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 1997 GMC Yukon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The steering would jerk the wheel left or right while in a turn causing a momentary loss of control of the vehicle. Steering box was replaced before. Finally the evo sensor was replaced. ABS also have never worked felt good, the pedal goes to low before the brakes slow the vehicle down. This has been a complaint since the truck was new. The retailer seems not very concerned with my complaints. Especially knowing that I am an automobile technician they feel I will let the problem go. Their repairs have been unsatisfactory from the beginning. I have had to complain about problems many times before, finally the problems are fixed. With the steering problem I had to contact another dealer tech I knew and ask him the problem which he knew what was wrong immediately. Please do something before all these trucks with this steering and brake problem. …
Dt: there is a problem with the ABS kicking in at low speeds. The contact has been experiencing the problem since September of 2003. Had taken it vehicle to dealer to be repaired. They replaced the whole front hub bearings and the ABS sensors. The problem came back in September 2005. He is taking it to dealer for repairs in October. It is a constant and an ongoing problem. The contact has found a recall bulletin number 05068 for September o 2005. The contact's vehicle year was not included. The contact stated that GM refused to cover the vehicle in the recall. The service dealer said that GM claimed that if he wanted the vehicle to be safe he would have to pay for the repairs.
The anti-lock brakes failed to adequately engage and stop the Yukon under sudden stop situations. The brakes do not engage adequately and the vehcile continues to move forward with what could be summarized as floating forward for at least 30 feet which has resulted in 2 crashes into the rear of other vehicles. When the dealer was questioned about this problem, a services representative stated that it was a design problem with all GMC/Chevrolet suvs. GMC's only suggestion was to take it to a dealer to have the service department examine it. I believe that your recently negotiated recall with GM should be expanded to include 1997 models.
While driving 65 MPH, in inclement weather the windshield wipers failed. This caused poor visibility to the driver. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the windshield wiper circuit needed to be replaced. Please provide further details. Consumer stated that the problem was consistant with recall. Number campaign id number : 03V159000 although the consumer missed this recall by a year the problem is still the same. ABS brakes at all speeds feel spongy and often goes clear to the floor.
Brakes failed at low speed and hit the car in front of me at stop light. Pushed brakes to the floor and seemed to pick up speed. Air bag did not deploy. Totaled the other car. Went right up on top of his back end. It cost me 200.00 to fix my Yukon. Had already replace ABS system about 8 years ago.the back windsheild shattered one day when I got into the drivers seat.the windsheild wipers had serious problem.replaced the computer part twice.
Anti lock brakes activate at low speeds. This has been going on for about 1 year. Took vehicle to service department 6 months ago and they would not service this problem. At very low speeds the anti lock brakes activate. The braking distance is greater when this happens. This happens everyday, but not every time the brakes are applied.
Vehicle lost entire braking while trying to stop. This caused vehicle to rollover on its roof, no injury was reported. Vehicle at dealer shop. Informed that both ABS sensors failed. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
Driving at approx 42 MPH brakes felt like they were slipping. Did not stop in traffic. Pedal went to floor,brakes faded out. Vehicle went about 84 feet still did not stop. Rearended another vehicle. Dealer said rear brake was out of ajustment.
Vehicle keeps pulling to either side of turn on speeds above 25mhp, was told is the steering sensor but have not replace it. Vehicle has been doing this since about 128K. Brake pedal is spongy even after needed adjustments were performed.
ABS fails at low speeds. Pressure will dump, pedal drops or shudders, and vehicle will continue to roll for 30 feet before stopping. ABS self-checks and passes test. I got tired of poor performance and pulled the ABS fuse to disable it.
Brake complaints in other Yukon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 GMC Yukon, 23% of the model year's 133 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Yukon brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 GMC Yukon. 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 1997 GMC Yukon brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 115,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.