Table 1 shows one common service brakes related problems of the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes problems |
Vehicle experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure characterized by a percussive "shotgun blast" noise from the rear chassis, followed by an immediate, total loss of braking power (pedal to the floor) and a violent loss of directional stability. This incident represents an aggravated safety failure of known gmt900 platform defects. The technical chain of causality began with the factory exhaust manifold fasteners suffering a metallurgical shear, a universal defect documented under gm bulletins 19-na-218, pip5075, and pip4701. This shear created a high-velocity, high-heat exhaust leak directed at the brake master cylinder and vacuum assembly. This "heat soak" event compromised the engine-mounted mechanical brake vacuum pump (recall n192268490 / NHTSA 19v645) and destroyed the internal seals of the master cylinder (special coverage 15143 / NHTSA 11v599), resulting in total depletion of vacuum assist and hydraulic pressure. Simultaneously, the "shotgun blast" and violent swerve were caused by structural failure consistent with rear brake caliper bolt fracture (gm 13247 / NHTSA 13v342) and rear axle shaft/pin fracture (gm 14892 / NHTSA 14v819). This mechanical collapse caused the caliper to strike the wheel, resulting in a catastrophic rim blowout and immediate loss of tire pressure. Despite the vehicle having aftermarket long-tube headers installed, the root cause of the heat-related brake failure was the failure of the oem gm manifold fasteners which snapped off in the cylinder head, as documented in the aforementioned bulletins. Under the magnuson-moss warranty act, the manufacturer remains liable for these pre-existing safety-critical defects. The vehicle is at glenn polk Chevrolet for a 901-series product allegation investigation (case #90199492). This report is filed to demand federal oversight into these life-threatening defects. The combo of failed fasteners, rim blowout, and compromised braking created a vehicle that was both unable to be steered or stopped.
I towed a u-haul trailer for four hours from winter springs, FL to tallahassee, FL 08/18/2022. On the way back to winter springs, FL on 08/21/2022, I began to hear the dings and a message to service the trailer brake system. I had the vehicle looked at to determine the problem. The fuse was determined to be good, the ground wire was secure and not damaged, and the relay was functioning. I have been told that it may be a defective wire harness which could lead to other safety issues while operating the vehicle. The constant dinging and the blocking of vital messaging by the warning is a distraction and safety issue. A recall should be issued to correct this safety defect.
The brake light switch located on the brake pedal failed. This disabled the cruise control, and the brake lights .
I had a severe shudder when braking. I took apart the front brakes and did not find anything. When I took off the rear drum I found that the washers on the hold down springs had failed and allowed the pin to pull through. (making a cross in the washer where there should only be a slot) the released the spring and washer to fall. The shoes were just sitting there not secured to the back plate of the wheel. The second side had almost failed and the wear on the washer is visible in my attached photos.
I was driving my 2011 GMC on a highway in massachusetts when the transmission decided to fail. My rear wheels locked up and was caused to turn sideways on a highway. My truck was hit by four other vechicles. Well the truck got fixed. The transmission was replaced 3 times! with all the same failures. Gm needs to check into there transmittions before it could kill someone. 3 times its been replaced and all 3 times my rear wheels have locked up. Why? you guys need to fix this issue. . .