2018 Gmc YUKON XL
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2018 Gmc YUKON XL has 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.9x the segment average of 79. The most common issue is engine problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: the torque converter is too small for the vehicles transmission which then caused it to break and put metal into the transmission fluid. which cause the transmission to break. my safety was at risk was because while on highway it shot high on rpms and then made funny noise and wouldn’t go. the probl. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.
68
Total Complaints
2
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
0.9x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
14 complaints- • The torque converter is too small for the vehicles transmission which then caused it to break and put metal into the transmission fluid. Which cause the transmission to break. My safety was at risk was because while on highway it shot high on RPMs and then made funny noise and wouldn’t go. The probl
- • The engine started making a ticking sound a few days after thanksgiving. I made an appointment with the dealership but they couldn’t take it in for 3 weeks. The day before my appointment I was driving on the highway and the lifter broke which caused the camshaft and a few other parts to break causin
- • Engine Valve Lifter for cylinder 3 had failed and Camshaft lobes damaged. Error codes of P0300 and P0303. Vehicle had 67,049 miles when I brought it in to be repaired at Park GMC in Greenville, SC on 12/28/2022. GMC has the lifters (they replaced all 8) and the camshaft. Failure happened while on I4
“The torque converter is too small for the vehicles transmission which then caused it to break and put metal into the transmission fluid. Which cause the transmission to break. My safety was at risk was because while on highway it shot high on RPMs and then made funny noise and wouldn’t go. The probl”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2018 Gmc YUKON XL
Based on 19 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 37K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (2)
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.
Fix: 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.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2018 Gmc YUKON XL
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Gmc YUKON XL Service Intervals
Uses GM Oil Life System. Full-size trucks may have shorter differential and transfer case intervals if used for towing.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Gmc New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Gmc. If you're buying a used 2018 YUKON XL, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Gmc dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 68 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: The torque converter is too small for the vehicles transmission which then caused it to break and put metal into the transmission fluid. Which cause the transmission to break. My safety was at risk was because while on highway it shot high on RPMs and then made funny noise and wouldn’t go. The probl
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: BRAND NEW YUKON XL 2018 5250 MILLS, THE AC TAKES A LONG TIME TO COOL DOWN AT LEAST 15 TO 20 MINUTES. I AM IN MIAMI,FL AND WITH 95 FAHRENHAIT AND 3 KIDS IN THE CAR. GMC AFTER 6 WEEKS OF TRYING TO FIX THE PROBLEM JUST LET ME KNOW THAT THE AC IS WORKING AS DESIGN AND THERE IS NOTHING TO DO. IN THIS 6
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR TO DRIVE- IT FELT AS IF THE BRAKE WAS ON - CHECKING ALL THE APPROPRIATE EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM- CONFIRM THAT NO BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ENGAGED. PROCEEDED TO DRIVE AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF GMC AND WAS DRIVING AT 30MPH AS IF THE BRAKES WERE FULLY ENGAGED- CAR BEGAN TO SMOKE AND
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐SEATS/RESTRAINTS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC YUKON XL. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 20 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF HER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE ROLLED INTO A DITCH. THE CONTACT'S SON WAS SEATED IN THE THIRD ROW SEATS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN A CAR SEAT. THE SEAT BELT THAT
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Gmc dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Gmc YUKON XL — Year Comparison
How does 2018 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 68
- Recalls
- 2
- Fire reports
- 1
- Crash reports
- 7
- Injury reports
- 8
- Segment avg
- 79
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2018 Gmc YUKON XL