Service Brakes Problems of GMC Yukon - part 1

Automatic emergency braking system deployed unexpectedly on acceleration from a traffic light stop. Vehicle was about 10-15 mph and system operated with no brake pedal input. A vehicle behind had to do a panic stop to avoid collision. Deployment disengaged when accelerator pedal was released. My wife, principal driver, was in the car. She advised this had occurred two times before. No recalls are presently listed for the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Yukon 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Yukon 🔎.

This report documents two separate safety incidents involving the same vehicle that occurred on different dates. Approximately one month prior to the most recent incident, while driving my young children to school, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of braking effectiveness while in motion. I was unable to stop normally at stop signs and had to roll through and roll to a stop. I was required to press the brake pedal fully to the floor to slow the vehicle, and even then braking response was significantly reduced and not functioning as designed. The engine remained running and the vehicle could still accelerate. After stopping and restarting the vehicle, braking function temporarily returned. On a later date, while again transporting my children, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power while driving. The vehicle abruptly shut down while in motion. I was unable to accelerate and experienced loss of power assisted braking. The vehicle only came to a stop after coasting. Following this shutdown, a burning or melted plastic odor was present. The vehicle was later towed and inspected by a dealership. The battery was replaced; however, this did not resolve the issue. After the battery replacement, the vehicle later hesitated to start again. The exact cause of these failures remains unknown. These incidents occurred without warning and represent serious safety critical failures involving braking and propulsion systems. Both incidents placed my children, myself, and other motorists at risk. Had either event occurred on a highway or heavily trafficked roadway, there would have been little to no ability to safely slow or stop the vehicle, creating a significant risk of collision or serious injury. Due to these events, I no longer feel safe operating this vehicle and have stopped driving it. The vehicle remains available for inspection.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Yukon 🔎.

While driving approximately 63 mph on a busy roadway, my 2023 GMC Yukon experienced a sudden failure of the brake system, including loss of normal braking capability along with failures of the electronic stability control (esc) and abs systems. The vehicle displayed warning messages stating “brake system failure” and “service esc” and entered a reduced-speed mode. Prior to this incident, there were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem. During the failure, the brakes became largely unresponsive, placing me, my two minor children who were passengers in the vehicle, and surrounding motorists at serious risk of a high-speed collision. After extended deceleration, a minimal amount of braking power partially returned, allowing the vehicle to eventually come to a stop. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer, manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, and the issue has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a service center. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request and has not been repaired. This incident occurred without prior warning and involved a sudden and dangerous loss of braking capability at highway speed.

While driving in approximately 10°f weather after the vehicle had been parked outside overnight during snowfall in chicago, the vehicle displayed a warning that said “do not drive — maximum speed 43 mph. ” at the same time, the brake pedal became extremely hard and the vehicle had significantly reduced braking ability, requiring much longer stopping distance. This occurred without any brake warning lights beforehand. After the vehicle warmed up and was restarted, the message eventually cleared but then there was a new transmission warning and the check engine light went on. After driving for a long commute, eventually all warnings disappeared. I personally know another 2023 Yukon owner who experienced the exact same message and braking loss under similarly cold conditions, which suggests this may be a broader safety issue affecting this model year. Because this involved a sudden safety-system activation combined with temporary brake loss, there was a real risk of being unable to stop the vehicle safely or avoid a collision. My vehicle is within the year range of gm’s brake-system software recall n242447990 (ebcm brake fluid loss detection issue), and it is unclear whether my case is related, but the symptoms point to a potential systemic braking or electronic brake control problem in the 2023 Yukon. This issue warrants investigation due to the combination • hard brake pedal • reduced braking performance • speed-limiting safety warning • no prior diagnostic warning • occurrence in very cold temperatures a sudden loss of braking ability is a serious safety defect.

Vehicle lost steering and brakes suddenly. Many errors on screen such brake system failure, abs failure, esc failure, traction control failure, maximum vehicle speed 43mph. Was able to slowly get home with no power assisted brakes. Did not drive it any more until it was taken to dealer 2 days later and the dealer could not replicate the errors. Dealer was able to see stored error codes; however, they could not verify any errors in any of the modules or computer. Dealer wants us to take it back and wife is scared to drive it due to no fixes or repairs. Loss of brakes and steering is not a situation to ask an owner to 'bring back when it happens again".

Vehicle was operating on the interstate with cruise control activated. Time was approximately 9:15pm. Weather was fair with temperatures in the lower 60's. Speed was approximately 73mph. Without any audible or warning light notifications the engine stalled and all exterior lighting, power assisted braking and steering was lost. The emergency flashers were immediately activated to warn vehicles in nearby proximity of our emergency status. I tried to restart the engine(the transmission was showing to be in n)with no success. During the attempt to restart, the exterior lighting was restored. With the path of travel now visible, I was able to slow the vehicle to a safe speed and exit from the roadway onto the shoulder. Upon stopping, the vehicle was placed into p and onstar was notified of the event. We remained in the vehicle until one of our friends was able to take us home. Onstar contacted aaa to remove the vehicle to the nearest gm dealership.

