FaultScore

GMC Yukon brake problems

896 of the 6,468 complaints filed about the GMC Yukon are about the braking system — 14% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1999.

896

Complaints

14%

Share of all complaints

84

Crashes

0

Fires

Brakes complaints by model year

1992 Yukon 15 1.7%
1993 Yukon 10 1.1%
1994 Yukon 28 3.1%

Median failure at 90,000 miles

1995 Yukon 29 3.2%

Median failure at 140,000 miles

1996 Yukon 18 2.0%
1997 Yukon 34 3.8%

Median failure at 86,500 miles

1998 Yukon 24 2.7%

Median failure at 95,363 miles

1999 Yukon 122 13.6%

Median failure at 91,000 miles

2000 Yukon 62 6.9%

Median failure at 83,383 miles

2001 Yukon 95 10.6%

Median failure at 78,500 miles

2002 Yukon 82 9.2%

Median failure at 87,944 miles

2003 Yukon 61 6.8%

Median failure at 115,000 miles

2004 Yukon 39 4.4%

Median failure at 93,284 miles

2005 Yukon 12 1.3%

Median failure at 116,000 miles

2006 Yukon 3 0.3%

Median failure at 80,000 miles

2007 Yukon 12 1.3%

Median failure at 72,500 miles

2008 Yukon 3 0.3%

Median failure at 51,295 miles

2009 Yukon 1 0.1%
2011 Yukon 5 0.6%

Median failure at 131,814 miles

2012 Yukon 1 0.1%

Median failure at 5,000 miles

2013 Yukon 2 0.2%

Median failure at 134,000 miles

2014 Yukon 2 0.2%
2015 Yukon 90 10.0%

Median failure at 69,000 miles

2016 Yukon 53 5.9%

Median failure at 52,989 miles

2017 Yukon 45 5.0%

Median failure at 58,750 miles

2018 Yukon 5 0.6%

Median failure at 37,000 miles

2019 Yukon 4 0.4%
2020 Yukon 3 0.3%
2021 Yukon 11 1.2%

Median failure at 35,500 miles

2022 Yukon 5 0.6%

Median failure at 58,000 miles

2023 Yukon 11 1.2%

Median failure at 44,871 miles

2024 Yukon 7 0.8%

Median failure at 16,000 miles

2025 Yukon 2 0.2%

Median failure at 3,150 miles

What owners said

2021 GMC Yukon Lubbock, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

As I was driving, the vehicle's air conditioning suddenly began blowing warm/hot air. Moments later, the check engine light and all electronic service stability lights illuminated on the dashboard. Simultaneously, the vehicle suffered a complete loss of electronic brake assist, resulting in an extremely hard brake pedal and a severe reduction in braking power. The vehicle also displayed a "No Drive Mode Available" message. Third-party diagnostic scanning revealed network power codes U3018, U3505, P00FF, and P0700, indicating a total loss of power to the Body Control Module (BCM). This is the second life-threatening incident with this vehicle I have experienced following a previous highway engine stall due to engine recall. The vehicle was towed to a GM dealership for diagnostic and emergency electrical repairs.

NHTSA complaint #11757731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Yukon Boerne, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

On July 28, 2026, while traveling on vacation with my family, our vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure. There were warning lights displayed for 30 seconds prior to the engine failure. On July 23, 2026, one day before taking the vehicle to the dealership, the following warning indicators appeared on the dashboard and then disappeared: “Service ESC,” “Service Traction Control,” and a flashing engine light. We took the vehicle to the dealership on July 24, 2026, because we wanted to be proactive and ensure that the vehicle was safe to operate. The dealership inspected the vehicle but reported that no diagnostic trouble codes were identified and no issue was found. We picked the vehicle up from the dealership on the evening of July 27, 2026. On July 28, 2026, while traveling on the highway approximately 2.5 hours from home, the same warning messages appeared on the dashboard again. Because we were traveling at highway speeds and vehicle speed management was becoming an issue, I immediately exited the highway and stopped in a parking area. I placed the vehicle in park, at which point the engine began idling extremely rough. I could feel the vehicle shaking while sitting in the driver's seat. I exited the vehicle to open the hood, but before I was able to do so, I noticed gray smoke coming from the exhaust. We located a GMC dealership approximately two miles away. Because of the vehicle's condition, we drove there slowly on the frontage road at approximately 15 mph and dropped the vehicle off for diagnostic inspection. The GMC dealership subsequently diagnosed the vehicle with catastrophic engine failure and recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle remains at the dealership and is available for inspection.We made a reasonable effort to have the vehicle inspected before our trip because we were concerned about the warning indicators and wanted to ensure that the vehicle was safe to travel.

