2018 GMC Yukon XL

Do not drive

Owners filed 56 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the GMC Yukon XL years to avoid. Which GMC Yukon XL years to avoid →

Most common 2018 GMC Yukon XL problems

14 of the 56 complaints (25%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine13
000
Service Brakes · brakes9
100
Unknown or Other8
000
Power Train · transmission7
000
Seat Belts4
103
Electrical System3
100
Suspension2
000
Seats2
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system2
000
Air Bags · airbags2
215

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)26V289000Do not drive
Filed May 7, 202666 vehiclesGeneral Motors, LLC

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.

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

Seat Belts › Rear/Other18V673000
Filed Sep 26, 201815,800 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

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."

Risk. 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.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Oct 21, 2026OH

I was driving and the Engine light started blinking. the car started to lose power. i had to pull off the road. the blinking stopped and then i was able to get home. I had it towed to the dealership, where they told me this was a known issue with the AFM valve train system. this is a known issue and I was not made aware of it and continued to drive my car with my children inside of it. had i known, i could have had it assessed for the potential issue. But now, IT IS TOO LATE! I am now being told i need to pay $17,000 to replace my engine. something that could have been avoided if i had known to watch for any issue. but i was never warned. and now i have no car, still have car payment and no help from GM, GMC or anyone else. I know you cannot help me get this fixed, but maybe you can prevent this from happening to someone else.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 15, 2026NJ

Body control Module failed causing the vehicle to lose all power. Battery shorted out to 6 volts. Required a tow.

Engine
Filed Oct 13, 2026TX

Replaced the transmission two times at about $14,000. Need a new motor with an estimated replacement of $10,000.

Engine
Filed Sep 17, 2026TX

Low Engine Oil Pressure with Engine making noise. Cut open oil filter and found excessive metal. Original Engine was replaced in January 2022 by Group 1 (former Beck and Masten GMC-North in Houston, TX) due to valve lifter failure.

Power Train
Filed Jul 22, 2026TX

Transmission gave out while driving on the road at 50 mph

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 17, 2026AL

Transmission lifter problems like all other GMC 2018 YUKON XL CONTACTED GMC DEALER BACK JANUARY 20,2026 GOT TRANSMISSION FIXED MYSELF TRUCK AT JOE BULLARD DEALSHIP MOS 8DAYS THEY ARE TRYING TO CONTACT U FOR APPROVAL TO FIX HONOR YOUR PRODUCT PLEASE.

Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2026CO

On May 27, 2026 at around 7:30pm my 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali engined failed. I was exiting E-470 southwest bound at Gartrell Road in Aurora and the engine started knocking loudly and completely quit. As I rolled to a stop I correctly suspected that the engine seized. It would not turn over, a bad odor was present, and smoke was coming from the top of the motor. It was hard to tell exactly from where because of high wind. All belts looked fine and the Castle Rock GMC dealer I had it towed to later confirmed that the engine is seized. Fortunately I was approaching the stop light and not towing anything so the safety risk from loss of power steering and power brakes was lower than normal highway driving speeds a few seconds earlier.

Power Train
Filed May 23, 2026CA

The vehicle keep jerking in and out of gear the issue almost made me crash due to the harsh conditions Took to repair they stated this is a known problem. That is what worries me now

Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Apr 18, 2026MS

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 it due to the immediate speed. No one was in the vehicle, it was solely self propelled. We have a video of the path it took and the damage it caused. When the car wrecked, even when turned off, the lights and windshields wipers engaged by themselves.

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 13, 2026MT

Seat belts do not lock in place causing our infant and child's seats to not be locked in place and tip over The potential risk to a child is extremely high Potentially causing death of a child

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 23, 2026SC

After pressing the brake pedal 2 or 3 times the pedal becomes very hard and it is extremely hard to stop the vehicle. All new brake pads and rotors. The brake pedal is loosing vacuum.

Engine
Filed Feb 13, 2026131,000 milesMN

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and while the vehicle was idling, the engine was running rough. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light illuminated and flashed on the instrument panel. While driving to the dealer, the vehicle hesitated, while driving and the vehicle drove roughly. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the camshaft and lifters had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 2, 2026IA

We have a 2018 Yukon with a 6.2. It has 70,000 miles on it. We have taken very good care of it and changed the mobil oil less than 5,000 mile intervals. The engine is making a terrible knocking noise. We stopped driving it the minute it started. We put it on a trailer and pulled it home and it has not been started since then. We had no warning lamps or messages to alert us of an issue. We have not had it to a dealership yet to have it inspected as we are pretty sure it is the same issue that other 6.2 engine vehicles are having. This vehicle has been well maintained. We are hoping that this year/make/model will be included in the recall for a new engine as that is what ours will be needing. It is very disheartening that you spend that much money on a brand-new vehicle, and it does not have very many miles on it and the engine fails.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 25, 2025TN

