2020 GMC Yukon XL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 28%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 GMC Yukon XL, 28% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Transmission required replacing at 82,500 miles. Vehicle completely lost power during my morning commute. Thankfully, I had exited the Interstate and was on a city street with minimal traffic. Also thankful that I took and extended warranty at the time of purchase less than a year ago at 61,200 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11513372, filed 2023-03“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11747021, filed 2026-06“I possess a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. During multiple highway drives, I experienced a persistent loss of power. When accelerating from a stop, the vehicle struggled to shift gears smoothly, resulting in a rough, jerking motion. I opted to take the car to the dealership; however, before I could reach it, the vehicle lost all power and failed to change gears entirely. I am fortunate this complete loss of power and ability to change gears did not occur while I was on a busy highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11651411, filed 2025-03“I was traveling along i80 and suddenly the vehicle shutdown. I put the transmission in Neutral and coasted to a stop. Once stopped, I check It would not start or even turnover at that point. I still had all electrical services and such. The vehicle. I was stranded on i80. Then had to be towed to the nearest GM Dealer in Evanston Wyoming. Heritage Chevrolet GMC. It was left there for diagnosis where their technician, several days later diagnosed it with a bad engine. There was no warning or check engine light that appeared. …”
NHTSA complaint #11709096, filed 2026-01“My 10 speed transmission on my 2020 Yukon XL Denali experienced a total failure. The vehicle will not move under its own power. General Motors has ZERO information on when a replacement Transmission will be available. Some info online shows it could be months. I am told that one dealership out of Eden Prairie, MN has over 40 on back order and some since August 2025. They claim the issue stems from a valve body. Their communication has been terrible and no one within GM that I have spoken to has any information on what is being done. …”
NHTSA complaint #11711773, filed 2026-01Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11017255Mar 25, 2025This service bulletin helps diagnose/reduce possible CCND issues on Transfer Cases - Service 4WD on DIC, Intermittent Failures, Noise Concerns, Driveline/Steering…
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014565Feb 13, 2025This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern noted.
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11012009Nov 27, 2024This bulletin helps aid the tech in possible transmission noise that may be normal or abnormal depending on the concern noted.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 2 | 7% |
| 2024 | 12 | 16% |
| 2023 | 39 | 17% |
| 2022 | 33 | 19% |
| 2021 | 49 | 21% |
| 2020 | 13 | 28% |
| 2019 | 15 | 22% |
| 2018 | 9 | 16% |
| 2017 | 36 | 24% |
| 2016 | 33 | 16% |
| 2015 | 35 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 5% |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 7% |
| 2004 | 4 | 5% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 9 | 9% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2020 GMC Yukon XL
24 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 Nov 1, 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