NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 GMC Yukon Safety Ratings
The 2020 GMC Yukon scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 30 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 GMC Yukon earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100, placing it in the Average band. Strong side-crash protection and a 4-star overall NHTSA rating are offset by a weaker rollover score and a defect record that includes one park-outside campaign, keeping this year squarely in the middle of its class.
The 2020 GMC Yukon received a 4-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 GMC Yukon ranks 92 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 30 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 92 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 GMC Yukon?
The 2020 GMC Yukon carries a notable safety concern in its 22-percent rollover risk, translating to a 3-star rating in that category. This is the most prominent crash-test concern for the tall-bodied SUV, despite a strong 5-star rating for side-impact protection. The vehicle's Safety Index of 76 out of 100 represents a one-point decline from the 2019 model year's 77 out of 100, remaining within the Average band. This decline is largely attributable to the active safety component: avoidance technology scored only 6 out of 10. Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional for the 2020 model, directly penalizing the index score and indicating that safety outcomes will vary based on specific trim and equipment levels. Crash protection contributed 57 of a possible 70 points, establishing a solid foundation. However, the defect record component returned 13 out of 20, weighed down by four recall campaigns, one of which received the most serious designation from NHTSA. The data indicates a vehicle with good performance in certain impact scenarios but significant gaps in standard active safety equipment and a defect history requiring VIN-level verification before purchase.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 GMC Yukon perform in crash tests?
The 2020 GMC Yukon earned a respectable 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, though its 3-star rollover score stands out as a concern. The agency reported a 22-percent rollover risk probability for the model, despite a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. In other evaluations, the Yukon achieved 4 stars for frontal crash protection and a strong 5 stars for side impact safety.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14183
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 GMC Yukon have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components affected include the transfer case (4-wheel drive), tires, the gasoline fuel pump, and wheel speed sensors tied to the antilock and traction control system. The transfer case recall carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation, the most serious safety classification NHTSA assigns, and buyers must verify that remedy by VIN.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)26V289000
Risk: Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the remedy is completed. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer case assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. GM's number for this recal
Reported 2026-05-07
TIRES21V115000
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Reported 2021-02-25
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP19V837000
Risk: Over-pressurization can crack the fuel pump and cause leaks, increasing the risk of a fire in the presence of an ignition source.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2019. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192283991.
Reported 2019-11-21
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING19V761000
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Reported 2019-10-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 GMC Yukon?
Thirty owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the power train (11 reports) and the engine (10 reports), followed by service brakes and forward collision avoidance. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in the filed reports.
30 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 GMC Yukon?
Any shopper considering this 6-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase. The park-outside transfer case campaign in particular requires confirmed completion. Verify which safety technology options were actually installed on the specific unit, since both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional for this model year.
- The 2020 model year carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall tied to the transfer case, the most severe NHTSA safety classification, making VIN remedy verification a non-negotiable step for used-market buyers.
- The rollover rating of 3 stars and a 22-percent rollover risk probability are specific to this NHTSA-tested configuration and represent the weakest crash-test result across all rated categories for this year.
- Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional equipment for this model year, meaning the avoidance technology score of 6 out of 10 will not apply equally to every 2020 Yukon on the used market.
- The Safety Index fell one point from the 2019 model year (77 to 76), a small decline driven by the defect record component scoring 13 out of 20 across four recall campaigns affecting this production year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 GMC Yukon places
The 2020 GMC Yukon qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 GMC Yukon safety questions
Was the 2020 GMC Yukon crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 GMC Yukon, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 GMC Yukon crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 GMC Yukon earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 GMC Yukon have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 GMC Yukon, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 GMC Yukon?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 30 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 GMC Yukon. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Yukon years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14183), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Yukon 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 92 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.