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2020 GMC Yukon XL problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2020 GMC Yukon XL has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 2safety recalls
- 47owner complaints
- 2crash reports
- 1fire report
- 1injury reported
47 complaints, against an average of 187 for the other 14 GMC Yukon XL model years.
Every GMC Yukon XL model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2020 GMC Yukon XL?
The components named most often in the 47 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2020 GMC Yukon XL owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 47 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2020 GMC Yukon XL stall, lose power or shut off while driving?9 owners · 19.1%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 GMC Yukon XL?9 owners · 19.1%
- Has the 2020 GMC Yukon XL had engine failures?9 owners · 19.1%
- Why does my 2020 GMC Yukon XL idle rough, misfire or hesitate?4 owners · 8.5%
- Has the 2020 GMC Yukon XL had transmission failures?4 owners · 8.5%
Has the 2020 GMC Yukon XL been recalled?
2 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
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.
Fix: 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.
Fix: 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.
What do 2020 GMC Yukon XL owners report?
12 of the 47 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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 been out of service for over four weeks, with no definite repair or return-to-service date. I am concerned that 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 [XXX]. The engine is giving diagnostic codes P0300, P050D, [XXX] with internal knocking and tapping. Vehicle has been kept current on all oil changes and has no external leaks. GMC wants at least $12,000…
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 to the failure. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of these needed 10 speed transmission I waited over a month for the…
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.
Multiple repairs on brakes and tires are mismatched old since purchased in 2023 tires deflate gas cap missing
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 in the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage…
Driving on the highway when the steering warning light came on and then I had a loss of complete steering on the highway. Somehow was able to get off the highway but not completely off the road. Back end of the vehicle was still in harms way I could not turn that wheel at all this is a complete safety issue and could have easily caused an accident and could have been deadly. There was no warning before that just went out while driving at highway speeds on the highway. Also had to wait two hours for a tow. Vehicle is currently being diagnosed at the dealer and will provide all receipts once…
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormally loud ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the lifter was stuck in the bore, and there was a misfire in cylinder #7 due to a stuck camshaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,997.
Driving today and car started rattling and pouring transmission fluid on the way home today. Barely made it home.
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…
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…
Ligths seal are defective Wich cause failure because humidity create corrosion on main light board and lights suddenly stop working
2020 GMC Yukon XL: questions owners ask
Is the 2020 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 47 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Yukon XL; the most common categories were engine (24, 51.1%), power train (13, 27.7%), engine and engine cooling (3, 6.4%). There are 2 safety recalls. 2 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 1 injury was reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC Yukon XL?
Across 47 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (51.1% of complaints), power train (27.7% of complaints), engine and engine cooling (6.4% of complaints), fuel/propulsion system (6.4% of complaints), service brakes (6.4% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2020 GMC Yukon XL have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2020 GMC Yukon XL; the most recent (campaign 21V115000, 2021-02-25) concerns Tires. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2020 GMC Yukon XL stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
9 of the 47 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Yukon XL (19.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Complete engine failure while driving on I25 in New Mexico, lost all power was able to roll into a airport parking lot. If I had not been close to the off ramp it could have been catastrophic with the truck traffic on the Interstate." (NHTSA complaint 11719364, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2020 GMC Yukon XL?
9 of the 47 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Yukon XL (19.1%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11742328, June 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2020 GMC Yukon XL had engine failures?
9 of the 47 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Yukon XL (19.1%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Complete engine failure while driving on I25 in New Mexico, lost all power was able to roll into a airport parking lot. If I had not been close to the off ramp it could have been catastrophic with the truck traffic on the Interstate." (NHTSA complaint 11719364, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2020 GMC Yukon XL idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
4 of the 47 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Yukon XL (8.5%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11752402, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2020 GMC Yukon XL had transmission failures?
4 of the 47 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2020 GMC Yukon XL (8.5%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. One owner wrote: "My 10 speed transmission on my 2020 Yukon XL Denali experienced a total failure. The vehicle will not move under its own power. General Motors has ZERO information on when a replacement Transmission will be available." (NHTSA complaint 11711773, January 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Yukon XL
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2020 only.