10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
284,627 miles

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problem #30

Sep 212015

Sierra 1500

  • miles
ABS Brakes cut out leaving you with little to no brakes. No warning light appears. This continues on and off over time. Then that ABS warning light came on. When the warning light was on, brakes worked just not ABS. Light would go out and back to the original issue. Took it in to dealership when the light remained on. They reset the light and told me every thing was fine. And charged me $$$. ABS Brake warning light can right back on. Had the manager drive it. Told me it was fine, brakes worked well. The ABS warning would go in and out. Removed the ABS fuse, so I could depend on being able to stop, without having to worry about the ABS cutting in and out for a few years. Watched for recalls, nothing appeared. Noticed on blogs, others were having the same issue. Took it to a great mechanic! Who verified there were no leaks in the brake lines, replaced one line that had been known to have issues on this type of truck and verified there were no air bubbles on the lines. Still same issue, then replaced the computer system for the ABS. No codes ever came up on the computer system that I can recall. Had more issues with the ABS. Would go to stop, (generally on a hill) then when it came to the final stopping, I had NO BRAKES, had to slam on the brakes to stop. ABS Brake warning lights never came on. My mechanic looked and looked and relooked into this. Found from others that blogged that they had similar issues, that one or both of the ABS Brake sensors were not responding evenly causing an issue. Changed out the sensor. All is good now. This issues could have put and my family in danger a number of times. I was blessed to avoid a few accidents by driving far enough behind people and or had an emergency line to pull into when unable to stop. Hope a recall comes soon for these issues to prevent someone from being killed. These took place from about 2015-fixed 2020. Email me with a report number and where I can upload info at a later date, I will do so.

- Southport, NC, USA

problem #29

Apr 262019

Sierra 1500

  • 265,000 miles
I was driving home from work on 421 in eminence, ky. I pushed the brake pedal & I had no brakes right in front of harry hill park. GM & I are very lucky that no one was killed yesterday. The brake line corroded & leaked the brake fluid, so when I pushed the pedal, it went right to the floor. The vehicle is pretty clean & after checking many blogs & youtube videos this is a very common problem on GM trucks. I checked the recalls on this truck & the tailgate cable is recalled for breaking under load due to corrosion; this could injure somebody, but not as vital compared to the braking system as someone could die in a horrible incident. I would greatly appreciate your attention to this serious matter. Thank you

- Eminence, KY, USA

problem #28

Mar 122016

Sierra 1500

  • 123,000 miles
While operating the vehicle at approximately 45 mph, I was approaching an intersection when I applied the brakes to slow the vehicle. One of the rear brake lines bursted causing me to have to abruptly pump the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. Very dangerous situation as a marked sheriff's vehicle with its emergency lights and siren activated was traveling at a high rate of speed on the intersecting highway that I was approaching. This is a known and prevalent problem that exists with GM trucks and GM is well aware of the issue but denies faulty parts.

- Salisbury, MD, USA

problem #27

Sep 222017

Sierra 1500

  • 216,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving approximately 30 mph, the brake pedal traveled to the floor when the pedal was depressed. The vehicle came to a stop and the contact noticed fluid leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to quality Chevrolet (1292 route 9 South old bridge, NJ, 08857; 732-316-2600) where it was diagnosed that the brake line exploded and areas of the braking system were rusted, which caused the braking system to fail. The vehicle's braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 216,000.

- Sayreville, NJ, USA

problem #26

Aug 102017

Sierra 1500

  • 121,950 miles
During normal straight stop from 50 mph on rural county road, intersection with 70 mph crossing 4-lane divided state highway, pedal went to floor and braking ability was minimal. Emergency brake needed to complete the stop before entering crossing high-speed traffic. Upon inspection, discovered brake line ruptured due to rust with massive instantaneous fluid loss.

- Wichita, KS, USA

problem #25

Aug 012015

Sierra 1500

  • 204,206 miles
The contact owns a 1999 GMC Sierra 1500. While stopping the vehicle, the contact heard an abnormal clunking noise. The parking brake was engaged, but it failed to respond and caused the vehicle to move. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 204,206.

- Bosie, IN, USA

problem #24

Jul 122017

Sierra 1500

  • 112,000 miles
Brake line failer do to poor routing from factory and substandard material used on oem lines (bare steel). Always replace oem lines with powder coated aftermarket or stainless "only" inspect "all lines & hardware & clips to frame ect for corrosion". brake failer occured while towing another auto with trailer attached no warning.

- Granite City, IL, USA

problem #23

May 292017

Sierra 1500

  • 129,130 miles
When coming to a stoplight, I apply the brakes and the pedal goes down more than it should, but I get stopped. While holding the brake and waiting for the light to change the brake pedal goes slowly to the floor. Next, I pull into a parking lot and get stopped. I put the truck in park an look under the hood at the brake master cylinder, no fluid leaks, then I C look at each wheel, no fluid leaks. I get turned around and head home because I know something is wrong. Driving home the brake pedal is soft. I'm soon home and I park the truck but with the motor still running, I slowly depress the brake pedal, it goes slowly to the floor, next time I depress the brake pedal it goes to the floor in a split second. I get out and inspect under the truck. I see brake fluid leaking from the lines running down the frame right under the drivers door.

- Rockbridge Baths, VA, USA

problem #22

Jan 062017

Sierra 1500

  • 60,000 miles
Brake lines rusted, ABS failure, gas lines rusted, trans cooling lines rusted. These were all failures that needed replacement through the years I have owned it. Now frame rusted and cracked. Truck basically shot.

