1999 GMC Sierra

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 600 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 9 times.

Avoid One of the GMC Sierra years to avoid: 5.9× the complaints of a typical Sierra year. Which GMC Sierra years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
62,000 milesMedian miles at failure

236 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 1999 GMC Sierra problems

319 of the 600 complaints (53%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes184
2606
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · brakes30
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes29
100
Service Brakes · brakes25
200
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · throttle and acceleration20
100
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments · body and frame20
001
Tires16
202
Seats16
001
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Control Unit/Module · brakes15
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission13
000

1999 GMC Sierra brakes problems

53% of all complaints

319 of the 600 complaints are about the brakes. This is what owners describe:

  • loses its brakes or the pedal sinks16% · 52
  • sets off warning lights on the dash9% · 29
  • leaks oil or fluid4% · 13

Share of the 319 brakes complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
60,000 mi
median of 154 reports
Peak year of filing
2005
62 brakes complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
33 · 0 · 7
in these complaints
“While pulling out of my driveway I experienced complete brake failure. Looked under truck and brake fluid was everywhere and the brake lines were severely rusted and had busted. Looked it up and this appears to be a common problem with this model truck but there has never been a recall?! This issue needs to be addressed with GM.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 10, 2015 at 190,000 miles
“I was driving and went to apply brakes for the stop sign ahead, and I had no brakes. Once I had the truck home I parked it. I determined that the brake lines had rusted through by having a piece of cardboard under the truck to locate the leaking brake fluid. I'm so lucky that I didn't have a camper on the truck and had gone on vacation to colorado, as I intended this to be my recreational vehicle for this purpose.”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 29, 2015 at 58,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1998: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes'981999: 49 complaints, 9 about the brakes2000: 82 complaints, 30 about the brakes'002001: 70 complaints, 35 about the brakes2002: 102 complaints, 56 about the brakes'022003: 70 complaints, 44 about the brakes2004: 56 complaints, 23 about the brakes'042005: 88 complaints, 62 about the brakes2006: 30 complaints, 17 about the brakes'062007: 5 complaints, 5 about the brakes2008: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes'082009: 1 complaints, 1 about the brakes2010: 5 complaints, 3 about the brakes'102011: 8 complaints, 6 about the brakes2012: 14 complaints, 13 about the brakes'122013: 8 complaints, 5 about the brakes2014: 8 complaints, 8 about the brakes'142015: 2 complaints, 2 about the brakesRecall 98V242000 (steering)Recall 00X001000 (brakes)Recall 00V345000 (brakes)Recall 04E022000 (equipment)Recall 05V161000 (parking brake)Recall 05V379000 (brakes)Recall 06V066000 (body and frame)Recall 07E066000 (equipment)Recall 09E025000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation PE10010NHTSA investigation EA04011NHTSA investigation PE03057NHTSA investigation EA02015NHTSA investigation PE02021NHTSA investigation RQ99005
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1999 Sierra peaked in 2002, with 102 filed that year. Owners had filed 19 complaints about the brakes before the first recall that covers it, 00X001000 in May 2000; 300 more have come in since. In 2015 owners filed 2 so far.

9 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Headlights09E025000
Filed May 11, 200942,540 vehiclesDope, Inc.

Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Equipment › Electrical07E066000
Filed Aug 28, 2007175 vehiclesCequent Electrical Products

Defect. CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.

Risk. IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.

Remedy. ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.

Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments06V066000
Filed Mar 8, 2006805,368 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS HAVE GALVANIZED-BRAIDED-STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES USED TO SUPPORT THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION. OVER TIME THESE CABLES CAN CORRODE AND FRACTURE WHEN LOADS ARE APPLIED TO THEM.

Risk. IF ONE CABLE FRACTURES, THE REMAINING CABLE MAY RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN A HORIZONTAL POSITION. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURE, THE TAILGATE WOULD DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER. IF ANYONE IS SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THEY COULD FALL AND BE INJURED. ON VEHICLES WITHOUT A BUMPER, THE TAILGATE MAY DROP TO A LOWER POSITION.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE GALVANIZED SUPPORT CABLES WITH STAINLESS STEEL SUPPORT CABLES. IN ADDITION, DEALERS ARE TO INSPECT THE TAILGATE HINGE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip05V379000
Filed Aug 29, 20051,353,718 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE UNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION. THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN ENVIRONMENTALLY CORROSIVE AREAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ONLY.

Risk. THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS ARE TO REMOVE THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND THOROUGHLY CLEAN THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MOUNTING SURFACE ON THE BEARING, APPLY RUST INHIBITOR TO THE CLEANED SURFACE, GREASE THE MOUNTING SURFACE, REINSTALL THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, AND CHECK THE PEAK-TO-PEAK OUTPUT VOLTAGE TO ENSURE THE WHEEL SPEED SIGNAL IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Parking Brake05V161000
Filed Apr 22, 200590,242 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND BUILT WITH EITHER PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS OR TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS, THE PARKING BRAKE FRICTION LININGS MAY WEAR TO AN EXTENT WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BECOME INEFFECTIVE IN IMMOBILIZING A PARKED VEHICLE.