The vehicle is experiencing symptoms consistent with the brake vacuum pump failure described in GM Special Coverage Adjustment N182202780, which applies to full-size GM SUVs in this model range. The symptoms include a hard brake pedal upon startup, reduced brake assist, increased stopping distance, and audible vacuum or mechanical cycling noise when the vehicle powers on. This malfunction affects the vehicle’s braking performance and requires significantly increased pedal force, especially during initial operation or low-speed braking. This results in delayed braking response and reduced stopping capability, creating a safety hazard to occupants and others on the roadway. Although the symptoms match the defect described in the bulletin and the vehicle is within the published 10-year/150,000-mile coverage parameters, multiple authorized dealerships and GM corporate have refused to perform a diagnostic or repair because the VIN does not appear in their internal eligibility system. GM Customer Care case number 82474826 documents these interactions. No diagnostic evaluation has occurred because the manufacturer and dealers declined to perform one unless the VIN is pre-flagged, regardless of symptoms. No warning lights or dashboard alerts accompanied the failure. The condition began gradually and has become more noticeable over time. I am concerned that other vehicles experiencing the same defect may also be excluded from inspection or repair due to VIN list limitations, despite m

Engine
Filed Oct 31, 2025NY

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine (6.2L L87 V8) failed completely. The engine experienced knocking and rattling noises prior to the failure and then stopped functioning altogether while driving. The engine was replaced by Village Auto in Bellmore, and the failed engine is no longer available for inspection, as it was removed and replaced during the repair process. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The engine failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion, creating a dangerous situation where the vehicle suddenly started shaking and could not be driven. This posed a serious safety risk to me, my passengers, and other drivers on the road due to the loss of engine power, steering, and acceleration control in traffic conditions. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue was confirmed by an independent service center, Village Auto in Bellmore, which diagnosed the engine as irreparably damaged and requiring a full replacement. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle was not inspected by General Motors, police, or insurance representatives. Insurance would not cover this issue and General Motors failed to take responsibility for a fault in the engine. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior

Engine
Filed Oct 22, 2025IL

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 change.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 28, 202560,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light was flashing. Additionally, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood, and the hood was shaking. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to Village Auto, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Village Auto contacted an unknown dealer. The contact later became aware of NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling), which the contact related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the VIN was not included in a recall and due to the mileage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Engine
Filed May 14, 2025FL

2018 Yukon Denali engine failed June 2024 due to the lifter being bent. The dealership Richey Cadillac in Daytona Beach estimated the repairs at $18,862 and were going to have my vehicle for months. I took it to my mechanic who rebuilt the engine for $7181 in 30 days. My safety was placed at risk because while driving I had to pull over since I had no control with the engine failure. There were no messages prior to the failure.

Engine
Filed Apr 3, 202570,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the same diagnostic result was provided to the contact. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 20, 2025WA

2018 Yukon XL: Safety of family put at risk over faulty transmission. Vehicle used to transport children many times daily. Transmission began slipping with slight lagging. Vehicle assessed by independent service center and we as customers told this is a common issue with GMC vehicles of this year. Service center was able to reproduce and confirm the issue. Total to rebuild entire transmission was $7,377.33. Total transmission failure. Entire transmission had to be replaced at tremendous expense to our family. Transmission began slipping with slight lagging. Engine RPM's would increase with no additional power or speed.

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Condensor/Evaporator
Filed Feb 12, 202573,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the A/C unit had failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact then decided to take the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic discovered a hole in the A/C condenser. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Engine
Filed Feb 6, 2025GA

I heard tapping coming from the engine while it was running. Once I took it to a shop it was determined that the lifters and the camshaft was damaged and needed to be replaced.

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 10, 2024WA

Both second row seatbelt retractors have had issues retracting. We had them checked today while our car was in for other issues. Both seatbelt retractors are broken and need replacing ($1600). Without replacing them, the passengers using those seats would be at grave risk in an accident. We are the original owners of the vehicle, our young children are fastened in their booster seats with parental help. There has been no extreme wear and tear or any abuse to the seatbelts.

