2021 GMC Yukon Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 4%of 343 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the brakes of the 2021 GMC Yukon, 4% of the 343 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,500 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“Driving approx. 62 MPH on a highway, went to slow down and unable to brake, upon pushing down on the break there was resistance, after pumping the breaks multiple times I was eventually able to slow down with a lot of force. Messages on dashboard read brake system failure 62 max speed ESC, service ESC, service trailer break system, and forward collision system unavailable. Abs, ESC and check engine light all illuminated on dash screen.”
NHTSA complaint #11402695, filed 2021-03, 11,000 miles“This GMC Yukon underwent an over the air update in remote Wyoming and was almost undriveable due to steering problems and brake malfunction. Also engine and transmission problems. It has been awaiting repair, but I have been informed that no fix is available because of transmission defect. No parts available We were nearly stranded.”
NHTSA complaint #11545764, filed 2023-09“I own a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali that had TOTAL BRAKE FALIURE last Tuesday. I had it towed to a local GMC dealer and are repairing it under warranty. I was lucky to be on a back road when my brakes went out. I had no warning lights come on prior to hitting the brake pedal and was able to coast to a stop on the shoulder When I applied the brakes, the pedal went to the floor and did nothing. You can't stop the car with the parking brake because it is electric. …”
NHTSA complaint #11491401, filed 2022-10“On July 28, 2026, while traveling on vacation with my family, our vehicle experienced a catastrophic engine failure. There were warning lights displayed for 30 seconds prior to the engine failure. On July 23, 2026, one day before taking the vehicle to the dealership, the following warning indicators appeared on the dashboard and then disappeared: “Service ESC,” “Service Traction Control,” and a flashing engine light. We took the vehicle to the dealership on July 24, 2026, because we wanted to be proactive and ensure that the vehicle was safe to operate. …”
NHTSA complaint #11756194, filed 2026-08“The component that failed was the Camshaft and Lifters in the Engine - My safety and others was put at risk because while going 45mph, I suddenly lost forward moving power and couldn't go faster than 35 - braking power was sketchy and only responsive when pumped. - I received the following errors on my dash Service ESC Service Traction Control , Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care , Forward Collision System Unavailable , Service Emission System the vehicle would shudder violently- this problem has been confirmed and corrected at a huge expense (see bill) -”
NHTSA complaint #11647336, filed 2025-03Related recalls
- 21V579000Jul 29, 2021General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. Dealer service technicians may have calibrated the brake system…Covers: GMC Yukon 2021, Chevrolet Tahoe 2021
Related 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 | 2 | 4% |
| 2024 | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 | 11 | 4% |
| 2022 | 3 | 2% |
| 2021 | 12 | 4% |
| 2020 | 3 | 8% |
| 2019 | 4 | 7% |
| 2018 | 5 | 7% |
| 2017 | 44 | 22% |
| 2016 | 55 | 20% |
| 2015 | 89 | 17% |
| 2014 | 2 | 4% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% |
| 2007 | 12 | 3% |
| 2006 | 3 | 11% |
| 2005 | 12 | 14% |
| 2004 | 38 | 24% |
| 2003 | 59 | 29% |
| 2002 | 77 | 49% |
| 2001 | 92 | 47% |
| 2000 | 59 | 36% |
| 1999 | 113 | 55% |
| 1998 | 21 | 26% |
| 1997 | 31 | 23% |
| 1996 | 14 | 20% |
| 1995 | 25 | 28% |
| 1994 | 21 | 36% |
| 1993 | 9 | 53% |
| 1992 | 12 | 63% |
Other parts of the 2021 GMC Yukon
189 complaintsFuel system
56 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
55 complaintsEngine cooling
32 complaintsElectrical system
31 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsForward collision avoidance
19 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsSeats
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 GMC Yukon
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology