Service Brakes Problems of GMC Sierra 1500 - part 1

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with an inoperable battery, which caused the brake module to fail, preventing the brakes from operating as intended. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

See all problems of the 2023 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

My 2023 gnc Sierra 1500 has experienced a recurring electrical and safety-related malfunction on multiple occasions while driving. The dashboard and warning lights intermittently flash on, and off and numerous warning messages appear simultaneously. During previous occurrences, warnings included power steering service, safety restraint system, check engine and transmission related messages, including a message instructing me to pull over and shut the vehicle off. During one occurrence, the electric power steering assist stopped working while I was driving. The vehicle was taken to an authorized GMC dealership multiple times while under the factory warranty. The dealer replaced the brake system control module and performed vehicle-wide software/programming updates. When the problem continued, the dealer contacted gm technical assistance. The dealer subsequently diagnosed an intermittent open circuit involving the electric power steering rack-and-pinion/steering gear assembly and replaced the complete steering gear assembly. Despite these repairs, the malfunction has occurred again, during another occurrence while driving on the freeway, the dashboard flashed on and off and multiple warning lights and messages repeatedly appeared, similar to the condition that occurred before the steering gear was replaced. The vehicle currently has approximately 55,000 miles. The condition remains intermittent despite multiple repair attempts. I am concerned that this recuring electrical or vehicle communication failure could again cause loss of power steering assistance or affect other safety-related vehicle systems while driving.

Vehicle: 2021 GMC sierra slt | VIN: [xxx] dealership: carl black GMC roswell, GA (11225 alpharetta hwy, 30076) | invoice #[xxx] | service date: [xxx] paragraph 1 – suspension hazard: dealership diagnosed a worn left upper ball joint (popping sound on left turns) and installed rough country aftermarket upper control arms on my stock-height sierra slt. These arms are designed for lifted suspension and alter factory caster/camber geometry, placing extreme stress on ball joints. This can cause sudden ball joint separation, wheel collapse, and total loss of steering control at speed. The dealership admitted on the invoice they "could not find branding" on original parts and chose non-oem lift components without my consent or any safety disclosure. Paragraph 2 – brake failure & no safety warning: the same service included a full front/rear brake job (pads + resurfaced rotors) using their certified technicians and parts. After pickup, the brakes failed to operate properly. When I returned, the service manager refused to correct their own workmanship and instead quoted $1,900 to repair the very brakes they just serviced. Most critically, at vehicle pickup they issued no written or verbal safety warning—no "do not drive" instruction—despite the brakes being knowingly compromised, endangering me and the public. Paragraph 3 – requested action: the service manager was unprofessional, condescending, and refused accountability. I request an immediate NHTSA investigation into carl black GMC's unauthorized use of lift-kit suspension parts on stock vehicles, failure to warranty their own brake service, and reckless omission of safety warnings at delivery. This dealership pattern poses an imminent public risk. Please escalate. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

My vehicle a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 upon lower idle speeds loses vacuum pressure. As the vacuum level drops the brake assist decreases, increasing the braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, which increases the risk of a crash. I have had a warning light come on advising to service the brake assist system. I took my truck to a local mechanic who confirmed the codes and learned that there had been a gm recall associated with this failure at one time, with gm recall # n192268490. There is also NHTSA recall bulletin 19v645000 regarding this matter as well. Upon contacting some local gm dealers in the area, I was informed that my VIN was not listed as one of the vehicles affected by this recall, so a recall notice was never sent regarding my vehicle. I was also told that I just fell outside their 10-year window regarding this matter and that they would not repair this safety issue under warranty. I called the gm customer service who could not explain why the VIN associated to my truck was not listed and they said I should contact NHTSA and start a claim for potential reimbursement in the future after repairs are made. I feel that this is an unnecessary step as I believe gm should honor their product and repair an obvious safety issue with the truck, especially since they knew this was an issue in thousands of their trucks where it was not my fault my vehicles VIN was not included as a potential recall issue, but I am following their suggestion.

See all problems of the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

The contact’s mother-in-law owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her brother-in-law was starting the vehicle, the brake, service engine, and engine warning lights illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the failure was associated with NHTSA action number: ea25007 (engine, engine, and engine cooling) and pe25001 (engine, engine, and engine cooling). The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The owner was scheduled to meet with the dealer to discuss the issue. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there were no open recalls on the VIN related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

See all problems of the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Failure to release parking brake. Lining material improperly bonding to steel shoe from manufacturer. Service parking brake warning indicator “on”.

The vacuum pump has been recalled on same year, make and model vehicle, yet my particular VIN is falling to the wayside. It has a vacuum pump issue, causing the brakes to malfunction at slower rates of speed. A "computer programming recall" was applied to my VIN however it is the actual vacuum pump that is the problem. This should have been covered in all year, make and models. Brakes are important! reprogramming did not solve the vacuum pump issue that is causing the brakes to fail! this is absolute negligence on behalf of general motors.

See all problems of the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Truck did not stop when applying brakes. Message displayed brake system failure and the breaks were spongy. The truck was towed to the dealer and required the master cylinder, gasket, and reservoir to be replaced with 23,403 miles. This appears to be an ongoing issue with GMC sierra trucks and needs further investigation as this potential could be catastrophic. Also, as this appears to be an ongoing issue, owners should not be responsible for the cost associated with any repairs and should require an immediate recall.

See all problems of the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 GMC sierra. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and also while the vehicle was parked, the abs and stability control warning lights would unexpectedly illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the warning lights were cleared. The contact was informed that if the failure recurred, the ebcm and bpmv would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ebcm and bpmv had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,100.

See all problems of the 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Vehicle doesn't stop in low speeds.

When backing up, either on a hill or flat surface, the brakes fail to stop the vehicle. There is a pulsing sensation with the brakes due to failure of the vacuum. The brake pedal also becomes impossible to depress. No warning lights appear when this occurs.

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving 55 mph and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The driver attempted to use the parking brake to slow the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to slow down. The message “braking system failure” was displayed. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, and the passenger’s side front wheel detached and started leaning to the right before the vehicle came to a stop. The driver exited to inspect the vehicle and became aware that the front passenger’s side wheel was lying on the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then towed to another dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the passenger’s side upper and lower control arms, ball joints, rack and pinion, brake rotor and pads, hub, outer tie rod, brake line, speed wheel sensor, wheel and tire, and suspension parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle decelerated to 30 mph. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the timing belt needed to be replaced. The part was on back order. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated the vehicle previously experienced brake failure, sensor failure, and glow plug failure. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The bbb referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

When I begin to accelerate on the highway, and the truck downshifts, it locks up the rear brakes.

See all problems of the 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

Engine failed at high speeds on interstate. When my truck shut off the steering and braking system went out and getting to shoulder of interstate was difficult with others around me. Express lanes were limited on emergency shoulder therefore my truck was partially on the high speed driving lane. 911 was called out to block freeway lane. Check engine light blinked right when truck shut down.

I stopped at a stoplight and my truck shut off, the doors unlocked and then immediately restarted and then came up with a bunch of errors telling me that my brake system failed and to get the traction control serviced. I then had no power braking. This is the second time my truck has shut off at a light and restarted, but I don’t lose my brakes the first time.

See all problems of the 2025 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

1- transmission issue, it’ll occasionally slip from 1-2 gear and engine rpm’s will shoot up making it when you release the gas pedal it’ll kick into second gear it’ll also do minor kicks into other gears (8l90 transmission) 2- breaks issue, unsure of what the problem is but at very low speeds like parking or going in slow traffic the break pedal will get really hard making you have to press extra hard for it to break, releasing and pressing again doesn’t help either.

At speeds of 65-75, both with the adaptive cruise control enabled and disabled, I accelerated a little bit to pick up speed and pass another vehicle. The vehicle responded initially by gaining speed, then it feels like I hit something and the front brakes lock up for 1-2 seconds and the tires start screeching from sliding, then everything resumes to normal. I was very shocked during a recent roadtrip when this happened 4-5 times. I feel like my safety and my family’s safety is at risk and of the 2 dealerships I called, they don’t prioritize it and make it seem like a minor repair.

While driving at approximately 60 mph on an open road with no obstacles present and no braking input, the rear wheels spontaneously locked up without warning. No brake pedal input. No warning light prior to the event. No obstruction in the road. The vehicle has been subject to an active manufacturer recall for rear wheel lockup due to transmission control valve failure. The dealer's own diagnostic system generated a report showing six active fault codes in the following days including lost communication with the brake system control module and transmission control module. These codes were not addressed on the repair order. The dealer attributed the lockup to an automatic emergency braking activation without diagnostic confirmation and performed no repair. The manufacturer's own internal bulletin dated January 22, 2026 acknowledges the exact fault codes present on this vehicle as a known defect. The dealer cited this bulletin to dismiss the concern while stating no problems exist. A persistent brake noise has been confirmed by two separate authorized dealers across three visits with no repair performed at any visit. The vehicle has required five dealer visits in 77 days of ownership with 1,729 miles. The defect remains unresolved and poses serious risk of loss of vehicle control at highway speed.

