2020 GMC Yukon XL Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 51%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the engine of the 2020 GMC Yukon XL, 51% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle brakes would not operate properly, increased braking effort and message displayed on instrument cluster 'service brake system'. This is the 4th time a beake issue has been experienced with a GM suburban/yukon vehicle. First 3 were on our 2017 chevrolet suburban premier. Also, engine just shutoff in the middle of a turn lane of a busy intersection, no other symptoms so far.”
NHTSA complaint #11377586, filed 2020-12, 2,000 miles“I was driving 75 MPH on the interstate passing a semi. The Yukon did not respond to pedal pressure so I used my blinker, moved to right lane and coasted into the grass area. The engine was completely off. As I changed lanes the low oil pressure light came on and the truck demanded that I shut the vehicle down immediately. I called for a tow truck and had to be towed 27 miles to my home area.”
NHTSA complaint #11659072, filed 2025-05“We have owned the car for five years. We bought it new in 2020. Now, the engine has completely failed. It has the same problems all the recalled GMC Yukon Denali XL 6.2L V8 engines have; lifters are not functioning, cam shaft is destroyed, rods are bent, oil is pooling and the aluminum engine has melted. The engine light suddenly went off and we didn’t have acceleration. The vehicle started “puttering” and didn’t drive well. No warning at all. …”
NHTSA complaint #11693474, filed 2025-10“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 complaint #11742328, filed 2026-06“The vehicle suddenly stopped working while driving with my family of 5 in the vehicle. There was no warning, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to this. We had no idea there was anything wrong until it just stopped working. Then the engine light came on. Thankfully we were close to an exit and were able to pull off the road. We had it towed to a GMC dealer they found cylinder 7 intake lifter collapsed causing P0300 to set in ECM. Upon disassembly of bank one found lifter guide failed due to lifter collapse leading to camshaft lobe damage. …”
NHTSA complaint #11697770, filed 2025-11Related service bulletins
- 11024330Sep 6, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the camshaft actuator magnet to correct customer concerns of engine related shudder.
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11019503Apr 18, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013269Jan 16, 2025This informational bulletin provides a guide on how to diagnose and test for vibrations utilizing the PicoScope.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 65% |
| 2025 | 17 | 61% |
| 2024 | 56 | 75% |
| 2023 | 154 | 68% |
| 2022 | 114 | 66% |
| 2021 | 141 | 61% |
| 2020 | 24 | 51% |
| 2019 | 34 | 50% |
| 2018 | 16 | 29% |
| 2017 | 26 | 18% |
| 2016 | 27 | 13% |
| 2015 | 26 | 8% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 2 | 15% |
| 2011 | 3 | 6% |
| 2010 | 3 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 13% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 10 | 10% |
| 2006 | 2 | 12% |
| 2005 | 7 | 17% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2020 GMC Yukon XL
13 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 GMC Yukon XL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology