2018 GMC Yukon XL Owner 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 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.

6/4/2022

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 causing sudden lose of power and severe shaking. The parts for the repair were back ordered and it took about 5 weeks to get my vehicle back. About 7 weeks later I started the car in the driveway and it again had lose of power and severe shaking. The parts that were replaced in January failed and ruined the whole engine. There is a 6 month back order on this engine. It has been sitting at the dealership for almost 2 months already. Both incidents I believe had the potential to cause an accident if I were driving with cars close behind me.

5/24/2023

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 WEEKS I GOT A YUKON AS A LOANER AND THE AC WAS WORKING PERFECT, THE AC TOOK 3 MIN TO COOL DOWN EVERY TIME YOU TURN IT ON.

8/24/2018

LEAK IN REAR AIR CONDITIONING LINE AT BODY MOUNT. COVERED UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY IN MAY 2019, AND SAME LINE IS LEAKING IN MAY 2020, GM WILL NOT WARRANTY PARTS, LABOR (INSTALLED INCORRECTLY) OR POSSIBLE VEHICLE DEFECT.

8/19/2020

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 BURN AT THE AREA OF TIRES- THEN BRAKES COMPLETELY MALFUNCTIONED. NO BRAKES AVAILABLE. WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO GMC WITH A SLOW COAST

10/23/2019

I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A CITY STREET AT ABOUT 30 MILES PER HOUR AND A CAR WAS COMING OVER ON ME SO I HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES HARD SO THAT WE WOULD NOT COLLIDE. MY CAR SLOWED DOWN BUT DID NOT STOP. I WAS ON THE BRAKES HARD, BUT MY CAR ONLY SLOWED, IT DID NOT STOP. THE OTHER CAR HIT ME. AFTER WE EXCHANGED INFORMATION I DROVE OFF AND I KEPT STOPPING TO SEE IF THE BRAKES WERE WORKING, BUT THEY WORKED EVERY TIME AFTER THAT. I WAS TELLING MY SISTER WHAT HAPPENED AND SHE MENTIONED A FRIEND OF HERS HAD A GMC THAT WAS RECALLED DUE TO FAULTY BRAKES. SHE SUGGESTED I CHECK ON YOUR SITE. I CHECK BUT IT SAID 0 RECALLS. I WANTED TO BE SURE I LET SOMEONE KNOW BECAUSE THE CAR DID NOT STOP WHEN I REALLY NEEDED IT TO STOP.

2/27/2020

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.

6/4/2022

Had transmission issues (slipping, jerking and jumping ), while driving on highway. it will not accelerate when pressing the gas and would accelerate randomly / jumping fast Uphill it wont move forward on drive grar, instead it rolls back, which can hit rear vehicle. very dangerous and not derivable with bad trans as it can lead to accidents. its very common and reoccurring issue with GMC Yukon 2018 (SLT, SLE, Denali, Yukon XL..etc models )

8/16/2023

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 WAS SUPPOSED TO RESTRAIN THE CAR SEAT DID NOT REMAIN STEADY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD AND STEERING WHEEL AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY; HOWEVER, THE CONSOLE, SIDE CURTAIN AND REAR AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INTERNAL BLEEDING, LACERATIONS, AND LIVER INJURIES. HER DAUGHTER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND SUSTAINED A FRACTURED NOSE AND FACIAL MARKS FROM THE AIR BAG. THE CONTACT'S SON WAS SEATED IN THE CAR SEAT AND SUSTAINED LACERATIONS ON HIS FOREHEAD. EVERYONE WAS TRANSPORTED VIA AMBULANCE TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V673000 (SEAT BELTS). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,755.

10/2/2019

Driver seat automatically adjusts while driving particularly when I accelerate from a red light or stop sign. This causes me to not reach the peddles.I have to pull over and reset my seat. Has been doing this for two days.My vehicle is not equipped with the automatic memory seat. My two rear seatbelts in the middle row are always lose they do not retract. This has been going on for a couple of months.

4/23/2024

Both struts went out on the car at once. When we went to the dealer, we were told that there were no struts in the country, and they have no idea when they will be available. When we called back this week to check on the progress, there is no progress at all. We have had to rent a vehicle, which we did for a month's time not knowing how long this may go on.

5/20/2021

I own a 2018 GMC Denali, Yukon XL SUV, with 67k miles. While towing our 24’ Airstream (weight 4400 lbs) the vehicle excessively bounced in the air several times on a flat pull on I-80 in Northern Ca. I took it to three mechanics who told me that the front magnetic and rear air shocks had all failed and were leaking oil. The best price that we could secure for replacement is $2500. Each mechanic commented about the frequency of this type of failure with GMC and stated that this should be a recall because of the risk of trailer detachment/failure. I’ve owned dozens of vehicles in my lifetime (age [XXX]) and have never replaced a set of shocks before. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

11/4/2023

BATTERY VOLTAGE DROPS AND WHEN TURNING LEFT AT LOWER SPEEDS YOU LOOSE STEERING. BATTERY VOLTAGE WILL NOT GO BACK UP UNTIL YOUR GET UP AROUND 70 MPH.

9/3/2019

WHEN I LET GO OF THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. IT'S A SCARY FEELING, I FEEL LIKE DON'T HAVE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS THAT I CAN NOT PUT MY VEHICLE IN GEAR RIGHT AWAY WHEN I TURN ON THE ENGINE. ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS RATTLING SOUND AND VIBRATION ON THE GAS PEDAL WHEN I ACCELERATE.

3/2/2021

I was involved in a traffic collision. A large vehicle turned left in front of me and I t boned that vehicle. We were traveling about 30-35 MPH at the moment of impact. My vehicle sustained major damage ($20,000+) to repair according to the body shop. My wife, daughter and myself sustained injuries. My wife and I have significant injuries. I truly believe, based on vehicle damages, and injuries that our airbags should’ve deployed. I believe it has a fault sensor that should be inspected.

5/23/2022

Annunciations: Stabilitrak, Park Assist Off, Steering Assist Is Reduced Drive With Care, Forward Collision System Unavailable, Adaptive Cruise Control. Indications: Cruise Control doesn’t work, steering jerks when turning, difficult to turn into parking spaces. Research shows Technical Service Bulletin 18-na-161as a known issue with GMC products. Dealer says “You are out of warranty”. 2018 model with 65,000 miles. Issue has been presenting for the past 8 months. We thought it was due to a windshield replacement by Safelite. Safelite has been actively troubleshooting for 8 months.

5/17/2024

WHEN I LET GO OF THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. IT'S A SCARY FEELING, I FEEL LIKE DON'T HAVE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS THAT I CAN NOT PUT MY VEHICLE IN GEAR RIGHT AWAY WHEN I TURN ON THE ENGINE. ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS RATTLING SOUND AND VIBRATION ON THE GAS PEDAL WHEN I ACCELERATE.

3/2/2021

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. Engine RPM's would increase with no additional power or speed.

2/20/2025

WHEN I LET GO OF THE BRAKE THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES ON ITS OWN. IT'S A SCARY FEELING, I FEEL LIKE DON'T HAVE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS THAT I CAN NOT PUT MY VEHICLE IN GEAR RIGHT AWAY WHEN I TURN ON THE ENGINE. ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS RATTLING SOUND AND VIBRATION ON THE GAS PEDAL WHEN I ACCELERATE.

3/2/2021

Annunciations: Stabilitrak, Park Assist Off, Steering Assist Is Reduced Drive With Care, Forward Collision System Unavailable, Adaptive Cruise Control. Indications: Cruise Control doesn’t work, steering jerks when turning, difficult to turn into parking spaces. Research shows Technical Service Bulletin 18-na-161as a known issue with GMC products. Dealer says “You are out of warranty”. 2018 model with 65,000 miles. Issue has been presenting for the past 8 months. We thought it was due to a windshield replacement by Safelite. Safelite has been actively troubleshooting for 8 months.

5/17/2024

I was involved in a traffic collision. A large vehicle turned left in front of me and I t boned that vehicle. We were traveling about 30-35 MPH at the moment of impact. My vehicle sustained major damage ($20,000+) to repair according to the body shop. My wife, daughter and myself sustained injuries. My wife and I have significant injuries. I truly believe, based on vehicle damages, and injuries that our airbags should’ve deployed. I believe it has a fault sensor that should be inspected.

5/23/2022

WE WERE IN A CAR CRASH. THE AIRBAGS ON THE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE BUT NOT IN THE FRONT. THE FRONT AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF.

8/17/2023

While driving the Driver side seat automatically reset to the furthest position away from the wheel and gas and break pad. This resulted in not being able to reach the break to stop.

10/30/2022

Driver seat automatically adjusts while driving particularly when I accelerate from a red light or stop sign. This causes me to not reach the peddles.I have to pull over and reset my seat. Has been doing this for two days.My vehicle is not equipped with the automatic memory seat. My two rear seatbelts in the middle row are always lose they do not retract. This has been going on for a couple of months.

4/23/2024

THE VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED FROM THE DEALER WITH NON STANDARD 22" ALUMINUM RIMS AND LOW PROFILE TIRES. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 15 MONTHS - IN THAT TIME WE HAVE HAD FOUR FLAT TIRES (TWO BLOW OUTS), A BROKEN RIM, AND A BROKEN BALL JOINT. ALL OF THESE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS ON PAVED ROADS AND NOT AS PART OF ANY ACCIDENT OR A COLLISION WITH AN OBJECT.

12/16/2019

WE WERE IN A CAR CRASH. THE AIRBAGS ON THE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE BUT NOT IN THE FRONT. THE FRONT AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE GONE OFF.

8/17/2023

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the A/C unit had failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The contact then decided to take the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic discovered a hole in the A/C condenser. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

2/12/2025

The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the check engine warning light was flashing. Additionally, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the hood, and the hood was shaking. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was towed to Village Auto, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Village Auto contacted an unknown dealer. The contact later became aware of NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling), which the contact related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the VIN was not included in a recall and due to the mileage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

5/28/2025