2018 GMC Yukon Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 27

“I started my vehicle and as I accelerated I started to hear a knocking noise. The vehicle and engine have been inspected by the dealership. The problem has also been confirmed by the dealership.There were no warning lights or messages before the knocking noise started.”
NHTSA complaint #11737607, 2026

“The 2018 Yukon has been at the dealership several timeswaiting for a valve body for the transmission. There are valve body recalls for other year GM vehicles with the same transmission, but not for the 2018 model even though it appears to be the same part number. I don’t understand how this 2018 model apart of the recalls when it’s got the same issues as the newer ones. This is the second Yukon I’ve bought in the last seven years and the other one had the exact same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11730984, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon. The contact stated after the vehicle was serviced, while driving 30 MPH and depressing accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated, and the contact shifted to a lower gear to drive to the residence safely. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced, and that the engine block was damaged. The transmission and engine block were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the fai…”
NHTSA complaint #11706830, 2025

Power Train 18 1 crash

“I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND EXITING THE HW. THE REAR WHEEL OF THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE OFF AND SEPARATED FROM THE CAR WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO HIT THE CEMENT BEERIER ON FRONT AND THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THEN THE CAR TURNED 180 DEGREES AND HIT THE BEERIER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND WE DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL BROOK OFF OF THE REAR AXE. NO DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL. SEVERAL INDUSTRY EXPORTS STATED THAT THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN.”
NHTSA complaint #11378464, 2020 · crash

“The 2018 Yukon has been at the dealership several timeswaiting for a valve body for the transmission. There are valve body recalls for other year GM vehicles with the same transmission, but not for the 2018 model even though it appears to be the same part number. I don’t understand how this 2018 model apart of the recalls when it’s got the same issues as the newer ones. This is the second Yukon I’ve bought in the last seven years and the other one had the exact same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11730984, 2026

“I purchased my used GMC YUKON from a used car dealership 3/28/26. I signed the papers for the agreement while I was driving the vechicle home I lost power and it wouldn't go forward with gas applied. The check engine light came on, I pulled the suv over and it was towed. The code that popped up 0700 and 02723 both codes having to do with the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11727838, 2026

Suspension 8

“As of [XXX] , I witnessed a squealing sound coming from the rear end of my 2018 Denali Yukon XL truck. And it's affecting my braking. And it jerked when I changed my gears on my truck . And there are lights on in my dashboard on my truck. The engine light was blinking on and off and the traction control light was blinking on and off also. But the back driver side of the truck was squealing also. Please help me to resolve this situation. In the name of Jesus. Thanks again [XXX] and [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11709565, 2026

“Air conditioner condenser faulty and had to repaired. Premium Ride Shocks faulty and had to be repaired. Lifters and bent pushrod faulty and had to be repaired. Vehicle currently has approximately 70,000 miles. These are all known issues by GM and very expensive to fix and no recalls.”
NHTSA complaint #11700880, 2025

“REAR SHOCK IS LEAKING AND RIDE IS ROUGH (BOTTOMING OUT) CAN'T FIND NEW SHOCKS.”
NHTSA complaint #11412855, 2021

Unknown Or Other 8

“All back light won’t turn on only brake lights but not night time running lights”
NHTSA complaint #11687301, 2025

“Sunroof exploded while I was driving. Had I not had the shade closed I could have been injured by shattered glass. Glass has been replaced at the dealer of purchase, via insurance claim with my agent. There was no indication that this would occur.”
NHTSA complaint #11527157, 2023

“GM already has extended the warrant for faulty AC Condensers model years 2015-2017. This model 2018 experiences the same exact condenser leak as the 2015-2017 models. In fact special coverage adjustment 17336 which omits the 2018 model has the same failure. This warranty should be extended into 2018 as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11523225, 2023

