2018 GMC Yukon Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Cooling system › Radiator assembly
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 GMC Yukon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

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 transmission needed to be replaced, and that the engine block was damaged. The transmission and engine block were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.

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. The contact stated that there were no signs of a leak prior to taking the vehicle for service. The contact was advised by the dealer that it was a common failure for the year and model vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted and offered a buyback. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 128,640.

My car was taken in for service in early January 2025 after just being serviced in November. The engine was making a ticking noise. The check engine light was not on, and appeared to be running fine otherwise so we drove it in for service. We were told upon inspection that the cam and lifters needed replacement, but we pushed for further inspection which found the car needs an entirely new engine, at the advice of multiple inspectors and the service department of two dealerships. Initially, the extended warranty company told us they would replace the entire engine instead of just the cam and lifters. Then they came back and said since we drove it in for repair rather than having it towed, they would not cover it. At the advice of multiple parties, it has been found this engine has so much metal in it, they've never seen anything this bad before. …

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. We ordered the part, which would not be delivered until may 6th 2022. June 4th 2022- Went to drive, made it a couple blocks down the road when the ABS, electronic stability control, & the engine light came on. So I turned around to take it back home, only now my power steering was completely out, my car would not shift out of first gear. After arriving home, I attempted to put it in park but was unable to. My motor shut off but would not allow me to place it in park or turn the electric power off. The only option I had was to disconnect the battery. I let it sit for a few hours, reconnected the battery, now my car will not start at all. …

Without any warning while driving on the interstate the vehicle became disabled and released smoke. After being towed to dealership for diagnostics we were informed of engine failure. No warning on that day at time of the very dangerous event or prior warning of any engine related issue. All maintenance and service records are on file with GMC dealership. We requested our service advisor with Ewing Buick GMC to contact GM regarding this matter. We were told they reached out but that GM offered no assistance. After some research it does appear there are several issue reported concerning no warning engine failure with the GMC Yukon. This was a significant safety risk since the vehicle displayed no warning signs of any engine problem. It goes without saying the financial impact related to the very unexpected engine failure in a 2018 vehicle. …

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. As one can see they have provided special coverage on the 2014 models to 5 years or 100000 miles for this problem.(Bulletin 15829) This is not true of the 2015 through 2018 like mine. Although they use similar verbiage in the bulletin P11513A and P11513F. It should be noted that Bulletin P11513A and F also applies to 2015 Cadillac Escalade Models, 2015 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, 2015 GMC Sierra Denali, Yukon Models, Yukon Denali Models Equipped with 4.3L, 5.3L or 6.2L Engine (RPOs LV1, LV3, L83 or L86). …

Possible cam shaft or lifter failure. The engines power greatly reduced speed and sputtered which significantly slowed the vehicle down and could have caused and accident. It has been inspected by a certified GMC service shop. There was a check engine light on and it was supposed to be all fuel injectors, that didn't solve the problem the shop kept on digging and digging and said that they don't know if it is the cam or lifter. It is my understanding that this is a very common issue amongst these vehicles and puts alot of people upside down and out of a vehicle due to this issues. The service shop said that a new engine would cost up to $20k and it could take 4 weeks to 4 months to get the new engine in. They are back ordered because so many people are going through this issue. The service shop also said that they didn't know exactly when the engine would come in.

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 reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, May 10th.

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 issue. 2018 is not included. However, this is the exact same issue that is happening with 2019 and up. That were recalled. I urge you to order an extended recall to include 2018 vehicles as well before someone gets killed.

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 is not part of the recall. it is the same engine and failure mode as the 600,000 unit recall, but mine isn't covered by the recall leaving me responsible for their known and documented manufacturing issues

Engine complaints in other Yukon years