Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On January 21, 2014 I had wreck in my 2006 GMC Yukon that only had 31K on it hitting a 2011 Chevy cruze that was stopped at a red traffic signal; I tried to brake at speed of 45 however the brake pedal went to straight to the floor, due to complete brake line failure due to corroded brake lines. On December 13, 2013 I had just gotten a virginia state safety inspection.
Again, I am writing. I implore you to reinvestigation GMC for rusted brake lines. We replaced ours after they were so rusted, being a camping family, towing a trailer we could have all died. I understand that your office has investigated this and for whatever reason determined it was normal wear and tear but I think that your department is on overload and didn't want to handle another GM recall. GM and consumers know that the company got away with not issuing a recall. Yes, I am angry at the $800 we had to pay to repair this but I am more angry that after GM was contacted for reimbursement I got no where and they were snarky and admitted as much that they weren't made to be responsible. Again, I ask that you reopen this investigation on behalf of consumers. Afterall, if it was normal wear and tear and an industry wide problem why is it only GM cars. …
Was driving about 30mph and hit the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floor and we ran into a trailer. The brake lines were rusted so bad that they busted, and caused the brake fluid to leak out. The estimate to repair the brake lines alone is $2800.
Started car in the morning to go to work. As I do every day. Foot on brake as usual, shift to drive, to begin a turn in my driveway, in making the left turn, which is a downward grade, applied brake, which went to floor. No resistance whatsoever, complete failure of brakes. Kept foot on brake and steered up the grade, then put car into park. Got out, opened hood. Checked master cylinder- no fluid visible at usual line. Checked under vehicle, brake fluid trailing on driveway under path of vehicle, and slow drip from under forward front driver side . Brake lines and connector completely corroded and rusted. Had I been on the road I would have been unable to stop, vehicle is driven by my son as well. Our lives and those of others in the vehicle as well as others that mead been in our path were clearly in danger. This problem should not occur, and is completely unacceptable.
Driving at 35 MPH when the brakes suddenly stopped working with no indication preceding incident. Vehicle made contact with curb before coming to a complete stop. Discovered rear brake lines had completely corroded through and vehicle was losing fluid. Apparently this is a known problem that GM refuses to fix.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 GMC Yukon Denali XL. The contact stated that when the accelerator pedal was depressed during acceleration, the vehicle hesitated and the traction active warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the air filter failed and needed to be replaced, the bg fuel induction serviced needed to be done, the front brake pads and rotors failed and needed to be replaced, and the rear differential service needed to be done. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
A dog ran out in front of me I applied my brakes and the pedal went to the floor had it checked at bale Chevrolet in little rock ark. Wanted to charge me 6800.00 to repair had it towed back to il. Where I live that cost was 500.00 besides 200 miles that was covered by aaa I,m a 62 yr old woman had my grandchildren with me in little rock ark this experience was the scariest time in my lifetime no warning just all of a sudden no brakes in the worst traffic ever. The money spent on this trip was very expensive not to mention the stress.
The stability control warning has come on several times on my vehicle. The brakes do not work, as you have to push all the way to the floor and sometimes it takes time before the vehicle stops. I have had brake lines repairs and the problem still is there. We cannot use vehicle until the issue is resolved. Our mechanic advised us to file a complaint on this issue because it is an active issue with GMC Denali Yukon's for years. We need assistance to have this resolved to use our vehicle.
NHTSA investigations
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
On November 20, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE18-012 to investigate instances of sudden onset of a hard brake pedal that could result in extended stopping distance due to an issue with the brake assist vacuum pump in model year (MY) 2014 through 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 series pickup trucks and MY 2015 through 2016 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet…
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Yukon Denali XL years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (20), 2003 (16), 2005 (8) and 2006 (5) model years. Brake complaints make up 41% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for GMC Yukon Denali XL brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any GMC Yukon Denali XL model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do GMC Yukon Denali XL brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 112,000 miles; 11% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (1 mentions).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.