I got into my car to run some errands. As I drove away from my house, I made a left turn downhill. I noticed vehicles ahead, so I began to slow down. At that moment, I was driving between 20 and 25 mph. When I tried to brake, my brakes failed and started flashing a brake failure warning light. I kept pumping the brake pedal, and eventually, the car slowed down and came to a stop. I turned on my hazard lights, and immediately returned home. My nephew and I were both in the car. Our live flashed in front of us. Thankfully, there were no vehicles directly in front of me or pedestrians. This could have turned out to be the worst day of my life if anyone had been injured.
GMC Yukon XL brake failure problems
72 of the 2,462 owner complaints about the GMC Yukon XL describe brake failure, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 72
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,130
- typical mileage
- 66,000
Is there a fix? There are 7 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 10Engine failure 3Warning lights 2Spongy pedal 2Check engine light 2Transmission failure 1Stalling 1Misfire 1
What owners say
On [XXX] brake system failure, service ESC, Forward Collision system unavailable and check engine lights came on the dashboard and the vehicle had no brakes. Taken to dealership and Conley GMC advised the Main Module was burnt out. $1200.00. Car was “fixed” and sent out. The next morning all the check engine light along with all other failure lights came on after module was replaced. Taken back to dealership and they advised that everything had to be manually programmed which was done and sent out. [XXX] same dashboard errors were up again. Taken back to dealership and they advised they needed to reprogram manually that was done and sent out. The next morning all lights were back on. It was the weekend so they wouldn’t take the car or provide a rental. May 23rd car was taken back to dealership and Conley advised the master cylinder was bad and had to order parts. $4300.00 in repair cost along with 2.5 week at the dealership and $150.00 in rental cost. I found online that GM knew of this issue with the 2022 GMC Yukon XL vehicles and a recall was made however this vehicle VIN number was not included in this recall. I notified Conley GMC and they stated they were not informed of this issue. I made a claim with GM and told them of this issue and my safety concerns and they advised that because this was not included in the recall that there was nothing they could do and they would not be covering financial assistance or reimbursement and they called this an inconvenience instead of a real safety issue as each time my vehicle had no working brakes. No working brakes causes safety concerns for everyone in the vehicle as well as other vehicles. All work orders are at Conley Buick GMC in Bradenton, Fl. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
First incident April 9 2024 not even a month after purchased. Vehicle dashboard lit up light a Christmas tree all warning lights while driving on highway. Vehicle shook and sputtered and turned off. The vehicle was serviced explanation given was loose spark plugs on a new vehicle. 2nd incident roughly month after recall repair for engine propulsion campaign. February 26 and 27 2026 . While driving the following lights came on Engine failure ,Brake failure , Service Transmission now unable to shift soon. I was terrified because I could not control the vehicle. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership. The answer to the issues was Battery failure. Third incident April 17th 2026 I driving on highway 70 miles check engine light comes on flashes dashboard goes dark. Vechicle sputters and shut down. I restarted the vehicle the warning on the display disappeared and the vehicle restarted. I reached returned the vehicle again to the dealership because the problem resumed slowing down even though I’m depressing the gas. Vehicle is shifting and dragging. Resulting unexpected lurching. My vehicle has been at the dealership since end of April 2026 it remains there currently. My representative stated a code indicating misfiring has appeared 18 times. Also everyday my vehicle keeps saying software update even I installed the update and it says complete. I know GM is not updating my vehicle software everyday. That indicates there is a computer issue as well. My anxiety level is through the roof at this point. I complained before about this same failures in a Cadillac Escalade prior to it lurching forward and crashing. I filed a complaint before February 2024 . There is something really wrong with GM engines and software. I know I’m not the only one experiencing these problems
Catastrophic brake system failure. When leaving my home in Baltimore County, MD, at approx. 10:00am on February 3rd, my vehicle started up normally. As I descended down a hill in our neighborhood the brake system failed and the vehicle would not stop. By standing on the brake pedal I slowed enough to put the vehicle in park as I entered an intersection with the main road. I have since learned this is the 3rd GMC Yukon (years 2023-2024) that has had the same brake failure in 24 hours in our community.
My brakes stopped working randomly. Alarms started going off in the car. Thankfully I was able to quickly turn right instead of rolling into traffic. This was terrifying and could have caused a very serious wreck.