NHTSA complaint #11756194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 GMC Yukon Spokane, WA

SERVICE BRAKES

On August 6, 2026, I was driving my family up to Whitefish Mountain Resort (a steep mountain road to a ski resort) for dinner when the ESC warning and "Brake System Failure" warning appeared. I immediately attempted to pull safely to the side of the road. When I pressed the brake pedal, the vehicle did not respond normally. I pushed the brake pedal as far down as I could and had essentially no braking ability. Because we were traveling uphill, the vehicle eventually rolled to a stop. When my brother came with his car he had a vehicle scanning tool. He hooked my vehicle up to it and the tool displayed diagnostic codes P25A2 and P3499. This was an extremely serious safety event. Had we been traveling downhill, approaching an intersection, or driving in heavier traffic, the outcome could have been catastrophic.

NHTSA complaint #11755972 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Yukon Flower Mound, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

On June 25, 2026 my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali with 53,456 miles was brought to an authorized GMC dealership after displaying a Service 4WD warning light and exhibiting a groaning noise when shifting into Drive and Reverse. The vehicle was diagnosed with the following brake system fault codes: P25A2, C0511, C0517, C1595 and C1596. These codes indicate brake control module failure and wheel speed sensor faults which are safety critical components. The dealership confirmed these findings but stated the repairs are not covered under the GMC powertrain warranty. Given that these are safety critical brake system failures on a nearly new vehicle with only 53,456 miles, we contacted GMC Customer Care on July 1, 2026 to request coverage under goodwill warranty as we believe these failures constitute a manufacturing defect. A case was opened however after 7 days no case advisor has been assigned and no decision has been made despite two promised timelines not being met. The brake system failures on a nearly new vehicle represent a serious safety concern as these systems directly affect the vehicle's ability to stop safely. The vehicle has been at the dealership since June 25, 2026 and remains unrepaired.

NHTSA complaint #11749116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 GMC Yukon Harrison, MI

SERVICE BRAKES

Issue with the trailer brake system keeps coming up on my dash. I know a lot of other people have had the same issue keeps dinging will not stop causes me to get distracted while driving. Unable to use other features because of this distraction and safety issue. The safety issue needs to be fixed this is an effective product with so many people having an issue you need to do a recall. I did let Graff Chevrolet in Mount Pleasant Michigan no and I took a picture and showed them.

NHTSA complaint #11748158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Yukon Fort Myers, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

The recall repair for the brake vacuum pump did not hold for this vehicle. Even after the repair, several years later, the brakes would get hard as a rock, especially at low speeds and there was difficult stopping the vehicle. Due to the special Warranty on this recall, I was able to get the brake vacuum pump replaced at no cost. However, the recall repair failed initially. This is a safety issue.

NHTSA complaint #11745056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Yukon Fort Myers, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

Passenger brake Led Circuit board prematurely failed resulting in the entire assembly needing replacement. The assembly is $500 and higher. This is a safety issue and though there was a class action lawsuit, the light fails after 72000 miles which appears to be when GMC wont replace the part. $500 for a tail light replacement is a financial burden to be able to keep the car on the road. There is no warning when the light fails. Please consider a recall on the tail lights.

NHTSA complaint #11741422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Yukon 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.

2017 GMC Yukon Alliance, OH Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

So the shock strut system up front has a grommet that holds it in. The repair order said they put a shock simulator in the car and it gave false reading saying it was good and it came out broke break line and caused me to jump a curve to stop the vehicle. ALSO Now the THE TAIL LIGHT IS OUT AND NO WAY TO REPAIR IT NO ONE HAS THE LIGHT. Also this car is on its third transmission

NHTSA complaint #11738169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Yukon Ellenboro, NC Crash 2 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

My 6 year old son and I were coming down the road and came up on 2 deer and I was coming up on a sharp curve and when I hit my brakes my steering wheel LOCKED up completely and the steering wheel is so bent where I tried my best to control it but I failed and we hit a tree head on. Broke my nose and my sons leg broke in between the back seat air bag and door air bag

NHTSA complaint #11735916 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Yukon Ellenboro, NC Crash 2 injured

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the rear brakes became inoperable, causing the steering wheel to seize, with no warning lights illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle crashed into a tree. The contact and the contact’s child sustained injuries and were transported to a local emergency room for medical treatment. The contact suffered a broken nose and a chest fracture. The contact’s child sustained a broken leg due to deployment of the passenger-side air bag. The contact stated that the air bags deployed during the crash; however, the driver’s air bag failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11735658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 GMC Yukon Troy, MO

SERVICE BRAKES

There is a recall on my 2015 GMC Yukon, that I am not the original owner of. The recall is for the brake booster and says that it expired. I have had the car checked by two different shops (both confirmed it was this), and one of them was the local GMC dealership by my house. I called to make an appointment for the recall to be fixed, to which they said they needed to order parts and it would take a few weeks. I dropped the car off three weeks later per their request for then another person to call me and say they won't fix it because it is expired. It is a safety matter that the breaks don't work occasionally.

