Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 4% | 3,000 miles |
| 2024 | 7 | 7% | 16,000 miles |
| 2023 | 11 | 4% | 45,000 miles |
| 2022 | 3 | 2% | 58,000 miles |
| 2021 | 12 | 4% | 60,000 miles |
| 2020 | 3 | 8% | — |
| 2019 | 4 | 7% | — |
| 2018 | 6 | 8% | 37,000 miles |
| 2017 | 47 | 23% | 51,000 miles |
| 2016 | 56 | 19% | 53,000 miles |
| 2015 | 94 | 16% | 70,000 miles |
| 2014 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% | 134,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% | 5,000 miles |
| 2011 | 8 | 3% | 125,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% | 65,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% | 97,000 miles |
| 2007 | 15 | 3% | 82,000 miles |
| 2006 | 5 | 10% | 101,000 miles |
| 2005 | 16 | 12% | 110,000 miles |
| 2004 | 53 | 20% | 87,000 miles |
| 2003 | 77 | 28% | 113,000 miles |
| 2002 | 96 | 51% | 103,000 miles |
| 2001 | 108 | 47% | 89,000 miles |
| 2000 | 70 | 38% | 85,000 miles |
| 1999 | 125 | 54% | 94,000 miles |
| 1998 | 21 | 26% | 103,000 miles |
| 1997 | 31 | 23% | 115,000 miles |
| 1996 | 14 | 20% | — |
| 1995 | 25 | 28% | 140,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while a friend was driving at highway speeds, the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. Additionally, the vehicle had previously experienced a loss of braking while driving with the cruise control activated. The contact stated that while driving at a slower speed, the vehicle lurched forward, striking a gate, and causing damage to the front bumper of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed of the NHTSA Action Number: PE25001 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). …
Since purchasing the vehicle in September with 8 miles there have been several electrical malfunctions. Some "fix" themselves when I restart the vehicle and several have needed to go into service. The first issue was when my mirrors wouldn't come back up when switching to drive. I disabled the reverse tilt option and had it serviced to be fixed. Apparently it needed an update. More recently I had several malfunctions. My vehicle would lower its self while still in gear, and it wasn't the normal self leveling. I didn't not have any warning lights or messages pop up. The next time I started my vehicle and had "service rear axle" warning. I called the local dealership and after restarting the vehicle several times and more error messages, I decided to attempt to drive the vehicle in, all the while recovering several message warnings. …
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission shifter failed to shift from park. The contact stated that the "Braking System", Brake Pad Monitor, and Traction Control messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 44,871.
I took my SUV (Yukon SLT 2023) to the GMC Dealership 4/5 months ago because of 2 recalls, Failed Brake Fluid Leak Detection and Serial Data Gateway Model. The car was repaired according to the dealership. About 2 weeks ago, I entered my garage to auto start my vehicle and my SUV would not auto start. I waited a few minutes and tried to start it again from inside the vehicle and it started. When it started, the engine light was on and on the dashboard, brake system failure was displaying. It was very strange. So, I let my vehicle idle for a couple of minutes and tried to move the car in the garage. The car started jerking when I put it in drive and a message displayed on the dashboard telling me not to drive my SUV over 40 mph. The brake system failure and engine light were still on. It was very strange. I parked my SUV and let it sit. …
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in the dealer for a recall repair for the traction control module and a systems update, the contact stated that the ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control (ESC) systems became disabled. The dealer was notified of the failure after the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000.
[redacted] while driving on [redacted] myself and my family in our 2022 yukon 6 lane highway 65 mph the engine lost power with no warning at all and left us with no power steering ,or brakes. This was in heavy traffic with other vehicles on our right and left side. I was able to put 4 way on and carefully move to the right lane and then barely to the burm. Vehicle would not restart and the sound of it was of rattle and groan. yukon was towed to the nearest dealer and we were told it was a bad engine of either bearings or rods. We were very lucky to not having an accident and harm my family or other persons on the highway. When a new engine was installed it ran for ony 15 minutes and also was defective for the same issue. Vehicle was returned to us on 12/14/24 and we were denied any additional warranty. At this point i have no confidence in the vehicle or General Motors. …
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The brake pad sensor warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle continued to roll forward. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that a nearby driver assisted by providing a jumpstart. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with alternator failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to two independent mechanics, and the vehicle was diagnosed with alternator failure. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was a known failure with similar vehicles. …
The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the odometer was inoperable. There was an abnormal odor of fuel while starting the vehicle. The parking brake and TPMS warning lights were illuminated and flashing. The parking brake was inoperable. Additionally, the seat belts were inoperable. The contact stated that there was a cut in brake line. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Related recalls (11)
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 › Power assist › Electric › Control module › Software
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. Dealer service technicians may have calibrated the brake system incorrectly, affecting Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and braking while towing a trailer.
Remedy: Dealers will recalibrate the brake system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 27, 2021.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020.
Service brakes
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019.
Show 6 more recalls
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 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.
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.
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…
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 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1999 (125), 2001 (108), 2002 (96), 2015 (94) and 2003 (77) model years. Brake complaints make up 54% of all complaints for the 1999.
Is there a recall for GMC Yukon brake problems?
Yes — 11 recalls, including 24V-674 (software, Sep 12, 2024); 21V-579 (software, Jul 29, 2021); 20V-603 (vacuum, Oct 1, 2020). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Yukon brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles; 22% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (237 mentions), followed by the foundation components (17).
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.