2018 GMC YUKON XL Complaints and Recall Information
The 2018 GMC Yukon XL has 11 complaints and 1 recall filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report engine failures involving lifter and camshaft damage and transmission slipping with lagging. Some also cite issues with air conditioning and stalling while driving.
Common Issues
- Engine failure. Complaints describe engine failure requiring replacement or rebuild, often related to bent lifters or camshaft damage. Failures occurred around 60,000 to 73,000 miles, sometimes without warning lights or prior messages.
- Transmission slipping. Transmission slipping with delayed engagement reported, causing increased engine RPM without added power or speed, leading to full transmission replacement.
- Air conditioning failure. A/C condenser developed holes causing inadequate climate control. One case noted diagnosis at an independent mechanic with no recall coverage.
- Engine noise. Tapping noises from the engine were linked to lifter and camshaft damage needing repair.
- Stalling during driving. Vehicle stalled without warning at various speeds but was able to restart. Diagnosis confirmed engine failure requiring replacement.
- Check engine warning light. Flashing check engine light accompanied by loud engine noise and hood vibration, indicating severe engine issues.
One recall has been issued affecting seat belt retractors. This recall addresses the safety system related to securing child seats but does not involve engine or transmission components.
Recalls
- Seat belts retractor assemblies. NHTSA recall 18V673000 affects 15,800 vehicles including the 2018 Yukon XL. Some rear seatbelt retractors may fail to lock properly when fully extended, potentially preventing child seats from being secured. This defect increases injury risk during crashes. GM will inspect and replace rear seatbelt retractors free of charge. Recall began November 7, 2018.
Owners dealing with repeated engine failures, transmission problems, or unresolved recall repairs may have rights under state lemon laws. Consulting a legal professional familiar with automotive defects can provide guidance on next steps.
2018 GMC YUKON XL Summary
2018
Model Year
11
Total Complaints
1
Total Recalls
15800
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2018 GMC YUKON XL
15800 vehicles affected
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
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, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Risk: If the child seat is not properly secured in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
Complaints
2018 GMC YUKON XL
ID: 2095006ENGINE
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.
2018 GMC YUKON XL
ID: 2095005ENGINE 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 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.
2018 GMC YUKON XL
ID: 2091484UNKNOWN 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 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.
2018 GMC YUKON XL
ID: 2091483SUSPENSION
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.
2018 GMC YUKON XL
ID: 2091482ENGINE
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.
2018 GMC YUKON XL
ID: 2079392ENGINE
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.
2018 GMC YUKON XL
ID: 2067126POWER 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 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.
2018 GMC YUKON XL
ID: 2067125ENGINE
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.
2018 GMC YUKON XL
ID: 2067124FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
2018 GMC YUKON XL
ID: 2064315VISIBILITY: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 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.
2018 GMC YUKON XL
ID: 2062808ENGINE
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.