2020 GMC Yukon XL

▲ Better than typical
2020 GMC Yukon XL
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:48:36.325Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, GMC Yukon XL Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2020 highlighted. 1999: 3 complaints 1999 2000: 69 complaints 2001: 120 complaints 2002: 95 complaints 2003: 102 complaints 2003 2004: 87 complaints 2005: 42 complaints 2006: 17 complaints 2007: 95 complaints 2007 2008: 69 complaints 2009: 23 complaints 2010: 28 complaints 2011: 47 complaints 2011 2012: 13 complaints 2013: 22 complaints 2014: 11 complaints 2015: 306 complaints 2015 2016: 199 complaints 2017: 143 complaints 2018: 51 complaints 2019: 62 complaints 2019 2020: 43 complaints 2020 2021: 198 complaints 2022: 149 complaints 2023: 184 complaints 2023 2024: 57 complaints 2025: 22 complaints 2026: 22 complaints 2026
2020: 43 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19993
200069
2001120
200295
2003102
200487
200542
200617
200795
200869
200923
201028
201147
201213
201322
201411
2015306
2016199
2017143
201851
201962
202043
2021198
2022149
2023184
202457
202522
202622

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ENGINE 53%

53% of complaints: engine — 23 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250827

Engine failure had to replace the motor.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250430

POWER TRAIN 26%

26% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 7%

7% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes — 3 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250827

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20201202

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20191218 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019.

Campaign 19V837000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210322 — tires

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...

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021.

Campaign 21V115000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2020 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (23 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 19V837000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V115000 (tires) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2005 ▲ 2011 ▲ 2018

WORST YEARS

■ 2015 ■ 2016 ■ 2021

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2020 GMC Yukon XL reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 GMC Yukon XL is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC Yukon XL?

The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Yukon XL have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.