Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 GMC Yukon XL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, the transmission started to slip out gear and the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact's wife had not observed any warning lights. The contact's wife drove the vehicle back to the residence and while attempting to place the vehicle in park(P), the vehicle failed to respond. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The contact stated that while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle was idling roughly with white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. …
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. …
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 [redacted] old, and [redacted] 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.
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.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, and an abnormal rattling sound was coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the message "Action Needed - Oil Pressure" was displayed on the screen. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure due to metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormally loud ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the lifter was stuck in the bore, and there was a misfire in cylinder #7 due to a stuck camshaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,997.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the bearing in the driveshaft was worn. Additionally, the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
This concerns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali motor (6.2L gas) 118,000 miles. Regular maintenance performed every 5 K miles and per request of original dealer. Beginning 2 weeks ago a new regular pinging developed and the vehicle was taken to the dealer (at which time new tires were installed routinely). No clear issues were found upon brief inspection/auscultation and advised to return if the sound was recurrent. The sound persisted on a fairly frequent though intermittent basis. A recording was made and another appt made for routine spark plug replacement. Upon return and repeat inspection it was discovered that oil filter was full of metal shavings and advised it was very likely necessary for a complete engine overhaul (with $18-20 K price tag). Checking online it was discovered that this GM motor had a 580,000 vehicle recall for 2021-2024 models. …
Complete Engine Failure at 83,986 miles and no prior signs that it was defective. Had GM initially look at it and they refused to cover the repair and indicated that it was due to faulty lifters. Took it to an independent shop, they tore it all down and indicated the lifters had trays that were not tight, which allowed the lifters to eat away at the camshaft. Due to that, metal shavings got into the main engine bearings and that is what ultimately caused the engine failure. While questioning how a new engine would be any more reliable than the one that failed, I was told that all engine suppliers were aware of the sloppy lifter play and the needed cam changes and new parts were all maid to a tighter spec so that this would not happen in the future. GM is fully aware of this issue and fortunately for me it did not result in my engine failing on the highway like others have. …
My 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali 6.2L with 59,000 miles developed a ticking noise and slight power loss diagnosed by three different garages as a "collapsed lifter" on #4 cylinder. It's one of the AFM/DoD cylinders that shuts down to save fuel. $8,000 repair estimate, or $12,000 if the failed lifter damaged the camshaft. All three garages said "we see a lot of these." Internet forums are loaded with lifter problems on this engine: specifically AFM/DoD lifters. Safety is not affected. Noise/diagnosis reproduced by three independent garages. Has not been inspected by mfg, police, or insurance rep. No warning lamps or messages, no ODB2 "codes" found by garages. Seven months ago the water pump exploded on Interstate 70, putting us at serious risk. Now this lifter trouble at 59,000 miles. Both should have been covered by the 60,000 mile powertrain warranty, but I'm beyond the 5-year limit.
Engine complaints in other Yukon XL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2020 GMC Yukon XL?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2020 GMC Yukon XL, 55% of the model year's 47 complaints. The component named most often is engine › crank/camshaft position sensor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 GMC Yukon XL engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2020 GMC Yukon XL, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2020 GMC Yukon XL engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.