2018 GMC Yukon XL Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 29%of 56 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine of the 2018 GMC Yukon XL, 29% of the 56 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 complaint #11660917, filed 2025-05“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 complaint #11641088, filed 2025-02“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 problem was confirmed at Aamco transmission where I have to get the transmission rebuilt. There was never a check engine light or check fluid or any codes Thrown before the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11467488, filed 2022-06“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11772719, filed 2026-10“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11643967, filed 2025-02Related service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11020254May 7, 2025This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in…
- 11019503Apr 18, 2025This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California…
- 11017263Mar 25, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This 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.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11013070Jan 8, 2025This service bulletin advises the technician of possible coolant entering the areas of the engine, either through failed parts or defects in the castings, that may be the cause…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 | 65% |
| 2025 | 17 | 61% |
| 2024 | 56 | 75% |
| 2023 | 154 | 68% |
| 2022 | 114 | 66% |
| 2021 | 141 | 61% |
| 2020 | 24 | 51% |
| 2019 | 34 | 50% |
| 2018 | 16 | 29% |
| 2017 | 26 | 18% |
| 2016 | 27 | 13% |
| 2015 | 26 | 8% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 2 | 15% |
| 2011 | 3 | 6% |
| 2010 | 3 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 13% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 10 | 10% |
| 2006 | 2 | 12% |
| 2005 | 7 | 17% |
| 2004 | 2 | 2% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2018 GMC Yukon XL
12 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsElectrical system
5 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 GMC Yukon XL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology