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 1999 GMC Yukon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* - the contact stated that while driving his 1999 GMC Yukon and coming to a stop he could hear the ABS engaged. While trying to stop the vehicle it continued to roll a few more feet. The contact stated that this happened everyday, and he tried to get the dealership to do something to fix the ABS. The ABS prevented him from coming to a complete stop. This failure caused a crash. The contact's vehicle struck another vehicle while trying to come to a complete stop. The impact was minor and little damage was done. The contact called the manufacturer, and was told to call the dealership. The contact called the dealership, and was advised that the vehicle was out of warranty, and he would be responsible for any diagnostics services. The contact was given a recall bulletin number from NHTSA # 05V379000, stating that dealership was to remove the wheel speed sensor. Updated 03/07/07
Tl contact owns a 1999 GMC Yukon denali. On September 8, 2007, while attempting to stop at a stop sign, the vehicle failed to stop and rear ended another vehicle. A police report was filed. The front passenger side of the vehicle was damaged. When the brakes were applied at low speeds, the brake pedal extended to the floor and the vehicle failed to immediately stop. The failure was caused by a lack of braking pressure and corrosion build up in the antilock system. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. NHTSA campaign id number 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module) was referenced. The VIN, speed, and purchase date were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 140,000.
ABS has caused increased stopping distance on several occasions. Both at low speed and high speed. During a stop from 60 MPH to a stopped condition, ABS caused braking to be reduced from about 45 MPH down. Minor rear end collision resulted. On previous occasions, ABS has released braking when vehicle has gone over a bump in the pavement, causing increased stopping distance. This issue appears to be similar to campaign #05V379000. Why has the 99 GMC been excluded from the recall? Dealer has not been contacted - yet.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while braking at low speeds, the vehicles front end would rattle and shake. The contact stated that the brake pedal would travel to the floorboard when depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS module needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired, however the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
When stopping the antilock brake system activates at slow speed greatly increasing stopping distance. Specially when towing my boat. I had a slight fender bender with no injuries. This condition happens daily. My wheel speed sensors were replaced by a dealer. I was told that there was a recall for yukons 2000 and up. Our Yukon is a 1999 with the same issue. See NHTSA action number pe05020 and NHTSA campaign id number 05V379000.
I have a 1999 GMC Yukon SUV and I've been told that the ABS sensors are corroded because of the salt used on the roads here in mi in the winter. There is a recall on these vehicles at the present time but when I took my vehicle in for the necessary repair they told me the VIN # was not on their list. Whenever I stop at an intersection or red light or pull up to park I have a growling noise as I apply the brakes and a slipping of the brake pedal and the car keeps on moving when I think its going to stop. I have had the dealer drive the vehicle and also a brake mechanic and both state it is due to the corrosion that has formed under the wheel speed sensor and moves the sensor away from the integral speed-sensor toothed ring. The condition does not set any ABS codes nor does it illuminate the ABS warning lamp. …
Vehicle has only 21,650 m on it, used mostly on weekends and in the snow in winter. It was doing fine until 9/18/16 when suddenly I noticed my brake was not responding as usual. I had to push the pedal to the floor repeatedly to stop, barely missed hitting the car in front of me. I was on one of my city streets getting back home after grocery shopping. Drove home slowly and very carefully. Had it towed to a nearby GM dealer. He says most of the brake lines and some hoses have rusted, need to be replaced. That would be 15-16 hours labor and will cost me $ 2000.00. It snows here quite a bit and after the season, I always wash my vehicles with emphasis on the underside to remove the salt and chemicals. Besides, on this vehicle I had to repaint the hood twice, roof once and replace the rear bumper so far- all due to rust. Now my front bumper is showing signs of rust. …
I recently had my 1999 GMC Yukon serviced for ABS wheel sensor failure. Remedy was replacement of both front wheel ABS speed sensors. After the service, I was made aware of GM recall #05068 having to do with ABS wheel sensors malfunctioning due to salt corrosion. My vehicle has been registered in new york state from 1999 to 2003. Currently, it is registered in virginia. I was told by GM that my vehicle will not be recalled because it is not registered in a "salt belt state". I requested that my vehicle be included in this recall due to it being registered and used in new york most of its' in service time. My claim was denied because the vehicle is currently registered in virginia. I was further told by GM that if my vehicle was still registered in ny, the recall would be issued. …
1999 GMC Yukon experienced anti- lock brake problems related to speed sensor corrosion. Sensors were replaced by dealer in May 2005 pursuant to the ongoing investigation of the problem at that time. Understanding that in the event of a recall, I would be reimbursed. Initial recall correspondence by GM to NHTSA in August indicated that 1999 yukons were covered by recall. Same correspondence was sent to dealers in August 2005 indicating coverage of 1999 yukons. Recall correspondence from GMC to dealers and owners in October, 2005 now do not cover 1999 Yukon's. I had these repairs made with the understanding that an investigation was underway, involving 1999 Yukon's and with assurances from dealer that reimbursement would be made if recall was warranted. On 11/23/05 spoke with GM and dealer and both indicate that recall on this vehicle is not warranted and reimbursement is not authorized.
(rear brake line rupture) my wife was on her way to work when she applied the brakes the brake warning light came on. The pedal became real soft as if the vehicle wasn't going to stop. After returning home, upon investigation the brake master cylinder was almost empty. I found brake fluid coming out of a badly corroded brake line just behind the fuel tank. This could have been a very bad situation. We are the second owners on this vehicle, purchased in 2001. We have always kept it maintained and clean, including car washes after snow storms to remove road salt and sand. This should not be happening on an 11 year old vehicle, thankfully this didn't result in an accident. I have also noticed the fuel lines have corrosion at ever mounting location. So, I guess these are going to fail as well some time in the future.
NHTSA investigations
Brake line corrosion failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility…
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…
Brake complaints in other Yukon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA has 125 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 GMC Yukon, 54% of the model year's 231 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (81 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 GMC Yukon brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 GMC Yukon, 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 1999 GMC Yukon brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 12 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.