Last updated: 2026-03-04

2020 GMC Yukon Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 GMC Yukon scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 59 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2020 received a 2020 model (facelift) update for the Second generation (2015–present).
Recalls
5
Complaints
59
Complaint Rate
9.3
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$747
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
16%
NHTSA Rating
4/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
5 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 received a 2020 model (facelift) update for the Second generation (2015–present).
- Changes: Updated front and rear styling; New technology features introduced.
- Year 6 in this generation (2015–2023).
- 2nd generation Yukon (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
Second generation (2015–present)
Should You Buy the 2020 GMC Yukon?
The 2020 GMC Yukon scores 71/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 received a 2020 model (facelift) update for the Second generation (2015–present).
With 59 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to engine (20). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2021 GMC Yukon, which scored 16 points lower. See also the 2019 GMC Yukon for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- $37 cheaper to maintain than avg fullsize SUVs
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Moderate recall count
- ENGINE: Collapsed lifters and camshaft damage, often leading to complete engine failure (20 complaints)
- POWER TRAIN: Frequent transmission failures in the 2020 GMC Yukon, often occurring around... (18 complaints)
Compare 2020 GMC Yukon With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ENGINE (20)
- POWER TRAIN (18)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- STEERING (2)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
- FUEL SYSTEM (1)
- TIRES (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- AIR BAGS (1)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
The 2020 GMC Yukon has 5 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
9.3
per 10k soldSegment avg: 18.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
2
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 GMC Yukon Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2020 GMC Yukon. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
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 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, 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. 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)
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.
2020 GMC Yukon NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 22.8%
Safety Technologies
GMC Yukon Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$747
vs $784 avg for fullsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
16%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2020 GMC Yukon
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- 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
Check Any 2020 GMC Yukon's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 Yukon in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific GMC Yukon with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2020 GMC Yukon Common Problems by Component
59 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ENGINE
20 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN
18 complaintsOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsOwners 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaintsOwners 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.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsOwners 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.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsOwners 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.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, the fuel filler neck was not allowing fuel to flow into the tank. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel filler neck. The contact was informed that the fuel tank filler assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
TIRES (1 complaints)
TIRES
1 complaintTL* THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2020 GMC YUKON EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL TIRES, TIRE LINE: CROSSCONTACT LX SPORT, TIRE SIZE 245/50/R20. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOWOUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DAVID BALES BUICK GMC (1327 JACKSBORO PIKE, LAFOLLETTE, TN 37766, 423) 562-8431) WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL AWAITING A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,900.
When Do 2020 GMC Yukon Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst GMC Yukon Years
Best GMC Yukon Years to Buy
The best GMC Yukon year is 2025 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (71/100) and 2019 (71/100).
2025
1 recall · 52 complaints
2020(this page)
5 recalls · 59 complaints
2019
2 recalls · 95 complaints
GMC Yukon Years to Avoid
The worst GMC Yukon year is 2021 with a score of 55/100, primarily due to engine (157) issues.
See full GMC Yukon years-to-avoid analysis →GMC Yukon Reliability Score Trend
GMC Yukon reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 67/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 55/100 | Mixed |
| 2022 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 61/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 68/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 76/100 | Good |
GMC Yukon Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 GMC Yukon reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 GMC Yukon?
How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Yukon have?
Is the 2020 GMC Yukon expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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