2020 GMC Yukon XL

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.

[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)

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power, and an abnormal rattling sound was coming from under the hood. The contact stated that the message "Action Needed - Oil Pressure" was displayed on the screen. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure due to metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

The transmission failed while driving it and no warning lights were visible on the dashboard before hand or afterwards ..the vehicle is presently at a legitimate transmission repair shop and needs a new transmission supposedly this particular vehicle is evidently not included in the recall although the make and model are listed as part of the recall.

Driving and vehicle started making noise and lost ability to accelerate fully. Mechanic stated he’s had numerous issues with this model with lifter and camshaft damage especially with the 6.2l engine which has a recall on the 2021-25 models but not the 2020. $5,000+ to fix at this point.