The contact's partner owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the "service brake system" and abs warning lights illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the message that the vehicle would not exceed 62 mph was displayed. The vehicle was restarted, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated with a message that the vehicle would not accelerate above 42 mph. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed and the diagnostic test revealed that the brake pipe had seized in the brake master cylinder and that the pipe fitting threads were damaged. The contact was informed that the brake master cylinder and the reservoir seal needed to be replaced. Despite the repair, the dealer stated that the master cylinder and brake line fitting were still defective. After several additional repairs to the brake system, the vehicle was returned to the owner. Upon driving the vehicle, the contact stated that the prior brake warning lights returned on the instrument panel. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and remained with the dealer. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 20v055000 (service brakes, hydraulic); and associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was then given a case number. The contact was also transferred to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 42,320.

See all problems of the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 🔎.

The brakes suddenly activate and cause the vehicle to rapidly stop with no warning of any kind and without any braking action being taken by the driver. Then, the brakes do not release and the vehicle cannot be moved as the brakes remain on. Turning the engine off and then restarting it or shifting to other gears does not release the brakes. The vehicle remains immobile and cannot be driven. After a few hours have passed, like overnight, the brakes release and the vehicle can started and driven just as if nothing had happened. A message briefly appears on the vehicle information screen each time this inadvertent braking occurs. It reads, “brake failure system”. These brake lockdowns occurred when driving on streets and in the driveway. No accident resulted but could have easily occurred. This is dangerous for a driver and occupants of a vehicle with this safety flaw as well as for other people and vehicles in the vicinity. This has happened five times. The last two instances resulted in the vehicle being loaded onto a tow truck and taken to a dealer of the vehicle’s manufacture. Thus far the dealership has not found what may be causing this intermittent braking problem.

This complaint involves a sudden failure of my vehicle’s anti-lock braking system (abs) and forward collision warning system, both of which are critical safety systems. While driving my [xxx] son to school, multiple warning lights suddenly appeared on the dashboard without any prior indication of a problem. The vehicle displayed a warning message instructing me not to exceed 36 miles per hour, and several system alerts activated simultaneously, my abs brake system failed and a transmission failure warning. These issues appeared suddenly while the vehicle was in normal operation. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had been functioning perfectly. The evening before, I had driven the vehicle to pick up my son from wrestling practice with no issues. The following morning, during a routine trip to school, these critical safety warnings appeared without warning. Because the warnings involved the braking system, I immediately took the vehicle to beach Buick GMC for inspection. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a software failure affecting the braking system and informed me that the vehicle required a software update and system download in order to restore proper operation of the brakes and related safety systems. I was required to pay over $300 for this repair because my vehicle is approximately 3,000 miles outside of the warranty period. However, I believe a failure involving the braking system and safety warnings should not occur suddenly in a properly functioning vehicle and should not be treated as a normal maintenance expense. I contacted **general motors customer service to ask why a failure involving a critical safety system would not be covered or investigated further. The only explanation provided was that the vehicle was outside of the warranty period. I requested a written explanation of their decision for my records, but I was told that providing written explanations is against company policy. I have more to say but I am out of characters. . . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of informa.

While traveling at low speeds in parking lots and in the operation of parking, my 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 gets a hard brake pedal that goes to the floor but I have no brakes. I almost hit a person in a local grocery store parking lot, at the bank driving up to the atm, and I almost lost my truck over a bank because the brakes failed. This has happened multiple times at low speeds but it is getting more consistent recently. It has endangered myself and others. It is only a matter of time until damage occurs or someone gets hurt.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the brakes seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle several times, but the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. Due to the failures, the contact was almost in two crashes. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a brake module reset. The independent mechanic contacted the dealer and was informed that the brake module needed to be reset. The technician from the dealer installed the software for the brake module reset, and the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was retrieved, but the failure reoccurred a month later. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be inspected by the engineer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was advised to continue driving the vehicle. The contact was advised to disable all the safety features. The contact stated that two major crashes were averted and refused to drive the vehicle until it was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was common with the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Break system failed while driving. Multiple warning lights came on including break system failire, service steering column lock, service traction control, service esc and service brake pad monitor. This happened as I was driving and I could barely stop the truck. I had my wife and kids in the car. Luckily, I was not driving very fast and was not in a congested or had to stop quickly. If I had to stop fast or was in a congested area this could have causes a life threatening accident.

