2020 GMC YUKON XL Complaints

My 2020 GMC Yukon XL Denali 6.2L with 59,000 miles developed a ticking noise and slight power loss diagnosed by three different garages as a "collapsed lifter" on #4 cylinder. It's one of the AFM/DoD cylinders that shuts down to save fuel. $8,000 repair estimate, or $12,000 if the failed lifter damaged the camshaft. All three garages said "we see a lot of these." Internet forums are loaded with lifter problems on this engine: specifically AFM/DoD lifters. Safety is not affected. Noise/diagnosis reproduced by three independent garages. Has not been inspected by mfg, police, or insurance rep. No warning lamps or messages, no ODB2 "codes" found by garages. Seven months ago the water pump exploded on Interstate 70, putting us at serious risk. Now this lifter trouble at 59,000 miles. Both should have been covered by the 60,000 mile powertrain warranty, but I'm beyond the 5-year limit.

Complete engine failure while driving on I25 in New Mexico, lost all power was able to roll into a airport parking lot. If I had not been close to the off ramp it could have been catastrophic with the truck traffic on the Interstate. The vehicle has completed all of its normal maintenance on time, and as of January 30, 2026 had a complete review from GMC that everything was in great shape including the engine. There was never a warning light, a maintenance message or any other indication.

My 10 speed transmission on my 2020 Yukon XL Denali experienced a total failure. The vehicle will not move under its own power. General Motors has ZERO information on when a replacement Transmission will be available. Some info online shows it could be months. I am told that one dealership out of Eden Prairie, MN has over 40 on back order and some since August 2025. They claim the issue stems from a valve body. Their communication has been terrible and no one within GM that I have spoken to has any information on what is being done. This is completely unacceptable and I believe it is part of a larger issue. They are making it seem like it’s not important and that needs to change.

I was traveling along i80 and suddenly the vehicle shutdown. I put the transmission in Neutral and coasted to a stop. Once stopped, I check It would not start or even turnover at that point. I still had all electrical services and such. The vehicle. I was stranded on i80. Then had to be towed to the nearest GM Dealer in Evanston Wyoming. Heritage Chevrolet GMC. It was left there for diagnosis where their technician, several days later diagnosed it with a bad engine. There was no warning or check engine light that appeared. I even have a picture from a little while earlier while driving earlier that morning. It took it because I was surprised it was getting 28mpg in v8 mode. but I am glad I had that photo to show no diagnostic lights were on.

Knocking noise from engine-no check engine light initially. Next time it was started knocking was still present and the check engine light was on. Contacted Champion Chevrolet in LaGrange KY. Dealership diagnosed problem (Code P0308 - Cylinder 8 misfire). Compression test on Cylinder 8 failed. Removed valve cover and confirmed loud tick in the rocker shaft and worn camshaft lobes. Was told I would need a new engine and that repairing the existing engine was not cost effective. So, $22,722.14 later, i have a new engine in my 2020 GMC Yukon and have the original engine (core charge) in my shop in case it is needed for evaluation to help determine if the GM recall should be expanded to 2020 model year (and others not covered by the current recall).

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.

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 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.

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