What 211 owners told NHTSA about the 2023 GMC Yukon Denali Xl 1500

On June 25, 2026 my 2023 GMC Yukon Denali with 53,456 miles was brought to an authorized GMC dealership after displaying a Service 4WD warning light and exhibiting a groaning noise when shifting into Drive and Reverse. The vehicle was diagnosed with the following brake system fault codes: P25A2, C0511, C0517, C1595 and C1596. These codes indicate brake control module failure and wheel speed sensor faults which are safety critical components. The dealership confirmed these findings but stated the repairs are not covered under the GMC powertrain warranty. Given that these are safety critical brake system failures on a nearly new vehicle with only 53,456 miles, we contacted GMC Customer Care on July 1, 2026 to request coverage under goodwill warranty as we believe these failures constitute a manufacturing defect. A case was opened however after 7 days no case advisor has been assigned and no decision has been made despite two promised timelines not being met. The brake system failures on a nearly new vehicle represent a serious safety concern as these systems directly affect the vehicle's ability to stop safely. The vehicle has been at the dealership since June 25, 2026 and remains unrepaired.

NHTSA ODI 11749116

Brakes failed to engage. Many lights lit up on dashboard and warning not to exceed 35 mph. It was determined this was due to a faulty brake system control module.

NHTSA ODI 11732405

While driving approximately 63 mph on a busy roadway, my 2023 GMC Yukon experienced a sudden failure of the brake system, including loss of normal braking capability along with failures of the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and ABS systems. The vehicle displayed warning messages stating “Brake System Failure” and “Service ESC” and entered a reduced-speed mode. Prior to this incident, there were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms indicating a problem. During the failure, the brakes became largely unresponsive, placing me, my two minor children who were passengers in the vehicle, and surrounding motorists at serious risk of a high-speed collision. After extended deceleration, a minimal amount of braking power partially returned, allowing the vehicle to eventually come to a stop. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer, manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, and the issue has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by a service center. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request and has not been repaired. This incident occurred without prior warning and involved a sudden and dangerous loss of braking capability at highway speed.

NHTSA ODI 11712998

Vehicle lost steering and brakes suddenly. Many errors on screen such as: Brake System Failure, ABS Failure, ESC Failure, Traction Control Failure, Maximum Vehicle Speed 43mph. Was able to slowly get home with no power assisted brakes. Did not drive it any more until it was taken to dealer 2 days later and the dealer could not replicate the errors. Dealer was able to see stored error codes; however, they could not verify any errors in any of the modules or computer. Dealer wants us to take it back and wife is scared to drive it due to no fixes or repairs. Loss of brakes and steering is NOT a situation to ask an owner to 'bring back when it happens again"

NHTSA ODI 11705535

While driving in approximately 10°F weather after the vehicle had been parked outside overnight during snowfall in Chicago, the vehicle displayed a warning that said “Do Not Drive — Maximum Speed 43 MPH.” At the same time, the brake pedal became extremely hard and the vehicle had significantly reduced braking ability, requiring much longer stopping distance. This occurred without any brake warning lights beforehand. After the vehicle warmed up and was restarted, the message eventually cleared but then there was a new transmission warning and the check engine light went on. After driving for a long commute, eventually all warnings disappeared. I personally know another 2023 Yukon owner who experienced the exact same message and braking loss under similarly cold conditions, which suggests this may be a broader safety issue affecting this model year. Because this involved a sudden safety-system activation combined with temporary brake loss, there was a real risk of being unable to stop the vehicle safely or avoid a collision. My vehicle is within the year range of GM’s brake-system software recall N242447990 (eBCM brake fluid loss detection issue), and it is unclear whether my case is related, but the symptoms point to a potential systemic braking or electronic brake control problem in the 2023 Yukon. This issue warrants investigation due to the combination of: • Hard brake pedal • Reduced braking performance • Speed-limiting safety warning • No prior diagnostic warning • Occurrence in very cold temperatures A sudden loss of braking ability is a serious safety defect.

NHTSA ODI 11704198

8/26/2025 I purchased the vehicle from Maguire in Syracuse, NY with open recalls. It is my understanding a dealership is required to have these fixed prior to selling a vehicle. I now have to drive 45 mins each way to get them fixed and miss additional 2 hours for wait time from work. Brakes could fail causing an accident.

NHTSA ODI 11699334

1.    First incident While driving, the brakes failed and the entire infotainment/tablet system locked up. This presented a severe safety risk to my family and others on the road. The vehicle had to be towed to DEALER where I was told that “no problems were found.” I documented the incident with photos and videos showing the warning messages and system status.     2.    Second incident Approximately one week ago, after shutting off the vehicle, a “steering wheel lock” warning appeared and the truck became completely disabled. Even with jumper cables, it would not start. The vehicle had to be flatbed towed to DEALER. I again documented the incident with photos and videos showing the warnings.

NHTSA ODI 11679904

My wife was driving in the vehicle with our two (2) infants on Dixie Hwy in Boca Raton, FL when the breaks suddenly stopped working. Fortunately, there was not a lot of traffic on the road at this time and eventually the vehicle slowed down and no one was injured. No warning lights came on. Once the car came to a complete stop my wife turned off the vehicle and started it back up; still no warning lights or anything. My wife drove a little further to get to a safer location (not in the middle of the road), unfortunately the car then completely stopped working and my wife was still stuck in the middle of the road...eventually a police officer (crash inspector) came to the scene and the car was towed to the dealership for repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11660704

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V674000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair because the vehicle had a Salvage Title. The contact stated that the dealer would repair the vehicle but only if he paid out-of-pocket for the repair. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded their authority in declining to complete the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11650418

I took my SUV (Yukon SLT 2023) to the GMC Dealership 4/5 months ago because of 2 recalls, Failed Brake Fluid Leak Detection and Serial Data Gateway Model. The car was repaired according to the dealership. About 2 weeks ago, I entered my garage to auto start my vehicle and my SUV would not auto start. I waited a few minutes and tried to start it again from inside the vehicle and it started. When it started, the engine light was on and on the dashboard, brake system failure was displaying. It was very strange. So, I let my vehicle idle for a couple of minutes and tried to move the car in the garage. The car started jerking when I put it in drive and a message displayed on the dashboard telling me not to drive my SUV over 40 mph. The brake system failure and engine light were still on. It was very strange. I parked my SUV and let it sit. I'm taking my SUV back to the dealership on Thursday. I'm thankful I wasn't on the highway traveling to work, who knows what could have happened. There are massive problems with these vehicles, brakes, engine, computer systems, etc. I do not feel safe driving my SUV. I drive 41 miles each way for work and I don't feel safe driving this vehicle now with all the recalls, including the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11638837

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Yukon. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the transmission shifter failed to shift from park. The contact stated that the "Braking System", Brake Pad Monitor, and Traction Control messages were displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 44,871.

NHTSA ODI 11627169