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2020 GMC Yukon Xl Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
47
Latest Sep 21, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
11
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Yukon Xl, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine2645.6%
  • Brakes35.3%
  • Steering35.3%
  • Fuel system35.3%
  • Electrical23.5%
  • Exterior lighting23.5%
  • Other / unspecified23.5%
  • Suspension11.8%
  • Body & structure11.8%
  • Airbags11.8%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed 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 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 · filed Jun 5, 2026
All 26 reports naming engine →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 inability to provide a replacement transmission may indicate unusually high demand or a broader issue. I identified other recent NHTSA complaints involving 2020 GMC Yukon XL vehicles reporting 10-speed transmission failures and difficulty obtaining replacements, including ODI complaints 11711773 and 11747021. I request that NHTSA evaluate this complaint with similar reports. I respectfully request that NHTSA consider whether: • These transmissions are experiencing premature or unusually frequent failures. • Valve-body, internal, or other component defects may contribute. • Failures can cause sudden loss of propulsion, unexpected shifting, loss of power, or other safety-related conditions. • The replacement-transmission shortage is connected to an unusually high failure rate. • GM has sufficient replacement units and repair components available. • Available complaints, dealer information, and manufacturer information warrant further investigation or action. I request that this complaint be associated with my VIN and reviewed with other complaints involving 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali vehicles and other GMC, Cadillac, and Chevrolet models equipped with the 10-speed 10L800-speed automatic transmission. I believe the circumstances warrant review as a potential broader vehicle-safety issue, rather than solely an individual parts-availability problem.

NHTSA ID 11765937 · filed Sep 21, 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 · filed Jun 28, 2026
All 13 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11733725 · filed Apr 25, 2026

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 waiting for a tow. The tech at the GMC dealer stated that the engine had seized on me while driving. The cam shaft can rotate a small amount one way before getting blocked, and likewise the other way. Tech believes that the bearing is responsible, but will not be doing a tear down until September 2. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11683538 · filed Aug 27, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 22, 2026

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 waiting for a tow. The tech at the GMC dealer stated that the engine had seized on me while driving. The cam shaft can rotate a small amount one way before getting blocked, and likewise the other way. Tech believes that the bearing is responsible, but will not be doing a tear down until September 2. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11683538 · filed Aug 27, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11733725 · filed Apr 25, 2026

Driving today and car started rattling and pouring transmission fluid on the way home today. Barely made it home.

NHTSA ID 11689782 · filed Sep 25, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 persisted while the vehicle was idling. The contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that two pistons had separated from the engine. The dealer recommended an engine replacement. The dealer also informed the contact that a manufacturer field technician would perform an additional inspection of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

NHTSA ID 11638235 · filed Jan 24, 2025

Pressed the air condition button and engine turned off while driving. Vehicle engine knocking and engine shaking. Will not go over 30 miles an hour Take it to the dealership and all they say is it's the air filter. Engine light turns on Traction control light stays on Warning of decrease engine speed Engine not shifting properly High rpm's Dealer says there's nothing wrong

NHTSA ID 11525349 · filed Jun 5, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Ligths seal are defective Wich cause failure because humidity create corrosion on main light board and lights suddenly stop working

NHTSA ID 11498483 · filed Dec 21, 2022

The Navigation screen system is flickering and goes completely black and kept coming on and off Switching from USB to navigation to radio to home screen And sometimes affect the signal lights also when I pull out the USB under the armrest it's super Hot ... I was wondering if its a Recall also I have 2 friends having the same problems on Chevrolet suburban 2020

NHTSA ID 11438653 · filed Oct 29, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear passenger side tire seized. The contact stated the vehicle was skidding, and the contact noticed an unusual sound. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

NHTSA ID 11662608 · filed May 22, 2025

GMC SUV - Hydroplaned -- could not achieve Traction Control despite moving away from water patch.. Front Angle Crashed into Concrete Median; All Side Airbags Deployed, No Front Airbags Deployed.

NHTSA ID 11417456 · filed May 17, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The front struts are going out on these vehicles. I know of another one that had the same issue and only had 38,000 miles on there Denali. This issue makes the front of the vehicle very stiff. Which when we were on the interstate and every time we hit a bump or a bridge crossing it would almost take the steering wheel right out of your hands. I live In Minnesota, and with the weather we have here, it was a very scary drive home with my family. I took it to my certified repair shop and they told me that I’m the 3rd one that they have seen with this problem. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID 11507687 · filed Feb 16, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11763856 · filed Sep 12, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

GMC SUV - Hydroplaned -- could not achieve Traction Control despite moving away from water patch.. Front Angle Crashed into Concrete Median; All Side Airbags Deployed, No Front Airbags Deployed.

NHTSA ID 11417456 · filed May 17, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .