RoadVitals

2017 GMC Yukon Brakes Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Brakes reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
44
Latest Jun 18, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
22%
of 196 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
7
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2017 GMC Yukon submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 44 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming brake

The 25 most recent of 44, in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Jun 18, 2026

The recall repair for the brake vacuum pump did not hold for this vehicle. Even after the repair, several years later, the brakes would get hard as a rock, especially at low speeds and there was difficult stopping the vehicle. Due to the special Warranty on this recall, I was able to get the brake vacuum pump replaced at no cost. However, the recall repair failed initially. This is a safety issue.

NHTSA ID
11745056
Incident
Jan 3, 2026
Brakes
Filed Jun 1, 2026

Passenger brake Led Circuit board prematurely failed resulting in the entire assembly needing replacement. The assembly is $500 and higher. This is a safety issue and though there was a class action lawsuit, the light fails after 72000 miles which appears to be when GMC wont replace the part. $500 for a tail light replacement is a financial burden to be able to keep the car on the road. There is no warning when the light fails. Please consider a recall on the tail lights.

NHTSA ID
11741422
Incident
Jun 1, 2026
BrakesElectricalSuspension
Filed May 15, 2026
Crash reported

So the shock strut system up front has a grommet that holds it in. The repair order said they put a shock simulator in the car and it gave false reading saying it was good and it came out broke break line and caused me to jump a curve to stop the vehicle. ALSO Now the THE TAIL LIGHT IS OUT AND NO WAY TO REPAIR IT NO ONE HAS THE LIGHT. Also this car is on its third transmission

NHTSA ID
11738169
Incident
Aug 13, 2025
Brakes
Filed Dec 29, 2025
Crash reported

This has been going on for a while now, but it’s getting worse overtime. If I push on my brakes more than twice the brake pedal locks up and I have to push extremely hard to get my vehicle stopped.. luckily I have never been going fast and had to worry about this. This is normally when I am pulling into a parking spot or I am backing up that I have to tap on my brakes a few times. A couple of times I have bumped the pole in front of my parking spot due to not having brakes. I just put in a general date as to when they started to get worse.

NHTSA ID
11707478
Incident
Feb 1, 2025
Brakes
Filed Dec 2, 2025

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

NHTSA ID
11702401
Incident
Oct 3, 2025
Brakes
Filed Sep 3, 2025

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

NHTSA ID
11684827
Incident
Sep 1, 2025
Brakes
Filed Aug 24, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11682659
Incident
Jun 19, 2025
BrakesEngineSuspension
Filed May 7, 2025

[XXX] Please call me to discuss this matter on my GMC Vehicle. [XXX] Yukon GMC This might not be your department but lead me to the right area local, federally or NHTSA so I can discuss these issues in detail Issues I have had that are not normal and maybe need to be on a recall or on consumer alert list for major defects on major components Brakes losing total traction had to be fixed unannounced (recall) Rear Tail lights giving up , had to be replace (Recall) AC system failing had to be replaced Paint completely fading on hood prematurely Transmission failure, had to be overhauled Engine Failure with need of Lifters All the above high cost to fix and having no vehicle in the interim . These issues have been during the warranty and now out of warranty. Other cars do not have these many issues. [XXX] [XXX] On Friday, April 25, 2025 at 01:05:11 PM EDT, [XXX] [XXX] > wrote: Attention Mary Barra I am very disappointed that my 2017 Yukon has engine failure now (lifters issue). I am expecting to get help from your office and see what you can do to resolve this matter . I have owned multiple vehicles including Mercedes SUV and BMW SUV with no problems like this.. I have had nothing but problems for just over 100k miles vehicle that is still considered fairly new . Most vehicles offer warranties up to minimum 100k longer than yours especially with engine failure Please contact me to discuss this and see if you can cover the issue at hand . I am not sure who i need to be contacting to resolve this issue with the local automobile dept, recalls, lemon law or any government agency that deals with this issue. I would like to resolve this issue whereby i am satisficed to purchase a vehicle like this in the near future. Currently the vehicle is at your dealership. The car was built with defects. VIN [XXX] Please call me at the below number. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11659552
Incident
May 1, 2025
Brakes
Filed Mar 31, 2025

Brake pedal gets hard and will not allow vehicle to stop. Intermittent issue, but caused vehicle to hit gate. Same situation occurred later that same week and vehicle almost rolled through major highway crossing.

