2020 GMC YUKON Complaints

This concerns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali motor (6.2L gas) 118,000 miles. Regular maintenance performed every 5 K miles and per request of original dealer. Beginning 2 weeks ago a new regular pinging developed and the vehicle was taken to the dealer (at which time new tires were installed routinely). No clear issues were found upon brief inspection/auscultation and advised to return if the sound was recurrent. The sound persisted on a fairly frequent though intermittent basis. A recording was made and another appt made for routine spark plug replacement. Upon return and repeat inspection it was discovered that oil filter was full of metal shavings and advised it was very likely necessary for a complete engine overhaul (with $18-20 K price tag). Checking online it was discovered that this GM motor had a 580,000 vehicle recall for 2021-2024 models. A new ODI study is being done for similar complaints for 2019-2021 year models (additional 280,000 vehicles). The 6.2L motors have been found to have a crankshaft/bearing issue leading to motor failure and even sudden loss of power often presenting with metal particulate matter being discovered. Awaiting resolution.

I purchased a new 2020 GMC Yukon in May of 2020. Between May 2020 and November 2025 the vehicle was routinely serviced on or before the due date recommend by the manufacturer. I had not experienced issues with the vehicle until November 2020 when the check engine light abruptly appeared and the vehicle began driving very rough. I immediately took the vehicle to the local mechanic who identified two codes (P0300 and P050D) related to the engine issues. The vehicle was towed to the dealership due to the fact that I was instructed it was unsafe to drive long distances without additional diagnostics. The dealership disassembled the engine and found coolant leaking into cylinder six. There were no cracks or otherwise clear means of entry for the coolant into the engine. The dealership instructed us that we would need a complete engine replacement. Upon further research of this issue, it was uncovered that a Service Bulletin had been issued for this very issue. The reference number is 20-NA-166, updated March 2024.

Complete Engine Failure at 83,986 miles and no prior signs that it was defective. Had GM initially look at it and they refused to cover the repair and indicated that it was due to faulty lifters. Took it to an independent shop, they tore it all down and indicated the lifters had trays that were not tight, which allowed the lifters to eat away at the camshaft. Due to that, metal shavings got into the main engine bearings and that is what ultimately caused the engine failure. While questioning how a new engine would be any more reliable than the one that failed, I was told that all engine suppliers were aware of the sloppy lifter play and the needed cam changes and new parts were all maid to a tighter spec so that this would not happen in the future. GM is fully aware of this issue and fortunately for me it did not result in my engine failing on the highway like others have. I was left with a $14,969.74 repair bill on something that should have never happened. I talked with current GM master technicians, and they indicated to me to stay away from anything pre 2025 because all engines were made to the same spec and they don't know why a change was not made sooner.

The vehicle suddenly stopped working while driving with my family of 5 in the vehicle. There was no warning, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to this. We had no idea there was anything wrong until it just stopped working. Then the engine light came on. Thankfully we were close to an exit and were able to pull off the road. We had it towed to a GMC dealer they found cylinder 7 intake lifter collapsed causing P0300 to set in ECM. Upon disassembly of bank one found lifter guide failed due to lifter collapse leading to camshaft lobe damage. The engine required replacement of camshaft and all lifters. The total cost of repairs was $10,115.72. When I reported this to GMC they said that our vehicle was not part of the current recall for engine failure because it was a 2020.

We purchased the vehicle used in April 2025 with 79,851 miles. All service records were documented via Carfax. Vehicle was in impeccable condition. We drove it for approx. 8,000 miles until July 10, 2025, when a loud knocking sound started coming from the engine - approx. mileage 87,600. We drove the vehicle home 350 miles. The knocking sound continued and got slightly worse. We drove it to the nearest dealer (30 miles) and the mechanic said it sounded like a camshaft problem. However, they could not get it in for over 60 days. We drove to another dealer (45 miles). The mechanic said he thought the entire engine was bad. We left the vehicle there and about a week later they were able to confirm that it was TOTAL BEARING FAILURE. Mileage 88,054. We were told that a new engine was needed as well as a radiator and new oil lines, etc. Total estimate $18,000. They also said there was no timeline they could guarantee because of the current GM recall. Of particular note and concern...at no time did the 'check engine' light come on or any other warning system activate. Both mechanics were genuinely perplexed at this. The repairs were ordered and the vehicle is now repaired. However, GM has not confirmed a cost share for the repair billing and we are now almost 60 days since they received the paperwork from the dealer so we still do not have our vehicle back. We filed a complaint with GM and a case number was assigned so they are fully aware of the issue as is the dealer who did the repair.

We have owned the car for five years. We bought it new in 2020. Now, the engine has completely failed. It has the same problems all the recalled GMC Yukon Denali XL 6.2L V8 engines have; lifters are not functioning, cam shaft is destroyed, rods are bent, oil is pooling and the aluminum engine has melted. The engine light suddenly went off and we didn’t have acceleration. The vehicle started “puttering” and didn’t drive well. No warning at all. This is a known issue with GMC (which I just found out about) and I find it absurd I have to pay $26,000 for a new engine which will most likely have the same problem. Luckily nothing happened, but if that happened on the highway with my wife and three young kids in the car it could have been a nightmare situation.

My vehicle went from driving perfectly to startling and not going pass 45 in a matter of two days. I was getting all maintenance done at dealer always on time had just service it. When all of a sudden it started making a jerking/ skipping feel as if I was accelerating too hard. Took it to get checked and the code that came up was (TCC)torque converter clutch. I spent 6000 to rebuild the transmission and kno the engine has a tap tap noise. Once again I took it in and now it’s the lifters in the engine. No warning light have ever popped up

Driving today and car started rattling and pouring transmission fluid on the way home today. Barely made it home.

[XXX] [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] [Date] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, D.C. 20590 Subject: Safety Complaint Regarding 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali – Repeated Engine Failures (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to formally file a safety complaint regarding my 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali (VIN: [XXX] ) which I purchased in 2021. This vehicle has experienced repeated and dangerous mechanical failures that raise significant safety concerns. •March 2024: The oil pump failed, resulting in immediate engine issues. Repairs were completed under warranty, but the check engine light remained on afterward. •April 2024: The vehicle broke down again. At that time, the cams and lifters were replaced in addition to other service, but the underlying issues were not resolved. •August 2025: The vehicle failed once again. After taking it in, the service department could not determine the cause. When they believed they had identified the issue and took it for a test drive, the vehicle broke down again and had to be towed back to the shop. At that point, I was informed that the vehicle now requires a complete motor replacement and a new fuel pump. Each of these failures has left me stranded and placed me and my family in unsafe situations on the road. Despite contacting the dealership (Joseph Cadillac of Dublin), General Motors, and the warranty company, none have taken responsibility to properly resolve the issues. I believe this represents a potential defect in the engine or related systems that could impact many other consumers. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this matter to determine whether a broader safety recall or manufacturer action is warranted. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping ensure consumer safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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. As we were approaching the end of the exit ramp at approximately 30 miles per hour, the engine jerked the car two or three times then died. When it died, I lost power steering and the car slammed to a stop. The car also displayed an alert about my tow breaking system. I tried to restart it, and smoke began rising from my engine bay. I stopped trying to restart, and got my family onto the hill beside the exit while waiting for a tow. The tech at the GMC dealer stated that the engine had seized on me while driving. The cam shaft can rotate a small amount one way before getting blocked, and likewise the other way. Tech believes that the bearing is responsible, but will not be doing a tear down until September 2. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)