Service Brakes 5

“ENGINE WORK VALVE INTAKE LIFTER AND CAMSHAFT REPAIRS / OIL SENSOR HAS BEEN GOING HAYWIRE / REAR STRUTS KEEP POPPING OFF AND AFTER STRUTS REPAIRED BOUGHT THE TRUCK 05/2024 AND HAD TO TAKE TO REPAIR 12/2024 AND ONCE MONTH EVER SINCE.”
NHTSA complaint #11677371, 2024

“I have noticed the amount of pressure needed to apply brakes at a slow speed is a lot to where it seems like I will crash into the car or object in the way of my vehicle. I took my vehicle to a GMC dealership and was told the brake vacuum pump needs to be replaced. These vacuum pumps were already recalled by NHTSA. NHTSA #19V645000, GM #N192268490. This recall was expanded to include additional vehicles. NHTSA #20V603, GM #N202300860. I strongly believe my vehicle needs to be included in this recall. GMC repair invoice is attached.”
NHTSA complaint #11618506, 2024

“Service trailer break error message keeps popping up blocking the speedometer, dinging, etc. no trailer has been attached to vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11467558, 2022

Steering 4

“While driving I made a right hand turn. As soon as the turn was made, the powering steering completely went out. The power steering is found to fail upon cold starts, then return to normal after operating. The vehicle has been taken to gmc numerous times with no explanation as to why or how it has happened. When asked to replace the steering rack. They stated vehicle is working as expected. It is unsafe. GMC has had recalls on the steering for many years now.”
NHTSA complaint #11520792, 2023

“ON 3/20/21 I WENT OUT WITH THE FAMILY OUT GOT TO OUR DESTINATION WELL BUT WHEN I STARTED MY VEHICLE TO GO BACK HOME I GOT A MESSAGE ON THE DISPLAY "SERVICE POWER STEERING DRIVE WITH CARE" WHEN I WENT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO DRIVE I COULDN'T BECAUSE IT WAS TOO HARD, AFTER FIGHTING IT, I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR BACK HOME WITH MY FAMILY IN IT. TODAY 3/22/21 I CALLED GMC TO DO A COMPLAINT AND ASK IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE SINCE I DON'T HAVE ANY WARRANTY ANYMORE ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO PASSING THE 36 MONTHS BY 1 MONTH BUT NOT BY MILEAGE SINCE I HAVE 28500 MILE…”
NHTSA complaint #11404386, 2021

“MY FRONT END MAKES NOISES WHEN I TURN WHEEL OR STOP.I TOOK IT TWO THE CARMAX SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.BUT IT'S STILL MAKING THE NOISE”
NHTSA complaint #11244690, 2019

Air Bags 3 2 crash 2 injury

“INVOLVED IN A FRONT/SIDE PASSENGER SIDE COLLISION WITH SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND SPEED WITH NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT(S).”
NHTSA complaint #11470248, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND EXITING THE HW. THE REAR WHEEL OF THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE OFF AND SEPARATED FROM THE CAR WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO HIT THE CEMENT BEERIER ON FRONT AND THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THEN THE CAR TURNED 180 DEGREES AND HIT THE BEERIER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND WE DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL BROOK OFF OF THE REAR AXE. NO DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL. SEVERAL INDUSTRY EXPORTS STATED THAT THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN.”
NHTSA complaint #11378464, 2020 · crash

“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the Service SRS message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the front passenger’s seat air bag control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11468591, 2022

Electrical System 3

“Keeps showing a service trailer brake system, it does it once in a while but when it does it keeps showing the message after pressing dismiss, I was researching online and apparently there is a lot of people dealing with this same issue and looks like it is a defect from factory.”
NHTSA complaint #11513477, 2022

“May 31st 2022-While driving on the highway, I lost control of my power steering. Luckily my husband was with me to drive it back home. June 1st 2022-Took it to a service center and was told it needed a part to fix the problem. We ordered the part, which would not be delivered until may 6th 2022. June 4th 2022- Went to drive, made it a couple blocks down the road when the ABS, electronic stability control, & the engine light came on. So I turned around to take it back home, only now my power steering was completely out, my car would not shift out of first gear. After arriving home, I attempted…”
NHTSA complaint #11467589, 2022

