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2001 GMC Yukon XL brakes problems

70 complaints (58% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 65,000. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
70
of this car's complaints
58%
typical mileage
65,000
crashes
4
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    15
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
    10
  • Antilock: control unit/module
    2
  • Power assist: hydraulic
    1
  • Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    1
  • Foundation components: drum: drum
    1
  • Conventional: mechanical
    1
  • Antilock: wheel speed sensor
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

GMC Yukon XL brakes problems in other years

19992005201520202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 GMC Yukon XL brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 31Brake failure 14

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported August 29, 2005 · 1,353,718 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maryland, massachusetts, maine, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia only.
Risk
This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
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 speed sensor, and check the peak-to-peak output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal is within specifications. The recall began september 22, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 05V379000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Parking brake failureOpened December 20, 2005, closed May 31, 2006

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.

DP05009

Unwanted low-speed ABS activationOpened April 28, 2005, closed September 13, 2005

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 registered in the following 14 salt-belt states:connecticut, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, and west virginia.the recall procedure will involve removing the sensor, cleaning the mounting surface, applying a rust inhibitor (zinc-x) to the surface, and reinstalling the sensor.if necessary, the sensor will be replaced. The population and failure report data given in this resume are for the full region that has been considered by odi as the salt-belt.that includes delaware, iowa, maryland, minnesota, missouri, wisconsin and the district of columbia in addition to the 14 states included in 05v‑379.the states covered by gm's recall have the highest incident rates for the subject condition, accounting for 91% of the incidents, but only 24% of subject vehicle sales in the united states.odi's analysis determined that 840 of the complaints, 244 of the crashes, and 16 of the injuries identified in this investigation occurred in those states.the resulting incident and crash rates are 96.2 and 28.0 per 100,000 vehicles respectively (note:rates are based on vehicle sales, not registered vehicles). The corresponding numbers in the excluded portions of the salt-belt are 399,000 vehicles, 81 incidents (20.3 per 100,000 vehicles), 3 crashes, and no injuries.the statistics in the remaining 30 states are 2,406,000 vehicles, 168 incidents (7.0 per 100,000 vehicles), 31 crashes, and one injury.gm and odi are continuing to monitor the problem experience in states that are not included in the recall.gm will provide odi with updated complaint, field report, and warranty data in november 2005.odi and gm will review that data and assess the appropriateness of the current scope of the recall at that time.

PE05020

What 2001 GMC Yukon XL owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Brakes · SC

The ABS system in this vehicle and many other similar GM vehicles of this year have abs pumps that malfunction and/or randomly stop working just to begin working later. My vehicle currently has the abs fuse removed because whenever it’s in the abs pump runs continuously even when the vehicle is off. The vehicle I own is in good shape with only 80,000 miles. similar gm vehicles of this age with more miles have even more issues specially with the abs system it’s worse in vehicles that also come equipped with traction control.

Filed Mar 22, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · DE

This is the 3rd Yukon I have owned all 2001-2003. Every one of them have had serious brake issues, ABS illuminated, Parking Brake does not work, and light is illuminated, brake fluid everywhere, which when hot starts eating away at electrical components, or in my case at cooling system hoses. Which all lead too one issue after another. I really think that this shoudl be address becasue eveyone i speak with has the same issue. It's exhausting anf expensive too fix, but i have no choice becausei need 3 rows too fit all my children and cannot afford a brand new car.

Filed Oct 1, 2019 · Brakes · 160,000 miles · VA

While driving to work in spring 2018, I approached traffic light, depressed brake, which went to floor and had to use parking break to stop. Had vehicle towed to replace front brake lines. Then, 6-8 months later, while driving, came to another stop light, depressed brakes and could not stop until I used parking/emergency brake. Had yukon xl towed to repair shop and had rear brake lines replaced in fall, 2018. Since then, brake lights and ABS lights come on and stay on, whereas other times when starting and driving, brake & ABS lights come on and then go off while driving. Braking has always seemed to be insufficient.

Filed Dec 28, 2015 · Brakes · 246,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 gmc yukon xl. While driving 25 MPH, the anti-lock brake system engaged without being prompted and caused the vehicle not to stop in a timely manner. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 246,000.

Filed Aug 5, 2015 · Brakes · 174,000 miles · DC

While coming to stop, brake pedal went to floor. Brake line erupted and brake fluid began pouring out. No pressure and brake light came on. Repair completed, but ase shop confirmed there is a safety notice about rusted lines. Awaiting recall.

Filed Jan 5, 2015 · Brakes · 72,000 miles · IA

I was traveling approximately 40 MPH on a 4 lane street. As I approached a stop light, the light changed from green to red. I applied the brakes and they did not work. I drove right through the intersection and avoided a collision with 2 other vehicles. I was going downhill and picking up speed as I approached the next intersection. The light changed to red and by this time I was going approximately 50 MPH. As 2 cars went across in front of me from opposite directions, I was somehow able to drive between them. I was eventually able to shift into neutral and drove approximately 1/2 mile until I was able to turn off of the main road and into a parking lot. I ended up having to drive around the parking lot until I was able to stop. My 15 year old son and I were extremely shaken and very fortunate to have avoided an accident and serious injury or death. We had the vehicle towed and we were told that all of the brakes lines were completely corroded and there was nothing left of them. After a $160 towing bill and a $1,180 repair bill, we have discovered that this is a recurring problem with the 2001 gmc yukon. The dealership had 2 similar vehicles in their shop that day that had the same problem general motors needs to step up and admit that they made a huge mistake with these brake lines. This could have had a different outcome. My son and I could have been killed and/or another innocent person could have also been killed. My son says he will never ride in this vehicle again. Please do something about this situation before somebody dies, as a result of these cheap steel brake lines that corrode, especially in states that use salt on their roads during the winter months.

Filed Oct 30, 2014 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · MI · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 gmc yukon xl. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the brakes failed. As a result, the contact crashed into a ditch. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician stated that the brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle has been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Sep 1, 2014 · Brakes · 128,000 miles · VA

The brake lines are severely rusted and this is the second failure with loss of brakes. The pedal goes to the floor.

Filed Jul 7, 2014 · Brakes · 92,000 miles · PA

Was driving and a police car pulled out in front of me from a shopping center. I applied my brakes and a rear brake line burst. I stopped about 1 foot from the police cruiser. Had enough fluid left in system to get off the road. Had lines inspected within the last 6 months and there was no indication that they were bad. Had to replace both rear brake lines.

Filed Jan 2, 2014 · Brakes · 66,000 miles · OH

Brake pedal goes all the way to the floor with decreased stopping ability. Shop found corroded brake lines with fluid leaking. All lines heavily corroded and are currently being replaced.

Questions about the 2001 GMC Yukon XL brakes

Does the 2001 GMC Yukon XL have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 70 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 GMC Yukon XL, 58% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2001 GMC Yukon XL brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 65,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2001 GMC Yukon XL brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 05V379000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the GMC Yukon XL have bad brakes?

The GMC Yukon XL model years with the most brakes complaints are 2001 (70 complaints), 2015 (64 complaints) and 2016 (41 complaints).

Other 2001 GMC Yukon XL problems

Fuel system 12Steering 8Tires 8Body 7Electrical 6Lights 4Transmission 4Driver assistance 3Engine 3Acceleration 2Airbags 1Locks 1Seat belts 1Seats 1Suspension 1

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