RoadVitals

2020 GMC Yukon Xl

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
45
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Feb 25, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 45 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 GMC Yukon Xl, most frequently naming the engine, powertrain (other) and steering categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 714 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine2647.3%
  • Steering35.5%
  • Fuel system35.5%
  • Brakes35.5%
  • Exterior lighting23.6%
  • Other / unspecified23.6%
  • Electrical23.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
Feb 25, 2021
33,838 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The 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.
The remedy: 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.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N212329050View on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Nov 21, 2019
502 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
The remedy: 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.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number N192283991View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Filed Jul 23, 2026

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. Now that it is out of warranty, the issue is getting worse. It is to the point that I believe it is unsafe for anyone but me to drive it. I have to make sure that when I turn onto a new road, that there is absolutely noone coming because I cannot depend on my vehicle to accelerate quickly enough, even at a normal rate. It may lag and take its time speeding up, or it may accelerate normally with no issues. I stopped going to the dealership for oil changes and checking the issue because they no longer give loaner vehicles and they take a minimum of three hours for an oil change. So I recently took it to my trusted mechanic. He replaced the knock sensors, which helped slightly. He could still detect issues, but was concerned it would require a whole new engine built to bypass the DFM system and repair the cams and lifters. So I nw have to drive a vehicle that needs $20,000 worth of repair, has the potential to be dangerous or leave me broken down on the side of the road. It has 106,000 miles and I still owe $12,000 on it. From my research, I understand that this is a known issue and that there are several lawsuits regarding the issue. That does not help the average person who doesn’t care about a lawsuit, but is justifying st trying to live their average life with a dependable vehicle. Please help!

NHTSA ID
11752402
Incident
Jun 15, 2026
Engine
Filed Jul 12, 2026

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 to replace the engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11749853
Incident
Jun 22, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jun 28, 2026

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 vehicle to be repaired. The shop contacted GM to inquire about any warranty help but was told there was none.

NHTSA ID
11747021
Incident
May 19, 2026
Engine
Filed Jun 5, 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 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.

NHTSA ID
11742328
Incident
Aug 15, 2025
BrakesFuel system
Filed Apr 25, 2026

Multiple repairs on brakes and tires are mismatched old since purchased in 2023 tires deflate gas cap missing

NHTSA ID
11733725
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
Engine
Filed Apr 23, 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 diagnosed by Chevrolet dealer mechanics at Ferman Chevrolet North Tampa, in Tampa Florida. Check Engine Light came on 4 days before I took it for diagnostic. Chevrolet and GMC have issued a recall on 2021+ but this remains outside that recall. I'm quoted for an $11,343 repair on a vehicle that has gotten regular synthetic oil changes at the dealership since I bought it with approx 80k miles on it. Metal was not noticed in the prior oil changes, latest which was

NHTSA ID
11733325
Incident
Apr 22, 2026
Engine
Filed Apr 6, 2026

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 was 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11729392
Incident
Mar 30, 2026
Mileage
70,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 22, 2026

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 completed. This is an issue that needs to be addressed. Huge safety concen

NHTSA ID
11726127
Incident
Mar 16, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

PIT5509N

This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

PIT5509M

This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIP4902V

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIP6104

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

GMC Yukon Xl by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026233052.6
2025221048.2
2024622359.7
20231914365.0
20221514366.3
202120112469.7
2020Viewing452061.0
2019652060.0
2018522057.9
20171441045.9
20161993156.8
20153062150.3
2014113158.8
2013224151.0
2012134144.7
2011473153.3
2010283149.2
2009235150.3
2008694155.2
2007964262.5
2006173044.5
2005426048.0
2004874049.3
20031024254.0
2002952353.5
20011205662.4
2000697662.0
1999300

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.