“Side rear brake lights work intermittently, often cutting out and losing all power while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11417560, 2020

Vehicle Speed Control 3

“As of [XXX] , I witnessed a squealing sound coming from the rear end of my 2018 Denali Yukon XL truck. And it's affecting my braking. And it jerked when I changed my gears on my truck . And there are lights on in my dashboard on my truck. The engine light was blinking on and off and the traction control light was blinking on and off also. But the back driver side of the truck was squealing also. Please help me to resolve this situation. In the name of Jesus. Thanks again [XXX] and [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11709565, 2026

“No warning light presented to warn of transmission issues. While driving is hesitating sluggish when accelerating and stalling around 60mph then shifts . Putt Putt then pick up a bit then back down.”
NHTSA complaint #11570844, 2024

“I WAS DRIVING MY 2018 YUKON DENALI ON A 3 LANE INTERSTATE WITH GM'S NEW ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL TURNED ON.. ANOTHER DRIVER CUT IN FRONT OF ME FROM THE RIGHT. ADAPTIVE CRUISE SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES ALMOST CAUSING A REAR-END ACCIDENT BY OVERCOMPENSATING. THIS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE ON A 2000 MILE TRIP IN DIFFERENT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. IN CONTACTING MY DEALER, THEY CALLED GM AND WERE TOLD IT COULD NOT BE FIXED BECAUSE OF EXTENSIVE SUPPOSED CHANGES TO THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, OTHER GM VEHICLES HAVE A SHUTOFF THAT WOULD ELIMINATE ADAPTIVE CRUISE AND LET YOU NORMALLY OPERATE CRUISE CONTROL. I WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11121156, 2018

Exterior Lighting 2

“Headlights are terrible. Driving at night is treacherous because the headlights are not very bright unless I can use brights which seems like they could be low beam instead of high beam. With oncoming traffic it is hard to see the road and I get scared it may cause an accident, either hitting an oncoming car or going off the road myself. It's terrible. Others have commented on the headlights also asking me how can I see. There is no film on the covering over headlights. I Can see the bulbs just fine but they look burnt. My husband thought so too. Just scared driving at night. Need better Hea…”
NHTSA complaint #11461691, 2022

“Side rear brake lights work intermittently, often cutting out and losing all power while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11417560, 2020

Fuel/Propulsion System 2

“ENGINE WORK VALVE INTAKE LIFTER AND CAMSHAFT REPAIRS / OIL SENSOR HAS BEEN GOING HAYWIRE / REAR STRUTS KEEP POPPING OFF AND AFTER STRUTS REPAIRED BOUGHT THE TRUCK 05/2024 AND HAD TO TAKE TO REPAIR 12/2024 AND ONCE MONTH EVER SINCE.”
NHTSA complaint #11677371, 2024

“NHTSA's recall number 25V-274. This vehicle should fall under this recall it happed to the this motor at 58k miles and I had to put a whole motor in it at 58k miles in 2022. The Yukon Denali has the L87 V8. I bought the new motor threw GM so it should be tied to this vin number”
NHTSA complaint #11657717, 2022

Structure 2 1 crash

“I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND EXITING THE HW. THE REAR WHEEL OF THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE OFF AND SEPARATED FROM THE CAR WHICH CAUSED MY CAR TO HIT THE CEMENT BEERIER ON FRONT AND THE SIDE OF THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THEN THE CAR TURNED 180 DEGREES AND HIT THE BEERIER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND WE DISCOVERED THAT THE WHEEL BROOK OFF OF THE REAR AXE. NO DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL. SEVERAL INDUSTRY EXPORTS STATED THAT THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN.”
NHTSA complaint #11378464, 2020 · crash

“BEEN SINCE DAY PNE OVER PAYMENT RANDOM CALL WRONG SIZE TIRES INSURANCE CLAIM THAT THEY SENT TO FIX AND CLUED THE PIECE AND A REFURBISHED PART PINT CHIPPED WHEN I TOOK IT FOR MAINTENANCE THEY DO OTHER NONSENSE VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE AMOUNT PAID WITH DDOWNPAIMT SHOWING NO PAYMENT ON CREDIT REPORT ABOUT TO HIRE A LAWYER I WANT A NEW TRUCK FOR ALL THE MONEY AND TIME SPEND OVERTIME OR FIX IT DND I DON'T LIKE A NEW CAR TO HAVE A RECALL I HAVE KIDS”
NHTSA complaint #11297177, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 2

“AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER REFRIGERANT LEAKED, PREVENTING AC FROM FUNCTIONING. COULD LEAD TO VISIBILITY ISSUES DUE TO DEFROSTER NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. REPORTED PROBLEM IN NHTSA 10166241 (GM SPECIAL COVERAGE 17336), BUT VEHICLE HAD CONDENSER SHIELD USED AS 'SOLUTION' TO PROBLEM. STILL LEAKED AND GM WOULD NOT COVER REPAIR COSTS.”
NHTSA complaint #11399308, 2021

“THE CAR WAS PARKED, ALL OF A SUDDEN WE HEARD A BOOM AND THE REAR WINDOW HAD EXPLODED OUTWARD AND SHATTERED, WITH THE LATCH STILL ATTACHED TO THE REAR TAILGATE. THE HYDRAULIC ARMS WERE UP AND EXTENDED, INDICATING THE WINDOW HAD POSSIBLY TRIED TO OPEN, BUT DIDN'T UNLATCH, AND THEN SHATTERED. NOBODY WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE OR HAD THE KEYS ON THEM, SO THE REAR TAILGATE WAS NOT ACTIVATED IN EITHER WAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11218464, 2019

Wheels 2

“PASSENGERS SIDE WHEEL BEARING BAD AT 37,000 MILES MAKING LOAD HUMMING NOISE WHILE DRIVING”
NHTSA complaint #11416260, 2021

“MY FRONT END MAKES NOISES WHEN I TURN WHEEL OR STOP.I TOOK IT TWO THE CARMAX SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG.BUT IT'S STILL MAKING THE NOISE”
NHTSA complaint #11244690, 2019

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V761000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *DL PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY…”
NHTSA complaint #11277323, 2019

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for service, and the contact was informed that the radiator was leaking and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that there were no signs of a leak prior to taking the vehicle for service. The contact was advised by the dealer that it was a common failure for the year and model vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a buyback. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 128,640.”
NHTSA complaint #11729075, 2026

Forward Collision Avoidance 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC YUKON. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM AND LANE DEPARTURE FUNCTION BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERRY LANE BUICK GMC (6615 FLORIDA BLVD, BATON ROUGE, LA 70806, (225) 341-5413) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MODULE FOR THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM AND LANE DEPARTURE ASSIST MODULE WERE FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,800.”
NHTSA complaint #11270628, 2019

Lane Departure 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC YUKON. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM AND LANE DEPARTURE FUNCTION BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GERRY LANE BUICK GMC (6615 FLORIDA BLVD, BATON ROUGE, LA 70806, (225) 341-5413) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MODULE FOR THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM AND LANE DEPARTURE ASSIST MODULE WERE FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,800.”
NHTSA complaint #11270628, 2019

Tires 1

“NUMEROUS TIRES HAVE HAD SIDEWALL FAILURE. WE HAVE HAD TWO TIRES WITHING 8 MONTHS (7000 MILES).”
NHTSA complaint #11254029, 2019

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the A/C unit failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the A/C coolant line was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty. The contact was concerned that the failure could cause medical health risks during high weather temperatures. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11594401, 2024