NHTSA complaint #11733233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 GMC Yukon Carmel, IN

SERVICE BRAKES

Brakes failed to engage. Many lights lit up on dashboard and warning not to exceed 35 mph. It was determined this was due to a faulty brake system control module.

NHTSA complaint #11732405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 GMC Yukon at 58,000 miles Rydal, GA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in the dealer for a recall repair for the traction control module and a systems update, the contact stated that the ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control (ESC) systems became disabled. The dealer was notified of the failure after the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA complaint #11726681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 GMC Yukon at 58,000 miles Rydal, GA

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in the dealer for a recall repair for the traction control module and a systems update, the contact stated that the ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control (ESC) systems became disabled. The dealer was notified of the failure after the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA complaint #11726681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 GMC Yukon at 58,000 miles Rydal, GA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT

The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in the dealer for a recall repair for the traction control module and a systems update, the contact stated that the ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control (ESC) systems became disabled. The dealer was notified of the failure after the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.

NHTSA complaint #11726681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 GMC Yukon Swedesboro, NJ

SERVICE BRAKES

Vehicle shut-off while driving on the expressway, around 70-75mph. Upon vehicle turning off, I had no option but to "coast" off to the left side, which thankfully, freed me from traffic for the most part. If anyone who have been a foot over, they would've hit me. I have had numerous electrical issues with this vehicle and have taken it to the dealership but they have been "unable" to duplicate the issue. Vehicle was immediately taken to the dealership (and they still have as of this incident report submission). They told me last night that they will keep it again today and test drive it again to see if they can get it to do anything but if it doesn't show anything new, they have nothing to diagnose and will give me my car back. After requesting a copy of repair orders and a list of the history codes in my car, I am beside myself that anyone thinks giving me this vehicle back to drive is ok. See the history code report in documents uploaded. These are MAJOR safety failures in a large vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11723837 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 GMC Yukon New Freedom, PA

SERVICE BRAKES

I had an incident in my 2020 GMC Yukon, where the forward collision crash alert went off and there was total loss of brakes. The brake pedal went to the floor. After the crash alert ended, the brakes returned. This happened on the highway and could have turned into a disastrous event. The dealership has been unable to diagnose or recreate this issue. They claim they did not find anything and the vehicle is safe to drive. I have turned off the collision detection system in the meantime. I feel strongly that this is a software issue that needs addressed. GM has replied that they support the dealership but if I want a second opinion I can go to another dealership for input.

NHTSA complaint #11721207 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 GMC Yukon Moncks Corner, SC

SERVICE BRAKES

Automatic emergency braking system deployed unexpectedly on acceleration from a traffic light stop. Vehicle was about 10-15 MPH and system operated with no brake pedal input. A vehicle behind had to do a panic stop to avoid collision. Deployment disengaged when accelerator pedal was released. My wife, principal driver, was in the car. She advised this had occurred two times before. No recalls are presently listed for the vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11716767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 GMC Yukon Westbury, NY

SERVICE BRAKES

This report documents two separate safety incidents involving the same vehicle that occurred on different dates. Approximately one month prior to the most recent incident, while driving my young children to school, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of braking effectiveness while in motion. I was unable to stop normally at stop signs and had to roll through and roll to a stop. I was required to press the brake pedal fully to the floor to slow the vehicle, and even then braking response was significantly reduced and not functioning as designed. The engine remained running and the vehicle could still accelerate. After stopping and restarting the vehicle, braking function temporarily returned. On a later date, while again transporting my children, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power while driving. The vehicle abruptly shut down while in motion. I was unable to accelerate and experienced loss of power assisted braking. The vehicle only came to a stop after coasting. Following this shutdown, a burning or melted plastic odor was present. The vehicle was later towed and inspected by a dealership. The battery was replaced; however, this did not resolve the issue. After the battery replacement, the vehicle later hesitated to start again. The exact cause of these failures remains unknown. These incidents occurred without warning and represent serious safety critical failures involving braking and propulsion systems. Both incidents placed my children, myself, and other motorists at risk. Had either event occurred on a highway or heavily trafficked roadway, there would have been little to no ability to safely slow or stop the vehicle, creating a significant risk of collision or serious injury. Due to these events, I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle and have stopped driving it. The vehicle remains available for inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11714672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other GMC Yukon problems