Risk. IF THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD, UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LOW-FORCE SPRING CLIP RETAINER FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED PARKING BRAKE CABLE ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Equipment04E022000
Filed Mar 23, 20048,000 vehiclesDurakon Industries, Inc.

Defect. AFTERMARKET PICKUP TRUCK OVER-THE-RAIL BEDLINERS MANUFACTURED FOR INSTALLATION ON 1999-2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO AND GMC SIERRA PICKUP TRUCKS. THE TOGGLE WING ASSEMBLY USED TO ATTACH THE BEDLINER TO THE TRUCK BED IS NOT ENGAGING FULLY IN THE STAKE POCKET OF THE PICKUP TRUCK.

Risk. THE BEDLINER CAN BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PICKUP WHILE IT IS MOTION, POSSIBLY ENDANGERING FOLLOWING MOTORISTS OR PEDESTRIANS.

Remedy. DURAKON WILL ISSUE A PRESS RELEASE IN ATTEMPT TO NOTIFY CUSTOMERS THAT COULD HAVE PURCHASED THE DEFECTIVE BEDLINER. IF YOU PURCHASED EITHER A DURAKON ALLSTAR OF PATRIOT OVERRAIL BEDLINER SINCE AUGUST 1, 2003, FOR 1999 TO 2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO OR GMC SIERRA TRUCKS, OR PURCHASED ONE OF THESE PICKUP TRUCKS WITH EITHER BRAND BEDLINER ALREADY INSTALLED, YOU SHOULD RETURN TO AN AUTHORIZED DURAKON DEALER SO THAT THE BEDLINER CAN BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIRED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED TOGGLE WING FASTENING SYSTEM, OR IF REQUIRED, REPLACED WITH A NEW BEDLINER FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE CALL THE DURAKON HOTLINE AT 1-800-933-4200 TO FIND THE NEAREST AUTHORIZED DURAKON DEALER.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings00V345000
Filed Oct 30, 20001,383,922 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CLEARANCE CONDITION BETWEEN THE FRONT RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE AND THE BODY CROSS SILL THAT COULD DECREASE TO THE POINT OF ALLOWING CONTACT DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. IF CONTACT OCCURS AND THE BRAKE PIPE BECOMES DAMAGED, IN HALF OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM THERE CAN BE A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID AND PRESSURE. THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WILL BE ACTIVATED WHEN THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL REACHES THE INDICATOR LIMIT.

Risk. DURING BRAKING, THE PEDAL WILL BE LOWER THAN NORMAL AND STOPPING DISTANCES WILL BE LONGER. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN STOPPING DISTANCE IS LIMITED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE FOR WEAR. IF THERE ARE SIGNS OF WEAR, THIS SECTION OF THE BRAKE PIPE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW DESIGNED BRAKE PIPE SECTION. IF THERE ARE NOT SIGNS OF WEAR ON THE BRAKE PIPE, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A SPACER CLIP TO ENSURE SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE BRAKE PIPE AND THE BODY CROSS SILL.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper00X001000
Filed May 23, 2000777,873 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1/2 TON LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS, FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE SERVICE PROCEDURE SET FORTH IN THE SERVICE MANUAL FOR REMOVAL OF THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPER CAN RESULT IN MOVEMENT OF THE FRONT BRAKE HOSE RELATIVE TO ITS KNUCKLE MOUNTING BRACKET. IF THIS MOVEMENT RESULTS IN INCREASED LENGTH BETWEEN THE BRACKET AND THE BANJO FITTING THAT ATTACHES TO THE BRAKE CALIPER, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE BRAKE HOSE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL RIM.

Risk. THIS CONTACT WITH THE WHEEL RIM COULD, IN TIME, CAUSE THE BRAKE HOSE TO BECOME WORN TO THE POINT THAT BRAKE FLUID LEAKAGE COULD OCCUR. IF THIS OCCURRED, LOSS OF FRONT BRAKES IS POSSIBLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL ATTACH A NOTICE LABEL TO THE FRONT BRAKE HOSES STATING THAT THE CALIPERS MUST BE SUPPORTED WHEN REMOVED.

Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)98V242000
Filed Oct 6, 19988,367 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A LOWER THAN SPECIFIED TORQUE ON ALL THREE OF THE STEERING GEAR TO FRAME ATTACHMENT BOLTS. THE BOLTS CAN LOOSEN OVER TIME ALLOWING THE STEERING GEAR TO MOVE. THIS LOOSENING CAN RESULT IN SOME UNRESPONSIVE STEERING FEEL AND SOME NOISE TO THE DRIVER.

Risk. IF THIS CONDITION IS IGNORED, THE STEERING GEAR TO FRAME CAN WEAR AND/OR FATIGUE THE ATTACHING BOLTS TO THE POINT OF BREAKAGE OR THE BOLTS BACKING OUT. IF ALL THE BOLTS BREAK OR BACK OUT, THE STEERING GEAR WOULD SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL RETORQUE THE STEERING GEAR TO FRAME BOLTS TO PROPER SPECIFICATIONS.

All 9 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 10 name the 1999 Sierra.

Brake line corrosion failurePreliminary evaluation PE10010Closed
Opened Mar 30, 2010Closed Jan 5, 2011brakes

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).On July 2, 2010, ODI received GM's response to an information request, which included GM's assessment of the frequency …

PARKING BRAKE FAILUREDefect petition DP05009Closed
Opened Dec 20, 2005Closed May 31, 2006parking brake

Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.

UNWANTED LOW-SPEED ABS ACTIVATIONPreliminary evaluation PE05020Closed
Opened Apr 28, 2005Closed Sep 13, 2005Led to recall 05V379000brakes

In a letter dated august 29, 2005, GM notified odi that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 c/k pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor corrosion that may result in unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distances during low-speed braking (recall 05v-379).GM's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles currently registered in the following 14 salt-belt states:connecticut, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, …

TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLESEngineering analysis EA05007Closed
Opened Apr 14, 2005Closed Apr 11, 2006Led to recall 06V066000door locks and latches

General motors is conducting a safety recall to remove and replace the tailgate support cables installed in 805,368 model year 1999 and 2000 gmt 800 model vehicles.the model year 1999 and 2000 gmt-800 series vehicles that will be campaigned had contributed a significant majority of the total complaints (87%) and injuries (79%) associated with the tailgate support cable breakage in the model year 1998 - 2000 c/k series vehicles addressed by this investigation.

PARKING BRAKE FAILUREEngineering analysis EA04011Closed
Opened Apr 9, 2004Closed May 10, 2005Led to recall 05V161000parking brake

In a letter dated april 20, 2005, GM notified NHTSA that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to GM, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.GM's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force …

TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGEEngineering analysis EA04005Closed
Opened Feb 19, 2004Closed Sep 28, 2004door locks and latches

General motors filed a defect notice 04v-129 on march 17, 2004, which outlines a program to replace the tailgate cables installed in affected model year 2000-2004 vehicles.refer to odi's closing report for ea04-005 for additional information.odi is aware of reports of tailgate cable breakage occurring in model year 1999 and earlier vehicles.these vehicles were equipped with similar tailgate cables as addressed by 04v-129, but are not being addressed by campaign o4v-129.odi is initiating a separate investigation to address these vehicles.the complaint-injury-fatality statistics summarized …

PARKING BRAKE FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE03057Closed
Opened Dec 8, 2003Closed Apr 9, 2004parking brake

Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake system's torque below that needed to immobilize the vehicle.GM has attributed this accelerated wear to foreign material intrusion and a failure of the brake shoe to properly …

THROTTLE STICKING CLOSEDEngineering analysis EA02015Closed
Opened Aug 1, 2002Closed Jan 12, 2004throttle and acceleration

This investigation involves the general motors corporation (GM)throttle body (tb) utilized in model year (my) 1999-2002 silverado, sierra, tahoe, suburban, avalanche and yukon (subject vehicle(s)) with 4.8l, 5.3l, and 6.0l engines. The tb valve may intermittently stick in a closed position.in such a situation, an operator may apply additional accelerator pedal force to increase engine speed.the application of additional accelerator pedal force, to open a stuck throttle valve, may open the throttle valve more than intended and, in turn, accelerate the engine and vehicle more than intended and …

THROTTLE STICKINGPreliminary evaluation PE02021Closed
Opened Feb 11, 2002Closed Aug 1, 2002throttle and acceleration

There is no summary currently available

STEERING GEAR/GRAME ATTACHING BOLTSRecall query RQ99005Closed
Opened May 11, 1999Closed Nov 27, 2001Led to recall 98V242000steering

These vehicles may have lower than specified torque on the three steering gear to frame attachment bolts.these bolts may loosen causing unresponsive steering and eventually the bolts may back out or fracture, resulting in loss of steering control

Technical service bulletins

229 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1999 Sierra. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 44engine 43body and frame 25brakes 23suspension 19steering 13visibility 10electrical system 8
PIT3665EService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 31, 2017brakes

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

SB-13-05-22-001Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 1, 2014brakes

CHEVROLET/GMC/CADILLAC: ANYTIME HYDRAULIC BRAKE PIPES ASSEMBLY NEED REPLACING, PRE-FORMED AND PRE-FLARED BRAKE PIPES ARE AVAILABLE, EXCEPT REAR AXLE CROSSOVER PIPE. MODEL 1999-2007 SILVERADO, SIERRA, 2000-2006 ESCALADE MODELS, AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, YUKON MODELS. *PE UPDATED 7/18/14. *PE UPDATED 12/9/14. *PE

PIT3665CService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsNov 6, 2012brakes

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

030525007Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 1, 2009brakes

ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS (CLEAN WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MOUNTING SURFACE). *TT UPDATED 10/23/09. *PE

040525002Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2007brakes

ABS LIGHT ON, DTC'S C0265, C0201, U1041 SET AND/OR LOSS OF COMMUNICATION WITH BRAKE MODULE. (REGROUND EBCM GROUND). *KB

020525006Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2006brakes

ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS. *TT

Showing the newest 6 of 23 bulletins about the brakes, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 10, 2015190,000 milesWV

WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY I EXPERIENCED COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. LOOKED UNDER TRUCK AND BRAKE FLUID WAS EVERYWHERE AND THE BRAKE LINES WERE SEVERELY RUSTED AND HAD BUSTED. LOOKED IT UP AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL TRUCK BUT THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A RECALL?! THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH GM.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 29, 201558,000 milesKS

I WAS DRIVING AND WENT TO APPLY BRAKES FOR THE STOP SIGN AHEAD, AND I HAD NO BRAKES. ONCE I HAD THE TRUCK HOME I PARKED IT. I DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUSTED THROUGH BY HAVING A PIECE OF CARDBOARD UNDER THE TRUCK TO LOCATE THE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. I'M SO LUCKY THAT I DIDN'T HAVE A CAMPER ON THE TRUCK AND HAD GONE ON VACATION TO COLORADO, AS I INTENDED THIS TO BE MY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE FOR THIS PURPOSE. I AM HAUNTED BY THE POSSIBLE SCENARIOS AND CRASHES THAT COULD HAVE OCCURRED TO ME AND MY FAMILY. WIFE, SON, AND TWO DAUGHTERS. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE OTHER HUMAN BEINGS END UP SERIOUSLY INJURED, TRAUMATIZED, OR DEATH BEING VERY HIGHLY LIKELY. SO I HAVE A NEAR NEW TRUCK SITTING IN THE YARD FOR NEARLY THE PAST FIVE YEARS. MY ATTEMPT TO INSTALL AFTER-MARKET BRAKE LINES HAS BEEN A FAILURE. GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. I KNOW AS TIME GOES BY OTHER BRAKE LINES ON THESE MODELS WILL RUST AND FAIL. I WILL BE HERE AS A WITNESS, AND SO WILL THE TRUCK AS I HAVE REFUSED OFFERS TO SELL IT. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 17, 201481,000 milesKY

DRIVING DOWN HILL, APPROX SPEED OF 45 MPH, WENT TO APPLY BRAKES WHEN DID HEARD POP NOISE AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO STOPPING. PUMPED ON BRAKES AND GEARED DOWN TRUCK TO SLOW DOWN. PULLED OVER TO SIDE OF ROAD TO NOTICE THAT FLUID WAS COMING OUT OF THE BODY. WAS ABLE TO GET MIRROR AND RESEARCH AND FIND THE BRAKE LINE HAD CORRODED WITH RUST, AND IT HAS SPLIT. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 4, 2014196,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT HAD TO SWITCH GEARS IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 196,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 25, 2014172,656 milesIN

I WAS COMING TO A STOP AND I LOST MY BRAKES I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STOPPED. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC RIGHT AWAY AND WAS TOLD THE BRAKE LINE BURST AND HIT MY GAS LINE BUSTING IT AS WELL. THEY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR OVER 3 WEEKS. THEY REPAIRED THE GAS LINE EASY ENOUGH BUT THE BRAKE LINE HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 18, 201430,000 milesWA

DURING MANY OCCASIONS SINCE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK(NEW) ,THE ABS SYSTEM WOULD ACTIVATE AS I AM APPLYING THE BRAKES AND THE TRUCK IS ALMOST STOPPED: LOUD SHUDDER,THE TRUCK WOULD KEEP ROLLING EVEN AFTER PRESSING HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDAL(AT WALKING SPEED);IT HAS BEEN A RATHER SCARY EXPERIENCE ALL ALONG AS MORE THAN ONCE ,I CAME CLOSE TO HIT OTHER VEHICLES AND MY GARAGE DOOR AND BACK WALL. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 18, 201481,000 milesPA

THIS IS THE CONTINUING STORY OF THE UNSAFE BRAKING SYSTEM ON MY 1999 GMC TRUCK. ON 7/15/14 AS I WENT TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT MY BRAKE PEDAL BEGAN TO SLOW THE TRUCK AND THEN THE PEDAL TRAVEL ALMOST TO THE FLOOR, THE RED WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. I WAS VERY CLOSE TO HOME AND MANAGED TO SLOWLY MAKE IT SAFELY BACK WHERE I DISCOVERED, FOR THE THIRD TIME, THAT MY BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED THROUGH. I HAD LOST A PINT OF FLUID AND LATER FOUND THE LEAKING BRAKE LINE. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE RUSTY BRAKE LINES ON MY TRUCK. I REALIZE MY VEHICLE IS OLD, BUT THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST TEN YEARS. MY 1976 PONTIAC FIREBIRD STILL HAS IT'S ORIGINAL BRAKE LINES THAT SHOW NO SIGNS OF RUST. MY GMC BRAKE LINES ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED. I HAVE SPENT MORE THAN $5000 ON REPAIRING THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE SINCE PURCHASING IT NEW IN 1999. I HAVE HAD MORE THAN FIVE VERY CLOSE CLOSE CALLS WITH ASSORTED BRAKE FAILURES WITH THE RUSTY BRAKE LINES, FAULTY ABS SENSORS AND DEFECTIVE WHEEL HUBS. I AM GLAD THAT I AM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT AND NOT MY NEXT OF KIN. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 8, 2014151,704 milesIN

