This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 GMC Yukon XL engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 GMC Yukon XL have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 Yukon XL (this page) | 21 |
| 2021 Yukon XL | 102 |
| 2022 Yukon XL | 85 |
| 2023 Yukon XL | 96 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 21 engine complaints filed for the 2020 GMC Yukon XL, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 47% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California Emission State may be entitled to the 7 year, 70,000-mile Emission Select State Component Limited Warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2020 GMC Yukon XL vehicles describe sudden, catastrophic engine failures predominantly caused by lifter collapse and camshaft damage. The typical sequence: a ticking or knocking noise appears (sometimes without check engine light), metal shavings contaminate the oil, and the engine either loses power abruptly or stops entirely—frequently at highway speeds with no prior warning.
The 6.2L engine is most represented. Failures occur between 52,000 and 113,997 miles, with clustering in the 80,000–100,000-mile range. Owners report taking vehicles to dealers for diagnosis and discovering lifter guide failures, stuck lifters, or collapsed lifter rollers that have scored camshaft lobes. Metal shavings then migrate through the oil, damaging main bearings and leading to complete engine failure.
Repair costs range from $8,000 for lifter and camshaft replacement to $26,000 for full engine replacement. One owner paid $14,969.74 after an independent shop teardown; another faced $22,722.14 for a replacement engine.
A critical frustration: GM has issued recalls for 2021–2024 models (580,000 vehicles) and launched an ODI investigation for 2019–2021 models, but 2020 models remain excluded despite identical engine architecture. Owners have been told by GM technicians that all engines before 2025 were manufactured to the same flawed specification, yet no retrofit was offered to early-model owners. Several owners noted that manufacturer and dealers initially blamed owners or refused warranty coverage.
Two vehicles also experienced transmission issues—slipping, fluid loss, and pump failure—though the connection to the engine defect remains unclear in the narratives.
Same GMC Yukon XL engine reports on nearby years: 2021 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Lifter Failure with Camshaft Damage
Collapsed or stuck lifters (particularly AFM/DoD cylinders) allowing excessive metal-to-metal contact that scored or destroyed camshaft lobes, leading to metal shavings contaminating the engine. Multiple owners reported lifter guide failures, lifter trays not sealing properly, and lifter rollers spinning out.
When: 59,000 to 113,997 miles; one case at 80K, another at 83,986 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or knocking noise from engine; Rough idle; Power loss or inability to accelerate; Metal shavings in oil or oil filter; Check engine light (some cases late to appear or absent); Cylinder misfire codes (P0300, P0308)
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft replacement, all lifters replacement, engine overhaul quoted at $8,000–$20,000+. One owner paid $10,115.72 for camshaft and lifter replacement. One paid $8,200 for lifter and camshaft repair. Multiple owners faced complete engine replacement ($22,722–$26,000) when metal contamination damaged main bearings.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has issued recalls for 2021–2024 models (580,000 vehicles) and ODI study initiated for 2019–2021 models (additional 280,000 vehicles) due to crankshaft/bearing issues. Engine suppliers were notified and allegedly tightened specifications for 2025+ engines. However, 2020 models remain largely excluded from recall despite identical design. One owner contacted GMC about failed lifter; GMC stated the 2020 was not part of the recall. Technicians advised staying away from pre-2025 engines due to original spec.
Oil Pump Failure
Oil pump failure resulting in immediate engine distress and check engine light activation. Repaired under warranty but underlying cause not resolved, leading to subsequent failures.
When: March 2024 on one vehicle; unclear mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure; Check engine light remaining on after initial repair
Repairs/costs cited: Initial repair completed under warranty; however, related issues persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repairs completed under warranty at dealership; no broader manufacturer action documented.
Catastrophic Engine Failure from Metal Contamination
Complete engine failure caused by metal shavings in the engine, stemming from internal component wear (lifters, camshaft, or bearings). Metal particulates circulated in oil and destroyed main bearings and crankshaft.
When: 52,000 to 107,000 miles; one case at 83,986 miles, another at 102,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while driving; Abnormal rattling or knocking under hood; Oil pressure warning message ('Action Needed - Oil Pressure'); No advance warning lights in several cases; Metal shavings discovered upon inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required. One owner quoted $18–$20K for overhaul; others required full replacement at $22,722–$26,000+. One owner faced repair bill of $14,969.74 after independent shop disassembly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refused to cover repair in at least one case, citing faulty lifters as owner responsibility. Engine suppliers aware of lifter play and spec changes made for 2025+ models but not retrofitted to earlier years.
Sudden Power Loss and Stalling
Abrupt loss of engine power while driving at highway speeds (35–75 MPH) without warning lights or messages preceding the event. Vehicle either failed to accelerate, stalled completely, or struggled to restart.
When: 70,000 to 113,997 miles; multiple cases at 102,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power; Vehicle stalled without restart capability; Check engine light illuminating during or after incident; No advance warning; Low oil pressure light appearing after power loss (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required in multiple cases due to catastrophic internal failure. One case initially misdiagnosed as transmission issue requiring transmission replacement, then found to be engine failure requiring complete replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified in several cases. One vehicle referenced NHTSA Campaign 25V274000 but VIN was not included in recall repair eligibility.
Oil Pressure and Cooling System Issues
Water pump failure and oil pressure warning messages appearing. One case involved water pump failure on interstate; another involved metal shavings causing low oil pressure and loss of power.
When: Water pump failure at unknown mileage seven months before lifter issue on one vehicle; oil pressure issue at 52,000 miles on another
Symptoms owners cite: Water pump explosion; Oil pressure warning message displayed on screen; Low oil pressure light; Abnormal rattling sound from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement not detailed in cost. Oil pressure issues associated with metal contamination from internal engine failure, requiring engine replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner stated water pump should have been covered under 60,000-mile powertrain warranty but was beyond 5-year time limit, resulting in out-of-pocket cost.
Transmission Fluid Loss and Slippage
Transmission fluid leakage and transmission slipping or loss of power. Two separate cases reported transmission fluid issues; one involved fluid loss during driving, another involved slipping and pressure loss.
When: 102,000 miles (one case); 112,000 miles (one case); unclear mileage on third
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slipping out of gear; Loss of motive power; Vehicle not responding to park command; Transmission fluid leaking or pouring from vehicle; Check engine light illuminating after transmission work; Rough idle with white smoke from exhaust after transmission repair
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement cost not specified. One vehicle then required engine replacement after transmission repair. One owner's transmission fluid change performed at 70K per maintenance schedule; failure occurred at 112K. Third case involved transmission fluid pump failure requiring replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives for transmission issues.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
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…
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 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…
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…
Driving today and car started rattling and pouring transmission fluid on the way home today. Barely made it home.
[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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Had engine trouble with your 2020 GMC Yukon XL?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2020 GMC Yukon XL?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 21 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 88,999 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/GMC/Yukon XL.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.