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 1998 GMC Yukon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Bumper to bumper traffic during rush hour, brakes went to the floor causing about a 10 MPH impact into pickup in front of us. Glad we weren't up to speed when the brakes went. Upon further inspection, I have rusted brake lines, and the front crossover line leaking profusely due to corrosion of metal.
This vehicle has historically been bad for wear on discs and pads. I had just replaced the discs and pads once again, and was in an accident. I really think the problem was with the ABS system and not the disc or pads.
While driving, the vehicle ride started to be choppy no longer smooth and when I applied the brakes the vehicle felt like it was bucking, then when we proceeded down the road we heard a loud bang of metal ,then it felt like the brake pad had broken or caliper had fallen and it was grinding the noise lessened with a little pressure on brake pedal. Service station found center of rotor had separated on front passengers side and driver's side was ready to go. I called GMC and was told there have been no recalls on 1998 Yukon's for rotors and because I had 102731 miles it was not their problem. Both rotors were replaced with new pads, I told GMC that I kept the original rotors from service station. Updated 01/27/06.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that when he attempted to brake at low speeds, the ABS brake module activated and the vehicle would not stop. The contact disconnected the fuse for the ABS braking system to temporarily remedy the failure. As a result, the vehicle no longer had ABS braking ability. The failure occurred numerous times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was a recall addressing the failure, but the vehicle was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000 and the current mileage was 156,000.
Dt: the contact stated there was a recall for this make and model, but his vehicle was not included in the recall. The ABS activated while applying the brakes at low speeds. There was vibration in the brake pedal, and extended stopping distance when the brakes were applied. The ABS light did not illuminate, indicating a problem with the brakes. The problem became progressively worse over the past year. The service dealer stated that they duplicated the problem, and it was the same problem as indicated on the recall.
While stopping at slow speed, my anti-lock brakes activated on my 1998 GMC Yukon causing me to narrowly miss an accident. The system would do this at least once a day with no warning. I had the vehicle repaired - the corrosion was removed from under the brake sensors. Months later I saw GM issue a recall on this issue but vehicle years were from 1999-2003 not including 1998. I called GM and they refused to cover my 1998 under the recall even though the parts are identical in the braking system between a 1998 and 1999.
I just bought a 1998 Yukon and during inspection asked about my brake issues. I was told that there was a recall for the ABS. I looked it up and it is doing exactly what the recall states (GM re-call #05068). During low-speed braking, it has an increased stopping distance, which could result in a crash. The recall is only for 1999-2002 vehicles. I'm wondering why the 1998's weren't included in this re-call as it is apparent that they have the same issue. What should I do about this?
Dt*: the contact stated intermittently, while stopping the brakes would grab. This occurred at various speeds. The contact cleaned the sensors and there is no longer a problem. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V379000, regarding the antilock brakes. The vehicle had the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 2/20/2007 - rust had built up under the front ABS sensor which caused sensor errors.
ABS brake problems; 3 0r 4 times a day when applying the brakes, under normal braking situations, regualr road condtions, the pedal goes down to the floor broad and the ABS does not kick in, resulting in extended stopping distance. Vehicle has been to the dealer (6) times for brake problems. Dealer admitted there was a problem with the ABS, but could not rectify. On 5/12/98, driver was involved in a crash due to brake problems.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5mph and below, the ABS engaged. As a result, the stopping distance was increased. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V379000, concerning the ABS. The vehicle has the same problems as in the recall; however is not included in the recall because of the VIN. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who recommended cleaning the wheel speed sensor however, the contact declined.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
Brake complaints in other Yukon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 GMC Yukon, 26% of the model year's 80 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 GMC Yukon brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-033 (rotor, Feb 17, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 GMC Yukon brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 103,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.