2001 GMC Yukon Problems
- Complaints
- 197filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles, 108 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 15 mpgcombined, 4.8L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 18 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 GMC Yukon (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2001 GMC Yukon most often report brake-related problems, and those reports split into two distinct patterns: an ABS module or pump that keeps running, and metal brake lines that corrode through and cause a pedal that goes to the floor. Complaints also describe seat belts that stop retracting, airbags that did not deploy in a crash, and electrical or driveline faults. Many of these reports arrive well past 100,000 miles, though the ABS and brake line reports appear from the 20,000-80,000 mile range upward.
- Brakes
Corroded brake lines, pedal to the floor
- 29 complaints (15%)
- median 132,704 mi at 12.0 yrs old (28 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2020
Owners describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor while stopping, with fluid found dripping under the driver side and heavily rusted metal lines along the frame. Many say they stopped using the parking brake or by downshifting, and that repairs involved replacing several lines. Some complaints note that replacement lines were hard to obtain and had to be made up for the vehicle. Mostly reported from about 50,000 miles upward, often on vehicles in rust-prone areas.
What to check: Have the metal brake lines inspected along the frame rails and above the rear axle for rust and seeping, and ask whether any lines have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was traveling at approximately 35 MPH when the car in front braked suddenly. I pressed the brake pedal quickly and firmly to slow the vehicle, and the brakes worked normally. A half mile or so later, at an intersection, when I applied the brakes gradually, the pedal was soft and went all the way to the floor, only barely stopping the vehicle before it entered the intersection. …”
NHTSA complaint #10605670, filed 2014-06, 143,579 miles“Brake lines failed due to rust while driving on a back road. Lucky for me I was not on the highway yet and was able to use the emergency brake to stop. After looking into the problem, it was discovered that all of the lines were at the point where they need to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10505408, filed 2013-04, 58,635 miles - Brakes
ABS pump runs constantly / module failure
- 18 complaints (9%)
- median 66,000 mi at 5.1 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $1,080 (median of 9 quotes)
- filed 2003–2014
Complaints describe the ABS light coming on and a motor or humming noise that continues after the key is off, sometimes for hours, heating the floor pan. Owners say removing the ABS fuse is the only way to stop the pump, which leaves ABS and traction control inoperative. Several report paying roughly $800 to $1,200 to replace the module, and some had it fail more than once. Reported from about 22,000 to 130,000 miles, often noticed after the vehicle is parked.
Recall 05V3790007 related service bulletins
What to check: With the engine off, listen near the driver-side front for a pump still running and check that the ABS light goes out after start-up. Ask whether the ABS module or pump has been replaced and whether the fuse has been pulled.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The antilock brake module failed and I lost all antilock capability. When it fails, it makes the sound of a small fan motor. It quit when I parked and turned the Yukon off. This module cost me $800 to replace. Incredible for a vehicle with 45,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10032956, filed 2003-08, 45,365 miles“In aug 2005, the ABS light on our 2001 Gmc Yukon with 51k miles came on and there was a grinding noise (the pump) underneath the driver's side which remains on when the vehicle is turned off. The ABS fuse must be removed to shut off the pump. Our local Gmc dealership repaired it for $1100 ($870 for the ABS module). In sep 2009, the ABS failed again at 91k miles. Our Gmc dealership helped cover the cost of repair by covering the cost of the module. …”
NHTSA complaint #10655326, filed 2014-11, 51,234 miles - Brakes
ABS activates at low speed / weak stopping
- 18 complaints (9%)
- median 50,311 mi at 4.9 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2013
Complaints describe the ABS engaging during gentle stops at low speeds, such as at stop signs or over railroad tracks, with the pedal pulsing and the vehicle not stopping as expected. Some owners say a dealer replaced a wheel sensor or cleaned and re-greased the sensor mount, and others report the condition returned. Reported from about 40,000 to 135,000 miles, typically during slow-speed braking.
Recall 05V3790001 related service bulletin
What to check: Test the brakes at walking pace in a quiet area and feel for the pedal pulsing or the truck not slowing smoothly; ask whether the ABS sensors were serviced under the regional campaign.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While traveling over railroad tracks I had to brake suddenly to not hit a car that quickly stopped in font of me. I was going about 25-30 MPH. As I braked over the tracks the ABS kicked in caused the vehicle to swerve to the right. I hit the guard rail with the right front quarter causing $3500 in damage. Nothing has been done to fix this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10130709, filed 2005-07, 32,000 miles“Gm has recalled several of its suvs and pickups due to a bad anti-lock brake design. This has occurred in canada and 14 us states of which minnesota is not included. This past fall I was having the described problems of the anti-lock brakes coming on whenever I was braking at slow speeds. This usually occurred at stop signs. I didn't feel safe with the brakes and the impending winter and decided to take it in to get fixed. They replaced a sensor saying it was bad and I paid ~$230 for the fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10135512, filed 2005-09, 42,000 miles - Brakes
Parking brake does not hold
- 16 complaints (8%)
- median 46,125 mi at 3.4 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2014
Owners report the parking brake failing to hold the vehicle, in some cases repeatedly, and vehicles failing state inspection as a result. Complaints describe rear brake shoes that do not release, wearing early and damaging the rotors, and one case where the intermediate cable broke due to rust. Reported between about 23,000 and 181,000 miles, often at inspection time.
What to check: Set the parking brake on a slope and confirm it holds the vehicle, and have the rear rotors and parking brake shoes checked for wear.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I lost braking on my 2001 Gmc Yukon 4 wd twice during the last month, first time I had 3 brake lines replaced that had failed due to corroston, then a week later another brake line failed while I was towing a boat. I had to down shift to prevent a crash. I have spend over $1500 replacing ABS sensors, brake lines, rotors and emergency brake parts, all failed from corrision. Nothing but brake problems with this Yukon with only 36k miles .in the repair shop now.”
NHTSA complaint #10365887, filed 2010-11, 36,000 miles“Parking brake failure every year for the past 3 years. Yukon xl will not pass state inspection due to parking brake failure. Have replaced rear rotors due to parking brake shoe malfunction. Rear brake shoe does not disengage and wears prematurely causing parking brake failure and rotor damage every year that state inspection is required.”
NHTSA complaint #10170505, filed 2006-10, 37,000 miles - Air bags
Airbags did not deploy in a crash
- 17 complaints (9%)
- median 81,000 mi at 10.2 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 17 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2021
Several complaints describe frontal or rollover impacts where the airbags did not deploy, including one where the steering also seized. Owners say they reported the non-deployment to the manufacturer and in some cases asked for an investigation. These are accounts of specific crashes rather than a repeated warning symptom. Reported across a wide mileage range, from near-new to 200,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the airbag warning light behaves normally at start-up and whether the vehicle has any open recall or airbag-related repairs on record.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On 01/23/2018 I got into an accident. The brakes when applied hesitated for a few then finally took hold but by that time it was to late and I ended up on someones lawn after crashing through their white picket fence, then rolling completely over on its top, totally the Yukon. My concern is the no airbags deployed at all. Thankfully, I only received minor scrapes and bruises. Plus, I am very sore still. …”
NHTSA complaint #11066095, filed 2018-01, 200,000 miles“On january 3rd, 2021, I was driving to work on slushy, icy secondary roads. The rear end caught some slush, slid sideways and sent me sliding across the oncoming traffic lanes and into a ditch where I collided with a tree head on. Upon impact no airbags deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #11386374, filed 2021-01, 1 miles
Buying note. Have the brake system inspected closely on a 2001 Yukon, especially the metal lines along the frame and the ABS module, since those are the most frequent report areas. Service records showing recent brake line or ABS work are worth asking about, and a test drive at both low and road speed helps show how the brakes behave.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 197 consumer complaints for the 2001 GMC Yukon. 108 of the complaints include a mileage, and 34% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,000 miles. Of all complaints, 23 involved a crash, 14 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 365 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes92 47%
- Air bags18 9.1%
- Electrical system17 8.6%
- Tires17 8.6%
- Seat belts15 7.6%
- Transmission and drivetrain13 6.6%
- Steering10 5.1%
- Engine cooling9 4.6%
- Fuel system9 4.6%
Also reported: Body and structure (7), Seats (6), Exterior lighting (5), Other or unknown (4), Suspension (4), Electronic stability control (3), Engine (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “While performing regular maintenance on my 2001 Gmc Yukon 4wd 5.3 ltr, I observed severe corrosion of brake lines at both front and rear of vehicle. Corrosion is so severe that perforation is likely to occur at any time, potentially resulting in complete brake loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10357922, filed 2010-09, 139,102 milesAir bags: “Crash with a vehicle who pulled out in front of us. We were going 60+ MPH on a 65 MPH marked highway. Our front passenger side hit the other vehicle's driver ('89 lincoln towncar) quarter panel. Both vehicles were totalled by insurance. No airbags in my vehicle deployed. Fortunately, the structure of the vehicle held up to the crash and there were minimal injuries. The seatbelt caught the driver and there wasn't anyone in the front passenger seat or there might have been more injuries since the airbags didn't deploy. Vehicle was totalled and no replacement or repair was done.”
NHTSA complaint #10098512, filed 2004-11, 41,000 milesElectrical system: “I own a 2001 Gmc Yukon and this is the second time the ABS module has failed on it. After it fails, the motor continues to run. Not only do you not have ABS, but the motor heats up. If you don't notice it right away, it will drain your battery, leave you stranded, or worse.”