NHTSA ID
11651730
Incident
Mar 31, 2025
Brakes
Filed Mar 28, 2025

The pump in the power-assist brakes puts out less vacuum power than needed, increasing stopping distance and the risk of a crash. My car rolls and doesn't stop. I have new brakes so this is unacceptable!!

NHTSA ID
11651233
Incident
Mar 28, 2025
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jan 30, 2025

I have a 2017 Yukon. There is a recall on this model already for a vacuum pump that decreases the power brake assist. My vehicle is having this exact issue. The back tire sounds like the compressor is always running and when braking it grinds at the pedal like a vibration and doesn’t want to stop immediately. I need my vehicle added to the recall list so I can get it repaired.

NHTSA ID
11639653
Incident
Jan 30, 2025
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Aug 9, 2024

Stabilitrak warning light comes on intermittently. Cruise or anti-lock brakes do not work when this condition is present

NHTSA ID
11607646
Incident
May 1, 2024
BrakesEngineSuspension
Filed May 30, 2024

1.)Rear Brakes are not functioning properly. They still have pads but when you press down to pump the brake it fails. I was told by a mechanic that they other GMC vehicles have had recalls on this, but mine is not showing one. 2.)The suspension on this vehicle has never worked properly. It rides extremely rough. It has some special suspension in it from a shock perspective, but it feels as if it often fails. 3.) I had to replace the torque converter in this vehicle last year, and the fluid that runs through it. Apparently this is a known issue with no recall. 4.) the transmission slips when the vehicle shifts gears. It shifts hard. Also a known issue with no recall.

NHTSA ID
11591460
Incident
May 30, 2024
Brakes
Filed Jan 3, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brake pedal remained on the floorboard. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven until the vehicle eventually slowed down. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the rotors and brake pads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was determined that the ABS needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ID
11563309
Incident
Dec 17, 2023
Mileage
85,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 27, 2023

Driving down the highway and brake pedal became hard to push down almost causing us to wreck. Keep seeing there was a recall for the brake vacuum pump and also brake assist warning came on. Also when driving low speed like in parking lot it takes a while for vehicle to come to a complete stop

NHTSA ID
11556923
Incident
Nov 26, 2023
BrakesElectrical
Filed Oct 16, 2023

Tail Brake Light failure The tail brake lights have gone out on a vehicle that isn't 10 years old yet. Tail lights should not go out this quickly and the dealership will kindly replace them at $1300 per tail light. This is absolutely absurd! It is available for inspection. This definitely puts myself and others at risk! Yes, this problem has been confirmed and inspected by a GMC dealer. Advised this is a very common problem with this vehicle. There are no warning lamps or messages to alert when the brake lights have gone out. Instrument Cluster failure The instrument cluster is also faulty in this truck. This is the 2nd time within a year that i have had issues with this. Safety concern is that you will not know if the vehicle is running hot because the gauges stop working. Also runs the battery down as the fan continues to run for about 10 minutes after the vehicle is turned off. Yes, the problem has been confirmed and inspected by a dealer. Advised that this is a very common problem with this vehicle. No, there are no warning lamps or messages to alert you of the problem. You just notice a different noise while driving, the gauges stop working and then when you turn it off, the fan continues to run.

NHTSA ID
11550160
Incident
Apr 1, 2023
Brakes
Filed Mar 25, 2023

AFTER A 7 HOUR DRIVE ON FREEWAY BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP FOR A COMPLETE BRAKE JOB FOR $1800.00. VEHICLE SEEMED TO BE FIXED SO DROVE IT BACK HOME ANOTHER 7 HOURS AND THE EXACT SOME PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE PARKING IN MY GARAGE.

NHTSA ID
11513751
Incident
Mar 22, 2023
BrakesPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to respond while shifting from first to second gear. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal would hesitate to respond, causing a 40-50 feet stopping distance delay. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer who advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the Honda dealer where the vehicle was purchased and sold for repair. The vehicle was taken to the Honda dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,564.

