FaultScore

2016 GMC Yukon brake problems

53 of the 368 complaints about the 2016 GMC Yukon are about the braking system — 14% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 52,989 miles.

C

53

Complaints

2

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Service Brakes 52 98.1%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 1 1.9%

Brakes across every GMC Yukon year

1992 15 1.8%
1993 10 1.2%
1994 28 3.3%
1995 29 3.4%
1996 18 2.1%
1997 34 4.0%
1998 24 2.8%
1999 122 14.3%
2000 62 7.3%
2001 95 11.1%
2002 82 9.6%
2003 61 7.2%
2004 39 4.6%
2005 12 1.4%
2007 12 1.4%
2015 90 10.6%
2016 53 6.2%
2017 45 5.3%
2021 11 1.3%
2023 11 1.3%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 108,959 miles Maricopa, AZ

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable and failed to engage properly, with no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that while the vehicle was parked, excessive force was needed to engage the brake pedal and stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure nearly caused the vehicle to collide with another object. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,959.

NHTSA complaint #11740130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Goreville, IL

SERVICE BRAKES

Engine light keeps appearing and when checked it shows catalytic converter needs replaces and its sensors need replaced. Brake light has short in it and I repaireable

NHTSA complaint #11659194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Evansville, IN

SERVICE BRAKES

Transmission failure, hard shifting, slipping and loss of power also severe shuddering. Very dangerous driving. I had to have the transmission replaced after taking the vehicle to a dealership and upon verification from same dealership reproducing the transmission failure. Massive financial loss, dealership stated these transmissions are known to fail. Manufacturer has been notified by numerous complaints. Compensation is warranted

NHTSA complaint #11653984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Severn, MD

SERVICE BRAKES

On two occasions while driving at low speed, my vehicle braked on its on a pulled hard to the left; the stabilitrac indicator also popped on briefly. I went online to determine if there were any recalls on my vehicle and found that one of the recalls on the 2016 Yukon was the exact issue happening with my vehicle. I checked my VIN and found that my vehicle was not one of the vehicles with this issue. I called GM to see if my vehicle had just not been published yet. I explain the situation too the customer service person; she understood my situation and informed me that until my specific VIN in identified with this issue, there's nothing that can be done. I'm thinking that until an accident happen because of this issue, there is nothing that can be done. I read that my issue was a problem with the EBCM, which needs to be reprogrammed. I thank you for any assistance with this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11646556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rochester, NY

SERVICE BRAKES

There's alot of time while I'm driving in line going slowly and break pedal become hard and it will seem like the truck it's not stopping.

NHTSA complaint #11644002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Antonio, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR MONDAY AND I ALMOST CRASH WITH THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME THE BRAKES DOESNT WORK AND THEN IN THE PANEL START LIGHTS OF THE ENGINE THE SUPENSION LIGHT AND SIGH SAYING BRAKE ASISTANT, THE CAR IS PARK BECAUSE THE BRAKES AND I LOOK FOR RECALLS AND I CALL GMC AND THEY SAYS THAT I DONT HAVE ANY RECALL BUT I ALMOST DIE MONDAY BECAUSE THE VACUM PUMP FOR THE BRAKES FAIL AND ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE PANNEL START LIGHT UP.

NHTSA complaint #11639463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rocky Mount, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

My brakes are not working properly. I can be backing up and put my foot on the brake. My truck will keep moving until I apply a lot of pressure on the brake pedal. I can be backing up and my truck will automatically brake and stop moving. I have to cut the truck off, start it back up for it to move. I was in a stand still traffic jam and braking a lot and my truck did stop it keep rolling. Sometimes when I apply the brake it slides.. This is the third time I have put it in the shop. I changed the brakes, brake sensor and replaced tires. I am scared to drive it. My truck is currently in the shop now for the brakes. please help.

NHTSA complaint #11636319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Madison, MS

SERVICE BRAKES

The car has all of a sudden had issues with the gas and breaking. When I press the gas, it stalls then rapidly accelerates. It has to be the transmission. Also, is making a noise and will barely drive when pressing on the gas. It does not accelerate!! Could have easily gotten into a car accident! What is going on??

NHTSA complaint #11625526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Junction City, OR

SERVICE BRAKES

When driving through Eugene brakes suddenly got soft while at a stoplight, then pedal got stiff and very hard to keep pressed. An alert came on the dashboard 'Brake Assist Service' just about the same time the brake pedal changed and car would not fully stay at a stop. When checking to feel what had just happened, by letting up and repressing the brakes, it would not fully stop car, even with all my strength pressing. If another car would have been coming through, my young son or myself could have been killed or seriously injured and I could cause someone seriously to be hurt or killed from being in their lane of travel. I alerted my husband that I was unable to drive the vehicle safely, he is in the vehicle industry and looked up online and found there is a common known problem, recalls, and service bulletins, but apparently not for vehicle years prior to 2017, although this severe failure is seen on 2014 and later; and the manual tests/diagnostics that a person can do in a pinch per the bulletin, recall notice, and articles; and in his trials of how to tell if it is a failure or fleeting problem - nothing alleviated it, all the symptoms are present and system is failing and continually bringing up the brake assist service alert. This is the info that we found on the recall, but didn't appear to cover 2016 year models: [NHTSA campaign number: 20V603. GM's own number for this recall is N202300860.] We plan to get this yukon over to Guaranty Chevrolet in Junction City Oregon tomorrow 10/8. The only thing that has been very recently noticeable preceding this in recent week or so is a slight uneven braking feeling in the motion of the car when coming to a stop. Which it has not done before.