NHTSA complaint #10396626, filed 2011-04, 85,000 milesTires: “While the vehicle was parked the consumer seen that front/rear tire tread had separated. The consumer repaired the rear tires only. The dealership was notified of the problem , but did not resolve. Firestone steel tex#lt245r16 please provide the DOT number.”
NHTSA complaint #10059897, filed 2004-02, 30,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
34% of the 108 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 41,000 and 112,900 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 GMC Yukon. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon · sedan | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 GMC Yukon version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yukon 1500 2WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Yukon 1500 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Yukon 1500 4WD | 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,800 |
| Yukon 1500 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 12 | 15 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Yukon 1500 4WD | 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 15 | 12 | $5,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 07V521000Nov 7, 2007Engine and engine coolingCovers: GMC Yukon 2001, Chevrolet Silverado 2001, GMC Sierra 2001 +1 more
On certain pickup trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 engine, the crankshaft position can operate intermittently or fail completely. If the sensor operates intermittently, the ses light may illuminate and the vehicle may run rough. The engine may stall, and if…
- 05V379000Aug 29, 2005Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: GMC Yukon 2000–2002, Chevrolet Silverado 1999–2002, GMC Sierra 1999–2002 +4 more
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…
- 03V094000Mar 7, 2003Body and structureCovers: GMC Yukon 2000–2003, Ford Explorer 2000–2003, Dodge Grand Caravan 2000–2003 +9 more
Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might…
- 02V253000Sep 17, 2002Seats › Front assembly › Head restraintCovers: GMC Yukon 2000–2002, Chevrolet Tahoe 2000–2002, GMC Denali 2000–2002 +1 more
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with rearward folding head restraints on the second row seats, two potential pinch points exist on each of the folding head restraints when the restraints are folded rearward as the seatback is folded down.
- 01V159000May 17, 2001Seat belts › Front › RetractorCovers: GMC Yukon 2001, Chevrolet Tahoe 2001, Suburban 2001 +4 more
Vehicle description: pickup and utility trucks. Some of these vehicles have an internal component in the outboard seat belt retractors for the 2nd and 3rd row of seats that could be cracked. With repeated actuation of the locking mechanism, the crack could…
- 00V343000Oct 25, 2000Structure › BodyCovers: GMC Yukon 2000–2001, Chevrolet Suburban 2000–2001, Tahoe 2000–2001 +1 more
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Some of these vehicles have loose or missing rear wheelhouse plugs. Under certain vehicle operating conditions, exhaust gases can flow forward and accumulate in the rear wheelhouse.
Recall details for the 2001 GMC Yukon → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 365 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
- 10251887Mar 14, 2024Engine cooling. This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
Other model years of the GMC Yukon
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 44 | 3,788 | 3 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 57 | 3,150 | 2 | 5 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 106 | 21,558 | 3 | 4 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 246 | 34,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 185 | 41,000 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 343 | 69,000 | 13 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 37 | 44,000 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 43 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 55 | 34,400 | 2 | 4 | 18 | 44 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 70 | 48,500 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 196 | 53,496 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 90 · More | Rising |
| 2016 | 270 | 54,000 | 5 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 529 | 59,300 | 10 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 56 | 67,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 117 | 68,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 63 | 75,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 21 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 158 | 70,000 | 5 | 4 | 17 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 105 | 76,500 | 3 | — | 17 | 25 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 94 | 81,000 | 5 | — | 16 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 187 | 84,000 | 4 | — | 16 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 428 | 87,284 | 4 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 27 | 90,000 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 85 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 159 | 72,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 204 | 76,888 | 4 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 158 | 79,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 197 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 166 | 76,200 | 6 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 204 | 90,000 | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 80 | 97,925 | 2 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 133 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 70 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 90 | 92,465 | 6 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 58 | 139,874 | 2 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 17 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 19 | — | 1 | — | 13 | — | Stable |
All GMC Yukon model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 GMC Yukon?
Owners of the 2001 GMC Yukon most often report brake-related problems, and those reports split into two distinct patterns: an ABS module or pump that keeps running, and metal brake lines that corrode through and cause a pedal that goes to the floor. The issues reported most often: Corroded brake lines, pedal to the floor; ABS pump runs constantly / module failure; ABS activates at low speed / weak stopping.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 GMC Yukon have?
NHTSA recorded 197 consumer complaints for the 2001 GMC Yukon as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 GMC Yukon is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 92 complaints (47% of the total), followed by air bags with 18.
Has the 2001 GMC Yukon been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 GMC Yukon get?
The EPA rates the 2001 GMC Yukon (Yukon 1500 2WD, 4.8L 8-cyl) at 15 mpg combined, 13 city and 18 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,450 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 GMC Yukon reported?
Among the 108 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,000 miles and the middle half falls between 41,000 and 112,900 miles; 34% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.