Owners have filed 95 complaints
about the 2018 GMC Yukon with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 29 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 25
Against the median year of the GMC Yukon. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 27
5.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 52
30% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
14.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
14.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
28.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
730.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
834.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
417.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2018peak 6May 2026
Recalls on the 2018 GMC Yukon
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V603000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
Risk: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
19V761000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
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.
19V645000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20204592,933 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a reduction in power brake assist due to a decrease in output from the vacuum pump. This could cause a hard brake pedal and create an increase in brake pedal effort that is required to stop the vehicle. Note: This is an expansion of Transport Canada Recall 2019-324. Safety Risk: A sudden increase in brake pedal force could lead to an increase in stopping distance. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to reprogram the electronic brake control module.
Recall 201953337,378 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, there may be an error in the electronic-brake control module software. This could cause the driveline-protection system to activate when a wheel-speed sensor fails. If this happens, the brakes could apply and cause the vehicle to pull to one side. Note: This recall only affects vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive, a 5.3-L engine, and a 3.08 ratio rear axle. The problem can only occur when the vehicle is in four-wheel drive or automatic mode, and travelling at a speed between 66 and 97 km/h (41 and 60 mph). A wheel-speed sensor failure will cause the electronic stability control (ESC) and anti-lock braking system (ABS) warning lights to turn on, and a "Service StabiliTrak" message to display. Safety Risk: A vehicle that suddenly pulls to one side could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the electronic-brake control module software. General Motors advises that using two-wheel-drive mode can eliminate the risk until the recall repair is completed.
Recall 20194205,327 units in Canada
Other
Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk: Glass that breaks in to large pieces could create a risk of injury. Corrective Actions: The company will notify consumers by mail and instruct them to inspect the designation code marked on the rear window glass. Products affected by this recall have the designation “DOT 287” along with the lettering “VMR” (Replacement Market) and a date code that is before July 2019. This information is printed on the bottom corner of the glass. Consumers should contact Vitro's customer service at 1-412-995-6457 or argbacklites@vitro.com to arrange for replacement of the glass.
Recall 2019324310,121 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, there could be a reduction in power brake assist due to a decrease in output from the vacuum pump. This could cause a hard brake pedal and an increase in brake pedal effort to stop the vehicle. Safety Risk: A sudden increase in brake pedal force could lead to an increase in stopping distance. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to reprogram the electronic brake control module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Yuma, AZCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
INVOLVED IN A FRONT/SIDE PASSENGER SIDE COLLISION WITH SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND SPEED WITH NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT(S).
NHTSA complaint #11470248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesReno, NVCrash
POWER TRAIN
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND EXITING THE HW. THE REAR WHEEL OF THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE OFF AND SEPARATED FROM THE CAR WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO HIT THE CEMENT BEERIER ON FRONT AND THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THEN THE CAR TURNED 180 DEGREES AND HIT THE BEERIER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND WE DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL BROOK OFF OF THE REAR AXE. NO DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL. SEVERAL INDUSTRY EXPORTS STATED THAT THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #11378464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesReno, NVCrash
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND EXITING THE HW. THE REAR WHEEL OF THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE OFF AND SEPARATED FROM THE CAR WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO HIT THE CEMENT BEERIER ON FRONT AND THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THEN THE CAR TURNED 180 DEGREES AND HIT THE BEERIER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND WE DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL BROOK OFF OF THE REAR AXE. NO DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL. SEVERAL INDUSTRY EXPORTS STATED THAT THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #11378464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 54,000 milesReno, NVCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND EXITING THE HW. THE REAR WHEEL OF THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE OFF AND SEPARATED FROM THE CAR WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO HIT THE CEMENT BEERIER ON FRONT AND THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THEN THE CAR TURNED 180 DEGREES AND HIT THE BEERIER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND WE DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL BROOK OFF OF THE REAR AXE. NO DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL. SEVERAL INDUSTRY EXPORTS STATED THAT THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN.
NHTSA complaint #11378464 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Uniontown, OH
ENGINE
I started my vehicle and as I accelerated I started to hear a knocking noise. The vehicle and engine have been inspected by the dealership. The problem has also been confirmed by the dealership.There were no warning lights or messages before the knocking noise started.
