Brake Hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings problems of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 - part 1

Hydraulic brake lines corroded causing leaks and brake failure.

While driving approximately 35 mph in town, the vehicle in front of me signaled to make a left hand turn. I began to slow down the vehicle and then I lost all brake pressure. I was unable to stop the truck to avoid an accident due to complete brake failure! there were no previous lights or warning signals notifying of a brake problem prior to this. The warning light came on after the accident. The brake fluid reservoir was full. After further investigation, it appears that the brake lines were corroded causing the brake failure.

Tl- the contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving about 15 mph into a parking lot, the contact slammed on the brake, to avoid another vehicle which abruptly pulled in front of the contact's vehicle. The brake pedal went to the floor without stopping the vehicle immediately. There was no warning indicators. The dealer was not called. However, the contact spoke to a technician who stated that he could repair the failure by cutting out the rotted section of the brake line and replacing it with a new section. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any help. The failure mileage was 127,600. The contact did not provide a valid VIN. Fe.

Loss of brakes due to rusted through brake lines. While pulling a trailer with pontoon boat, all of a sudden when stopping I suddenly had no brakes. Just came off the freeway but was going slow when the failure occurred. Need to replace now. Also, rusted through power steering lines. Already replaced. Also, rusted trans cooler lines. Will need to replace soon.

The contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact observed an abnormal sound from the rear brakes without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer (betten baker GMC located at 749 w main st, lowell, mi, 49331) where it was diagnosed that the rear brakes had failed. The vehicle was repaired. Two weeks later, the contact observed a puddle under the front driver door and realized it was brake fluid. In addition, the contact observed that the paint on the frame was failing and was wet due to the excessive leakage of the brake fluid. The contact researched online to see the complaints on his vehicle and found a closed investigation due to brake line corrosion under NHTSA action number: ea11001 (brakes). The vehicle was not diagnosed again. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

Brakes failed while on boat ramp causing boat to knock me down under trailer as I was pulling drain plug . Driver was able to apply parking brake and putting truck in drive . Brake lines failed brake petal when to floor rusted lines . Then found out that is very common with gm trucks in this year . Result I am pissed , a notice from gm would have been nice . What would happen if I had to stop at a intersection or on the interstate.

Brake line failure complete loss of brakes while driving on hwy off ramp.

I was on my way home running 45 mph in light traffic. When I went to make a left hand turn and my brake pedal went to the floor. Scared the hell out of me. I was able to pump them enough to make the turn and luckily I was only three blocks from my home. I was able to coast it home. I raised the hood and all the brake lines are so rusty. I had my wife step on the brake and you can see one line busted. I checked with dealer and they don't offer replacement parts. You have pay someone to make the lines for you.

Turning into an auto parts store, from the highway, when I applied the brakes the pedal went clear to the floor. My truck slowed but not enough if anyone walking or a car had been there I would have hit them. I was very lucky. Of the four brake lines one burst, two were seeping, but not dripping and the rear line was almost as bad as the other lines and its a wonder it didn't break at the same time. Going home I would have gone down a very steep hill with a stoplight and a very busy intersection. It could have been a disaster. This is a low mileage truck, seldom driven in snow.

The contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving at 65 mph, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact had to engage the emergency brake in order to stop the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that brake failure was displayed across the message board and a chime was heard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed that the brake lines were corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.

Complete brake failure. All brake lines rusted out. Had to use the emergency brake to stop. Brake pedal went all the way to the floor. All the brake fluid was gone. Spent $1008 to fix the vehicle. No previous warning, no message until there was the complete brake failure.

While driving to the store I applied the brake and it went straight to floor without any pre-warning of a brake issue. I was able to stop without crashing and found that the brake line routed over the gas tank rusted through spilling out brake fluid which caused the brake reservoir to empty. After doing some research NHTSA is well aware of the rusted brake lines on gm models, so I am not telling you anything new. I expect alternators, starter motors, and other mechanical components to fail and need replaced but brake lines should be manufactured using stainless steel. How can this be any different than a car ignition turning off causing potential crashes and loss of life. Nhtsa should have gm recall vehicles and/or reimburse owners for this highly potential safety issu.

Truck was being driven in traffic and as approaching stop light and brakes were applied petal went all the way to floor and had to swerve to miss stopped traffic. Upon inspection brake line on drivers front side of truck and laying on top of the frame was rusted almost completely in half! quick thinking avoided accident . This truck has only been driven on city streets and never off road four wheeling and feel this is manufacturing defect as stainless steels lines should not rust in half if in fact they are stainless steel to begin with. Truck is at GMC now to be repaired.

While having my vehicle check over for the winter, the mechanic inform me that the front brake lines are very rusty as well as the fuel lines and the cooling lines going to the transmission. This situation is very disturbing since I have very low mileage. The tubing used for the brake as well as the fuel lines should be able to withstand rusting for the life of the vehicle. If the material used by gm was not up to specification as far as corrosion protection either compensation to repair it is in order a recall should be made.

Entered 1st lane of traffic , accelerated and entered second lane. At that time traffic slowed abruptly. Applied pressure to brake, brake petal went to the floor--pumped brake, total failure causing me to hit vehicle in front of me. Applied emergency brake to stop vehicle, however tractor trailr was behind honking horn , came within inches of hitting me. With emergency brake applied, forced truck to breakdown lane. Luckily no injuries--just car damage including a new front bumper that had just been replaced due to chronic gm rusting. Tow truck arrived--driver notices severe brake fluid drainage on ground and on truck bed when raised up. Truck brought to repair shop, where mechanic reported all brake lines burst due to severe corrosion. Mechanic stated--no wonder you didn't have any brakes because all lines failed--not surprised due to GMC having brake line issues. Neadless to say--traumatic experience that could have been a lot worse under different traffic conditions. Think about child running across road--tractor trailer not being able to stop in time. . . . Higher speed on the highway-- think about it--I certainly am!!!.

Attempted to stop at red light. Brake pedal went to floor. Swerved to not rear-end car in front. Ran red light because unable to stop. Pulled into residential side street and slammed into park. Brakes would not stop the truck. Not towing any load. No load in truck bed. Upon investigation after stopping, brake fluid spraying out left rear brake line near axle when pedal depressed.

When attempting to use brakes at highway speeds (70-75 mph), pedal went immediately to floor with very little effort. Pedal had held firm moments before. No reduction in speed from pumping pedal. No warning of malfunction until danger was imminent. A certain crash was avoided if evasive driving was not implemented with a combination of shifting to neutral, kicking on the emergency brake, and shifting to the berm. Stopping distance estimated to be at least a half mile to 3/4. Vehicle suffered minor front end damage from using the berm to avoid other vehicles. Upon further investigation, a hard steel rear brake line above frame had fully rusted through. It had come apart with a large window, rather than a small perforation which would have allowed some brake modulation.

Brake line corrosion caused rear drivers side steel line to burst and lose most of the truck's braking ability. Luckily I was driving slowly at the time. In addition to the line that rusted through, all lines will need replacing after further inspection.

Brake lines rusting out. Vehicle not driveable.

I was backing up a trailer with my 2003 GMC sierra and tried to stop when the brake pedal went to the floor and did not stop. Checked out the brakes and found that the brake lines are rusted bad and one had failed. I found out this is a common problem with this truck for that time period. Reading about other complaints and there are a lot of them . This is not normal and very dangerous and there needs to be a recall for these vehicles. This is a safety issue and warrants a recall to replace these brake lines. This is a serious issue! there are no warnings, and most owners of these vehicles, like myself are not aware of this problem. It makes me sick to know that gm is aware of the poor choice of materials they used to make these brake lines and by doing so putting our love ones in danger and put money first.