NHTSA complaint #11618613 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Ogden, UT

SERVICE BRAKES

i HAVE A SERVICE SUSPENSION LIGHT THAT CONTINUES TO POP UP ON DASHBOARD THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IS THE BRAKE LIGHTS. I have previously had the passenger side brake light stop working. In order to repair this you have to order a whole new taillight. My vehicle was approximatly 6 years old when this started happening. First incident (2022 with approximately 65000 miles) Yesterday, I was pulled over by a policeman and both of my brake lights are not working. We found a way to sauder (I know this is incorrect spelling) the broken metal piece back together in the taillight; however, this is not the correct way to fix the underlying problem and clearly it is only a temporary fix because the passenger side broke again in a new spot.

NHTSA complaint #11614329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Goreville, IL

SERVICE BRAKES

Brake light keeps going off and on it’s like a short but when checked everything is connected

NHTSA complaint #11603526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Peyton, CO

SERVICE BRAKES

During standard braking operations the vehicle (not a hard emergency situation) on dry ground the vehicle seems to activate the abs system or something similar which makes the braking effort non standard and increases stopping distance. The issue has occurred occasionally for over a year but is becoming more frequent. It has occurred at both highway speeds of 55 mph and almost stopped during parking activities of 2mph.

NHTSA complaint #11594319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

North Ridgeville, OH

SERVICE BRAKES

GMC is stating that due to a recall my brake booster vacuum pump failed and now they are that is is not covered and I will be out of pocket on the issue after numerous phone called with GM they are still of no help and the vehicle is not safe to drive which is my only means of transportation

NHTSA complaint #11578539 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Morganfield, KY

SERVICE BRAKES

My 2016 GMC Yukon is hard to stop when pressing brake pedal. Vehicle shimmy’s when pressing the brake and it must be pressed very hard. Have read and watched many videos this is very common issue on 2014-2018 Yukons and Tahoes. This could be very dangerous and my question is, why has these vehicles not been recalled to prevent accidents when it seems to be a common issue and expensive to fix?

NHTSA complaint #11556882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fairview, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

“Service Trailer brake system” warning continually going off when driving

NHTSA complaint #11539639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Blue Springs, MO

SERVICE BRAKES

The vehicle consistently alerts with service trailer brake system warnings and has progressively become more of a frequent problem with the system doing it constantly even when no trailer is being towed This has been occurring since time of purchase in March 2021 when we purchased the vehicle and has become consistently more frequent over time

NHTSA complaint #11534703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Galesburg, MI

SERVICE BRAKES

Brakes will randomly stop working. When the brakes are pressed you have to press all the way down and then vehicle still won’t stop and the only way for the vehicle to come to a complete stop is to press the parking brake. Brakes and rotors have been replaced already and it still happens

NHTSA complaint #11521931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Redlands, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

When I was merging on the fwy my car accelerated and I couldn’t slow it down. I had to get off the fwy and break really hard. Driving on the fwy and not being able to control the speed or breaks could of caused an accident or cost us our lives. I have an appointment with the dealer service center on Sept 20, 2022. A few weeks ago I noticed the car was having trouble sifting gears.

NHTSA complaint #11484918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lafayette, IN

SERVICE BRAKES

Vacuum

NHTSA complaint #11476388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Schertz, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

In my experience of transmission failure with my 16’ GMC YUKON, there was no warning. I had not experienced any issues with the slipping or jerking feel when accelerating or braking as described in the class action law suit. My vehicle had 105k miles, I took it in for regular maintenance including having the transmission flushed as I was told to do so for preventative maintenance. The transmission failed when I was traveling on the interstate with my family and I came upon some traffic so I applied the brake and the whole vehicle bucked and jerked as it shifted into down gear. I was traveling at 30-35 mph in the traffic and the whole time I felt a slipping motion in the car. I made it to a gas station, refueled, and tried to restart my journey. As I leery the gas station accelerating to get back on the interstate, the vehicle would not accelerate above 35 mph and the RPMs we’re to the max. At this point, my vehicle was in drivable. No prior warning, no issues that had been occurring over time, this all happened the same day. I towed my vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer where the problem was identified as a failed transmission in need of replacement and failed ABS braking system. The cost came at $6800.

NHTSA complaint #11470172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Prior Lake, MN

SERVICE BRAKES

2016 GMC Yukon. I received a letter that stated my Yukon may have a condition where the brake lights intermittently do not illuminate. In March 2020 the drivers side rear brake light did not illuminate. I brought it to a Chev/GMC dealer that replaced the tail light no charge. Now my passenger rear tail brake light does not illuminate. My Yukon has 68800 miles on it and it is going on 6 years old. I still have my letter I received about this issue. Without my tail/brake light it is unsafe to drive my vehicle until I get that brake unit replaced. Will I still be able to my passenger side brake unit replaced at no charge? I haven’t been able to get it replaced due to I had total knee replacement surgery in February 2022

NHTSA complaint #11469697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rogers, AR

SERVICE BRAKES

I was driving with a trailer that has brakes. A warning system light came on “trailer brake system” service came on blind the digital speedometer. Brakes would not engage. A couple of day later same thin came on now with out a trailer. The warning would not go away and kept on chumming every 10 seconds.

NHTSA complaint #11462327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa Clarita, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

The trailer break service light is coming on. There is not a way to dismiss the sound and comes on every few seconds, it's very distracting a HUGE safety risk. I have contacted GMC Valencia California and they have have several vehicles with the same issue / hazard. This has apparently been going on for years yet GMC refuses to put a recall on the vehicles nor take action on correcting this on this critical issue. This is very upsetting and with all the complaints / concerns it appears nobody cares for the lives this defective issue could cause, especially when towing. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11448620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 54,000 miles Pine Hill, NJ Crash 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph, the brake pedal was hard to depress and the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard. The contact mentioned that the brake pedal needed to be pumped in order for the vehicle to be operated. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake line needed to be flushed. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was undetermined. The contact mentioned while the mechanic was reversing the vehicle the brakes failed to operate causing the vehicle to crash into a person and a vehicle. The contact stated that the lady sustained multiple injuries that needed medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer where they informed the contact that the failure was unable to be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 54,000.

NHTSA complaint #11445404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Georgetown, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

Rear driver taillight assembly does not work all the time! One day it works the next day it does not! I had to have the passenger side replaced about 6-8 months ago & it was replaced by the dealer at that time & there was no cost to me as it was under warranty at that time! I think there may be an issue with the LED bulbs! Now the problem is with the drivers side! This is a safety problem and a recall should be issued!!!!It is no longer under warranty & out of pocket cost may be $600 to $1000!

NHTSA complaint #11441870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sharpsville, IN

SERVICE BRAKES

Vacuum pump loses vacuum, and the brakes are very hard. Occurs when sitting still with the brake applied. Also occurs in reverse at low speeds. My wife refuses to drive her car, due to numerous near fender benders.

NHTSA complaint #11423528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles HOT Springs, AR

SERVICE BRAKES

THE AC WON'T BLOW COLD. THE BRAKES AREN'T STOPPING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #11406922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Ormond Beach, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

I SEE ALMOST 200 COMPLAINTS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE? NOT SURE THE POINT OF THIS WEBSITE, BUT, I'M GOING TO PUT MY 2 CENTS IN. MY 2016 YUKON DENALI PASSANGER BRAKE LIGHT HAS GONE OUT, LIKE MANY, MANY OF OTHER PEOPLE. WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL? OBVIOUSLY, THERE IS A MANUFACTURING ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. AFTER MANY VIDEOS I HAVE WATCHED I SEE THAT THE CIRCIT BOARD COMES APART AND CAN'T BE REPAIRED BUT ONLY REPLACED, AT A EXTREMLY HIGH PRICE. I'VE ALSO SEEN MANY TAIL LIGHT ON THESE YUKONS WORK OFF AND ON, SO, RANDOMLY THEY CAN NOT WORK AT ANY TIME AND POSSIBLY GET YOU REAR ENDED. HOW DO I FILE A CIVIL ACTION COMPLAINT TO HAVE GMC ADDRESS THIS COMPLAINT AND RESOLVE THIS ISSUE? PLEASE ADVISE.

NHTSA complaint #11398196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Homestead, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

BRAKE LIGHTS CUTS ON AND OFF WHEN DRIVING AND THIRD BRAKE LIGHT IS OFF ON MY 2016 VEHICLE ALSO WHEN STEP ON BRAKES PEDAL SOMETIMES GOES TO FLOOR VEHICLE HARD TO STOP A FOR SURE DANGEROUS SITUATION

NHTSA complaint #11390559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 30,000 miles Lexington, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

ON TWO OCCASIONS WHILE IN A DRIVE THRU LINE, I WOULD PRESS THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD GO TO THE FLOOR. I HAD TO BASICALLY STAND UP ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS HAPPEN OTHER THAN AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED. I SEARCHED GMC YUKON FOR ANY RECALLS AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A RECALL WITH GMC. WHEN YOU DO A SEARCH OF MY VEHICLE BY VIN, IT STATES NO RECALLS ARE FOUND. I CONTACTED A LOCAL GMC DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY CAN'T DO ANYTHING UNLESS MY VIN SHOWS THE ACTIVE RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #11355591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2016 GMC Yukon problems

← Full 2016 GMC Yukon report