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
- 56
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2018
None on file
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 56 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 69 |
| 2001 | 120 |
| 2002 | 95 |
| 2003 | 102 |
| 2004 | 87 |
| 2005 | 42 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2007 | 97 |
| 2008 | 69 |
| 2009 | 23 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2011 | 47 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2013 | 22 |
| 2014 | 11 |
| 2015 | 308 |
| 2016 | 201 |
| 2017 | 146 |
| 2018 | 56 |
| 2019 | 68 |
| 2020 | 47 |
| 2021 | 230 |
| 2022 | 172 |
| 2023 | 224 |
| 2024 | 74 |
| 2025 | 26 |
| 2026 | 38 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
29% · 16 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Replaced the transmission two times at about $14,000. Need a new motor with an estimated replacement of $10,000.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-13
Also filed under Power train
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-17
Service brakes
18% · 10 reportsShow 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, 2026-04-18
Also filed under Electrical system
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, 2020-02-27
Power train
16% · 9 reportsShow complaint excerpts
transmission gave out while driving on the road at 50 mph
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22
Seat belts
9% · 5 reportsShow 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, 2019-10-02
Electrical system
9% · 5 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2018-11-07Seat belts18V673000 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.
-
R
2026-05-18Power train26V289000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 GMC Yukon XL — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V673000 · Seat belts
- Recall 26V289000 · Power train
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 GMC Yukon XL have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.