Power Train
Filed Nov 27, 2024102,000 milesVA

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 20 MPH in two wheel-drive(2WD), the vehicle started reversing while the transmission was in drive(D). The contact stated that after her husband switched to four-wheel-drive(4WD) and exceeded 40 MPH, the vehicle responded as needed. The vehicle was driven to the grandparent's residence, where it was parked. The check engine warning light was illuminated while the transmission was in park(P). The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the torque converter, the transmission, and several other unknown parts. No further information was available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 31, 2024CA

Both seat belt retractors seem to be failing and something inside the retractor is cutting the seat belt. I had to replace the right seatbelt because it snapped after it was rubbing on the retractor inside the body. Now it seems the left side is having the same issue. The left seatbelt now will not retract and it looks like it's been rubbing also so eventually it will probably break.

Power Train
Filed Oct 29, 2024148,000 milesMI

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted into the drive; however, the gear shifter inadvertently shifted back into neutral. The contact stated that the vehicle had just been driven and parked prior to the failure. The contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the gear shifter was shifted into the drive. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle for approximately 100 feet, the gear shifter slipped back into neutral, and the vehicle failed to drive forward. The contact stated that the vehicle was started; however, the gear shifter unintendedly slipped back into neutral, and the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 4, 2024MD

We just purchased this vehicle from Winegardner GMC in Prince Frederick, MD. On [XXX} on our drive home from the dealership, we kept hearing a terrible screeching/ clucking noise coming from the rear when we were braking or applying any pressure to the brake pedal. We instantly contacted the dealership and they had us bring the vehicle back the next morning for them to look at and to make the repairs but unfortunate for us. They do not have the parts in stock, so we have to take it back Tuesday, October 8 , 2024 at 8am and leave it for the day. Hoping it is repaired correctly with the new parts “both rear calipers” As I left the dealership, I was approximately 10 miles away and out of no where my dash displayed “service, trailer, brakes”, constantly along with a loud dinging noise for the rest of the drive home. I contacted the dealership and spoke with the service manager and informed him of the situation. He told me it has been an ongoing issue with GM for years and it’s electrical and because we purchased a used vehicle. It’s not covered to be repaired. We would have to pay out-of-pocket for it to be fixed. This is very upsetting because we just spent $40,000 on a used low mileage Yukon Denali for our family to travel in, but it’s unsafe, because it affects the traction control, and ABS brake system. I would also like to note that I did not have a trailer hooked to the vehicle, so I do not understand how that service indicator would appear unless it was cleared by the deal

Electrical System
Filed May 17, 2024TX

Annunciations: Stabilitrak, Park Assist Off, Steering Assist Is Reduced Drive With Care, Forward Collision System Unavailable, Adaptive Cruise Control. Indications: Cruise Control doesn’t work, steering jerks when turning, difficult to turn into parking spaces. Research shows Technical Service Bulletin 18-na-161as a known issue with GMC products. Dealer says “You are out of warranty”. 2018 model with 65,000 miles. Issue has been presenting for the past 8 months. We thought it was due to a windshield replacement by Safelite. Safelite has been actively troubleshooting for 8 months.

Seats
Filed Apr 23, 2024NM

Driver seat automatically adjusts while driving particularly when I accelerate from a red light or stop sign. This causes me to not reach the peddles.I have to pull over and reset my seat. Has been doing this for two days.My vehicle is not equipped with the automatic memory seat. My two rear seatbelts in the middle row are always lose they do not retract. This has been going on for a couple of months.

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 17, 2024TX

The vacuum pump seized causing the breaks to not work, brake assist not working code shows. The pump was replaced and after a week the same issue happened (vacuum pump seized) breaks are not working again.

Power Train
Filed Mar 22, 2024CA

Vehicle started accelerating and loosing power randomly on highway traffic in [XXX] . Sudden jerking behavior was very dangerous and unpredictable and non controllable upon investigation at the shop, mechanic found it was transmission issue, clutch was slipping and engaging randomly, had to pay over $5500 out of pocket to rebuild the Transmission As GMC had recall for same issue for different year Yukon but not for 2018. This should be part of recall as it can be very dangerous and life threatening situation specially on highway speed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

Suspension
Filed Nov 4, 2023CA

I own a 2018 GMC Denali, Yukon XL SUV, with 67k miles. While towing our 24’ Airstream (weight 4400 lbs) the vehicle excessively bounced in the air several times on a flat pull on I-80 in Northern Ca. I took it to three mechanics who told me that the front magnetic and rear air shocks had all failed and were leaking oil. The best price that we could secure for replacement is $2500. Each mechanic commented about the frequency of this type of failure with GMC and stated that this should be a recall because of the risk of trailer detachment/failure. I’ve owned dozens of vehicles in my lifetime (age [XXX]) and have never replaced a set of shocks before. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 2, 2023TX

