2020 GMC YUKON Complaints and Recall Information
The 2020 GMC Yukon has 6 complaints and 6 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners frequently report transmission failures including slipping, loss of forward gears, and unexpected shifting issues. Several complainants also mention engine stalling or loss of propulsion while driving.
Common Issues- Transmission failure. Complete failure of the 6L80 transmission causing shaking and check engine light activation while driving.
- Transmission slipping. Transmission slipping in and out of gear during acceleration, sometimes accompanied by engine revving without vehicle response, and torque converter failure requiring transmission replacement.
- Sudden loss of propulsion. Vehicle loses motive power unexpectedly, sometimes leaving the engine inoperable and requiring towing and repair.
- Unexpected shifting. Vehicle switching into 4WD mode while reversing without any road conditions to justify it, linked to a faulty 4WD switch.
- Transmission overheating. Warning light for transmission overheating accompanied by the vehicle moving forward when shifted to Park, Neutral, or Reverse.
- Forward gears loss. Transmission loses forward gears after short driving intervals due to burnt transmission fluid contaminated with clutch material and internal transmission damage.
There are 6 recalls affecting the 2020 GMC Yukon. The affected systems include the fuel delivery system, service brakes, electronic stability control, and tires. Most recalls involve a driveline protection issue related to wheel-speed sensor failure or defective fuel pumps, posing risks of fire or loss of vehicle control.
Recalls- Fuel pump defect. NHTSA recall 19V837000 affects 502 vehicles. Missing pressure regulator may cause over-pressurization and fuel pump cracks, increasing fire risk. Dealers will replace the fuel pump free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019.
- Brake system malfunction. NHTSA recall 19V761000 covers 652,967 vehicles. Failure of a wheel-speed sensor may activate driveline-protection system unintentionally, causing sudden braking on one side and vehicle pull, increasing crash risk. Dealers will reprogram the Electronic-Brake Control Module at no cost. The recall began December 11, 2019.
- Electronic stability control issue. Included in recall 19V761000, the same driveline-protection system activation issue affects electronic stability control performance and vehicle handling. The fix involves reprogramming the Electronic-Brake Control Module free of charge.
- Tire defect. NHTSA recall 21V115000 affects 33,838 vehicles. Over-cured tires may develop sidewall breaks or belt separations, risking sudden air loss or tread separation and loss of vehicle control. Tires will be inspected and replaced if necessary at no cost. The recall began March 22, 2021.
Owners who face repeated transmission or engine failures, or unresolved safety recall issues, may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting legal assistance familiar with these protections could be beneficial for affected consumers.
2020 GMC YUKON Summary
2020
Model Year
6
Total Complaints
3
Total Recalls
687307
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2020 GMC YUKON
33838 vehicles affected
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.
Risk: 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.
2020 GMC YUKON
652967 vehicles affected
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.
Risk: 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.
2020 GMC YUKON
502 vehicles affected
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Complaints
2020 GMC YUKON
ID: 2107601ENGINE
While driving to Lake Placid, NY, I experienced sudden loss of propulsion as I was driving approximately 60 mph. I was able to brake and pull over to the shoulder. I was not able to restart the vehicle - engine was dead. We were flat bed towed to a garage in Lake Placid where it was confirmed that the engine was inoperable. The vehicle is now at. GM dealer in Potsdam, NY. I believe this engine should be part of the recall!!
2020 GMC YUKON
ID: 2104148POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact became aware that the vehicle continued to move forward while shifted into Park, Neutral, or Reverse. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Overheating" was then illuminated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 119,000. The contact declined to provide the VIN.
2020 GMC YUKON
ID: 2087226POWER TRAIN
The contact's wife owns a 2020 GMC Yukon. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a tune up. The contact stated that upon picking up the vehicle and driving, the transmission was slipping in and out of gear. Additionally, the contact stated while at a complete stop and depressing the accelerator pedal, the engine revved; however, the vehicle hesitated to respond, and the vehicle jerked while responding. The contact stated that the vehicle slowly picked up speed, and the transmission was slipping in and out of gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that his wife had noticed that the vehicle made an abnormal sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the torque converter had failed. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,267.
2020 GMC YUKON
ID: 2076617UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hello, I’m calling about the GM transmission recall recently announced in March 2025 affecting 2020 Yukon vehicles. My Yukon experienced what I believe is the exact same issue described in the recall. Our vehicle lost forward gears and almost caused a crash. A certified mechanic confirmed the transmission fluid was burnt and full of clutch material, with internal transmission damage. We are asking for this to be handled under the recall, as the issue directly matches GM’s known safety defect. We need this resolved immediately — the vehicle is unsafe to drive and the failure happened before we even knew about the recall. Our GMC Mechanic stated the following : Needs immediate attention Recommended service Transmission: test drove verified no forward gears after 3 minutes of driving. fluid brown and burnt full of clutch material. internal damage to transmission. A transmission flush is a process that makes it possible to clear the old transmission fluid from the vehicle's transmission. This process also helps to remove residue of older transmission fluid from the converters, coolers, and cooler lines that often are part of the design for the transmission.
2020 GMC YUKON
ID: 2069709POWER TRAIN
Vehicle started jumping and switched into 4WD while reversing. There was no inclement weather or slipping to prompt this. Service 4WD warning had been showing intermittently for a week or two and service appointment had been scheduled. At service appointment, confirmed that 4WD switch was faulty and needed to be replaced.
2020 GMC YUKON
ID: 2055538POWER TRAIN
6L80 transmission complete failure while driving. Vehicle started shacking then check engine light came on .