GMC Yukon XL Denali brake failure problems

Filed Jul 12, 2018 · Brakes · 176,000 miles · VA

I was driving on 58 west in stuart va when we came around a curve and an 18 wheeler was broken down in the middle of our lane. Two vehicles were stopped behind the truck. I quickly applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I was able to maneuver between the stopped traffic and the oncoming vehicle in the opposing lane to avoid a crash. A brake line had blown causing the brake failure. I had already experienced brake failure in another gm model, and was questioning how it was possible that one person could have two separate brake line failures on two separate but similar vehicles. As I researched it became clear that this type of brake failure was common on these types of vehicles. I've lived in southwest virginia my entire life, and I have owned 30-40 vehicles of all makes and models, but I have only experienced near catastrophic vehicle failure on two of those vehicles, a 2001 chevrolet suburban and a 2002 gmc yukon. To say that these brake line failures could be avoided through routine maintenance is a brazen attempt to deflect culpability towards a consumer market neither designed nor equipped to diagnose pending failure without warning. These vehicles have innumerable sensors to indicate all types of of potential issues, even so far as to remind the driver when the oil needs to be changed. If the manufacturer feels the owner is so inept as to track oil changes every three thousand miles, how on earth do they expect those same people would be able to diagnose the degradation of brake lines, most of which are hidden? I've never been to a shop and been asked as part of the many services they offer, including state safety inspections, "would you like us to test your brake lines for potential failure?" cv axles, ball joints, brake pads, all are included in inspections. Not brake lines, because they are not maintenance parts. Gm is wholly responsible.

Filed Nov 10, 2014 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · MA

Driving home when I push the brakes, the brakes didn't work, brake service warning came on upon checking all the brake lines are rusted and when it press the brakes it appears the pressure puncture a line.

Filed Sep 23, 2014 · Brakes, Suspension · 89,925 miles · OH

Traveling at approximately 35mph, applied brakes for upcoming stop sign and brakes failed. Inspection revealed that brake line broke as the result of corrosion to line at rear axle. Mechanic states all brake lines demonstrating unusual amount of rusing, all brake lines replaced. Mechanic states frame will be rusted through soon if not blasted and rustproofed; also states this is a common problem on nearly all gm trucks he sees.

Filed Jun 22, 2014 · Brakes · 69,449 miles · MI

Stepped on brake pedal to slow down and brake pedal went to the floor. There was enough room in another lane to eventually slow down without a collision. Got under rear of vehicle and located leaking brake fluid line. Right rear passenger brake line.

Filed Dec 27, 2013 · Brakes · 177,880 miles · KY

I was traveling on a two lane county road located in oldham county kentucky and upon approaching a curve, I attempted to apply the brake to slow the vehicle but the brake pedal went to the floor and provided no braking action (severely rusted brake lines burst and resulted in total brake failure ). The curve was followed by an intersection with a stop sign in my lane. Luckily there were no vehicles in front of me and no opposing traffic at that moment, which enabled me, through the use of gears and the emergency brake, to get the vehicle stopped just beyond the stop sign. It was my understanding that modern vehicles were designed with redundancy in the braking system which would prevent total braking failure, but apparently that is not true with this vehicle. I have read several accounts of similar failures with this family of vehicles and I think action needs to be taken quickly as the next victim may not be as fortunate as me and my 10 year old granddaughter were this past week.

Filed Dec 3, 2013 · Brakes · 112,210 miles · NY

While driving my 2001 denali xl my brakes failed and was fortunate that I was not in traffic. Once I crept home I was able to see the under carriage and there were large amount of corrosion on all the equipment. Car is still laid up until I can afford repaired.

Filed Feb 10, 2013 · Brakes · 75,000 miles · NY

While stopping for the stop sign down the block from my house the brake pedal went to the floor. I could not stop the truck, I had to use the emergency brake to stop the truck. I brought the truck back home and found out that the brake line had rusted through causing the brake fluid to leak out.

Filed Aug 6, 2012 · Brakes · 100,657 miles · KS

2002 denali xl 100.000 mi sudden brake failure pedal to floor no warnings of any kind. New brake pads and rotors installed 8 months ago upon further inspection after stopping vehicle all hard brake lines were rusted through causing loss of brake fluid.

Filed Jul 5, 2011 · Brakes · 125,000 miles · NJ

Vehicle failed to stop due to brake failure, after pulling over the disabled vehicle a quick inspection revealed rotted brake lines running to the ABS control unit which had failed under brake pressure causing immediate loss of braking with no warning or any mil light status prior to failure. All the front brake lines were heavily corroded and all needed replacing before the vehicle was usable.

Filed Aug 2, 2010 · Brakes · 130,989 miles · VA

I recently experienced a total brake failure after driving to the grocery store today. Yesterday, I realized that to stop, I had to press the brake pedal almost all the way to the floor. I knew something was wrong because my brakes had been working just fine. Today I noticed the same problem and reported it to my boyfriend, who conducted a visual inspection at the brake lines and underneath the driver side seat, brake fluid was leaking out rapidly and was puddling underneath the vehicle. Had I not stopped, I would have been in a serious accident. As a result, I can not drive my vehicle because the brakes are no longer working. I have a 2002 gmc yukon denali xl.