2018 GMC Yukon XL Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 16%of 56 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 125,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 GMC Yukon XL, 16% of the 56 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 125,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 complaint #11739730, filed 2026-05“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“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 2025-02“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11622554, filed 2024-10, 148,000 miles“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). …”
NHTSA complaint #11627687, filed 2024-11, 102,000 milesRelated recalls
- 26V289000May 7, 2026DO NOT DRIVEGeneral Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, and GMC Sierra 1500…Covers: GMC Yukon XL 2018–2019, 2026, Chevrolet Suburban 2015, 2017–2020, Tahoe 2016–2017, 2019, 2026 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11008966Sep 9, 2024This technical bulletin provides a procedure for the techs to replace the forward check ball and separator plate if found the cause of the customers concern of No Forward Gear…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 5% |
| 2025 | 2 | 7% |
| 2024 | 12 | 16% |
| 2023 | 39 | 17% |
| 2022 | 33 | 19% |
| 2021 | 49 | 21% |
| 2020 | 13 | 28% |
| 2019 | 15 | 22% |
| 2018 | 9 | 16% |
| 2017 | 36 | 24% |
| 2016 | 33 | 16% |
| 2015 | 35 | 11% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 5% |
| 2006 | 1 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 7% |
| 2004 | 4 | 5% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 9 | 9% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2018 GMC Yukon XL
16 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsBrakes
10 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 31, 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