2018 GMC Yukon XL
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Yukon XL › 2018
These records cover every 2018 GMC Yukon XL. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2018 GMC Yukon XL. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
56 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire8 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
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…
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
Body control Module failed causing the vehicle to lose all power. Battery shorted out to 6 volts. Required a tow.
- Engine · Power train
Replaced the transmission two times at about $14,000. Need a new motor with an estimated replacement of $10,000.
- Engine
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
transmission gave out while driving on the road at 50 mph
- Unknown or other
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
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…
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
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 system · Service brakes · Unknown or other
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…
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
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
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
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…
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
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…
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
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…
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 meeting the published program criteria.
- Engine
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…
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 to the failure, and when did they first appear? No - all happened at once - engine light and complete failure
- Engine
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 · Engine and engine cooling
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…
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 · Suspension · Unknown or other
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…
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
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…
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.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
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…
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
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 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
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
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…
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
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…
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
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.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011989This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011900This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011406This Preliminary information communicatesa "Forward Collision System Reduced" message displayed on the DIC when theForward Automatic Braking has been set to the "Alert" setting. This is normal when theFAB has been set to "Alert".
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11011119This Preliminary information communicates to dealers GM is working on a solution for outdated Apps
- 11010576This service bulletin provides information on All hazmat parts being returned to the Warranty Parts Center (WPC) must be shipped using Central Transport. Hazardous materials should never be sent by air transportation to the WPC.
- 11010566This service bulletin provides frame coating repair information to correct a customer concern of wax coating on frame peeling, metal shows corrosion/rusting (U.S. and Canada Only).
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010495This bulletin provides information on Warranty Administration Required Operating Procedures - 8 Points (U.S. Only).
- 11010493This warranty administration service bulletin provides information about GM Accessories - Dealer-Installed, Repaired or Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period.
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010488This Warranty Administration bulletin provides information on the Global Warranty Management (GWM) Warranty Parts Center (WPC) Parts Return Program.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11009037This service bulletin provides information on Enhancing Field Product Reports with Digital Pictures.
- 11008966This technical bulletin provides a procedure for the techs to replace the forward check ball and separator plate if found the cause of the customers concern of No Forward Gear When Shifting from Park to Drive and/or Reverse to Drive.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007721This service bulletin provides information on AGM batteries that require less frequent charging in storage.
- 11007687This Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with steps to resolve the issue of an oily substance that may be found on the inside windshield surface, and appears to be leaking from the rear view mirror area. Technician will remove the moisture sensor and clean the glass and mounting bracket with alcohol wipe. If the gel separates from the sensor the sensor will need to be replaced.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007155This informational bulletin advises the technician that the engine and related parts will be debited if found that the tech did not properly prepare the engine block from dirt and debris in bolt holes or if found that the block was damaged by the tech.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
Every GMC Yukon XL model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.