2020 GMC Yukon XL Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 21, 2026 · 47 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Yukon XL years
Fewer complaints than other years 17th of 28 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
4 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 47 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Yukon XL. That ranks 17th out of 28 Yukon XL model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (24 complaints, 51%), typically at around 52,000 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes, 1 fire, 1 injury. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2020 GMC Yukon XL problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine24 · ~52,000 mi
Power Train13 · ~104,500 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling3 · ~102,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System3
Service Brakes3 · ~2,000 mi
Steering3 · ~107,000 mi
Unknown or Other3
Electrical System2 · ~11,000 mi
Exterior Lighting2
Traction Control System2 · ~46,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine2451%52,000——
Power Train1328%104,500——
Engine and Engine Cooling36%102,000——
Fuel/propulsion System36%———
Service Brakes36%2,000——
Steering36%107,000——
Unknown or Other36%———
Electrical System24%11,000——
Exterior Lighting24%———
Traction Control System24%46,000——
Air Bags12%———
Structure12%———
Suspension12%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2025, with 17 complaints
2020: 1202012021: 2202122022: 2202222023: 5202352024: 3202432025: 172025172026: 17202617

n = 47 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2020 GMC Yukon XL recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

TiresFeb 25, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V115000 · 33,838 vehicles

Problem: 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 pumpNov 21, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V837000 · 502 vehicles

Problem: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Power Train · received Sep 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11765937

Passenger door handle caused laceration in my sons hand. Peeling interior paint or chrome created a cut on hand. Causing it to bleed and get first aid. Noticed all door handles were in same condition. Very un safe and can repeat incidents like this to other in household.

Structure · received Sep 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11763856

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. The dealership service department was never able to get the vehicle to do what I was concerned about, so they never helped resolve the issue…

Unknown or Other · received Jul 23, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11752402

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…

Engine · received Jul 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11749853

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…

Power Train · received Jun 28, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11747021

Other GMC Yukon XL years

← 2019 Yukon XL · 2021 Yukon XL →

See all GMC Yukon XL problems by year, every GMC model, or the GMC VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Owners most often report engine, power train, engine and engine cooling problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 24 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2020 GMC Yukon XL?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2020 GMC Yukon XL a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Yukon XL model years, the 2020 has fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 4 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.