- Clover, SC, USA

problem #21

Oct 102015

Sierra 1500

  • 220,000 miles
Brake lines leaking from corrosion leading to no braking

- Owensboro, KY, USA

problem #20

Jul 142016

Sierra 1500

  • 218,000 miles
I am the original owner of a 1999 GMC Sierra that just had brake line failure on 7/14/16 on the interstate that caused an acccident. I had complete loss of brakes, pedal to the floor. I used low gear and park brake to minimize damage but still made contact. It is currently at patriot Buick GMC in williamsburg va for repair where I bought it new. I feel me having to pay $1000+ for the brake line repair and now a court date and insurance issues that are not my fault. We need to discuss GMC making some restitution as there is no rust anywhere else and this truck has only been in va. I have other GM cars from the 60's, 70S and 2000S that have no rust issue. Fuel line was leaking as well and some needed replacment.GM service request 8-2250924255 I also had the ps rear brake rotor shield come off and scrape moving parts last year. Turned itnto dealership as a problem. This truck was tsb'd years ago for line inspection

- Yorktown, VA, USA

problem #19

Apr 102015

Sierra 1500

  • 210,000 miles
Brakes completely failed, footpedal went down floor. While driving in residential area.. brake fluid found leaking.had towed truck, brake lines rusted thru and had 4 complete lines replaced for the second time..I have owned truck since 1999. Last brake line replaced in 2015. The other item was fuel pump failed on the way to work and truck would not start.had to have vehicle towed at midnight and fuel pump replaced.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #18

Jun 132016

Sierra 1500

  • miles
I have 1999 GMC truck frame rusted out. Only has 90,000 mile's I belive GMC should have to recall them.why did Toyota have to recall and GMC is getting away with this.something should be done now. Jay

- Austinburg, OH, USA

problem #17

May 072014

Sierra 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
Suburban is extremely difficult to stop or will not stop at stop signs. Pedal goes to the floor for emergency stops on highway and going down hills. Brake pedal is very soft. ABS system activates at slow speeds and/or may pull vehicle very hard to the left. NHTSA recall issued for this problem only in certain northern states but not in Washington state where we have high corrosion from natural ocean air and extreme winter mountain driving with deicers. Though brakes have been repeatedly serviced since new this safety problem persists and is getting worse.

- Normandy Park, WA, USA

problem #16

Jan 162015

Sierra 1500

  • 154,892 miles
While driving on public 4 lane highway and coming to a yellow light I applied the brake pedal and the pedal instantly went to the floor. I tried to pump the pedal in a panic and still had no effect on stopping the truck. I downshifted in to 1st gear manually to use engine braking and slammed my emergency to the floor. The truck was unable to complete the stop in which in had more than 300 ft to do so and I preceded through what had become a red light. This incident happened very late at night so thankfully there were no other vehicle going through the intersection. I had a friend escort me the mile left to my house via his truck and tow strap and my emergency brake as my only brake not to hit the back of his truck. Now upon visual inspection of all my brake and fuel lines they are completely rusted at multiple spots throughout the frame channel and rear axle area. The burst location happened just at the back or drivers door edge to the front of the L/R wheel.

- Bensalem, PA, USA

problem #15

Dec 182013

Sierra 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 125,100 miles
7 O' clock in the morning heading to work making a left turn into parking lot apply the brakes, pedal want to the floor, avoid hitting the car in front of me, jumping the curb came to a stop, checked underneath, oil leaking. Call for a tow truck.. mechanic checked the brakes lines all need to be replace.

- Havertown, PA, USA

problem #14

Oct 232014

Sierra 1500

  • 150,000 miles
Coming to a stop sign I applied the brakes and they completely failed without warning; no lights or indication failure was imminent. The pedal went to the floor with no resistance. Managed to turn onto a dirt shoulder and downshift to stop. Inspection revealed rusted through rear brake line. Although the dash brake warning light comes on while starting the truck, it goes off and gives no indication the brake fluid is low. While repairing the brake lines it was noticed the frame of the truck is extremely rusty and flaking. After wire-brushing by hand, the frame is showing cracks on both sides, under the cab, near the rear, right about where a crossmember is attached. This vehicle is no longer safe to drive. I am not impressed with GM's claim that this was a lighter, stronger frame on this truck. We have 2 older trucks with nowhere near this much rust and neither have cracked. The design allows too much crud to accumulate inside the lip of the frame where it is almost impossible to wash out.

- Onaway, MI, USA

problem #13

Jun 122012

Sierra 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 1999 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, the brakes failed as the brake warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who stated that the brake lines failed and were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 09/15/14 the consumer stated that 2 damaged lineswith union were repaired. All lines needed to be repaired. Updated 1/15/2014

- Manalapan, NJ, USA

problem #12

Jul 202009

Sierra 1500 8-cyl

  • 114,191 miles
While starting to drive away, applied brakes and could not stop. No warning able to stop vehicle and have towed to repair to a local GM dealer repair facility repaired section of rusted out brake line. Second incident occurred on August 2010 traveling approximately 35 mph. Applying brakes for a turn no brakes no warning, was able to avoid rear end collision by going straight and using emergency brake. Vehicle was towed to local repair center and had to replace 3 ft of brake line and again was a rusted out section of break line I am sending information because of the reports that this has been a ongoing problem for GM trucks.

- Wnitinsville, MA, USA

problem #11

Jan 232014

Sierra 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 1,490,954 miles
While driving on interstate 295 I noticed the brake light come on so I checked the emergency brake to make sure it wasn't pushed in I pulled over at the next rest stop I looked over truck all seemed ok after restarting light was off then came on while driving again as I got to my exit pedal went to the floor scary as hell but the truck did stop as I stepped all the way down. I proceeded home checked brake fluid none at all I added some and could see after I started and pumped brakes the fluid was spurting out a line onto under carriage I took to my tech he said its a known problem with Chevy GMC and would cost close to $1500 right now im unemployed and cant afford to have it fixed please help, help, help!

- Glendora , NJ, USA

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