure at 83,986 miles and no prior signs that it was defective. Had GM initially look at it and they refused to cover the repair and indicated that it was due to faulty lifters. Took it to an independent shop, they tore it all down and indicated the lifters had trays that were not tight, which allowed the lifters to eat away at the camshaft. Due to that, metal shavings got into the main engine bearings and that is what ultimately caused the engine failure. While questioning how a new engine would be any more reliable than the one that failed, I was told that all engine suppliers were aware of the sloppy lifter play and the needed cam changes and new parts were all maid to a tighter spec so that this would not happen in the future. GM is fully aware of this issue and fortunately for me it did not result in my engine failing on the highway like others have. I was left with a 14,969.74 repair bill on something that should have never happened. I talked with current GM master technicians, and they indicated to me to stay away from anything pre 2025 because all engines were made to the same spec and they don't know why a change was not made sooner.

Nov 23, 2025

The vehicle suddenly stopped working while driving with my family of 5 in the vehicle. There was no warning, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to this. We had no idea there was anything wrong until it just stopped working. Then the engine light came on. Thankfully we were close to an exit and were able to pull off the road. We had it towed to a GMC dealer they found cylinder 7 intake lifter collapsed causing P0300 to set in ECM. Upon disassembly of bank one found lifter guide failed due to lifter collapse leading to camshaft lobe damage. The engine required replacement of camshaft and all lifters. The total cost of repairs was $10,115.72. When I reported this to GMC they said that our vehicle was not part of the current recall for engine failure because it was a 2020.

Nov 05, 2025

We have owned the car for five years. We bought it new in 2020. Now, the engine has completely failed. It has the same problems all the recalled GMC Yukon Denali XL 6.2L V8 engines have; lifters are not functioning, cam shaft is destroyed, rods are bent, oil is pooling and the aluminum engine has melted. The engine light suddenly went off and we didn’t have acceleration. The vehicle started “puttering” and didn’t drive well. No warning at all. This is a known issue with GMC (which I just found out about) and I find it absurd I have to pay $26,000 for a new engine which will most likely have the same problem. Luckily nothing happened, but if that happened on the highway with my wife and three young kids in the car it could have been a nightmare situation.

Oct 14, 2025

+ 4 more complaints for this component

POWER TRAIN

6 complaints

I was traveling along i80 and suddenly the vehicle shutdown. I put the transmission in Neutral and coasted to a stop. Once stopped, I check It would not start or even turnover at that point. I still had all electrical services and such. The vehicle. I was stranded on i80. Then had to be towed to the nearest GM Dealer in Evanston Wyoming. Heritage Chevrolet GMC. It was left there for diagnosis where their technician, several days later diagnosed it with a bad engine. There was no warning or check engine light that appeared. I even have a picture from a little while earlier while driving earlier that morning. It took it because I was surprised it was getting 28mpg in v8 mode. but I am glad I had that photo to show no diagnostic lights were on.

Jan 06, 2026

The transmission failed while driving it and no warning lights were visible on the dashboard before hand or afterwards ..the vehicle is presently at a legitimate transmission repair shop and needs a new transmission supposedly this particular vehicle is evidently not included in the recall although the make and model are listed as part of the recall.

Aug 04, 2025

I possess a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. During multiple highway drives, I experienced a persistent loss of power. When accelerating from a stop, the vehicle struggled to shift gears smoothly, resulting in a rough, jerking motion. I opted to take the car to the dealership; however, before I could reach it, the vehicle lost all power and failed to change gears entirely. I am fortunate this complete loss of power and ability to change gears did not occur while I was on a busy highway. I purchased the car when it had 63,000 miles, and at 120,000 miles, the dealership informed me that the transmission had completely failed. A replacement of the transmission will be necessary.

Mar 28, 2025

Lifter failure Car could not be driven and were stranded at night in the dark. The car had to be towed but the tow truck did not arrive until morning. It was an EXPENSIVE repair at GMC dealership. GMC confirmed this was the issue Car started to make a loud noise, so I stopped driving. It is NOT an old car - 2020 and happened December 2024 GMC said it is not something they will cover

Jan 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the temperature gauge started rising quickly. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission to be replaced for a second time. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission cooling line to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure and noticed the transmission was leaking. The contact towed the vehicle back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the transmission cooling line to be replaced for a second time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,549.

Apr 25, 2023

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

Driving today and car started rattling and pouring transmission fluid on the way home today. Barely made it home.

Sep 25, 2025

[XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] [Date] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, D.C. 20590 Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali – Repeated Engine Failures (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally file a safety complaint regarding my 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali (VIN: [XXX] ) which I purchased in 2021. This vehicle has experienced repeated and dangerous mechanical failures that raise significant safety concerns. •March 2024: The oil pump failed, resulting in immediate engine issues. Repairs were completed under warranty, but the check engine light remained on afterward. •April 2024: The vehicle broke down again. At that time, the cams and lifters were replaced in addition to other service, but the underlying issues were not resolved. •August 2025: The vehicle failed once again. After taking it in, the service department could not determine the cause. When they believed they had identified the issue and took it for a test drive, the vehicle broke down again and had to be towed back to the shop. At that point, I was informed that the vehicle now requires a complete motor replacement and a new fuel pump. Each of these failures has left me stranded and placed me and my family in unsafe situations on the road. Despite contacting the dealership (Joseph Cadillac of Dublin), General Motors, and the warranty company, none have taken responsibility to properly resolve the issues. I believe this represents a potential defect in the engine or related systems that could impact many other consumers. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this matter to determine whether a broader safety recall or manufacturer action is warranted. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping ensure consumer safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Sep 23, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