NHTSA ID
11500148
Incident
Dec 25, 2022
Mileage
120,564 mi
AirbagsBrakes
Filed Nov 9, 2022
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2017 GMC Yukon. The contact stated while driving at 20 MPH with her daughter in the rear passenger seat, the message "Grade Braking Active" was displayed. The contact stated while making a right turn in an intersection, she depressed the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from colliding with the vehicle before hers. However, the brake pedal went down to the floorboard and failed to respond. The contact then quickly veered to the right to prevent a crash. The vehicle hit a curb and was propelled to the left across three lanes and crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained bruises on the forehead as she hit her head against the steering wheel. The contact also sustained soreness on the neck and shoulder; however, the contact did not seek medical assistance. The contact's daughter did not sustain any injuries. The occupant of the other vehicle did not sustain injuries. A police report was filed. The contact's uncle met her at the scene and drove the vehicle back to her residence. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would send a field technician to diagnose the vehicle. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 20V603000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact's vehicle remained at her residence. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID
11492912
Incident
Oct 13, 2022
Mileage
95,000 mi
BrakesExterior lightingSuspension
Filed Aug 9, 2022

I purchased a 2017 GMC Yukon Denali brand new off the showroom floor. I have maintained the services thru GMC dealership. I had to replace the struts and rear and front shocks due to hydraulic system leaking and locking up my brakes and causing extra pressure on my braking system to stop my vehicle. This cost me over $5000 to replace out of my pocket and I saw there was a previous recall in 2019 for similar problem but i was told my issues were not covered under the recall. I have also had to replace both taillights within 2years of purchasing my brand new vehicle and now they are out again. This will be my second time having to replace the LED tail lights that cost over $375 light which were stated as never go out of lifetime guarantee. You cannot just replace the bulb you have to replace the whole tail light which takes weeks to come in and then additional labor costs. The previous

NHTSA ID
11478413
Incident
Nov 2, 2021
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 27, 2022

Presently my air conditioner in my 2017 Yukon Denali has went out around 55 thousand miles approximately .We called to make appointments many times & after several attempts finally my car was early one morning & left until about 4:30;no one called to tell my husband not myself that their machine was not working.So no I’m order to wait for another appt !Today June 27th they are finally checking my air conditioner.I received a call saying this would be 1200.00 dollars!I bought this car with 23 miles on it and 6 MONTHS AFTER I DROVE IT I TOLD MY HUSBAND SOMETHING DI NOT SOUND RIGHT NOR FEEL RIGHT .We tried to make Many appts for 3 years UNTIL GMC FINALLY ADMITTED THERE WAS A RECALL!!Im furious.My vechile would cut off in the middle of a main Hwy with my 9 year old with me.Automatic brake will stop me at 55 mph ;for no reason .Windows down sound like you are in a wind tunnel !!Sun roof leak .Middle console latch just stopped working .ENGINE PROBLEM STILL NOT FIXED & UNDER LEMON LAW AFTER 3 attempts,& with all the lies many GMC LOCAL DEALERS HAVE TOLD ME DUE TO JUST NOT WANTING TO ADMITT THE TRUTH.I feel unbelievably frustrated.

NHTSA ID
11471148
Incident
Jun 27, 2018
Brakes
Filed Jun 20, 2022

Low speed breaking failure.

NHTSA ID
11470091
Incident
Jun 19, 2022
Brakes
Filed Jun 9, 2022

-Back brake light system failure. -Safety of a rearend accident compromised when tail light does not work properly. -Yes, a repair shop confirmed the $975 unit needs to be replaced and is on back order for one month putting our safety at risk. -No warning has appeared. A person behind me reported it to me.

NHTSA ID
11468473
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
BrakesElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Apr 9, 2022

Water in 3rd brake light

NHTSA ID
11460263
Incident
Aug 13, 2021
BrakesElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Apr 9, 2022

Brake light not working.

NHTSA ID
11460251
Incident
Apr 2, 2022

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .