2018 Gmc Yukon Safety Report
2018 GMC YUKON Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Gmc Yukon
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Gmc Yukon. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (3) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (65) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 2 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Gmc Yukon with 27 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Gmc Yukon before buying across this generation. |
Gmc Yukon Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Gmc Yukon years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Gmc Yukon | 44 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Gmc Yukon | 187 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Gmc Yukon | 27 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Gmc Yukon | 260 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Gmc Yukon | 258 | 13 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Gmc Yukon | 542 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Gmc Yukon Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Gmc Yukon, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Gmc onlyPower Train
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Gmc onlyUnknown Or Other
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Gmc onlyPower Train,Engine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Gmc onlyService Brakes
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Gmc onlySuspension
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Suspension issues Gmc onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Gmc Yukon
Reliability Score
The 2018 Gmc Yukon receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Gmc Yukon
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Gmc Yukon
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Gmc Yukon:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic Service Brakes With Power Assist And Vacuum Issues Hydraulic service brakes with power assist and vacuum issues have been reported, which can affect braking performance and safety. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Transmission Failures Transmission failures have been reported, leading to sudden loss of power and engine shutdowns, posing a risk to the driver and passengers. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Conditioner Condenser And Premium Ride Shocks Air conditioner condenser and premium ride shocks have required repairs, affecting the driving experience and comfort. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Oil Coolant Failure Engine oil coolant failure has been reported, leading to potential overheating and engine damage. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Gmc Yukon:
Issues with hydraulic service brakes with power assist and vacuum have been reported.
Transmission failures have been reported, leading to sudden loss of power and engine shutdowns.
Air conditioner condenser has required repairs, affecting the driving experience and comfort.
Engine oil coolant failure has been reported, leading to potential overheating and engine damage.
Recall Details for the 2018 Gmc Yukon
The following 3 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Gmc Yukon by NHTSA:
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
Consequence: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Consequence: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Consequence: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Gmc Yukon
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Gmc Yukon with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 transmission was already replaced on this vehicle at 500 miles.
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. P...
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 ...
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.
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 been catastrophic if I didn't bring in for repair if the engine failed completely while driving. Has the problem been re...
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 who told me they had some computer tool to manually control the transmission, and there is an internal failure. There was ...
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 was towed in. Diaganostics were completed by a certified mechanic. The engine had seized. GM has several recalls on this ...
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 misfire in cylinder one. The spark plug was pulled and soaked in oil. A borescope was put down the hole and found oil poole...
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 that this truck should be part of the GM recall. it is a known issue that GM slow played for years, but as of now this ...
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 replacing the engine that GM issued a recall but I read it starts with 2019 models and only reimbursement for original owne...
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 the fluid once and replaced the thermostat the second time. Neither case fixed the vehicle, it is currently in the shop f...
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 persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximatel...
AFM lifter failure and cam shaft failure
While stopped and isling, the engine shut off and would not restart. had I been moving, steering, braking, etc would have been compromised. Repair facility identified catastrophic engine failure at 48k miles on the vehicle.
Abrupt engine failure associate with connecting rod - very similar to current t recall on 2021-2024 Yukons.
I brought my 2018 yukon denali to dealer to see if there was a recall on the transmission. Warm or cold didn't matter because the truck jerks and slips constantly. Even when decelerating it will shift wrong and clunk. I have been complaining about this since the first year I bought it. This truck is a safety hazard when crossing traffic while turning. I have been to the gmc dealer many times and n...
Showing 20 of 65 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Gmc Yukon
Has the 2018 GMC YUKON been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 GMC YUKON has 3 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 GMC YUKON have?
The 2018 GMC YUKON has 65 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 2 involved crashes. 2 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 GMC YUKON?
The 2018 GMC YUKON received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 3/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC YUKON?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 GMC YUKON involve engine (17 complaints), power train (7 complaints), unknown or other (7 complaints). Other affected components include power train,engine, service brakes, suspension.
How many crash reports does the 2018 GMC YUKON have?
There are 2 crash reports associated with the 2018 GMC YUKON out of 65 total complaints (3.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 GMC YUKON have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 GMC YUKON in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 GMC YUKON?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 GMC YUKON.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 GMC YUKON?
2 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 GMC YUKON. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 GMC YUKON?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 GMC YUKON is acceptable with caveats. It has 65 complaints, 3 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 GMC YUKON?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 GMC YUKON are: 1. ENGINE (17 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (7 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (3 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 17 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 GMC YUKON?
Be cautious of potential issues with service brakes, transmission, and engine oil coolant. Ensure regular maintenance and check for recalls. The 2018 GMC YUKON has 65 NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2018 GMC YUKON?
The 2018 GMC YUKON receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 65 owner complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Hydraulic Service Brakes with Power Assist and Vacuum Issues and Transmission Failures.
What are the known issues with the 2018 GMC YUKON?
Known issues with the 2018 GMC YUKON include: Hydraulic Service Brakes with Power Assist and Vacuum Issues, Transmission Failures, Air Conditioner Condenser and Premium Ride Shocks, Engine Oil Coolant Failure. These are based on patterns found across 65 NHTSA complaints. 3 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2018 GMC Yukon?
The most common issues are with service brakes, transmission, and engine oil coolant.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 GMC Yukon?
Yes, there are recalls related to hydraulic service brakes with power assist and vacuum issues.
What should I do if I experience sudden engine shutdowns?
If you experience sudden engine shutdowns, have the vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential issues with service brakes, transmission, and engine oil coolant. Ensure regular maintenance and check for recalls.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Gmc Yukon
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Gmc Yukon. The data includes 65 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Gmc Yukon an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 3 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16