THE BRAKE LINES IN MY 1999 GMC SIERRA BLEW OUT, AND I WAS BARELY ABLE TO STOP THE TRUCK BEFORE ENTERING A BUSY HIGHWAY FROM MY DRIVEWAY - THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, PROVIDING VERY LITTLE BREAKING POWER AND TAKING A MUCH LONGER TIME TO STOP AND A MUCH LONGER DISTANCE TO STOP THAN NORMAL . I WAS INFORMED THAT MY BRAKE LINES HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT, NEEDING FULL REPLACEMENT, WHICH I HAD DONE LAST WEEK AT CONSIDERABLE EXPENSE. IT IS UNCONSCIONABLE THAT GM KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND FAILED TO INFORM OWNERS OF THEIR VEHICLES TO HAVE THEIR BRAKE LINES INSPECTED! I HAVE OWNED THIS TRUCK SINCE IT WAS NEW, AND MY ADDRESS HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED, SO MY ADDRESS IS IN THEIR FILES. *JS

Service Brakes
Filed May 5, 2014156,000 milesNY

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE I WAS STOPPING AND THE BRAKES WERE SHOT. I HAD TO PUSH THE PEDAL AS HARD AS POSSIBLE TO THE FLOOR TO GET IT TO STOP. LUCKILY I NARROWLY AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT WITH THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO GET LOOKED AT AND THE BRAKE LINES ARE LEAKING FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE ABS UNIT. THEY ARE EXTREMELY RUSTED AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE ESTIMATE WAS OVER $1000. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2014150,145 milesNY

BRAKE FLUID LEAKING ALL OVER BOTTOM OF TRUCK SPRAYING OUT I TOOK TO A MECHANIC AND HAD 1000 DOLLAR BRAKE LINE JOB DONE GOT TRUCK BACK AND ABS BRAKES WORKED LIKE MANUAL BRAKES HAD A SENSOR AND 2 BALL JOINTS REPLACED IM BEING RIPPED OF FROM A GMC LOYAL CUSTOMER I WAS I GUESS BACK TO FORD OR TOYOTA FOR MY NEXT NEW TRUCKS I HAD WARRANTY ISSUES YOU CHEAP [XXX] WOULDNT PAY FOR A WATERPUMP THAT WAS LEAKING ONLY A 7 DOLLAR GASKET ALSO HAD A TRANSMISSION ON MY WORK VAN REPAIR AND THEN REPLACED AFTER A MONTH OF RUN AROUND. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 17, 201350,900 milesWI

COMING BACK FROM THE STORE THEN ENTERING MY DRIVE WAY THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. USED EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. LOOKED UNDER TRUCK AND SAW BRAKE FLUID ON GROUND.HAD TO BE TOWED IN. HAD TO HAVE BRAKE LINES REPLACE. HEAVY CORROSION . TRUCK HAD BAD RUST PROBLEM. COST,$883.00AT 60,000 MI GAS LINES STARTED TO LEAK FROM CORROSION. HAD TO BE REPLACED ON 10/09/2013. FOR $900.00THE UNDER CARRIAGE IS BADLY RUSTED AND LOOKS IT HAS 200,000MI INSTEAD OF 60,000MI. BRAKE BACKING PLATES ARE ALMOST RUSTED AWAY. HAD TO REPLACE REAR CALIPERS ,ROTORS,PADS 2 TIMES. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 23, 201371,000 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, HE SMELLED A STRONG GASOLINE ODOR INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS ALSO FUEL VISIBLE ON THE GROUND. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT BOTH THE FUEL AND BRAKE LINES WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.

Wheels
Filed Jul 27, 201364,000 milesMD

PIRELLI SCORPION TIRES, SIZE P255/70R16, BOUGHT 7/11/2007 FROM TIRERACK.COM. AT 21,000 MILES, TIRES ARE SHOWING SEVERE WEATHER CRACKING, VERY SIMILAR TO WHAT I EXPERIENCED WITH MY FORD EXPLORER DURING THE FIRESTONE TIRE RECALL IN 2000. TIRE RACKS WARRANTY SPECIFICALLY STATES TIRES WITH WEATHER CRACKING WHICH WERE PURCHASED MORE THAN 4 YEARS PRIOR TO PRESENTATION FOR ADJUSTMENT ARE NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY. ALTHOUGH THERE IS AMPLE TREAD LIFE LEFT, THESE TIRES ARE SIMPLY NO LONGER SAFE. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 14, 2013162,000 milesOH

WAS PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE, WHEN I APPLIED BRAKES TO STOP I HEARD A POP AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. UPON INSPECTION I FOUND A CORRODED LEFT REAR BRAKE LINE HAD BUSTED AND I LOST ALL FLUID. WHEN I INSPECTED ALL THE OTHER BRAKE LINES THEY WERE ALSO HEAVILY CORRODED. I HAVE HAD MANY OLDER VEHICLES WITH OVER A HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES AND NEVER HAD CORRODED BRAKE LINES. *TR

Steering
Filed May 18, 2013205,778 milesTX

TRUCK WAS EXTREMELY HARD TO STEER THE EVENING OF 12/03/2012. THERE WAS A GRINDING TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNS WERE ATTEMPTED. TOOK VEHICLE TO A SHOP FOR A POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACEMENT. THE SHOP CHANGE THE PUMP AND THE SOLID METAL POWER STEERING HOSE. IT TURNED OUT THAT THE HOSE WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE REPAIR WENT FINE AND I PICKED UP THE TRUCK AND DROVE IT FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS. IT SEEMS THE REPLACEMENT SOLID METAL POWER STEERING HOSE BROKE IN THE SAME PLACE, WHERE IT SCREWS INTO THE PUMP. IT IS NOW MAY 2013, AND THE SECOND REPLACEMENT POWER STEERING HOSE HAS BROKEN AGAIN. I WILLTAKE IT TO THE SHOP MONDAY, MAY 21, 2013. I AM HOPING THIS HOSE WILL LAST. WHAT COULD BE CAUSING THIS PROBLEM? *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 23, 2013154,489 milesPA

I JUST TOOK MY 99 GMC SIERRA 1500 TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL GOING ALL WAY TO THE FLOOR AFTER DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND FELT THE SOFTNESS IN THE BRAKE PEDAL ATTEMPTING TO STOP BECAUSE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC. *TR THE SERVICE TECH FOUND THE BRAKE LINE LEAKING DUE CORROSION, THE TECH GAVE THE WORST CASE SCENARIO WHICH WOULD BE REPLACING ALL 4 CALIPERS, BRAKE HOSES, AND BRAKE LINES FOR OVER $3000.00. GM OR NHTSA NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL OR SOMETHING BUT SOMEONE GETS KILL. LUCKY THERE HAS BEEN NO DEATHS BECAUSE OF SUB QUALITY PARTS USED BY GM. *TR

Suspension
Filed Mar 21, 2013240,000 milesMI

ODD NOISE FROM VEHICLE. STOPPED AND NOTICED THE CENTER OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOW (BOX AND BACK OF CAB WERE IN CONTACT AT THE TOP AND SEPARATED BY SEVERAL INCHES AT THE BOTTOM. LOOKED AT FRAME AND SAW THAT RIGHT SIDE OF FRAME WAS RUSTED AND IS CRACKED ALMOST ALL THE WAY THROUGH, ALLOWING FRAME TO SAG AND PRESENTING THE DANGER OF FRAME SEPARATION WHICH WOULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Mar 11, 2013150,000 milesFL

MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. SOMETIME THE NEXT DAY I STARTED UP MY TRUCK AND RELEASED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, ALL SEEMED FINE. I THEN RELEASED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PROCEED TO BACK UP. GAVE THE VEHICLE A LITTLE GAS TO DO SO, WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES AGAIN AND HAD THEM GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BOARDS. IN ORDER TO STOP I HAD TO ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO HIT INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. NO DAMAGE TO EITHER OTHER THAN A SCUFF. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND MECHANIC SAYS ALL LINES NEED REPLACING. GOING TO COST UPWARDS OF A $1000. THIS IS A VERY COMMON FAILURE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO PREVENT LOSS OF LIFE! *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 29, 2012206 milesMI

DRIVING AT 50 MPH WITH MY YOUNG DAUGHTER THE DRIVERS SIDE METAL BRAKE LINE BURST PREVENTING US FROM STOPPING. UPON INSPECTION OF THE LINE IT WAS HEAVILY CORRODED. *TR

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Oct 26, 2012205,000 milesMI

BRAKE LINE BURST WHILE SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF BRAKING AND SLOW SPEED CRAWL INTO GARAGE DOOR. ON INSPECTION, HEAVILY CORRODED SECTION OF REAR BRAKE LINE UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS DOOR ON THE INSIDE OF FRAME RAIL WAS SPLIT LENGTHWISE AND LEAKING LARGE VOLUME OF BRAKE FLUID. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 18, 2012OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES SHOULD HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH STAINLESS STEEL AS OPPOSED TO MILD STEEL. THE VIN, FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 9, 2012112,785 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL SLIGHTLY WHEN HE NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE REAR BRAKE LINE HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,785. ..UPDATED 11/14/12 *BF UPDATED 11/15/2012 *JS *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 19, 2012106,243 milesOH