NHTSA complaint #11737607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springdale, AR
POWER TRAIN
The 2018 Yukon has been at the dealership several timeswaiting for a valve body for the transmission. There are valve body recalls for other year GM vehicles with the same transmission, but not for the 2018 model even though it appears to be the same part number. I don’t understand how this 2018 model apart of the recalls when it’s got the same issues as the newer ones. This is the second Yukon I’ve bought in the last seven years and the other one had the exact same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11730984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Springdale, AR
ENGINE
The 2018 Yukon has been at the dealership several timeswaiting for a valve body for the transmission. There are valve body recalls for other year GM vehicles with the same transmission, but not for the 2018 model even though it appears to be the same part number. I don’t understand how this 2018 model apart of the recalls when it’s got the same issues as the newer ones. This is the second Yukon I’ve bought in the last seven years and the other one had the exact same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11730984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,640 milesBristow, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for service, and the contact was informed that the radiator was leaking and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that there were no signs of a leak prior to taking the vehicle for service. The contact was advised by the dealer that it was a common failure for the year and model vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a buyback. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 128,640.
NHTSA complaint #11729075 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainfield, IL
POWER TRAIN
I purchased my used GMC YUKON from a used car dealership 3/28/26. I signed the papers for the agreement while I was driving the vechicle home I lost power and it wouldn't go forward with gas applied. The check engine light came on, I pulled the suv over and it was towed. The code that popped up 0700 and 02723 both codes having to do with the transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11727838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andover, MN
ENGINE
Please see attached letter
NHTSA complaint #11724184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bloomfield Hills, MI
POWER TRAIN
The 2018 Yukon Denali has been at the dealership for 7 weeks waiting for a valve body for the transmission. There are valve body recalls for other year GM vehicles with the same transmission, but not for the 2018 model even though it appears to be the same part number. The transmission was already replaced on this vehicle at 500 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11723398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benbrook, TX
POWER TRAIN
As of [XXX] , I witnessed a squealing sound coming from the rear end of my 2018 Denali Yukon XL truck. And it's affecting my braking. And it jerked when I changed my gears on my truck . And there are lights on in my dashboard on my truck. The engine light was blinking on and off and the traction control light was blinking on and off also. But the back driver side of the truck was squealing also. Please help me to resolve this situation. In the name of Jesus. Thanks again [XXX] and [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11709565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benbrook, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
As of [XXX] , I witnessed a squealing sound coming from the rear end of my 2018 Denali Yukon XL truck. And it's affecting my braking. And it jerked when I changed my gears on my truck . And there are lights on in my dashboard on my truck. The engine light was blinking on and off and the traction control light was blinking on and off also. But the back driver side of the truck was squealing also. Please help me to resolve this situation. In the name of Jesus. Thanks again [XXX] and [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11709565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benbrook, TX
SUSPENSION
As of [XXX] , I witnessed a squealing sound coming from the rear end of my 2018 Denali Yukon XL truck. And it's affecting my braking. And it jerked when I changed my gears on my truck . And there are lights on in my dashboard on my truck. The engine light was blinking on and off and the traction control light was blinking on and off also. But the back driver side of the truck was squealing also. Please help me to resolve this situation. In the name of Jesus. Thanks again [XXX] and [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11709565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesSherwood, AR
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon. The contact stated after the vehicle was serviced, while driving 30 MPH and depressing accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated, and the contact shifted to a lower gear to drive to the residence safely. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced, and that the engine block was damaged. The transmission and engine block were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #11706830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesSherwood, AR
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon. The contact stated after the vehicle was serviced, while driving 30 MPH and depressing accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated, and the contact shifted to a lower gear to drive to the residence safely. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced, and that the engine block was damaged. The transmission and engine block were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
NHTSA complaint #11706830 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
SUSPENSION
Air conditioner condenser faulty and had to repaired. Premium Ride Shocks faulty and had to be repaired. Lifters and bent pushrod faulty and had to be repaired. Vehicle currently has approximately 70,000 miles. These are all known issues by GM and very expensive to fix and no recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11700880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Omaha, NE
ENGINE
Air conditioner condenser faulty and had to repaired. Premium Ride Shocks faulty and had to be repaired. Lifters and bent pushrod faulty and had to be repaired. Vehicle currently has approximately 70,000 miles. These are all known issues by GM and very expensive to fix and no recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11700880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
ENGINE
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine failure due to lifter failure and bent push rod and needed cam replaced. It is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Could have been catastrophic if I didn't bring in for repair if the engine failed completely while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, May 10th.
NHTSA complaint #11695994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upper Marlboro, MD
POWER TRAIN
Dealership did a tune-up in June 2025 and had my truck for 2 weeks, no issues with transmission discovered or discussed. Now in September 2025, 2018 GMC Yukon has developed a torque converter shutter when driving between 40 and 50 mph. I took the vehicle to an independent shop who told me they had some computer tool to manually control the transmission, and there is an internal failure. There was a transmission flush completed hoping to gain results, however it was very short lived.
NHTSA complaint #11692390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madisonville, TN
ENGINE
I was driving on I75 North, just North of Chattanooga. I was in the Center Lane. I lost all power to the vehicle. The engine stopped. I had no power steering, no power brakes, and was in heavy traffic. I managed to shift lanes and get it to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was towed in. Diaganostics were completed by a certified mechanic. The engine had seized. GM has several recalls on this issue. 2018 is not included. However, this is the exact same issue that is happening with 2019 and up. That were recalled. I urge you to order an extended recall to include 2018 vehicles as well before someone gets killed.
NHTSA complaint #11691429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oklahoma City, OK
ENGINE
My 2018 GMC Yukon blew an engine with only 81,000 miles. Had four shops including (2 GM dealerships) look at the vehicle, pictures, and findings and concluded the engine had blown. The vehicle had began running very rough while driving down the road at 45mph. The CEL showed a misfire in cylinder one. The spark plug was pulled and soaked in oil. A borescope was put down the hole and found oil pooled on top of the piston. The engine has blow by the piston rings and the cylinder wall was scorn. Four shops. Four results. New engine needed. A quick google search of the engine (L83) showed multiple open class action lawsuits for this exact situation. The cause of the problem is the active fuel management system that GM created. When I contacted GM for assistance at the recommendation of the dealerships (which they have seen an increase in these engine blowing with low miles) I was informed by GM/GMC that they would look into it and could not guarantee assistance. Fast forward a couple of days I was contacted and made perfectly aware that I was 991 days outside and 21,000 miles out of warranty but they would offer “assistance” in the amount of 10% of the total cost. Four shops, four quotes for an engine replacement ranging from $14,750-$17,000 and GM was only offering $1,475-$1,700. Absolutely terrible. With multiple open class action lawsuits, stop sales, and well documented issues. I expressed disappointment and requested assistance to prevent having to seek litigation. I was told “if that’s what you want to do, you will need to talk to our legal department” and told there’s nothing they can do. Will not buy nor recommend anyone buy a GM product. They don’t respect or care for their customers.
NHTSA complaint #11688970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Caddo Mills, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
All back light won’t turn on only brake lights but not night time running lights
NHTSA complaint #11687301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shaker Heights, OH
ENGINE
driving the vehicle on a regular city street when the flashing engine light came on out of nowhere. immediately pulled off and had the vehicle towed to my dealership. result of the inspection, i have to replace my engine. as soon as i started researching the issue it is clear that this truck should be part of the GM recall. it is a known issue that GM slow played for years, but as of now this vehicle is not part of the recall. it is the same engine and failure mode as the 600,000 unit recall, but mine isn't covered by the recall leaving me responsible for their known and documented manufacturing issues
NHTSA complaint #11685295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Manchester, CT
ENGINE
Vehicle (engine) shut off while driving on highway. Would not restart. Had vehicle towed from highway to repair shop. No check engine light ever came on. The engine was replaced and old one had to be returned in order to avoid paying a $5,000 core charge. I found out after replacing the engine that GM issued a recall but I read it starts with 2019 models and only reimbursement for original owners. I purchased this vehicle from a GM dealership in CT (Scranton of Vernon) in 2022 with approx 52,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11681398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
ENGINE
ENGINE WORK VALVE INTAKE LIFTER AND CAMSHAFT REPAIRS / OIL SENSOR HAS BEEN GOING HAYWIRE / REAR STRUTS KEEP POPPING OFF AND AFTER STRUTS REPAIRED BOUGHT THE TRUCK 05/2024 AND HAD TO TAKE TO REPAIR 12/2024 AND ONCE MONTH EVER SINCE.
NHTSA complaint #11677371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
ENGINE WORK VALVE INTAKE LIFTER AND CAMSHAFT REPAIRS / OIL SENSOR HAS BEEN GOING HAYWIRE / REAR STRUTS KEEP POPPING OFF AND AFTER STRUTS REPAIRED BOUGHT THE TRUCK 05/2024 AND HAD TO TAKE TO REPAIR 12/2024 AND ONCE MONTH EVER SINCE.
NHTSA complaint #11677371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sacramento, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ENGINE WORK VALVE INTAKE LIFTER AND CAMSHAFT REPAIRS / OIL SENSOR HAS BEEN GOING HAYWIRE / REAR STRUTS KEEP POPPING OFF AND AFTER STRUTS REPAIRED BOUGHT THE TRUCK 05/2024 AND HAD TO TAKE TO REPAIR 12/2024 AND ONCE MONTH EVER SINCE.
NHTSA complaint #11677371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lindenhurst, IL
ENGINE
Has lifter chattering / camshaft issues as a result of manufacture defect that so many people are complaining about from the research I have done
NHTSA complaint #11672396 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.