2020 GMC Yukon XLProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 47 owner complaints about the 2020 GMC Yukon XL, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-115 the manufacturer reports only 75% of affected cars repaired.

2020 GMC Yukon XL

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 21, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2020 GMC Yukon XL has problems

47 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine242
Power train130
Engine and engine cooling30
Fuel/propulsion system30
Service brakes31
Steering31
Traction control system21
Exterior lighting20
Electrical system20
3 other systems31

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2020 GMC Yukon XL recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

75%repaired · 2022 Q4

Tires

Recall 21V-115 · Feb 25, 2021 · 33,838 vehicles · 25,286 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

96%repaired · 2021 Q1

Delivery: fuel pump

Recall 19V-837 · Nov 21, 2019 · 502 vehicles · 483 repaired

Risk. Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.

Best & worst years

2020 vs. every other Yukon XL year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Yukon XL median. How we score

'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2020 GMC Yukon XL safety ratings

2020 GMC Yukon XL SUV 4WD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

★★★★★Overall rating
  • Rollover: 3 stars (20.4% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: Optional
  • Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words

What Yukon XL owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 11749853 · Jul 12, 2026
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…
Complaint 11742328 · Jun 5, 2026
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…
Complaint 11733325 · Apr 23, 2026

Own a 2020 Yukon XL?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.