The air-conditioning (A/C) unit in my 2018 GMC Yukon XL (my vehicle) is not blowing as cold as usual. The dealership (Westpoint GMC) where I purchased my vehicle says their A/C department is backed-up and that I would need to leave my vehicle with them for 2 to 3 days to run diagnostics. I took my vehicle to another General Motors dealership instead, Westside Chevy, and their A/C department or technicians state that my vehicle has a leak in the rear evaporator coil after running their leak detection tests. I purchased my vehicle new on May 4, 2018, and have not any mechanical issues nor heating, ventilating, air-conditioning (HVAC) issues since ownership. This mechanical flaw / malfunction / disruption in the cooling comfort of my vehicle during this extremely hot weather puts the life of other drivers and myself at risk of injury or fatality due to discomfort and inconvenience while driving. There are no alerts or alarms associated with the failure of this mechanical component within the HVAC of my vehicle. This condition first appeared on September 30, 2023. I understand that a possibly similar or related investigation in other GM vehicles took effect in February 2016 under Technical Bulletin 16-NA-046. Is it probable that there is a design flaw within the 2017-2019 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL and other similar builds HVAC?

Engine
Filed Aug 20, 2023SC

Engine Valve Lifter for cylinder 3 had failed and Camshaft lobes damaged. Error codes of P0300 and P0303. Vehicle had 67,049 miles when I brought it in to be repaired at Park GMC in Greenville, SC on 12/28/2022. GMC has the lifters (they replaced all 8) and the camshaft. Failure happened while on I40 in the Smokey mountains at night while driving back from Dollywood with my family. Engine produced a gassey sputtering sound and I lost some power but only noticeable under acceleration. Had another lifter failed due to the worn camshaft lobes, we could have easily been rear ended. A year prior to the failure (September 2021), I had taken the vehicle to a Wakefield Buick GMC and Parks Buick GMC to be inspected due to a shake at idle. Both dealerships said there were no codes and they didn't know what was wrong but they could feel the shake/vibration intermittently at idle. In November of 2022, I got the P0303 error code and took this vehicle to a private mechanic (since dealerships previously said nothing was wrong) who diagnosed an issue with the fuel injector for cylinder 3. I had mechanic replace all 8 injectors and he cleared the code. About 150 miles later (while on I40), the code came back. I took this vehicle back to the private mechanic and after several weeks with my vehicle, he refunded me the labor and said it was probably an issue with the lifter but he didn't have time to take apart the engine. I then took this vehicle to Parks GMC in Greenville, SC where they diagno

Air BagsCrashFire2 injured
Filed Aug 17, 2023AK

WE WERE IN A CAR CRASH. THE AIRBAGS ON THE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE BUT NOT IN THE FRONT. THE FRONT AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF.

Power Train
Filed Aug 16, 2023CA

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 derivable with bad trans as it can lead to accidents. its very common and reoccurring issue with GMC Yukon 2018 (SLT, SLE, Denali, Yukon XL..etc models )

Engine
Filed May 24, 2023MA

The engine started making a ticking sound a few days after thanksgiving. I made an appointment with the dealership but they couldn’t take it in for 3 weeks. The day before my appointment I was driving on the highway and the lifter broke which caused the camshaft and a few other parts to break causing sudden lose of power and severe shaking. The parts for the repair were back ordered and it took about 5 weeks to get my vehicle back. About 7 weeks later I started the car in the driveway and it again had lose of power and severe shaking. The parts that were replaced in January failed and ruined the whole engine. There is a 6 month back order on this engine. It has been sitting at the dealership for almost 2 months already. Both incidents I believe had the potential to cause an accident if I were driving with cars close behind me.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 17, 2023MO

1. Torque converter and currently at the GMC dealership right now. 2. failed to acceralate and runs backwards on hills if you brake at a light; stuttering between first and second gear. Hesitate to stop at lights, jerks very hard after delayed take off after braking at light. 3. Confirmed by the GMC dealership 4. Others, inspected by GMC dealership 5. None, no engine light or never seen on inspection equipment

Seats
Filed Oct 30, 2022CA

While driving the Driver side seat automatically reset to the furthest position away from the wheel and gas and break pad. This resulted in not being able to reach the break to stop.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 9, 2022UT

The service trailer brakes alarm will just off incessantly which is a major safety hazard and it’s due to faulty wiring. I’m not happy about this at all GMC needs to recall these vehicles.

Power Train
Filed Jun 4, 2022KS

The torque converter is too small for the vehicles transmission which then caused it to break and put metal into the transmission fluid. Which cause the transmission to break. My safety was at risk was because while on highway it shot high on RPMs and then made funny noise and wouldn’t go. The problem was confirmed at Aamco transmission where I have to get the transmission rebuilt. There was never a check engine light or check fluid or any codes Thrown before the problem.

