repaired · 2026 Q3
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Do not driveNewRisk. Front or rear wheel lockup increases the risk of a crash.
2018 GMC Yukon XLProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 58 owner complaints about the 2018 GMC Yukon XL, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-673 the manufacturer reports only 95% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 10, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 GMC Yukon XL has problems
58 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
17Engine
11Service brakes2 crash/fire/injury
9Power train
5Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
5Seat belts1 crash/fire/injury
4Suspension
3Steering
3Fuel/propulsion system
2Air bags
86 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 17 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 11 | 2 |
| Power train | 9 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 5 | 2 |
| Seat belts | 5 | 1 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 3 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2 |
| 6 other systems | 8 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2018 GMC Yukon XL recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk. If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Yukon XL year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Yukon XL median. How we score
'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Yukon XL owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The lifters failed in my engine, causing engine damage, and necessitating a new engine at only 138,000 miles. The GM dealer shared an estimate of approximately $19,000 to complete this repair.
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…
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.
Own a 2018 Yukon XL?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.