Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 GMC Yukon XL owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the failure occurred after the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle continued to move forward and rear-ended the vehicle ahead. There was no air bag deployed. There were no injuries sustained. A Police report was not filed. The contact stated that there was damage to the front bumper. The vehicle was driven away from the crash scene. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, and the failure was associated with the recall. The contact stated that an unknown module needed to be replaced, but the manufacturer had to authorize the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while reversing, the brake pedal became hard and unresponsive. As a result, the contact crashed into a guardrail. There were no reported injuries. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake assist pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and a ticket was submitted. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 ( Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while idling, the vehicle started shuddering violently. The contact stated that while driving to the residence at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed into a church parking lot. The contact's father used a scanner to scan the vehicle, and a DTC for engine misfire was retrieved. The contact's father replaced the spark plugs, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was blown. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, where the engine was replaced. …
The rear break lights malfunctioned and will quite working periodically there has been no inspection from a dealership at this moment and driving at night time puts me and my family at risk due to the fact that I could be rear ended and cause a major accident and my vehicle has no warning light or service light for this problem.
I am filing a complaint regarding a serious safety issue with my 2017 GMC Yukon XL related to the brake vacuum pump. According to recall information (NHTSA Recall ID: N192268490), certain 2015-2017 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles are equipped with a defective vacuum pump that may decrease in output over time. This defect reduces power brake assist, resulting in increased braking effort, a hard brake pedal, and extended stopping distances. These conditions significantly increase the risk of a crash. I have experienced symptoms consistent with this issue, including vibrating brake pedal with no slippage, a hard pedal, ticking noises from the engine, a 'Service Brake Assist' warning message, and difficulty braking. This issues usually occur under 10 mph. …
My brake lights work intermittently. If you tap the actual brake light they will flicker on and off. This puts others and my self at risk as the indicator for by braking system is not functioning properly. My vehicle has been to my local GMC dealer with a replacement cost of $950.00. I also received a written warning from my local police department. There are no warning notices.
The brake lights fail. First the left light failed, and two days later the right light failed. After researching, this is a common problem with GM and these models. The fix is not just a bulb- the whole rear light assemblies (each side) needs replacing with GM price quotes of $900 a side. We were over 1000 miles away from home.
When backing down a boat ramp for a day on the lake I experienced extremely high rake pedel effort and abs engaging with no wheel slip for skid. In order to keep the vehicle from going into the lake I had to apply the parking brake. No warning lamps illuminated. The dealer states it is a faulty vacuum pump.
This is about a 2017 Yukon XL break failing to operate the previous 2016 Yukon models have the same issue and have a recall bulletin no: pit5361b and the dealer does not want to address or acknowledge the problem
I took my car to GMC because I live on a hill and when I park my car then put it into drive or reverse the brakes don't function properly. The brakes slide and skip and the vehicle has a very hard time stopping. It happens while putting the car into park on any hill, then putting it back into gear. It also happen when driving a slow speed on flat ground. GMC found the problem and stated it's under a special coverage warranty #n182202780-01. I've almost had it towed multiple times because I was afraid to continue driving, I'd have to go extremely slow down hills in fear the brakes wouldn't be able to hold me back if I gained speed. GMC doesn't know when the part will be in and states they won't provide a rental car. I am pregnant, so if I get in a crash going 5mph, it doesn't matter, I'll still have to get checked by a doctor. …
Brake complaints in other Yukon XL years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2017 GMC Yukon XL?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the brakes of the 2017 GMC Yukon XL, 17% of the model year's 147 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 GMC Yukon XL brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2017 GMC Yukon XL, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 GMC Yukon XL brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries 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.