Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 GMC Yukon XL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
This is the 3rd Yukon I have owned all 2001-2003. Every one of them have had serious brake issues, ABS illuminated, Parking Brake does not work, and light is illuminated, brake fluid everywhere, which when hot starts eating away at electrical components, or in my case at cooling system hoses. Which all lead too one issue after another. I really think that this shoudl be address becasue eveyone i speak with has the same issue. It's exhausting anf expensive too fix, but i have no choice becausei need 3 rows too fit all my children and cannot afford a brand new car.
The ABS system in this vehicle and many other similar GM vehicles of this year have abs pumps that malfunction and/or randomly stop working just to begin working later. My vehicle currently has the abs fuse removed because whenever it's in the abs pump runs continuously even when the vehicle is off. The vehicle I own is in good shape with only 80,000 miles. similar gm vehicles of this age with more miles have even more issues specially with the abs system it's worse in vehicles that also come equipped with traction control.
Low speed brake failure resulting in a rear end collision. I was approaching a stop light as the 5 vehicle in line to travel through the light. I was braking lightly to control my speed as to assume my position in line to travel through the intersection. As the light turned green I did not need to come to a complete stop and was approaching the fourth car. The third car in the line suddenly braked hard in the intersection causing the fourth car in front of me to brake hard. I attempted to perform an emergency stop but I experienced a hard brake pedal with no brakes and the inability to slow down. This resulted in a rear end collision for which I was at fault. I have spoken to several other owners of vehicle similar to mine which also have experienced similar failure but without the crash. …
(recall 05v-379) ABS light has been coming on intermittently for about 4 years now. We have taken to numerous mechanics to no avail. Now after looking into recalls, I find that there actually was a solution, but we were never notified because we don't live in the correct area of the country. But we do live close to the affected area. I purchased the car used only 3 years after it was made. This vehicle could have been in the affected area prior to our purchase. We would like to be included in the recall. My teenage daughter drove this vehicle to school and dropped off our 8 year old to school for two years. This recall should have been expanded so that I was aware of it to keep my family safe.
While driving to work in spring 2018, I approached traffic light, depressed brake, which went to floor and had to use parking break to stop. Had vehicle towed to replace front brake lines. Then, 6-8 months later, while driving, came to another stop light, depressed brakes and could not stop until I used parking/emergency brake. Had Yukon XL towed to repair shop and had rear brake lines replaced in fall, 2018. Since then, brake lights and ABS lights come on and stay on, whereas other times when starting and driving, brake & ABS lights come on and then go off while driving. Braking has always seemed to be insufficient.
Tl* - the contact called regarding the 2001 GMC Yukon. On February 13, 2007, the contact was traveling at 45-50 MPH and rear ended a garbage truck. The contact had adequate time to stop, but when she applied the brakes, the vehicle slid into the truck. The road conditions were dry. There was one injury. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away. The failure mileage was 126,000. The contact took the vehicle in several times to the dealer, and the dealer could not find anything wrong with the brakes.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the brakes failed. As a result, the contact crashed into a ditch. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician stated that the brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle has been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 GMC Yukon XL. While driving 25 MPH, the anti-lock brake system engaged without being prompted and caused the vehicle not to stop in a timely manner. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 246,000.
While coming to stop, brake pedal went to floor. Brake line erupted and brake fluid began pouring out. No pressure and brake light came on. Repair completed, but ase shop confirmed there is a safety notice about rusted lines. Awaiting recall.
The antilock braking system activates consistently at low speeds on my 2001 GMC Yukon XL. The manufacturer has issued a service bulletin addressing the problem but there is no recall. They place the blame on rust affecting the sensors but I have never experienced the problem on any other anti-lock braking system I have had, nor have I ever heard of the problem before. I believe the problem results from the system's design and believe it is a safety issue. I stopped driving my vehicle because the first occurences were startling and I nearly hit another vehicle. The situation did not call for a panic stop but I was startled when it activated and confused by what was happening. It could have been a pedestrian and caused injury even at low speed. The vehicle is now in for repair, which will cost a minimum of $200 plus replacement of any sensors which May not be able to be cleaned. …
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles May experience unwanted antilock brake system (ABS) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas.
Remedy: Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel…
NHTSA investigations
Unwanted low-speed ABS activation
In a letter dated August 29, 2005, GM notified odi that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 c/k pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor corrosion that May result in unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distances during low-speed braking (recall 05v-379).GM's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles currently…
Parking brake failure
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
Brake complaints in other Yukon XL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 GMC Yukon XL?
NHTSA has 82 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 GMC Yukon XL, 58% of the model year's 142 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 GMC Yukon XL brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-379 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Aug 29, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 GMC Yukon XL brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries and 2 deaths to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.