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.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Yukon 🔎.

November 12, 2025 - turned on car and immediately noticed multiple system failure notices and very slow ability to brake. Immediately took to dealership - said battery needed to be re-charged. December 9, 2025 - turned on car and once again immediately noticed multiple system failures and very slow ability to brake. Failures were "brake system failure, 43 mph top speed, forward collision system unavailable, service brake pad monitor, service esc, service traction control, service sterring column lock" immediately took to dealership. Over the last 25 days in service all the dealership has told me is that their master technicians have looked it over and do not know the root cause. They are waiting for a new technician from gm. They also have another Yukon at the dealership with the same safety symptoms. No issues with the car prior to these two instances of failures. Car should not be driven.

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon xl. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while idling, the vehicle started shuddering violently. The contact stated that while driving to the residence at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was pushed into a church parking lot. The contact's father used a scanner to scan the vehicle, and a dtc for engine misfire was retrieved. The contact's father replaced the spark plugs, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine was blown. The vehicle was then towed to another independent mechanic, where the engine was replaced. Additionally, the contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was stiff and required to be pumped several times for the vehicle to respond as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred while starting the vehicle and while driving at various speeds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brakes had been replaced annually, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that the brake pedal shuddered upon starting the vehicle. The contact received a notification for abs from the onstar mobile app. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,246.

See all problems of the 2017 GMC Yukon 🔎.

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.

The image module system has completely failed and never worked in the Yukon. Then it would brake while still accelerating.

The vehicle is experiencing symptoms consistent with the brake vacuum pump failure described in gm special coverage adjustment n182202780, which applies to full-size gm suvs in this model range. The symptoms include a hard brake pedal upon startup, reduced brake assist, increased stopping distance, and audible vacuum or mechanical cycling noise when the vehicle powers on. This malfunction affects the vehicle’s braking performance and requires significantly increased pedal force, especially during initial operation or low-speed braking. This results in delayed braking response and reduced stopping capability, creating a safety hazard to occupants and others on the roadway. Although the symptoms match the defect described in the bulletin and the vehicle is within the published 10-year/150,000-mile coverage parameters, multiple authorized dealerships and gm corporate have refused to perform a diagnostic or repair because the VIN does not appear in their internal eligibility system. Gm customer care case number 82474826 documents these interactions. No diagnostic evaluation has occurred because the manufacturer and dealers declined to perform one unless the VIN is pre-flagged, regardless of symptoms. No warning lights or dashboard alerts accompanied the failure. The condition began gradually and has become more noticeable over time. I am concerned that other vehicles experiencing the same defect may also be excluded from inspection or repair due to VIN list limitations, despite meeting the published program criteria.

See all problems of the 2018 GMC Yukon 🔎.

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).

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 manufacturer was made aware of the failure with the alternator and the brake pad sensor. The contact was informed that the repairs were not covered under warranty or recall. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Yukon 🔎.

At parking lot speeds, there have been many incedents of brake failure, when pressing pedal to stop pedal pulsates and becomes very hard to stop the Yukon. There seems to be a vacume or booster issue. Yukon will be fine for days then reaccure when slowing at stop sign or waitng at red light and moving foward in slow traffic to sign or llight and then in happens again. Scary and unreliable when using brakes at low speed intersections or continous stop and go's.

Tthe dealer ship refused even talk to me.

Keep quit working when I was driving , I just pick up from delearship for I another issue with on-star and is not part available is been there for over month not fix and now the brakes issue.

While driving in downtown boston in heavy traffic (stop and go) braking did not stop the vehicle when removing my foot from the brake and reapplying and the braking was extremely hard, the vehicle nearly collided into the vehicles in front of me. This issue persisted continously for the duration of travel. The issue was not found using the VIN provided. This issue must be resolved ASAP. This incident was not the first, after owning the vehicle for several months this issue is a major safety issues, specifically when my new young adult drivers use this vehicle. Please help me resolve.

See all problems of the 2015 GMC Yukon 🔎.

At low idle speeds like in a parking lot we almost hit another car because the brakes were very hard to press. No power brakes. Felt as I was having to stand on the brake pedal with both feet to stop my vehicle from hitting another car at a grocery store parking lot going 5 mph! a light flashes on and says”service brake assist “ light goes away and drives normal and brakes normal except when you get to a stop sign, or traffic light. This happens a few times and I’m not driving the car because of it because I might hit someone.

8/26/2025 I purchased the vehicle from maguire in syracuse, NY with open recalls. It is my understanding a dealership is required to have these fixed prior to selling a vehicle. I now have to drive 45 mins each way to get them fixed and miss additional 2 hours for wait time from work. Brakes could fail causing an accident.

