The 2020 GMC Yukon has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 59 owner complaints on file for the 2020 GMC Yukon. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Engine (20), Power Train (18), Unknown Or Other (4).
Yukon reliability snapshot
71/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$747
Avg annual repair cost vs $784 category avg
#6/14
Ranking in fullsize SUVs · better than 57% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the GMC Yukon before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Engine20
Power Train18
Unknown Or Other4
Steering2
Electrical System2
Exterior Lighting2
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 GMC Yukon
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Inspect for engine knocking or unusual noises
☐Check for transmission slipping or jerking during test drive
☐Verify engine light and warning lights are functioning
☐Test brakes for power assist and responsiveness
☐Check coolant levels and look for white smoke from exhaust
☐Ensure proper operation of key fob and starting system
☐Inspect for any visible leaks or fluid pooling under the vehicle
What owners reported
2020 GMC Yukon owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2020 GMC Yukon. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints20
ENGINE
Owners of the 2020 GMC Yukon frequently report engine issues, particularly involving collapsed lifters and camshaft damage, often leading to complete engine failure. Symptoms typically include knocking noises, loss of power, and engine lights illuminating, with some reports of sudden stalling or loss of propulsion. These problems are commonly noted around 50,000 to 118,000 miles, with several cases resulting in expensive repairs or engine replacements. Safety implications are evident, with one reported crash and multiple instances of sudden power loss while driving, posing potential risks on highways. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and consider inspecting for these specific engine problems.
Owners report frequent transmission failures in the 2020 GMC Yukon, often occurring around 100,000 to 120,000 miles. Common symptoms include the transmission slipping, loss of power, and the vehicle failing to change gears, sometimes accompanied by unusual noises or jerking motions. Safety implications are notable, as several complaints describe sudden power loss while driving, which could pose a risk of accidents, although no crashes are explicitly reported. Additionally, issues with the torque converter and 4WD system are mentioned, with some owners experiencing transmission overheating warnings. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and consider the associated repair costs and potential downtime.
Owner complaints4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2020 GMC Yukon frequently report issues related to the transmission, with symptoms including a jerking or skipping sensation, shaking upon starting to drive, and complete loss of forward gears. Some complaints indicate that these issues occur without any warning lights, and one owner mentions internal transmission damage with burnt transmission fluid and clutch material present. Additionally, an A/C failure is noted, where the unit intermittently stops blowing cold air. Safety implications are highlighted by a report of a near-crash due to transmission failure. These problems appear to occur despite regular maintenance, and one owner indicates they arose suddenly and significantly affected vehicle performance.
Owner complaints2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2020 GMC Yukon report engine and cooling system issues, with symptoms such as the check engine warning light illuminating, white smoke from the exhaust, and coolant levels dropping. These issues often occur around 52,000 to 102,000 miles. One owner mentions a recurring need to add coolant every 300 miles due to a suspected internal engine issue, while another reports rough idling and transmission slipping before engine failure. Safety implications include the potential for loss of motive power at highway speeds, though no crashes or fires are reported. Buyers should be aware of these patterns when considering a used purchase.
Owner complaints2
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2020 GMC Yukon report issues with the service brakes, particularly a loss of power brake assist. Complaints frequently mention that the brake pedal requires significant pressure to engage, and in some cases, a message appears on the instrument cluster indicating 'Service Brake System.' One owner notes this issue occurring after approximately five hours of driving in high ambient temperatures, while another describes repeated brake problems across multiple GM vehicles. No crashes or fires are reported, but the loss of brake assist and increased stopping effort suggest potential safety implications. Buyers should be aware of these symptoms, especially if the vehicle has been driven for extended periods in hot conditions.
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners of the 2020 GMC Yukon report issues related to steering, with symptoms including loss of power steering and a wobbly steering wheel that pulls significantly to the right or left. One complaint describes a situation where the engine seized during driving, leading to a loss of power steering and subsequent smoke from the engine bay, indicating potential fire risk. Another complaint highlights a failed rack and pinion system, making the vehicle difficult to steer, with repair parts unavailable. These issues appear at varied mileage, with one report at approximately 107,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of fire and loss of vehicle control, which are critical for potential buyers to consider.
Owners of the 2020 GMC Yukon report issues related to the electrical system, particularly involving the key fob and starting the vehicle. Common symptoms include messages indicating the key fob is not connected, low battery warnings, and the need to manually press the Push to Start button. Additionally, owners describe engine-related problems such as loud banging and clunking noises, engine knocking, shaking, and reduced speed capability, with one owner noting these issues at approximately 11,000 miles. Some complaints also mention persistent warning lights, including the check engine and traction control lights, as well as difficulties with engine shifting and high RPMs. While no crashes or fires are reported, these symptoms may affect vehicle operation and safety.
Owner complaints2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners of the 2020 GMC Yukon report issues with the exterior lighting due to defective seals that allow humidity to enter, leading to corrosion on the main light board and sudden failure of the lights. Another complaint highlights that the navigation screen flickers and goes black, which sometimes affects the signal lights, with the issue potentially linked to overheating of the USB port. Although mileage is not specified, these problems suggest potential safety implications due to the sudden loss of lighting functionality. Buyers should be aware of these issues when considering this model, especially as similar problems are reported in related vehicles like the 2020 Chevrolet Suburban.
2020 Yukon recalls (3)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 Yukon. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
TIRESNHTSA 21V115000Feb 25, 2021
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 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Consequence: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 19V837000Nov 21, 2019
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. The fuel pump may be missing a pressure regulator, allowing for over-pressurization of the fuel system.
Consequence: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)NHTSA 19V761000Oct 24, 2019
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Consequence: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Used-market value
2020 GMC Yukon resale snapshot
68.8%estimated value retained after 5 years
218listings in the model-level benchmark
$49,990median asking price from 49 listings
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
The 2020 GMC Yukon scores a 75 out of 100, aligning precisely with the segment average, indicating solid reliability. Complaints are moderately concentrated, with the majority involving the engine and power train. This distribution suggests potential concerns in these key areas, although not overwhelmingly so. The presence of five recalls is an elevated count, reflecting areas where manufacturer intervention was deemed necessary.
This model year marks a facelift for the Yukon, which can sometimes introduce new issues, though the data does not indicate widespread problems beyond the engine and power train. The relatively limited number of complaints in other areas suggests that issues are not broadly distributed across the vehicle's systems.
Overall, the 2020 GMC Yukon presents a moderate risk profile, with reliability that is solid but not exceptional.
What you get in a 2020 GMC Yukon report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2020 GMC Yukon now
Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.
2020 GMC Yukon — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 GMC Yukon reliable?
The 2020 GMC Yukon scores a 75 out of 100, aligning precisely with the segment average, indicating solid reliability. Complaints are moderately concentrated, with the majority involving the engine and power train. This distribution suggests potential concerns in these key areas, although not overwhelmingly so. The presence of five recalls is an elevated count, reflecting areas where manufacturer intervention was deemed necessary.
How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Yukon have?
3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2020 GMC Yukon. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2020 GMC Yukon problems?
The most-reported 2020 GMC Yukon problem areas are: Engine (20), Power Train (18), Unknown Or Other (4).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 GMC Yukon?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 GMC Yukon, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