2 complaints

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that upon attempting to start the vehicle with the key fob, messages that the key fob was not connected, to put the key fob in the compartment, to push the brake, and that the battery light was low, were displayed. The contact stated that he was able to start the vehicle by pressing the Push to Start button. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine made an abnormally loud banging sound, and then the engine made an abnormal clunking sound that persisted while the vehicle was idling. The contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that two pistons had separated from the engine. The dealer recommended an engine replacement. The dealer also informed the contact that a manufacturer field technician would perform an additional inspection of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

Jan 24, 2025

Pressed the air condition button and engine turned off while driving. Vehicle engine knocking and engine shaking. Will not go over 30 miles an hour Take it to the dealership and all they say is it's the air filter. Engine light turns on Traction control light stays on Warning of decrease engine speed Engine not shifting properly High rpm's Dealer says there's nothing wrong

Jun 05, 2023

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Transmission is shaking when I start driving.!!!

Jul 30, 2023

The A/C unit stopped blowing cold air intermittently. I'm taking it to a mechanic to find out what's going in. It's a 2020 for goodness sake.

Jul 27, 2022

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 complaints

Ligths seal are defective Wich cause failure because humidity create corrosion on main light board and lights suddenly stop working

Dec 21, 2022

The Navigation screen system is flickering and goes completely black and kept coming on and off Switching from USB to navigation to radio to home screen And sometimes affect the signal lights also when I pull out the USB under the armrest it's super Hot ... I was wondering if its a Recall also I have 2 friends having the same problems on Chevrolet suburban 2020

Oct 29, 2021

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

I was driving down the highway, and my wife and I decided to stop at Costco to get protein bars and gas for the drive home. We also had a [XXX] , [XXX] old, and [XXX] in the car. As we were approaching the end of the exit ramp at approximately 30 miles per hour, the engine jerked the car two or three times then died. When it died, I lost power steering and the car slammed to a stop. The car also displayed an alert about my tow breaking system. I tried to restart it, and smoke began rising from my engine bay. I stopped trying to restart, and got my family onto the hill beside the exit while waiting for a tow. The tech at the GMC dealer stated that the engine had seized on me while driving. The cam shaft can rotate a small amount one way before getting blocked, and likewise the other way. Tech believes that the bearing is responsible, but will not be doing a tear down until September 2. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Aug 27, 2025

Fire: 1

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

Driving and vehicle started making noise and lost ability to accelerate fully. Mechanic stated he’s had numerous issues with this model with lifter and camshaft damage especially with the 6.2l engine which has a recall on the 2021-25 models but not the 2020. $5,000+ to fix at this point.

Jun 27, 2025

POWER TRAIN,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear passenger side tire seized. The contact stated the vehicle was skidding, and the contact noticed an unusual sound. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

May 22, 2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, the transmission started to slip out gear and the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact's wife had not observed any warning lights. The contact’s wife drove the vehicle back to the residence and while attempting to place the vehicle in park(P), the vehicle failed to respond. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle was idling roughly with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact drove the vehicle to a different independent mechanic who performed an engine pressure test and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Aug 02, 2024

ENGINE,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the bearing in the driveshaft was worn. Additionally, the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Apr 30, 2024

STEERING

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the steering wheel was increasingly wobbly and was pulling 3-4 inches to the right or to the left, and the vehicle was difficult to steer while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic contacted an unknown dealer, and the dealer informed the mechanic that the part to repair the vehicle was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Apr 02, 2024

SUSPENSION

1 complaint

The front struts are going out on these vehicles. I know of another one that had the same issue and only had 38,000 miles on there Denali. This issue makes the front of the vehicle very stiff. Which when we were on the interstate and every time we hit a bump or a bridge crossing it would almost take the steering wheel right out of your hands. I live In Minnesota, and with the weather we have here, it was a very scary drive home with my family. I took it to my certified repair shop and they told me that I’m the 3rd one that they have seen with this problem. Thank you for your time.

Feb 16, 2023

AIR BAGS,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

1 complaint

GMC SUV - Hydroplaned -- could not achieve Traction Control despite moving away from water patch.. Front Angle Crashed into Concrete Median; All Side Airbags Deployed, No Front Airbags Deployed.

May 17, 2021

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

VEHICLE BRAKES WOULD NOT OPERATE PROPERLY, INCREASED BRAKING EFFORT AND MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER 'SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM'. THIS IS THE 4TH TIME A BEAKE ISSUE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCED WITH A GM SUBURBAN/YUKON VEHICLE. FIRST 3 WERE ON OUR 2017 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN PREMIER. ALSO, ENGINE JUST SHUTOFF IN THE MIDDLE OF A TURN LANE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION, NO OTHER SYMPTOMS SO FAR.

Dec 02, 2020

4.6/5.0

105 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2020 GMC Yukon XL have?

The 2020 GMC Yukon XL currently has 32 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2020 GMC Yukon XL?

The most common problems reported for the 2020 GMC Yukon XL are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2020 GMC Yukon XL problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2020 GMC Yukon XL comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.