I was driving down the highway, and my wife and I decided to stop at costco to get protein bars and gas for the drive home. We also had a [xxx] , [xxx] old, and [xxx] in the car. As we were approaching the end of the exit ramp at approximately 30 miles per hour, the engine jerked the car two or three times then died. When it died, I lost power steering and the car slammed to a stop. The car also displayed an alert about my tow breaking system. I tried to restart it, and smoke began rising from my engine bay. I stopped trying to restart, and got my family onto the hill beside the exit while waiting for a tow. The tech at the GMC dealer stated that the engine had seized on me while driving. The cam shaft can rotate a small amount one way before getting blocked, and likewise the other way. Tech believes that the bearing is responsible, but will not be doing a tear down until September 2. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The contact owns a 2025 GMC Yukon. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake failure warning light was illuminated. The contact’s husband depressed the brake pedal and noticed that the brake pedal was firm and difficult to depress. The contact stated that an error message indicated that the vehicle was decelerating. The contact's husband depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle decelerated to 40 mph. While the contact’s husband was slowly driving into the driveway at the residence, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact’s husband immediately shifted the gear shifter into park(p) to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while on the way home from a family trip. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed brake master cylinder assembly, a failed brake control module, and a failed brake plunger. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder assembly, the brake control module, and the brake plunger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were on back-order. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,150.

No warning while exiting, I was able to hit the brakes. Then, when I reached for the brakes again, it didn’t break. There was no signals on the car. The car is total damage air bags came out.

See all problems of the 2002 GMC Yukon 🔎.

The passenger-side frontal airbag inflators, the determination was made that the propellant in these inflators may degrade after long-term exposure to high humidity and temperature cycling, which could cause the inflator to rupture during a deployment.

See all problems of the 2008 GMC Yukon 🔎.

1.     first incident while driving, the brakes failed and the entire infotainment/tablet system locked up. This presented a severe safety risk to my family and others on the road. The vehicle had to be towed to dealer where I was told that “no problems were found. ” I documented the incident with photos and videos showing the warning messages and system status.     2.     second incident approximately one week ago, after shutting off the vehicle, a “steering wheel lock” warning appeared and the truck became completely disabled. Even with jumper cables, it would not start. The vehicle had to be flatbed towed to dealer. I again documented the incident with photos and videos showing the warnings.

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 have repair the trailer brake system warning light prior. Now again this faulty wiring module is constantly dinging and flashing warning messages while driving. It's very distracting and irrelevant considering I not towing anything. It covers the speedometer and is a complete nuisance.

See all problems of the 2016 GMC Yukon 🔎.

My vehicle is supposed to have a sensor wire for a break master cylinder and it doesn’t.

See all problems of the 2004 GMC Yukon 🔎.

I just purchased this 2019 GMC Yukon denali. About 3 weeks after; the message "service trailer brake system" started beeping. . . Didn't really pay bother me at 1st since I weren't planning to pull anything. Then it started doing it more frequently. Now it is constantly doing it every few days. Can't seem to get it to stop. Very annoying. . . Any suggestions?.

Yukon break tail lamp problems. Brake lights work intermittently. Very dangerous! the break lights will work intermittently and then work. This was an issue with the 2016 models and gm issues a recall. There is no recall for 2017 which I don't understand because nothing has changed with the manufacturing process. I researched and there is a class action but in California only.

I purchased a 2015 GMC Yukon in March 2024 I drive the vehicle 9 mons, 7500 miles the vehicle has been in service at my local dealership since Dec 13, 2024, for engine and transmission replacement, I have had the vehicle back 3 weeks not the warning light and service warning chime for the "service trailer brake system is on, I have not ever use a trailer with the vehicle, I was told the vehicle needs a wire harness, I have read this a problem in these vehicles that has not been addressed GMC with a recall, I have put a lot of money in the vehicle. This is an well documented failure in the trailer brake system that gm should repair at no cost to the consumer.

We purchased a brand new 2025 GMC Yukon on 5/19 and on 5/22, the vehicle would not release the parking brake. Multiple sensors / alerts were displayed, brake assist failure, press hard to brake, speed limited, service esc, service traction control, check engine light, brake park, service abs brakes. Vehicle was not drivable. Towed to marhofer GMC, problem was replicated next day. Was informed that brake booster and master cylinder were bad, however on a national back order. We are now 3 weeks out, without a repair completed or parts. Was also informed by dealer that there is a service bulletin out on this vehicle. Vehicle has 170 miles.

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).

My wife was driving in the vehicle with our two (2) infants on dixie hwy in boca raton, FL when the breaks suddenly stopped working. Fortunately, there was not a lot of traffic on the road at this time and eventually the vehicle slowed down and no one was injured. No warning lights came on. Once the car came to a complete stop my wife turned off the vehicle and started it back up; still no warning lights or anything. My wife drove a little further to get to a safer location (not in the middle of the road), unfortunately the car then completely stopped working and my wife was still stuck in the middle of the road. . . Eventually a police officer (crash inspector) came to the scene and the car was towed to the dealership for repairs.