2020 GMC Yukon XL

▲ Better than typical
2020 GMC Yukon XL
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:36:55.203Z

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: 97 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: 200 complaints 2017: 146 complaints 2018: 52 complaints 2019: 67 complaints 2019 2020: 46 complaints 2020 2021: 219 complaints 2022: 163 complaints 2023: 210 complaints 2023 2024: 69 complaints 2025: 25 complaints 2026: 31 complaints 2026
2020: 46 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19993
200069
2001120
200295
2003102
200487
200542
200617
200797
200869
200923
201028
201147
201213
201322
201411
2015306
2016200
2017146
201852
201967
202046
2021219
2022163
2023210
202469
202525
202631

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 52%

52% of complaints: engine — 24 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

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES

Engine failure had to replace the motor.

NHTSA ODI report, 20250430

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260712

POWER TRAIN 26%

26% of complaints: power train — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing driveshaft.

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

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 (24 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (12 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

▲ 2026 ▲ 2005 ▲ 2011

WORST YEARS

■ 2015 ■ 2021 ■ 2023

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 52% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Yukon XL have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.