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm and unresponsive, and the vehicle was difficult to stop. The vehicle eventually came to a stop with the abs warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven back to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,235.

Lost brakes and couldn’t stop the truck.

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the braking system had erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the failure was caused by an engine malfunction of the number six cylinder. The vehicle was repaired. No further information was available. After retrieving the vehicle, the contact was driving approximately 10 mph when the failure reoccurred and the braking system erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. During the incident, the driver's head slammed into the steering wheel, causing a head laceration. No medical treatment was required. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 120,000.

1. )when driving the vehicle it will randomly shutoff while driving with loss of brakes and steering until it will randomly turn back on. The vehicle experiences intermittent electronic and drivability malfunctions. The issue appears to involve one or more vehicle control modules and/or electronic systems. At times, warning lights and system messages appear, and vehicle performance is affected. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. )these failures create a serious safety risk because they occur without warning while driving. The vehicle may lose normal functionality, display multiple warnings, or behave unpredictably. If this occurs in traffic, at speed, or while maneuvering, it could increase the risk of a crash or leave the vehicle stranded in an unsafe location. Furthermore on 3 separate circumstances I came close to crashing the vehicle putting at risk lives in the vehicle and outside. 3. )the problem is intermittent and has been difficult to reproduce on demand. I have taken the truck to the dealership multiple times. The dealership has stated that because the issue is not actively occurring when they have the vehicle, they have been unable to duplicate the concern and have instructed me to continue driving it until the issue happens again. Despite this, the problem continues to return during normal use. 4. )the vehicle has been inspected by the authorized dealership on multiple occasions. To my knowledge, it has not been inspected directly by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. 5. )intermittent warning lights and system messages appear, including at times a check engine light and other alerts. These warnings may appear suddenly as the truck shuts off and then disappear after the vehicle is turned off and restarted. Another thing to point out is that the audio and turn signal chime cut off randomly. The issue first began while the vehicle was already in normal use and has continued to reoccur since.

My truck braked for a vehicle that was parked on the side of the road. This vehicle was not in my lane or hazardous in any way. I was traveling at highway speed 55 mph and truck braked to 30 mph approximately with no pre warning this has not happened before or after. The truck has about 26k on it.

While driving in my uncongested neighborhood, my brakes totally failed. Dash indicated multiple brake failure warnings. I managed to get my truck stopped and returned home by engaging my low range, four wheel drive. If I had been in on the open road, going down a hill, negotiating a curve, or in traffic a crash would have ocurred, potentially fatality. My vehicle was towed to a GMC dealership. They diagnosed the problem in the electronic braking module with a software update needed. My vehicle is a 2019, but had only 23,283 miles at the time of the braking failure.

First my torque converter went out, no warning lights only shaking wehn shifting, I got it replaced already it cost me $2400 second warning light service for brakes, traction and power steering come on and off. And sometimes truck doesn't brake well and steering wheel feels hard to drive, it has happened while on expressway with family. Third engine oil low add oil warning sign comes up alot and I have to add oil, engine has a rough idle now, also when I turn truck on smoke comes out while having a rough idle, recently it started knocking, I haven't moved the truck since than.

The contact owns a 2026 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle and shifting into reverse(r), the vehicle failed to move while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact felt a hesitation while depressing the brake and accelerator pedals, and the contact then attempted to restart the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicl;e however, while attempting to accelerate, the brakes independently activated. Despite the repeated failure, the contact was able to pull into a gas station to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle finally resumed normal operation, and the contact drove the vehicle to the residence. The next day, the contact test drove the vehicle, and the failure reoccurred while the contact was attempting to park the vehicle in a parking spot. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where a diagnostic test produced 7 fault codes; however, the mechanic was unable to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the manufacturer stated that there was a communication disconnect between the contact and the dealer. A case was filed with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 300.

The contact owns a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated while driving 45-50 mph, the check engine warning light and the brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine, and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that all the engine lifters and the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA action number: ea25007 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer offered to partially cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was 107,787.