CarBrief

The 2018 GMC Yukon has 129 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, and the engine group is the biggest[1][2]. It also has 5 recalls, so check any Yukon you are considering against them[3][4][5][6][7].

129owner complaints[1]
5recalls[8]
16–19MPG combined (EPA)[9]
4★NHTSA overall rating[10]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 129 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Eight mention a crash, 1 a fire and 14 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component. Counts are not adjusted for how many Yukons were sold.

Component group Complaints
Engine[2] 43
Power train[11] 27
Unknown or other[12] 18
Brakes[13] 16
Suspension[14] 13
Electrical system[15] 9
Steering[16] 7
Air bags[17] 6

Engine. The engine group has 43 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 87,000 and no crashes, fires or injuries[2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe damaged lifters and camshafts, with ticking, power loss or a failed engine. Some describe radiator or coolant leaks[2].

Power train. There are 27 complaints, 1 with a crash, and the median mileage is 102,000[11]. In the sample we read, owners describe a transmission that slips or jerks, and a shifter that drops into neutral[11].

Brakes. There are 16 complaints and 2 crashes, with a median of 34,000 miles[13]. Owners in the sample describe a stiff pedal and a brake assist warning, linked to the vacuum pump. That matches the brake recalls below[13][4][6].

Suspension. There are 13 complaints and no crashes[14]. In the sample we read, owners describe leaking or failed shocks and struts, and some wait on parts[14].

Air bags. Only 6 complaints, but they carry 5 crashes, 1 fire and 11 injuries[17]. Electrical complaints number 9, with 2 crashes and 3 injuries[15].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year[3][4][5][6][7]. Newest first.

Not every recall covers every Yukon. Some depend on engine, drive type or the XL body. Check whether a specific vehicle is covered. NHTSA.gov lets you search VINs for the transfer case recall[3].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on engine and drive. All are 8-cylinder[18][9].

Engine and drive City / hwy / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
6.2L, rear-wheel drive[18] 14 / 23 / 17 $4,850
6.2L, 4WD[19] 14 / 22 / 17 $4,850
6.2L, XL 4WD[20] 14 / 21 / 16 $5,150
5.3L, rear-wheel drive[9] 16 / 23 / 19 $3,550
5.3L, 4WD[21] 16 / 22 / 18 $3,700

The 6.2L uses premium fuel. The 5.3L is rated on regular, and some versions on gasoline or E85[18][9][22]. EPA's annual cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4WD version 4 stars overall, with 5 stars for frontal and side crashes and 3 stars for rollover[10]. Its rollover risk is 22.2%[10]. The rear-wheel-drive version also gets 4 stars overall, with the same frontal, side and rollover stars and a rollover risk of 22.9%[23].

Engine and size

EPA lists 6.2L and 5.3L V8 engines for this year[18][9]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Body Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Yukon, SLE/SLT RWD[24] 204 in 80 in 74 in 116 in 5,309 lb
Yukon, SLE/SLT 4WD[25] 204 in 80 in 74 in 116 in 5,545 lb
Yukon, Denali 4WD[26] 204 in 80 in 74 in 116 in 5,745 lb
Yukon XL, SLE/SLT RWD[27] 224 in 80 in 74 in 130 in 5,536 lb
Yukon XL, SLE/SLT 4WD[28] 224 in 80 in 74 in 130 in 5,776 lb
Yukon XL, Denali 4WD[29] 224 in 80 in 74 in 130 in 5,981 lb

How 2018 compares with other years

1995: 90 complaints, 6 recalls19951996: 70 complaints, 3 recalls1997: 133 complaints, 0 recalls1998: 80 complaints, 2 recalls1999: 234 complaints, 1 recalls19992000: 253 complaints, 8 recalls2001: 374 complaints, 8 recalls2002: 308 complaints, 3 recalls2003: 442 complaints, 5 recalls20032004: 404 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 210 complaints, 6 recalls2006: 76 complaints, 3 recalls2007: 706 complaints, 4 recalls20072008: 388 complaints, 4 recalls2009: 199 complaints, 5 recalls2010: 217 complaints, 3 recalls2011: 375 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 129 complaints, 4 recalls2013: 181 complaints, 4 recalls2014: 72 complaints, 3 recalls2015: 975 complaints, 10 recalls20152016: 518 complaints, 5 recalls2017: 359 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 129 complaints, 5 recalls12920182019: 126 complaints, 3 recalls20192020: 84 complaints, 4 recalls2021: 570 complaints, 14 recalls2022: 358 complaints, 5 recalls2023: 470 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 179 complaints, 3 recalls2025: 85 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 80 complaints, 3 recalls2027: 1 complaints, 0 recalls2027
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Yukon model year. The 2018 is highlighted[8].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995906
1996703
19971330
1998802
19992341
20002538
20013748
20023083
20034425
20044044
20052106
2006763
20077064
20083884
20091995
20102173
20113755
20121294
20131814
2014723
201597510
20165185
20173593
20181295
20191263
2020844
202157014
20223585
20234704
20241793
2025852
2026803
202710

The 2018 model year has 129 complaints and 5 recalls[8]. Nearby years vary a lot. 2015 has 975 complaints and 10 recalls[8]. 2016 has 518 and 5, and 2017 has 359 and 3[8]. After 2018, 2019 has 126 complaints and 3 recalls, and 2020 has 84 and 4[8]. 2021 jumps to 570 complaints and 14 recalls[8].

So 2018 sits in the lower half of the years from 2015 on for complaints. 2019 (126), 2020 (84), 2025 (85), 2026 (80) and 2027 (1) have fewer, while 2015 to 2017 and 2021 to 2024 have more[8]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so compare model years of the Yukon only[8].

Should you buy a used 2018 Yukon?

The complaint count for 2018 is lower than for 2015 to 2017 and 2021 to 2024[8]. The engine and power train groups draw the most complaints, with median failure mileages of 87,000 and 102,000[2][11]. Ask for service records and whether the brake and transfer case recalls were done[3][4][6]. The 4-star overall rating and the 3-star rollover rating are worth knowing[10][23]. The 5.3L costs less to run, with EPA estimates of $3,550 to $3,700 a year against $4,850 or more for the 6.2L[9][21][18].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 GMC Yukon?
The engine group has the most complaints at 43, then power train at 27[2][11]. In a sample we read, owners describe lifter and camshaft damage and transmission slipping[2][11].
Does the 2018 GMC Yukon have recalls?
Yes, 5 recalls: transfer case, two brake vacuum pump recalls, a wheel-speed sensor braking issue and rear seat belts on Yukon XL[3][4][5][6][7].
How many mpg does a 2018 GMC Yukon get?
EPA combined ratings run from 16 to 19 MPG depending on engine and drive[20][9].
Is the 2018 GMC Yukon safe?
NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall, 5 stars frontal and side, 3 stars rollover[10][23].
Is 2018 a good year for the GMC Yukon?
It has 129 complaints[8]. That is fewer than 2015 to 2017 and 2021 to 2024, and more than 2019 (126), 2020 (84), 2025 (85), 2026 (80) and 2027 (1)[8].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 129 owner complaints on file for the 2018 GMC Yukon (8 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 14 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 43 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 26V289, filed May 7, 2026: Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive). NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 20V603, filed October 1, 2020: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 19V761, filed October 24, 2019: Service Brakes. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 19V645, filed September 6, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Vacuum. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 18V673, filed September 26, 2018: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
  8. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Yukon model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  9. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  10. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 27 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 102,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 18 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,935). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 16 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 13 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 9 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 7 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 6 complaints name the air bags component group (5 crashes, 1 fires, 11 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 2WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 23 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 XL 4WD, 6.2L 8-cyl, Automatic 10-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 21 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Yukon K1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Yukon C1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON 4DR SUV RWD SLE/SLT: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 5,309 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  25. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON 4DR SUV 4WD SLE/SLT: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 5,545 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  26. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON 4DR SUV 4WD DENALI: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 116 in, curb weight 5,745 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  27. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON-XL 4DR SUV RWD SLE/SLT: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,536 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON-XL 4DR SUV 4WD SLE/SLT: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,776 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, YUKON-XL 4DR SUV 4WD DENALI: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,981 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.