2018 Gmc Yukon Problems
Shopping for a used 2018 Gmc Yukon? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 68 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2018 Gmc Yukon has 68 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2018 Gmc Yukon Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2018 Gmc Yukon trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2018 Gmc Yukon Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 GMC Yukon SUV RWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
22.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
22.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Gmc Yukon has 68 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Gmc
- Model
- Yukon
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 68
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2018 Gmc Yukon problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Suspension Failures
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Suspension Failures. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2018 Gmc Yukon?
The 2018 Gmc Yukon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2018 Gmc Yukon
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for reported issues such as stalling or loss of power.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect suspension components for wear or failure.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for reported issues such as stalling or loss of power.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and drivetrain repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect suspension components for wear or failure.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Gmc Yukon, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2018 GMC Yukon are concentrated in engine and transmission issues, with a smaller number of suspension and brake reports. Crash-related complaints are minimal, but the overall confidence in the data is low due to the limited sample size.
- Engine Problems account for the largest share of complaints (27 out of 68).
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues are the second most reported component (18 complaints).
- Suspension Failures and Uncategorized Issues each have 8 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission/Drivetrain
- Suspension Failures
Full breakdown
All 2018 Gmc Yukon complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Gmc Yukon. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 27 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 18 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Gmc Yukon. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 underst…
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 …
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…
Please see attached letter
The 2018 Yukon Denali has been at the dealership for 7 weeks waiting 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. The tr…
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 …
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 resid…
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 rec…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Engine failure due to lifter failure and bent push rod and needed cam replaced. It is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Could have …
Dealership did a tune-up in June 2025 and had my truck for 2 weeks, no issues with transmission discovered or discussed. Now in September 2025, 2018 GMC Yukon has developed a torque converter shutter when driving between 40 and 50 mph. I took the vehicle to an independent shop wh…
I was driving on I75 North, just North of Chattanooga. I was in the Center Lane. I lost all power to the vehicle. The engine stopped. I had no power steering, no power brakes, and was in heavy traffic. I managed to shift lanes and get it to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle w…
My 2018 GMC Yukon blew an engine with only 81,000 miles. Had four shops including (2 GM dealerships) look at the vehicle, pictures, and findings and concluded the engine had blown. The vehicle had began running very rough while driving down the road at 45mph. The CEL showed a mis…
All back light won’t turn on only brake lights but not night time running lights
driving the vehicle on a regular city street when the flashing engine light came on out of nowhere. immediately pulled off and had the vehicle towed to my dealership. result of the inspection, i have to replace my engine. as soon as i started researching the issue it is clear …
Vehicle (engine) shut off while driving on highway. Would not restart. Had vehicle towed from highway to repair shop. No check engine light ever came on. The engine was replaced and old one had to be returned in order to avoid paying a $5,000 core charge. I found out after rep…
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.
Has lifter chattering / camshaft issues as a result of manufacture defect that so many people are complaining about from the research I have done
My 2018 GMC Yukon SLE has a Transmission Failure and a engine oil coolant failure. The issues occurred while driving when the vehicle had to go into limp status to prevent the transmission from complete failure. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership 2x and they changed t…
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the message "Transmission Hot - Idle Engine" was intermittently displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the TCM was reprogrammed, and the thermostat and the water pump were replaced; however, the failure per…
AFM lifter failure and cam shaft failure
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Gmc Yukon.
Safety recalls
2018 Gmc Yukon recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Gmc Yukon. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2018 Gmc Yukon buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Gmc Yukon reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 68 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Gmc Yukon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Gmc Yukon?▾
#1: Engine Problems (27 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (18 complaints). #3: Suspension Failures (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Gmc Yukon?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Gmc Yukon?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Gmc Yukon, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 68 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Gmc Yukon have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Gmc Yukon. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Gmc Yukon?▾
The 2018 Gmc Yukon shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Gmc Yukon reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Gmc Yukon based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.