The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the message "You Have no Brakes - Do Not Drive Over 40 MPH" was displayed. The contact allowed the vehicle to roll to a stop. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had not caused an accident because the contact was driving early in the morning and there was less traffic on the road. The contact stated that her husband started the vehicle later in the day, and the warning lights were off. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that several DTCs were retrieved, including a DTC for brake failure; however, the flow chart from the manufacturer instructed to first replace the battery and then reset the codes. The dealer replaced the battery, reset the codes and test-drove the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired and returned to the contact. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and supported the dealer's assessment. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
I am writing as the owner of a new 2025 GMC Yukon XL AT4 VIN: [XXX] , purchase date: 01AUG2025, from Elizabeth City GMC, Elizabeth City, NC. This vehicle, equipped with the 3.0L Duramax diesel engine and Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance, was purchased for safe family travel, including space for my wife, our 21-year-old daughter, and our family dog(s). At approximately 4,300 miles—well within the 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty—this truck suffered a catastrophic right-rear brake failure directly attributable to a dealer-installed GMC-approved Brembo Performance Brake Upgrade Package, resulting in a near-fatal highway incident and profound emotional hardship for my family. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
At highway speed, in heavy traffic, and falling snow, the engine seized with sudden loss of power, including loss of brake and steering sensitivity. We were traveling downhill so, while avoiding other traffic and weather, maintained momentum to pull over to the side. We were stranded at night in snowy weather in remote Utah. It took hours to get towed to the nearest town, Fillmore, where the mechanic determined that the engine was seized and that no mechanic in the town could repair the issue. GM would not tow vehicle to our home, they would only tow to nearest dealership - which was farther away from our home (over 3 hours away). After repeated attempts with GM for tow assistance over the course of 13 days, we towed the vehicle to Salt Lake City, our home city at our own expense. The Dealer said 6 of 8 rod bushings were bad, ordered a new engine which took over 2 months to receive and install. Catastrophic event occurred [XXX], Time trying to get GM to tow vehicle, ending with our own expense 2/26/2025, Finally returned from dealership with new engine 5/1/2025 - 64 days from dealership receipt of vehicle - 77 days from catastrophic event. Continues to have electrical issues that affect controls like radio, ac/heat, start/stop. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My vehicle’s engine failed for the second time while driving on the road. The first time a few months ago while my wife was driving. The engine failed and brakes failed. Fortunately she was on a back road a coasted to a stop. Car was towed to dealership. They said there was no problem. Received recall letter about a month ago outlining this issue. Yesterday, [XXX], I was driving with my daughter and the car stopped again while driving. I was in traffic and narrowly missed an accident. Gwinnett county police came to the scene and towed the vehicle to the dealership. I am not sure if the female officer made a report. But she requested the tow truck because I was blocking traffic. We often drive on the highway for work commutes. This could have happened and anyone in my family could have been fatally injured. I would like GMC purchase this vehicle back or replace with a safer model comparable or better. The service department called me this morning from Jim Ellis GMC in Buford, Georgia 678‑902‑8677, 3600 Buford Drive 30519.I was told that there is no recall for my truck. He told me that there is a safety investigation for a recall. I told him I can bring the letter. He decline. I asked for a courtesy vehicle. He said no, he would have to make a report and it would be up to 48 hours. Once it’s reviewed , then I could go to enterprise car rental to pick up a car. Maybe. The first time Rick Hendrick GMC Duluth , Ga 470‑822‑3779, 3344 Commerce Ave, Duluth, ga had my truck for about 2 weeks. No fix. No courtesy vehicle or rental. Now I’m without my vehicle for unlimited time. The Jim Elis tech, did acknowledge that there is no fix for what is going on. The local GMC dealers are not making this easy or putting the safety of its customers as a priority. These trucks are NOT safe on the road. This truck cost nearly $100,000 and it is not safe to drive.GMC has a record of the 1st service incident and this latest just happened yesterday. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(
I was driving on a highway with my [XXX] son and 2 dogs when without any warning the vehicle just stopped and completely went dead. I was unable to turn on the hazards so I called 911, the police came within minutes and surrounded the vehicle to keep us from being crashed into. The brakes failed to work, the hazard lights would not work, the doors would not open other than the driver door. The police had to help remove my child and 2 dogs from the vehicle through the driver door. The vehicle could not be put into neutral so the police had to tow the vehicle from the middle of the highway. The result could have been deadly. The vehicle was completely dead with absolutely no function. After the police towed it to the police tow facility it was then towed to the GMC dealership I purchased the vehicle from. The dealership is Jim Curly GMC in Keyport NJ. The dealership has had the vehicle since Saturday and is claiming to not know what is wrong with the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: software
- What is wrong
- 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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
- 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. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
Recall number 24V674000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- 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 Yukon XL vehicles manufactured on July 22, 2013. The rear brake caliper bolts may not be fully tightened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- Loose caliper bolts may cause reduced braking performance and result in lengthened stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 and GMC at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's recall number is 13247.
Recall number 13V342000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- 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
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- This could result in a loss of brakes which could result in a crash.
- 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. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 05V103000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
- Risk
- If a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause injury to people in the immediate area. The presence of this crack or fractured surface could allow the hydraulic fluid to leak from the accumulator circuit of the booster assembly. The loss of fluid would cause increased steering and braking effort and a crash may occur without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge. The recall began on march 23, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc trucks at 1‑866‑996‑9463 and hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493.
Recall number 05V043000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
- 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.
Recall number 04V045000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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. If contact occurs and the brake pipe becomes damaged, in half of the brake system there can be a loss of brake fluid and pressure. The brake warning lamp will be activated when the brake fluid level reaches the indicator limit.
- Risk
- During braking, the pedal will be lower than normal and stopping distances will be longer. If this occurs when stopping distance is limited, a crash could occur.
- 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. If there are not signs of wear on the brake pipe, the dealer will install a spacer clip to ensure sufficient clearance between the brake pipe and the body cross sill.
Recall number 00V345000 · Recall details
Questions about the GMC Yukon XL brake failure
Which GMC Yukon XL years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (14 complaints), 2003 (11 complaints) and 2002 (6 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix brake failure on the GMC Yukon XL?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,130 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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