This page covers 3 recalls and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2018 GMC Yukon.
The 2011 to 2018 GMC Yukon, a US-market vehicle, received an overall NHTSA New Car Assessment Program rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The Yukon earned 5 stars in frontal crash protection, 5 stars in side crash protection, and 5 stars in side pole crash protection. It received 3 stars in rollover resistance. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this rating covers the entire 2011 to 2018 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2018 GMC Yukon has 3 recalls, all involving the brake system, with the most serious being an unexpected pull to one side caused by unintended braking activation — a defect limited to four-wheel drive models with a 5.3-liter engine and 3.08-ratio rear axle.
The remaining two recalls both involve the vacuum pump that provides power assist to the brakes. On affected vehicles, the pump can lose output over time, meaning the brake pedal requires noticeably more force to press and the vehicle takes longer to stop than expected. These recalls cover vehicles with either the 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V8 engine, so the brake assist concern applies broadly across the Yukon lineup regardless of configuration. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, which is why separate campaigns address it.
At a glance
What can fail
The mechanical vacuum pump's output decreases over time, reducing the vacuum supply that helps power the brakes.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module at no charge.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wheel-speed sensor may fail, causing the brake control computer to incorrectly activate the driveline-protection system while driving 41–60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the brake control computer at no cost to prevent the system from activating incorrectly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The vacuum pump produces less vacuum over time, which can reduce braking system performance.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module at no cost to restore proper braking function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