FRONT BRAKE HOSE FROM FRAME TO CALIPER RUSTED OUT AND CAUSED BRAKE FAILURE. WHEN THE ISSUE WAS BEING LOOKED AT, NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE FRAME AND ALL PARTS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE TRUCK WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED LIKE THEY WERE 100 YEARS OLD. APPEARS THERE WAS NO RUST INHIBITOR INCLUDED IN ANY OF THE METAL. ALL BRAKE LINES UNDER BODY OF THE TRUCK ARE SO RUSTED THAT IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. FUEL LINE IS ALSO RUSTED. I FEEL THAT ALL OF THESE ISSUES ARE DUE TO POOR RUST INHIBITOR USED DURING MANUFACTURING OF THE TRUCK. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 17, 2012125,523 milesMI

VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN WHEN BRAKE LINE TO REAR AXLE RUPTURED CAUSING AN EXTREME LOSS OF BRAKING ABILITY. VEHICLE WAS DOWNSHIFTED TO ASSIST BRAKING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. INSPECTION OF THE BRAKE LINES REVEALED SEVERE CORROSION OF ALL BRAKE LINES WITH THE REAR BRAKE LINE UNDER THE CAB BEING COMPROMISED AND LEAKING. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 10, 2012158,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, HE ATTEMPTED TO APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 26, 2012163,000 milesMD

TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE MOVING OUT OF A PARKING SLOT. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR; UPON INVESTIGATION FOUND BRAKE FLUID POURING FROM LEFT REAR WHEEL AREA (COULD NOT DETERMINE ACTUAL LOCATION); SUSPECT CORRODED STEEL BRAKE LINE. FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND EVIDENCE OF FLUID LEAKAGE IN HOME DRIVEWAY WHERE PARKED OVERNIGHT. THIS IS 2ND BRAKE LINE FAILURE ON THIS VEHICLE (1ST WAS JANUARY 2012; REPLACED LINE BUT WAS ADVISED BY MECHS THAT OTHER LINES WERE OK AT THE TIME, THIS IS TWO BRAKE FAILURES IN 7 MONTHS ON THIS TRUCK). *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 4, 2012178,400 milesVA

WHILE ON AN ERRAND THERE SEEMED TO BE A SUDDEN, EXTREME DECREASE IN BRAKING ABILITY. WE WERE STILL ABLE TO STOP WITH BRAKE TO THE FLOOR IF WE ALLOWED PLENTY OF TIME TO DO SO, HOWEVER, IT FELT VERY UNSAFE TO DRIVE. UPON A MECHANIC'S INSPECTION IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE GROUP OF BRAKE LINES FROM THE ABS TO MASTER CYLINDER WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS WAS $684.95. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed May 21, 2012137,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED A BURSTING SOUND EMITTED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS CORROSION ON THE BRAKE LINE AND A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

Service Brakes
Filed May 1, 201277,020 milesVA

THE BRAKE LINES HAVE SUDDENLY BLOWN OUT ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THESE OCCURED DURING NORNAL HIGHWAY DRIVING, ON ABOUT 6/29/06, AND AROUND 10/27/09. THE UNDERCARRIAGE HAD NOT BEEN EXPOSED TO CORROSIVE CONDITIONS OR SIGNIFICANT OFF-ROAD USE. I RECENTLY HEARD THAT THIS MAY HAVE BEEN AN ALL-TO-FREQUENT OCCURENCE IN THIS VEHICLE.....AND THAT THERE MAY HAVE BEEN (OR WILL BE) A RECALL, AND HOPEFULLY SOME SORT OF REIMBURSEMENT. PLEASE ADVISE. *JS

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 17, 201284,000 milesNC

WAS APPLYING BRAKE WHEN ALL THE SUDDEN BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND LOST ALOT OF BRAKING POWER ALMOST COULD NOT STOP IF NOT FOR EMERGENCY BRAKE TRUCK HAS ONLY BEEN IN SALT 3-4 TIMES I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE 2002 AND IT HAD 40K MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT NOW HAS 84K AND BRAKE LINES ARE RUSTED OFF IT I AM PLANNING TO REPLACE THEM WITH QUALITY PARTS. BUT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT, EVEN IN SALT BELT OF THE COUNTRY A BRAKE LINE SHOULD NOT RUST TO THE POINT OF BURSTING WITH 84K MILES ON VEHICLE SHAME ON YOU GM FOR USING LOW GRADE LINE ON SUCH IMPORTANT SYSTEM. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 9, 201270,000 milesFL

TWO BROKEN MANIFOLD BOLTS IN REAR DRIVERS SIDE OF ENGINE ON 5.3 VORTEC ENGINE, EXHAUST LEAK FROM WHERE MANIFOLD HAS SEPARATED FORM HEAD. CARBON BUILDUP AND DISCOLORATION VISIBLE. HIGH TEMP EXHAUST BEING RELEASED UNDER THE HOOD. APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON COMPLAINT ON MANY GM VEHICLES AND MODEL YEARS. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 28, 201270,000 milesNJ

METAL BRAKE LINE TO REAR WHEELS BURST DUE TO CORROSION. BRAKE WAS LOCATED BEFORE THE SPLIT FOR RIGHT AND LEFT WHEELS. FURTHER INSPECTION REVEALED SEVERE CORROSION OF OTHER BRAKE LINES AS WELL. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 17, 201175,250 milesME

