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ProblemsByVin Index / 2020-GMC-YUKON-XL / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2020 GMC Yukon XL owner complaints

42 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 2 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

engine 9 complaints shown

20 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
12/04/2025 ODI #11703046.0

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

11/23/2025 ODI #11701040.0

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 fortu

11/05/2025 ODI #11697770.0

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.

10/14/2025 ODI #11693474.0

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.

09/25/2025 ODI #11689782.0

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

09/23/2025 ODI #11689292.0

[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 re

08/25/2025 52,000 mi ODI #11682835.0

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, and an abnormal rattling sound was coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the message "Action Needed - Oil Pressure" was displayed on the screen. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure due to metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

08/02/2024 102,000 mi ODI #11606141.0

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,

06/05/2026 ODI #11742328.0

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 for the thousands it has cost us.

powertrain 3 complaints shown

9 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
08/04/2025 ODI #11678173.0

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.

06/27/2025 ODI #11669747.0

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.

05/22/2025 46,000 mi ODI #11662608.0

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.

lighting 2 complaints shown

12/21/2022 ODI #11498483.0

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

10/29/2021 ODI #11438653.0

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

other 2 complaints shown

07/30/2023 ODI #11535388.0

Transmission is shaking when I start driving.!!!

07/27/2022 ODI #11476184.0

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.

brakes 1 complaint shown

12/02/2020 2,000 mi ODI #11377586.0

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.

steering 1 complaint shown

3 total in this category · severe · avg repair $700 · see steering cluster analysis →
08/27/2025 Fire ODI #11683538.0

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.

electrical 1 complaint shown

06/05/2023 ODI #11525349.0

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

airbags 1 complaint shown

05/17/2021 Crash ODI #11417456.0

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.

Showing 300 of 42 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/GMC/Yukon XL#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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