VehicleVerdict

2018 GMC Yukon XL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 GMC Yukon XL sits mid-pack among Yukon XL years: 68 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 78, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (14), other (11), and brakes (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

68

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Yukon XL years?

Yukon XL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted404 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 77 complaints2001: 151 complaints2002: 114 complaints2003: 115 complaints2004: 118 complaints2005: 58 complaints2006: 24 complaints2007: 123 complaints2008: 86 complaints2009: 32 complaints2010: 37 complaints2011: 67 complaints2012: 22 complaints2013: 26 complaints2014: 13 complaints2015: 404 complaints2016: 267 complaints2017: 206 complaints2018: 68 complaints2019: 79 complaints2020: 57 complaints2021: 271 complaints2022: 203 complaints2023: 269 complaints2024: 90 complaints2025: 39 complaints2026: 32 complaints
Yukon XL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon XL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 GMC Yukon XL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1421%
Other1116%
Brakes1015%
Transmission710%
Seat Belts57%
Suspension46%
Electrical System46%
Steering34%
Airbags23%
Fuel System23%
Seats23%
Speed Control23%
Tires & Wheels11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2018 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V289000TransmissionMay 7, 2026 · 66 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles with four-wheel (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and certain 2015-2020 Suburban, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Tahoe vehicles. A component missing from the drivetrain transfer case may cause the front and/or rear wheels to lock up without warning to the driver.

Consequence

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 recall is N262557620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 7, 2026.

18V673000Seat BeltsSeptember 26, 2018 · 15,800 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles. Certain second-row or third-row rear seatbelts retractor assemblies may not automatically lock when the seatbelt is fully pulled out of the retractor, possibly preventing a child seat from being properly secured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Consequence

If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear seatbelt retractors and replace them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18315.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“Took the car to the dealer after getting alert from my GMC app saying it needed emission serviced, engine light came on, antilock brakes needing serviced. The dealership said that the engine is blown at just over 71200 miles. This car has only had service done at the dealership except for a tire…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2025

“The back hatch would not open while the car was on and in park. Upon reaching in without being in the car, we turned it off, and it engaged reverse on its own, causing it to reverse immediately almost causing terminal harm to myself and my family. It careened into the woods with us unable to stop…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 16, 2026 · crash

“The back hatch would not open while the car was on and in park. Upon reaching in without being in the car, we turned it off, and it engaged reverse on its own, causing it to reverse immediately almost causing terminal harm to myself and my family. It careened into the woods with us unable to stop…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 16, 2026 · crash

“Had transmission issues (slipping, jerking and jumping ), while driving on highway. it will not accelerate when pressing the gas and would accelerate randomly / jumping fast Uphill it wont move forward on drive grar, instead it rolls back, which can hit rear vehicle. very dangerous and not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 27, 2023

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT'S SON WAS SEATED IN THE THIRD ROW SEATS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN A CAR SEAT. THE SEAT BELT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · September 17, 2019 · crash

2018 GMC Yukon XL — common questions

Is the 2018 GMC Yukon XL reliable?

It is close to typical for the Yukon XL: 68 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Yukon XL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (14 complaints), other (11 complaints), brakes (10 complaints).

Does the 2018 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 GMC Yukon XL. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Yukon XL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon XL years to avoid are 2015, 2021, 2023, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2001, 2007, 2004, 2024, 2008, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2013, 2012, 2014. The cleanest record among Yukon XL years belongs to 1999.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.