Applied brakes when a deer ran in front of the truck. Steel brake line feeding the left front brake ruptured as a result of corrosion just above the fitting where the steel line connects to the brake hose. Pedal immediately went to the floor, both braking circuits failed. Had to use the emergency/parking brake to bring the truck to a stop. Vehicle is not a southern vehicle - was in vermont from purchase in early 2003 until moving to virginia in August of 2013.

You must take action on the gm brake lines in the early 2000 trucks. The corrosion is not normal compared to other vehicles. Either the metal is thinner or there is something in the metallurgy allowing increase corrosion. With the worst winter in recent memory, these brake lines were subjected to more salt than ever. I realize that there are two sets of brake lines and if one of them fails the vehicle still may stop albeit at an increase distance. While this may be fine for a small car. The vehicles we are dealing with are large vehicles. The brake lines are subjected to the most pressure when the beds are loaded and/or pulling a trailer. That also is the worst time for the brake lines to fail. These vehicles are also the least maneuverable in case evasive action needs to be taken. Are we just waiting for a few deaths first??.

Brake line failure.

The brake lines ruptured and all breaking power stopped. I nearly slid into the intersecting street with traffic coming. The roads were icy/snowy, but no storm was occurring on this night. The temp. Outside was around 0 degrees in nh. I had it repaired and the technician noticed the entire rear brake lines were extremely rusted out and the spot just under the driver side door was the first part to rupture.

Brake line failure due to excessive corrosion of the line. After replacing the line myself, I performed a test run and yet another line failed due to the corrosion problem. The issue has been addressed by general motors in canada, but has not been addressed in the us. I feel that ten years and only 84,000 miles is not an acceptable timeframe/mileage to be experiencing brake line corrosion failure in the state of virginia. In fact the entire undercarriage of the vehicle is corroded far worse than my 2000 Honda civic which has 175,000 miles on it. General motors should be forced to address the corrosion issues with the sierra pickup line in the us.

While slowing down for a light on a 4 lane highway my brake lines burst in two places failed from being weaken by rust. . . . I had no chance to stop or advert the car and crashed into and totaled a new Buick. . . . . The driver was taken to the hospital. . . The front of my truck need repair. . . . Gm made the lines out of steel even thought the exhaust system and fuel line were made out of rust resistant material ( go figure). . . . I have my truck serviced at the local gm dealers and they never mentioned the potential hazard. . . . When searching the internet I found that many other owners had the same experience. . . . . I had also been on the local and national news yet gm but they never advise me of this condition, and I'm the original owner. . . . Under different circumstances it could of been much worse. . . My insurance went up 1000. 00 and the agent said the break lines on her gm truck had just burst and crashed in a ditch. . . People are driving their cars longer and theres going to be a bad accident. . . I see on the net your department has been investigating it for several years, yet no action. . . . You could at the very least advise owners of the danger. . . . I filed a claim with gm for help in this matter and was denied because I already had the brake lined repaired. . . .

After starting the truck, I stepped on the brake pedal to shift out of park. Upon pressing the brake pedal, my foot went to the floor and a loud pop/snap noise was heard. The rear steel brake line had corroded and burst. After being towed to the mechanic and being inspected, I was told that all steel brake lines were corroded and had to be replaced. The mechanic also noted the extremely high failure rate of the brake lines in full size gm vehicles from that time period. This is the second gm truck I have owned that a brake line failure has occurred; experiencing the same failure with my 1992 Chevrolet silverado.

