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 2004 GMC Yukon owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My kids and I was on the interstate and all of sudden my yukon reduce engine power.Dropping to 30 in a speed zone of 70.I was very afraid for our safety and appreciate there concerns for reducing engine power to save the truck,but that's very dangerous. So I paid to replace the throttle body and gas pedal cause that was the codes for the problem. But it's still doing the same thing and I don't have money to keep buying parts.Plus it a gm problem and I really need some help with the fixture..
There are several complaints, on the 2004 GMC denalis. It's like it starts slow your gauges go out. You have no idea how fast you are going! Then the oil, temp for engine, and transmission. Which I had to replace. Then the brakes get a mind of their own. Recently the radio & lights are acting up which is scary, I have a 7 yr. Old. The heat in the back doesn't work for her, so I have several blankets for her. The television quit long ago, it was one of the reasons we bought the car, so kids could watch television on long trips, or whenever. We paid a lot for this vehicle, I would think GMC would step up and do the right thing and correct the product they stand by,and are very proud of. I would love to just purchase a new vehicle. I do not have that luxury, I lost my job, we are pay check to pay check with my husbands income. …
While driving down road at approximately 45 MPH, hit the brakes when a couple of deer jumped onto road and the pedal went to floor with no braking action at all. Had enough time to realize what had happened and hit the parking brake in time before reaching intersection to busy highway. Inspection afterward showed brake fluid on the frame near the driver side door where the proportioning valve is located. There was no warning of the failure and had been driving the vehicle around town most of the day. Have experienced brake failures on vehicles before and always had half the system remain operational enough to stop without problem. This appears to have been a single failure mode that caused the loss of braking or a simultaneous failure of multiple systems which should be unlikely but seems to happen with improbable regularity based on complaints posted.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the service brake booster warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to brown automotive center (2520 veterans blvd, del rio, tx) and the contact was informed that NHTSA campaign number: 05V043000 (service brakes, hydraulic) had previously been performed and any more repairs would be at the contact's expense. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the vehicle did not have the same kind of braking assembly as listed in the recall. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the issue and the case was escalated several times, but no further action was taken. The failure mileage was approximately 247,118. Consumer stated GM charged to repair updated 8/14/18
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that the ABS warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the brake pads needed replacing, the drums needed to be rotated, and new brake lines were needed. The vehicle was repaired. Shortly after the repairs, when the contact began to drive the vehicle, the ABS warning indicator illuminated intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to excel Chevrolet (located at 1765 us highway 59 s, jefferson, tx 75657), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 GMC Yukon. While moving from the park position, the brake system disable warning indicator illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but failed to operate. The emergency brakes also failed to operate. The contact stated that there was brake fluid evident under the front of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the brake line was extremely corroded. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.
During normal driving, brake pedal will sometimes go to the floor when attemping to stop, and vehicle will not slow down at all. After second attempt, brakes start working again. No errors reported by vehicle computer. We have already hit a mailbox trying to avoid a crash, and almost rolled over another time due to not being able to slow down in time. Two GM dealers have found no problems, and we have been told to not bring the vehicle back to them as they say nothing is wrong with it. Problem happens approx. Every 5 weeks, no consistency or events leading up to brake loss.
While driving down an on ramp I began to apply the brakes to slow down, the brake pedal sunk to the floor and I had no braking capability and the brake warning appeared on the dash. I pumped the brake again and still had no braking capability, I was able to coast to a stop along the side of the road. Upon inspection of the brake lines, there was a major leak on the rear driver side, and a smaller leak from on the front passenger side.
Tl contact owns a 2004 GMC Yukon. While driving at 25 MPH the contact engaged the brakes and the vehicle would not stop and caused it to crash into the rear of another vehicle. The failure mileage was 70,000. Between the two vehicles, four people sustained minor injuries. This was the second time the brakes failed. The vehicle was not drivable and will not be repaired. The current and failure mileage were 70,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to apply brake pressure at 65 MPH the brakes failed resulting in a crash. This occurred on a normal road during normal braking without warning and a police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. They were unable to duplicate the problem and no repairs were made.
Related 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.
Brake complaints in other Yukon years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2004 GMC Yukon?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 GMC Yukon, 20% of the model year's 268 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 GMC Yukon brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-045 (service brakes, hydraulic, Feb 4, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 GMC Yukon brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 5 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.