GMC Yukon XL Service Brakes Problems
Owners have filed 236 complaints with NHTSA about service brakes problems on the GMC Yukon XL across 24 model years. The 2015 model year has the most (62). The words owners use most often: “vacuum pump” (11% of reports).
- 236service brakes complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 23mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 7related recalls
- $1,100typical repair cost reported by owners
- 26%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Vacuum pump: mentioned in 27 of 236 complaints (11%)
- Brake lines: mentioned in 23 of 236 complaints (10%)
- Brakes failed: mentioned in 17 of 236 complaints (7%)
- Pedal went: mentioned in 14 of 236 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical service brakes repair on the GMC Yukon XL at $1,100, and half of them between $910 and $2,100.
Based on 17 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2013–2024), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do service brakes problems happen?
Based on 144 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 236 complaints, 23 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury.
GMC Yukon XL service brakes complaints by model year
| Model year | Service Brakes complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Yukon XL | 5 | 18% | — |
| 2024 Yukon XL | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2023 Yukon XL | 8 | 4% | — |
| 2022 Yukon XL | 4 | 2% | — |
| 2021 Yukon XL | 6 | 3% | 10,327 |
| 2020 Yukon XL | 3 | 6% | 2,000 |
| 2019 Yukon XL | 4 | 6% | 12,000 |
| 2018 Yukon XL | 10 | 18% | 34,000 |
| 2017 Yukon XL | 22 | 15% | 58,000 |
| 2016 Yukon XL | 40 | 20% | 56,500 |
| 2015 Yukon XL | 62 | 20% | 72,000 |
| 2014 Yukon XL | 2 | 18% | 92,416 |
| 2013 Yukon XL | 1 | 5% | 70,000 |
| 2012 Yukon XL | 1 | 8% | — |
| 2008 Yukon XL | 1 | 1% | 1 |
| 2007 Yukon XL | 1 | 1% | 210,000 |
| 2006 Yukon XL | 5 | 29% | 113,814 |
| 2005 Yukon XL | 5 | 12% | 83,000 |
| 2004 Yukon XL | 8 | 9% | 114,000 |
| 2003 Yukon XL | 16 | 16% | 130,000 |
| 2002 Yukon XL | 9 | 9% | 192,000 |
| 2001 Yukon XL | 13 | 11% | 120,000 |
| 2000 Yukon XL | 7 | 10% | 145,000 |
| 1999 Yukon XL | 1 | 33% | 75,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (7)
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:electric:control module:software; service brakes, hydraulic:brake fluid low warning: lamp
Model years: 2023, 2024
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Model years: 2014
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Model years: 2000, 2001, 2002
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic:pedals and linkages
Model years: 2005
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Model years: 2004, 2005
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Model years: 2003, 2004
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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
Model years: 2000
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
When stepping on the brakes out random the 63 mph speed limit alert along with service esc, front collision un available messages show on the dashboard and little by little the brakes stop functioning up until a point where brakes donât work at all.
Warning lights; ESC, traction control; collision warning etc, all come on. Taken to GMC dealership and tell me its "left rear wheel sensor". Cost $900. After supposed repairs, warning lights still do not go off. Now the dealership is saying its the ABS and the whole thing needs to be replaced. $2100
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…
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 âfixedâ and sent out. The next morning all…
Multiple repairs on brakes and tires are mismatched old since purchased in 2023 tires deflate gas cap missing
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Yukon XLs have service brakes problems?
No. NHTSA has 236 owner complaints about service brakes for the GMC Yukon XL. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Yukon XL service brakes?
Yes: 7 safety recalls list service brakes. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix service brakes problems on the GMC Yukon XL?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,100 (half paid between $910 and $2,100), from 17 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about service brakes problems on the GMC Yukon XL?
The most frequent phrase is “vacuum pump”, in 27 of 236 complaints, followed by “brake lines” (23).
Other GMC Yukon XL problems
- Engine problems (688)
- Electrical System problems (340)
- Power Train problems (314)
- Exterior Lighting problems (285)
- Air Bags problems (196)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (103)
See all GMC Yukon XL problems.