2018 GMC Yukon Xl Owner Complaints

transmission gave out while driving on the road at 50 mph

NHTSA ID

11752249

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11744879

Incident

Jan 20, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11741433

Incident

May 27, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11739730

Incident

May 5, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11732026

Incident

Apr 16, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11730763

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11726504

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11717928

Incident

Jan 30, 2026

Mileage

131,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11708459

Incident

Dec 22, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11701535

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11696789

Incident

Aug 13, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11695148

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11663411

Incident

Aug 16, 2023

Mileage

60,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11660917

Incident

Apr 18, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11652484

Incident

Apr 3, 2025

Mileage

70,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11643967

Incident

Nov 6, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11642171

Incident

Feb 5, 2025

Mileage

73,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11641088

Incident

Jul 7, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11629981

Incident

Dec 10, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11627687

Incident

Sep 20, 2024

Mileage

102,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11622976

Incident

Oct 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the gear shifter was shifted into the drive; however, the gear shifter inadvertently shifted back into neutral. The contact stated that the vehicle had just been driven and parked prior to the failure. The contact turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the gear shifter was shifted into the drive. The contact stated that after driving the vehicle for approximately 100 feet, the gear shifter slipped back into neutral, and the vehicle failed to drive forward. The contact stated that the vehicle was started; however, the gear shifter unintendedly slipped back into neutral, and the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.

NHTSA ID

11622554

Incident

Oct 28, 2024

Mileage

148,000 mi

We just purchased this vehicle from Winegardner GMC in Prince Frederick, MD. On [XXX} on our drive home from the dealership, we kept hearing a terrible screeching/ clucking noise coming from the rear when we were braking or applying any pressure to the brake pedal. We instantly contacted the dealership and they had us bring the vehicle back the next morning for them to look at and to make the repairs but unfortunate for us. They do not have the parts in stock, so we have to take it back Tuesday, October 8 , 2024 at 8am and leave it for the day. Hoping it is repaired correctly with the new parts “both rear calipers” As I left the dealership, I was approximately 10 miles away and out of no where my dash displayed “service, trailer, brakes”, constantly along with a loud dinging noise for the rest of the drive home. I contacted the dealership and spoke with the service manager and informed him of the situation. He told me it has been an ongoing issue with GM for years and it’s electrical and because we purchased a used vehicle. It’s not covered to be repaired. We would have to pay out-of-pocket for it to be fixed. This is very upsetting because we just spent $40,000 on a used low mileage Yukon Denali for our family to travel in, but it’s unsafe, because it affects the traction control, and ABS brake system. I would also like to note that I did not have a trailer hooked to the vehicle, so I do not understand how that service indicator would appear unless it was cleared by the dealership during Maryland state inspection. We have asked them several times for a copy of the Maryland State inspection they performed, and we are getting the runaround. As the purchaser of a vehicle, it is all right to have that document, showing what past and what failed Maryland inspection before being resold to us. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11618150

Incident

Oct 3, 2024

Annunciations: Stabilitrak, Park Assist Off, Steering Assist Is Reduced Drive With Care, Forward Collision System Unavailable, Adaptive Cruise Control. Indications: Cruise Control doesn’t work, steering jerks when turning, difficult to turn into parking spaces. Research shows Technical Service Bulletin 18-na-161as a known issue with GMC products. Dealer says “You are out of warranty”. 2018 model with 65,000 miles. Issue has been presenting for the past 8 months. We thought it was due to a windshield replacement by Safelite. Safelite has been actively troubleshooting for 8 months.

NHTSA ID

11589231

Incident

Aug 1, 2023

Driver seat automatically adjusts while driving particularly when I accelerate from a red light or stop sign. This causes me to not reach the peddles.I have to pull over and reset my seat. Has been doing this for two days.My vehicle is not equipped with the automatic memory seat. My two rear seatbelts in the middle row are always lose they do not retract. This has been going on for a couple of months.

NHTSA ID

11584742

Incident

Apr 21, 2024