Owners have reported 6 crashes, 1 fire and 10 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 GMC Yukon. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints24
ENGINE
Owners report frequent engine failures in the 2018 GMC Yukon, often linked to lifter and camshaft issues, with some mentioning bent push rods and connecting rod failures. Typical symptoms include engine knocking, loss of power, sputtering, and vehicle stalling, sometimes accompanied by check engine lights. Complaints commonly arise between 37,000 and 81,000 miles, with some engines failing without warning. Safety implications are significant, as engine failure can lead to loss of power steering and brakes, posing risks during highway driving. Buyers should be aware of potential high repair costs and the possibility of engine replacement due to these issues.
Owner complaints19
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2018 GMC Yukon frequently report transmission issues, with symptoms including slipping, jerking, and hesitation during acceleration. Several complaints describe the vehicle failing to respond to the accelerator, shifting aggressively, or unexpectedly going into neutral, particularly around 100,000 to 148,000 miles. Some reports indicate that the vehicle may enter a "limp mode" or display a "Transmission Hot - Idle Engine" message. Safety implications are evident, with one crash reported due to a rear wheel detachment, and other instances of loss of power or control at highway speeds. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these potential transmission problems, as repairs can be costly and may not be preceded by warning lights or fault codes.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints14
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 GMC Yukon frequently report issues with the air conditioning system, particularly related to condenser leaks and inadequate cooling. Symptoms include warm air blowing instead of cold, long cooling times, and visible leaks, often requiring costly repairs. Several complaints note these issues occurring around 50,000 to 60,000 miles, with some mentioning that similar problems affected earlier model years. Additionally, there is a report of a sunroof explosion and issues with the vehicle's stability system and braking performance. While no crashes or injuries are reported, the potential for discomfort and inconvenience is highlighted, especially in hot climates.
Owner complaints11
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2018 GMC Yukon frequently report issues related to the brake vacuum pump, with symptoms including a hard brake pedal, reduced brake assist, and increased stopping distances. These problems typically occur at low speeds and during initial vehicle operation, with some owners experiencing a complete loss of braking capability. Complaints often mention the need for excessive pedal force and describe situations where the vehicle felt as if the brakes were engaged, leading to smoke and burning odors from the tires. One owner reports a crash due to the vehicle slowing but not stopping as expected. These issues are noted shortly after purchase or within a few years of ownership, suggesting potential early onset of brake-related problems.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints10
SUSPENSION
Owners report frequent issues with the suspension system of the 2018 GMC Yukon, particularly involving leaking shocks and struts. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as rough rides, excessive bouncing, and bottoming out, often occurring around 55,000 to 70,000 miles. Some owners describe difficulties finding replacement parts, with several noting that shocks and struts are on backorder, leading to extended vehicle downtime. While no crashes or fires are reported, the suspension problems can impact vehicle control, especially when towing, as noted by multiple owners. This information is crucial for potential buyers, as these repairs can be costly and time-consuming.
Owner complaints7
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 GMC Yukon frequently report issues with the power steering system. Common symptoms include complete loss of power steering, often occurring after cold starts or when turning at low speeds, and difficulty turning the steering wheel, which can result in challenging driving conditions. Complaints often mention warning messages such as "Service Power Steering Drive With Care" and note the problem can persist even after multiple service visits, with some reports indicating the issue arises around 28,500 to 65,000 miles. Safety implications are apparent, as the loss of steering assist can lead to loss of vehicle control, particularly in parking or low-speed scenarios. Buyers should be aware of potential steering difficulties and the lack of a current recall addressing these reported issues.
Owner complaints4
SEAT BELTS
Owners of the 2018 GMC Yukon frequently report issues with seat belt retractors, particularly in the second row, where they fail to retract properly or become damaged. Complaints describe seat belts that do not retract, with some belts showing signs of wear or cutting, potentially leading to breakage. One report involves a crash where the seat belt did not properly restrain a car seat, resulting in injuries. These issues often appear without any prior warning indicators and can occur at various mileage points, including as low as 26,755 miles. Safety implications are significant, as failure in seat belt function can increase the risk of injury in an accident.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 GMC Yukon report issues with the electrical system, primarily involving intermittent failures of the side rear brake lights and persistent alerts for the service trailer brake system. These problems are often described as occurring sporadically, with the brake light issue leading to a loss of power while driving. A serious incident is reported where a collision occurred, resulting in three injuries, and the airbags did not deploy, suggesting a possible fault in the airbag sensor. These complaints indicate potential safety risks, especially regarding the reliability of brake lights and airbag deployment in crash scenarios. No specific mileage range is consistently mentioned, making it unclear if these issues emerge at a particular point in the vehicle's lifespan.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints3
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 GMC Yukon report issues with airbag deployment during collisions, with two complaints involving crashes where airbags did not deploy as expected, resulting in injuries. One owner describes a collision with significant damage and no airbag deployment, while another reports side airbags deploying but not the front airbags during a crash that also involved a fire. Additionally, a complaint notes a Service SRS warning related to a faulty front passenger seat airbag control module at around 50,000 miles, though the vehicle had not been repaired. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, particularly regarding airbag functionality during accidents.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 1 fire, 4 injury reports
Owner complaints2
VISIBILITY
Owners of the 2018 GMC Yukon report issues with the air conditioning system, specifically citing failures in the A/C unit's functionality. Complaints frequently mention leaks in the A/C coolant line and holes in the A/C condenser as the primary causes of these failures. These issues are typically observed around 54,000 to 73,000 miles. While the primary concern involves the lack of cooling during high temperatures, no direct safety implications such as crashes or fires are reported. Used car buyers should be aware of potential A/C system failures and consider inspection of these components before purchase.
