NHTSA (USA)CriticalDo Not Drive
At a glance
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
What the fix does
This page covers 3 recalls, 41 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2020 GMC Yukon Xl.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2020 GMC Yukon XL's complaint record, with powertrain issues close behind. The most consistent pattern owners describe is lifter and camshaft failure, multiple owners report a rough idle developing gradually, sometimes without an immediate check engine light, followed by a diagnosis of damaged lifter rollers and a scored or worn camshaft lobe requiring replacement of both components. This matches a broader pattern in the 5.3L and 6.2L V8 engines used in this generation. Powertrain complaints include loss of power at highway speeds and difficulty restarting after the vehicle stalls or bogs down. Steering complaints, while fewer in number, include reports of complete power steering loss while driving at highway speeds, leaving the wheel unresponsive until the vehicle was stopped.
41
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 GMC Yukon XL has 3 recalls, the most serious involving two separate fire and crash risks: a transfer case defect that can lock up the front or rear wheels without warning, and a fuel pump that can crack and leak fuel near ignition sources.
The transfer case issue affects four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, where an internal fault can cause a wheel to suddenly seize while driving, sending the vehicle in an unintended direction. On the fuel side, some vehicles left the factory with a fuel pump missing a pressure regulator, which allows pressure inside the fuel system to build beyond safe limits, crack the pump housing, and release fuel that can ignite if it contacts a heat source or spark. There is also a tire concern: certain factory-fitted tires may have been over-cured during manufacturing, which weakens the sidewall and can cause a sudden blowout or cause the tread and belt layer to separate from the tire at speed, leaving the driver with sharply reduced grip and potential debris on the road.
At a glance
What can fail
A missing drivetrain component in the transfer case can cause the front and/or rear wheels to suddenly lock up without warning.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will inspect the transfer case and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Certain Continental tires were overheated during manufacturing, which can weaken the tire structure and increase the risk of tire failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect your tires and replace any affected ones at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel pump may lack a pressure regulator, causing the fuel system to build up excessive pressure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump at no cost to restore proper fuel system pressure control.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.