2018 GMC Yukon XL engine problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 GMC Yukon XL — 26% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Low Engine Oil Pressure with Engine making noise. Cut open oil filter and found excessive metal. Original Engine was replaced in January 2022 by Group 1 (former Beck and Masten GMC-North in Houston, TX) due to valve lifter failure.”
filed Sep 17, 2026
“On May 27, 2026 at around 7:30pm my 2018 GMC Yukon XL Denali engined failed. I was exiting E-470 southwest bound at Gartrell Road in Aurora and the engine started knocking loudly and completely quit. As I rolled to a stop I correctly suspected that the engine seized. It would not turn over, a bad…”
filed Jun 1, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Yukon XL years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Yukon XL | 20 | 63% |
| 2025 Yukon XL | 16 | 59% |
| 2024 Yukon XL | 53 | 76% |
| 2023 Yukon XL | 142 | 67% |
| 2022 Yukon XL | 108 | 66% |
| 2021 Yukon XL | 135 | 61% |
| 2020 Yukon XL | 24 | 52% |
| 2019 Yukon XL | 34 | 51% |
| 2017 Yukon XL | 26 | 18% |
| 2016 Yukon XL | 26 | 13% |
| 2015 Yukon XL | 26 | 8% |
| 2013 Yukon XL | 1 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 GMC Yukon XL
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.