How common are transmission problems on the 2018 GMC Yukon?

NHTSA records 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Yukon, which is 25% of all 71 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 GMC Yukon transmission?

No related recall is listed in the NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2018 Yukon.

At what mileage do 2018 Yukon transmission problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 101,000 miles.

What transmission symptoms do 2018 Yukon owners report most?

Owners describe jerking and slipping shifts, stalling or hesitation around highway speeds, a torque converter shudder between 40 and 50 mph, and a "Transmission Hot" warning that dealers could not permanently fix.

2018 GMC Yukon Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 GMC Yukon, 25% of all complaints filed for the year. No related recall is listed for this problem area. Median mileage at failure was 101,000 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 18; 25% of 71
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 101,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the transmission jerking and slipping constantly, whether the vehicle is warm or cold, sometimes with a hard clunk when shifting.
Some describe the truck stalling or hesitating around 60 mph, with the engine dropping power then picking back up in a "putt putt" pattern with no warning light.
One owner reported the transmission would not engage reverse and unexpectedly shifted into neutral at 30 mph before slamming back into gear.
Several complaints describe a torque converter shudder felt while driving between 40 and 50 mph.
Owners describe a "Transmission Hot - Idle Engine" warning appearing intermittently, with dealers reprogramming the TCM and replacing the thermostat and water pump without resolving the issue.
One owner said the transmission went into limp mode to avoid complete failure, and dealership fluid changes and thermostat replacement did not fix it.

When 2018 GMC Yukon transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 5, 2020, latest Apr 13, 2026.

18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2020 to Apr 2026; peak Apr 2025 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 GMC Yukon

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Yukon model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20104 (3%)
20118 (3%)
20122 (2%)
20135 (3%)
20143 (5%)
201554 (9%)
201638 (13%)
201750 (24%)
201818 (25%)
201913 (22%)
202014 (39%)
202151 (16%)
202229 (16%)
202343 (18%)
202413 (13%)
20257 (13%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2018 GMC Yukon?: NHTSA records 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Yukon, which is 25% of all 71 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 GMC Yukon transmission?: No related recall is listed in the NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2018 Yukon.
At what mileage do 2018 Yukon transmission problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 101,000 miles.
What transmission symptoms do 2018 Yukon owners report most?: Owners describe jerking and slipping shifts, stalling or hesitation around highway speeds, a torque converter shudder between 40 and 50 mph, and a "Transmission Hot" warning that dealers could not permanently fix.