2021 GMC Yukon XL Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 230 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,327miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL, 3% of the 230 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,327 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Gm changed the travel of the steering column so now it's only a few inches from the dashboard. In prior models, the steering wheel (sw) travel was much more. Due to GM's desire to save money and complete disregard for driver, passenger and other vehicles safety, the driver has to reach out to the sw resulting at dangerous elbow angles. In performance cars, the sw is designed to be close to the driver because physics principles of torque reveal: the greater the angle of reach, the more torque it requires to turn the sw. …”
NHTSA complaint #11390885, filed 2021-01, 150 miles“While driving my check engine light came on indicating that service was needed on the Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), brake assist the vehicle top speed reduced to 43mph. My braking system was compromised and I have to travel at reduced speeds on busy roadways to arrive at my destinations. I have taken the vehicle to a certified GMC technician for diagnostics and repair.”
NHTSA complaint #11575674, filed 2024-03“The contact owns a 2021 GMC Yukon XL. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brake pedal engaged without warning, then the vehicle proceeded to accelerate independently. As a result, the vehicle inadvertently stopped and jerked forward. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,504.”
NHTSA complaint #11514637, filed 2023-03, 20,504 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11017173Mar 21, 2025This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11013242Jan 17, 2025This informational bulletin advises the technician to check for faults that may be caused by the trailer otherwise found by a possible faulty trailer connector.
- 11012938Jan 9, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about customers that may request the factory Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Regular…
- 11013031Jan 3, 2025This technical bulletin provides a procedure to inform drivers that under certain driving conditions such as hilly or mountainous roads accompanied with frequent braking, that…
- 11012247Dec 19, 2024This Preliminary information communicates an issue with premature brake pad life and engineering is working on release new pad lining material.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 18% |
| 2024 | 2 | 3% |
| 2023 | 10 | 4% |
| 2022 | 4 | 2% |
| 2021 | 6 | 3% |
| 2020 | 3 | 6% |
| 2019 | 5 | 7% |
| 2018 | 10 | 18% |
| 2017 | 25 | 17% |
| 2016 | 41 | 20% |
| 2015 | 64 | 21% |
| 2014 | 2 | 18% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 5 | 29% |
| 2005 | 8 | 19% |
| 2004 | 14 | 16% |
| 2003 | 22 | 22% |
| 2002 | 38 | 40% |
| 2001 | 70 | 58% |
| 2000 | 31 | 45% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
141 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsFuel system
34 complaintsEngine cooling
21 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 GMC Yukon XL
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology