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2018 Gmc Yukon Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Gmc Yukon carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering vacuum. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission slipping and valve body failure.” GMC trucks and SUVs use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — the same algorithm as Chevrolet. Because GMC's lineup is exclusively trucks and SUVs, severe-service intervals apply to most owners (towing, hauling, off-roading). The schedule below surfaces the items most relevant to GMC's truck-focused buyer.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Campaign #20V603000 · Jan 10, 2020

Issue: 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.

Risk: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM

Campaign #19V645000 · Jun 9, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR/TONE RING

Campaign #19V761000 · Oct 24, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Gmc Yukon.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission slipping and valve body failure

POWER TRAIN

13 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2026-04

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730984
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11692390
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658008

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Shock absorber leak

SUSPENSION

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-12 → 2025-11

“REAR SHOCK IS LEAKING AND RIDE IS ROUGH (BOTTOMING OUT) CAN'T FIND NEW SHOCKS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11412855
“MY VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 55,000 MILES ON IT AND THE RIGHT FRONT SHOCK IS LEAKING. NOT VERY MANY MILES TO BE IN NEED OF A NEW SHOCK ON THE MOST EXPENSIVE SUSPENSION SYSTEM GM MAKES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11405815
“THE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS ON MY 2018 YUKON DENALI ARE LEAKING. THE CAR IS 2 YEARS OLD WITH APPROXIMATELY 67K MILES. GMC HAS THE ABSORBERS ON BACK ORDER AS THEY ARE APPARENTLY BEING REPLACED FREQUENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11384044

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

AC condenser refrigerant leak

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-12 → 2024-06

“The contact owns a 2018 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the A/C unit failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the A/C coolant line was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11594401
“GM already has extended the warrant for faulty AC Condensers model years 2015-2017. This model 2018 experiences the same exact condenser leak as the 2015-2017 models. In fact special coverage adjustment 17336 which omits the 2018 model has the same failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11523225
“AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER REFRIGERANT LEAKED, PREVENTING AC FROM FUNCTIONING. COULD LEAD TO VISIBILITY ISSUES DUE TO DEFROSTER NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11399308

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Radiator coolant leak

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2026-04

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11729075
“2018 Yukon Denali with 37,000 miles has developed a leak in the radiator and needs replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11489925
“2014-2018 Chevy and GMC's have a problem with cycling of the thermostat that causes stress fractures on the radiator leading to coolant leaks. Attached are GM bulletins on the 2014 and 2015 models”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11446709

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine failure from lifter/camshaft wear

ENGINE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06 → 2025-10

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11688970
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11681398
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660385

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss while driving

STEERING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2023-05

“While driving I made a right hand turn. As soon as the turn was made, the powering steering completely went out. The power steering is found to fail upon cold starts, then return to normal after operating”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11520792
“ON 3/20/21 I WENT OUT WITH THE FAMILY OUT GOT TO OUR DESTINATION WELL BUT WHEN I STARTED MY VEHICLE TO GO BACK HOME I GOT A MESSAGE ON THE DISPLAY "SERVICE POWER STEERING DRIVE WITH CARE" WHEN I WENT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO DRIVE I COULDN'T BECAUSE IT WAS TOO HARD, AFTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11404386
“May 31st 2022-While driving on the highway, I lost control of my power steering. Luckily my husband was with me to drive it back home. June 1st 2022-Took it to a service center and was told it needed a part to fix the problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11467589

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake vacuum pump failure and loss of brake assist

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2024-10

“I have noticed the amount of pressure needed to apply brakes at a slow speed is a lot to where it seems like I will crash into the car or object in the way of my vehicle. I took my vehicle to a GMC dealership and was told the brake vacuum pump needs to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11618506
“LOSS OF BRAKE ASSIST AT SPEEDS UP TO 30MPH VACUUM PUMP WAS REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED IF THE BRAKE MODULE AND STILL HAPPENING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307846
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V761000 (ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11277323

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when OLS reaches 0% or every 12 months. dexos1-approved synthetic required on Sierra 1500 5.3L/6.2L; dexos2 specified on Duramax diesel.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Sierra and Yukon owners running 4x4 should rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Towing accelerates pad wear by 30-50%; check more often if towing regularly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

DOT 3 brake fluid: test annually, replace when moisture exceeds 3% or fluid is darker than copper.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

Long-life cellulose filter rated 45,000 miles. Trucks driven on unpaved roads or construction sites should inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (towing 5,000+ lbs regularly, heavy stop-and-go): every 45,000 miles. Normal: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI for 6L80/6L90, Mobil 1 LV ATF HP for 10L80/10L1000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Sierra and Yukon 4WD: replace every 45,000 miles. Use GM Auto-Trak II for active 4WD; GM 9986115 for selectable 4WD.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Differential Fluid (front + rear)

Every 50,000 mi

Replace front and rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. G80 limited-slip rear axles require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Iridium spark plugs on the L83/L84 5.3L and L86/L87 6.2L V8 are rated 100,000 miles. AFM/DFM cylinder deactivation can cause uneven plug wear — check at 75,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000. Duramax diesel uses ELC (red) — different chemistry, do not mix.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Sierra HD and Yukon XL owners in dusty work environments should replace at 15,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

12 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Gmc Yukon reflects GMC's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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