2018 GMC Yukon XL
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 69 |
| 2001 | 120 |
| 2002 | 95 |
| 2003 | 102 |
| 2004 | 87 |
| 2005 | 42 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2007 | 95 |
| 2008 | 69 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2011 | 47 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 306 |
| 2016 | 199 |
| 2017 | 143 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 62 |
| 2020 | 43 |
| 2021 | 198 |
| 2022 | 149 |
| 2023 | 184 |
| 2024 | 57 |
| 2025 | 22 |
| 2026 | 22 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: engine — 13 distinct reports on file.
20% of complaints: service brakes — 10 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260418
I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR AND A CAR WAS COMING OVER ON ME SO I HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES HARD SO THAT WE WOULD NOT COLLIDE. MY CAR SLOWED DOWN BUT DID NOT STOP.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200227
14% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20191002
8% of complaints: suspension — 4 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Cadillac CT6, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Volt, and GMC Yukon XL vehicles.
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.
Campaign 18V673000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 26V289000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V673000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 26V289000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 GMC Yukon XL reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 GMC Yukon XL is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC Yukon XL?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 GMC Yukon XL have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.