Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 18% | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2023 | 10 | 4% | 70,000 miles |
| 2022 | 4 | 2% | — |
| 2021 | 6 | 3% | 21,000 miles |
| 2020 | 3 | 6% | 2,000 miles |
| 2019 | 5 | 7% | 132,000 miles |
| 2018 | 10 | 18% | 34,000 miles |
| 2017 | 25 | 17% | 70,000 miles |
| 2016 | 41 | 20% | 58,000 miles |
| 2015 | 64 | 21% | 72,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 18% | 133,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% | 0 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% | 210,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 29% | 120,000 miles |
| 2005 | 8 | 19% | 65,000 miles |
| 2004 | 14 | 16% | 95,000 miles |
| 2003 | 25 | 19% | 120,000 miles |
| 2002 | 59 | 49% | 83,000 miles |
| 2001 | 82 | 58% | 68,000 miles |
| 2000 | 31 | 45% | 71,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I am writing as the owner of a new 2025 GMC Yukon XL AT4 VIN: [redacted] , purchase date: 01AUG2025, from Elizabeth City GMC, Elizabeth City, NC. This vehicle, equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine and Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance, was purchased for safe family travel, including space for my wife, our 21-year-old daughter, and our family dog(s). At approximately 4,300 miles-well within the 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty-this truck suffered a catastrophic right-rear brake failure directly attributable to a dealer-installed GMC-approved Brembo Performance Brake Upgrade Package, resulting in a near-fatal highway incident and profound emotional hardship for my family.
Roughly one to two times per day, a notification pops up on the infotainment screen stating that the brakes need to be serviced due to the brake assist system failing. The vehicle has been brought to 3 different dealerships and none of them know what the problem is, how to fix it, or whether it is safe to drive the vehicle still. The brakes seem to be working fine, however, it is concerning that even if the notification is safe to ignore, the brakes could indeed end up failing and the driver may not be aware due to receiving frequent brake failure notifications per day.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the message "You Have no Brakes - Do Not Drive Over 40 MPH" was displayed. The contact allowed the vehicle to roll to a stop. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had not caused an accident because the contact was driving early in the morning and there was less traffic on the road. The contact stated that her husband started the vehicle later in the day, and the warning lights were off. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. …
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH coming to an intersection and attempting to apply the brakes, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The message brake system failure and speed limited to 62 MPH were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle continued and drove through the intersection. The parking brake failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle ended up stopping in a ditch and was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the battery terminal had detached, causing 20 different modules to fail. The battery cable was tightened. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case for a possible buyback. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 25,100.
I jumped in and turned the car on and started driving. Right away I noticed most of the warning lights were on. The first speed bump in the complex made me realize I had lost 80-90% of my brakes as if I had a broken brake line for example and steering was a little hard and pulling a bit to one side. I check underneath I did not have any leaks. I decided to take it to the Dealer to have it checked. Dealer said they were not able to find anything and cleared the codes. dash lights on: check engine lane depart drive assist ABS BRAKE
Vehicle was purchased Friday evening. Monday morning and 223 miles later, started vehicle, message "service abs - do not drive over 43(?) MPH" came to a stop sign, vehicle in front already at stop sign, applied brakes, vehicle did not stop, swerved into other lane (on coming traffic) went through the intersection, avoided getting t-boned, turned up hill and vehicle came to a stop. towed to dealership, awaiting diagnostic.
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake pedal engaged without warning, then the vehicle proceeded to accelerate independently. As a result, the vehicle inadvertently stopped and jerked forward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,504.
While driving my check engine light came on indicating that service was needed on the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), brake assist the vehicle top speed reduced to 43mph. My braking system was compromised and I have to travel at reduced speeds on busy roadways to arrive at my destinations. I have taken the vehicle to a certified GMC technician for diagnostics and repair.
Related recalls (7)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Electric › Control module › Software
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs.
Remedy: The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024.
Service brakes, hydraulic
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles manufactured July 9, 2013, through July 22, 2013; and 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured July 16, 2013, through July 23, 2013; and model year 2014 GMC Yukon vehicles manufactured July 13, 2013, through July 18, 2013; and model year 2014 GMC…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts on both rear brake caliper brackets. Any bolts found loose will be replaced and tightened. This service will be performed, at no charge.
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…
Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
On certain sport utility vehicles, the brake pedal pushrod retainer May be missing. If the retainer is missing, the brake booster pushrod could disengage from the brake pedal.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicles for the brake pedal pushrod retainer and install one if it is missing free of charge. The manufacturer began contacting owners by telephone on March 10, 2005.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with Bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator May crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge.
Show 2 more recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic
Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?passenger car brake systems.? Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
Remedy: Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on June 18, 2004. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; GMC at 1-866-996-9463; or Hummer at 1-866-486-6376.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a clearance condition between the front right-hand brake pipe and the body cross sill that could decrease to the point of allowing contact during the life of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front right-hand brake pipe for wear. If there are signs of wear, this section of the brake pipe will be replaced with a new designed brake pipe section.
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.
Parking brake failure
In a letter dated April 20, 2005, GM notified NHTSA that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to GM, some of these vehicles May have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an…
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 XL years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (82), 2015 (64), 2002 (59), 2016 (41) and 2000 (31) model years. Brake complaints make up 58% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for GMC Yukon XL brake problems?
Yes — 7 recalls, including 24V-674 (software, Sep 12, 2024); 13V-342 (service brakes, hydraulic, Aug 6, 2013); 05V-379 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Aug 29, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Yukon XL brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles; 26% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (43 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (12).
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.