Our truck was at collision shop for a repair from a hit and run in a lowe's parking lot. . When they finished, they took the truck out of the garage to take for a car wash. When pulling out of their business the truck would not stop. They pushed it back into the parking lot and restarted and tested the brakes. There were no brakes. They looked under the truck and saw the brake fluid flowing out on the ground. We had the truck towed to our mechanic and one of the lines was broke. He replaced it ($298. 00). He told us the other lines were also in bad shape. We became aware that gm had a problem after seeing a television news story. We took copies of this story to our local GMC dealer, the collision shop and our mechanic. Our GMC dealer said they knew nothing about this problem. On September 25, 2013 we had the remainder of the lines replaced. ($984. 80). We have since encountered two additional people who have had the same problem. This truck was purchased in michigan, but we spend out winters in florida, so it has limited exposure to salt used during the winter. What scares us about this on the day before we took the truck to the collision shop, we were going to drive 45 miles to ann arbor, mi for a birthday party. We decided at the last minute not to go. If we had gone that day, this would have happened to us traveling on the expressway at 70 mph! this is a scary thing. To quote the news story: "gm, in a statement to 7 action news states this is 'not a safety issue' as the brakes still operate with a broken brake line and admit that rusty brake lines are a problem that 'can happen over time', presumably from liquid salt used in cold weather states. Gm has a solution. The company is offering what they call a deeply discounted brake repair kit that runs $2-thousand dollars for only $500". Gm needs to step up to the plate and let owners know.

A vehicle pulled out in front of my son last night on his way to a boy scout meeting. The speed limit was 45. My son hit the brakes which locked up then let loose. Pedal went to the floor . He avoided hitting the car that pulled out on him and when I arrived found that the metal brake line running along the frame had ruptured as it bent to go across the frame behind the cab. This truck has only 70,000 miles on it and this is a premature failure due to premature rust. I own and 1971 Dodge dart and a 1978 pontiac firebird with original metal brake lines on both with no rust on lines at all and I live in ohio and they are driven in the winter. I feel fortunate my son and no one else was injured due to the catastrophic failure of the gm metal brake line. Hope others will be just as fortunate. Toyota was forced into a recall of there truck line due to premature rusting problems and gm should be made to follow suite. These vehicles are accidents waiting to happen. I also own a 1994 GMC c2500 suburban that has no visible rust on the brake lines either with 170,000 miles that I have owned for 15 years. . The 2003 GMC chassis is truly sub standard to say the least. Please look into these issues I have read the forums out there and I know I am not alone. Thanks.

My son was driving my GMC pickup ( always dealer maintained ) to a friends house. While driving in traffic, he went to apply the brakes and the peddle went to the floor. He was not injured but it was a very scarry situation. When looking into the problem, I find the brake lines rusted through. I also have found that gm is awear of this problem and has done nothing to correct a very serious problem. Thank god my son was not injured. I hope other people who allow thier children to drive will be as lucky.

Was traveling at 5o mph when brakes were applied and brake pedal went all the way to the floor, unable to slow vehicle with pumping brakes. Parking brake was applied with no success, ultimately slowed down with putting truck in low gear and costing to a stop. Was informed by dealer of rusted and blown brake lines.

Slowing for turn brake line rupture due to heavy rust. Complete repair needed for lines from master cyl. To wheels. $400. 00 repair cost. Very scary situation. From what I have read gm says it will stop. It did,but they omitted how damn far it takes. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while he approached a stop with the brake pedal depressed, the brake failed to engage and caused the contact to drive through the intersection. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who inspected and advised that the brake lines were corroded. The vehicle was repaired and the brake lines were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,635 and the current mileage was 115,599.

Extremely well cared for vehicle - always serviced at gm dealership, and recently safety state inspected. Brake line ruptured under truck cab leading to rear wheels. Complete loss of brake pressure. Complete loss of brakes. Inspection of brake line at the frame where rupture occured reveals all lines leading to the rear of the vehicle are so corroded and rotten that I should be grateful this didn't occur at highway speed, otherwise, I would not be making this complaint. This failure should not be happening to a vehicle of this age and mileage.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and there was no response. In addition, the brake pedal traveled to the floor upon engaging. The vehicle accelerated through an intersection after repeatedly applying the brake pedal. The emergency brake was engaged in order for the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated the brake lines were completely corroded. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. There was an investigation associated with NHTSA action number pe10010 (service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000. The VIN was not available. Pmb.