My family drove from [XXX] to [XXX]. Upon arrival check engine light came on, we proceeded to a local shop, by the time we arrive check engine light was flashing and engine was knocking and was clearly malfunctioning. Shop owner recommended we transport the vehicle back home as service shops in the area were experiencing high volume and parts shortages. We had vehicle towed to a local shop in [XXX]. The engine is giving diagnostic codes P0300, P050D, [XXX] with internal knocking and tapping. Vehicle has been kept current on all oil changes and has no external leaks. GMC wants at least $12,000 to replace the engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2020 GMC Yukon XL engine problems
26 complaints (55% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 102,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 26
- of this car's complaints
- 55%
- typical mileage
- 102,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Engine: crank/camshaft position sensor1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
GMC Yukon XL engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 GMC Yukon XL engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Engine failure 13Check engine light 12Loss of power 8Knocking 6
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2020 GMC Yukon XL owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The engine light came on and started making noise. We drove it to a mechanic shop, and they said the code stated camshaft and other component issues, but the engine ended up failing completely and was rebuilt. We initially checked for recalls and our VIN did not show any; however, we recently became aware that our engine (6.2L) might be part of the ongoing current problems associated with a recall. We are hoping that GMC will cover any remaining repairs and/or reimburse us for the thousands it has cost us.
Engine started with a rough idle, I attributed this to mileage. Check engine light did not come on until days before scheduling service. Per diagnostic from Chevrolet service department: Lifter roller damaged and camshaft damaged on lobe. need to replace camshaft and lifters. this has been diagnosed by Chevrolet dealer mechanics at Ferman Chevrolet North Tampa, in Tampa Florida. Check Engine Light came on 4 days before I took it for diagnostic. Chevrolet and GMC have issued a recall on 2021+ but this remains outside that recall. I'm quoted for an $11,343 repair on a vehicle that has gotten regular synthetic oil changes at the dealership since I bought it with approx 80k miles on it. Metal was not noticed in the prior oil changes, latest which was
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH and attempting a lane change, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over to the shoulder and restarted the vehicle, but the vehicle struggled to restart and failed to accelerate as needed. The vehicle was driven to the residence at a reduced speed. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V274000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Lifters broke and destroyed the camshaft at 99,000 miles. Total repair cost $8,200.
The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was an abnormally loud ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the lifter was stuck in the bore, and there was a misfire in cylinder #7 due to a stuck camshaft. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,997.
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.
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.
Questions about the 2020 GMC Yukon XL engine
Does the 2020 GMC Yukon XL have engine problems?
Owners have filed 26 complaints about the engine of the 2020 GMC Yukon XL, 55% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2020 GMC Yukon XL engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 102,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2020 GMC Yukon XL engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the GMC Yukon XL have bad engine?
The GMC Yukon XL model years with the most engine complaints are 2021 (166 complaints), 2023 (166 complaints) and 2022 (128 complaints).
Other 2020 GMC Yukon XL problems
Transmission 13Brakes 3Fuel system 3Steering 3Driver assistance 2Electrical 2Lights 2Airbags 1Body 1Suspension 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2020 GMC Yukon XL?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history