Air BagsCrash3 injured
Filed May 23, 2022CA

I was involved in a traffic collision. A large vehicle turned left in front of me and I t boned that vehicle. We were traveling about 30-35 MPH at the moment of impact. My vehicle sustained major damage ($20,000+) to repair according to the body shop. My wife, daughter and myself sustained injuries. My wife and I have significant injuries. I truly believe, based on vehicle damages, and injuries that our airbags should’ve deployed. I believe it has a fault sensor that should be inspected.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 15, 2022TX

It’s starting to warm up now that winter is behind us, so when we recently drove our 2018 Yukon XL, we turned on the air conditioning. Unfortunately, only warm air came out of the vents. We made an appointment and took the Yukon to the GMC dealer. We paid over $160 for their diagnostic fee (complete rip off), and they were immediately able to see that there was a leak in the AC condenser. The dealer service representative said that this has been happening quite frequently on 2014 and newer models and that they are all leaking in the same place, a weld on the driver’s side of the condenser. Our Yukon has $59,000 miles…this is way to young for a condenser replacement. Dealer is quoting us over $1200 for the repair. GMC continues to build these cars without known defects and passes on the costs to the customer! By the way, there is Special Coverage Adjustment 17336 that extends warranty coverage for this specific problem on GMCs, but only for 2015-2017 models.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 22, 2021OK

Brakes are hard to stop you got press on them real hard to stop and they had a recall about this problem, we hasn't crash yet.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 24, 2021KY

2018 GMC Yukon Condenser cracked and leaked refrigerant to the environment. 17336 Air Conditioning Condenser (Combi-Cooler) Refrigerant Leak covers up to 2017 models. My 2018 Yukon produced in December of 2017 and experience same issue. $1800 repair at dealership.

Suspension
Filed May 20, 2021NM

Both struts went out on the car at once. When we went to the dealer, we were told that there were no struts in the country, and they have no idea when they will be available. When we called back this week to check on the progress, there is no progress at all. We have had to rent a vehicle, which we did for a month's time not knowing how long this may go on.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 15, 202158,000 milesAL

AC CONDENSER FAILED STRUCTURALLY AND LEAKED ALL REFRIGERANT FROM THE SYSTEM REQUIRING A CONDENSER REPLACEMENT AND RECHARGE

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 2, 20215,000 milesCA

WHEN I LET GO OF THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. IT'S A SCARY FEELING, I FEEL LIKE DON'T HAVE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS THAT I CAN NOT PUT MY VEHICLE IN GEAR RIGHT AWAY WHEN I TURN ON THE ENGINE. ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS RATTLING SOUND AND VIBRATION ON THE GAS PEDAL WHEN I ACCELERATE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 19, 202020,935 milesMT

LEAK IN REAR AIR CONDITIONING LINE AT BODY MOUNT. COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY IN MAY 2019, AND SAME LINE IS LEAKING IN MAY 2020, GM WILL NOT WARRANTY PARTS, LABOR (INSTALLED INCORRECTLY) OR POSSIBLE VEHICLE DEFECT.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 9, 202040,000 milesTX

FIRST TIME WAS IN REVERSE IN OUR DRIVE WAY. THEN PULLING INTO PARKING LOT, BRAKES WERE HARD TO PUSH WITH PULSING PEDAL AND WARNING MESSAGE ON DASH, CHECK BRAKE ASSIST. WE GOT VEHICLE STOPPED, HARD BRAKE PEDAL, WITHOUT HITTING ANYONE. THIS HAPPENED SIX TIMES ON 03-05-2020. THIS OCCURS AT SLOW SPEED IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC OR IN A PARKING LOT, NOT A GOOD FEELING. IT FEEL LIKE THE VACUUM PUMP CAN NOT SUPPLY ENOUGH VACUUM TO OPERATE BRAKE BOOSTER. WE HAVE ONLY OWNED VEHICLE FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS. THE VEHICLE IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IN THIS CONDITION.

Complaints 1-50 of 56, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2015
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202640300Do not drive
202528100Routine
202475200Routine
2023226400Above average
2022174400Routine
20212301210Above average
202047210Routine
201968200Do not drive
2018 — this page56210Do not drive
2017147100Routine
2016202320Do not drive
2015308230Above average
201411300Routine
201322400Routine
201213400Routine
201147310Routine
201028300Routine
200923500Routine
200869410Routine
200797400Routine
200617300Routine
200542600Routine
200487420Routine
2003102400Routine
200295210Routine
2001120502Fatalities reported
200069700Routine
19993000Routine

Compare every Yukon XL year →

Reading this record

NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 7, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.