LEAVING WORK TO GO HOME HIT THE BRAKES TO AVOID A PERSON RUNNING A STOP SIGN. PEDDLE TO THE FLOOR. HAD MY WIFE COME PICK ME UP. ENDED UP REPLACING ALL THE LINES FROM THE ABS BLOCK FORWARD. THE TRUCK HAD ROCKER PANELS REPLACED 3 YEARS AGO DUE TO RUST. THAT IS COSMETIC. BRAKE FAILURE COULD BE FATAL. I LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND NOTICED AN OVERLY ABOVE AVERAGE AMOUNT OF RUST. THE FRAME IS SO BAD IT MAY NOT PASS INSPECTION NEXT YEAR. PLEASE GM TAKE CARE OF US LOYAL (MAYBE NOT MUCH LONGER) GMC OWNERS. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Dec 16, 2011124,192 milesMI

WHILE MY BUDDY WAS BACKING MY BOAT TRAILER AND BOAT INTO THE WATER FOR ME, HE YELLED TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, THE VEHICLE WAS SLIDING DOWN THE BOAT RAMP. HE WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE GOING INTO THE WATER. I TOLD HIM I JUST HAD THE BRAKES DONE THIS FALL AND HE SAID THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. I GOT IN TO PULL THE TRUCK UP AND THE PEDAL DID GO STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. A LARGE PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID WAS ON THE GROUND AT THE BOAT LAUNCH. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINES HAD CORRODED SO BAD, THEY RUSTED RIGHT THROUGH AND LOST ALMOST ALL OF THE BRAKE FLUID. THE LINES WERE SO BAD, I NEEDED TO GET THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE SYSTEM REPLACED. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Nov 2, 2011150,000 milesCT

STARTED VEHICLE AND DEPRESSED BRAKE PEDAL. PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. UPON INVESTIGATION ONE OF THE SOLID BRAKE LINES HAD RUPTURED CAUSING A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID. THERE WAS NO WARNING OR INDICATION ASSOCIATED WITH THE BRAKE FAILURE IT JUST SUDDENLY FAILED. FORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVING AT THE TIME OR IT WOULD HAVE ALMOST CERTAINLY CAUSED A DANGEROUS SITUATION OR ACCIDENT. THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE LINE FAILURE WAS DUE TO RUST AND ALL SOLID BRAKE LINES WERE FOUND TO BE SEVERELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 24, 2011100,000 milesME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, HE WAS INFORMED THAT ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED BY THE REPAIR SHOP. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS AGAIN BEING EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 17, 2011MI

I WAS RETURNING FROM HUNTING TRIP ,AND WHEN I GOT OFF I-75 FREEWAY TO GO TO MY HOME TRAFFIC SIGNAL AHEAD WAS RED AND PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. FORTUNATELY,THE LIGHT SWITCHED TO GREEN AND I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO NOT COLLIDE WITH CAR STOPPED AHEAD. I NURSED IT HOME VIA BACK STREETS AT VERY LOW SPEED AND TO THE REPAIR SHOP THE NEXT MORNING. MECHANIC REPLACED BRAKE LINE. THE FUEL LINE WAS RUSTED OUT AT THE FUEL FILTER AND DISCOVERED WHILE OTHER MAINTENANCE WAS BEING PERFORMED. THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS EXTREMELY RUSTED AND I AM CONCERNED ABOUT PULLING MY TRAVEL TRAILER DUE TO RUSTY CONDITION OF THINGS. ROCKER PANELS ARE RUSTED OUT AS WELL AS REAR FENDER WELLS. SURELY GM CAN CONTROL CORROSION BETTER THAN THEY ARE DOING. SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE HURT OR KILLED DUE TO THESE VEHICLES RUSTING SO BADLY. *TR

Power Train
Filed Sep 25, 201179,000 milesID

NP8 ACTUATOR MOTOR FAILURE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Aug 29, 201160,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO A STOP, HE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. SIX MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 1, 201196,450 milesMA

STRUCTURAL CROSS MEMBER BETWEEN FRAME RAILS JUST ABOVE REAR WHEELS RUSTED AWAY LEAVING RT REAR SHOCK UNATTACHED.....FURTHER INVESTIGATION THIS WEEK BY BODY SHOP WILL DETERMINE AMOUNTS OF RUST TO LEFT SIDE AND POSSIBLE DANGER BY UNSUPPORTED GAS TANK?

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 25, 2010164,000 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THEY WOULD NOT ENGAGE; THE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINES HAD BEEN CUT DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 165,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jul 13, 201060,200 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ON A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY, THE CONTACT CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT RESISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE LINE QUALITY WAS POOR WITH INEXPENSIVE MATERIALS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE COST OF $850. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL LINES EXHIBITED LEAKAGE DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION WHICH WAS REPLACED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO COMPLAINTS FILED ON THE BRAKE LINE SYSTEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,200. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 06/16/11*LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL LINES. UPDATED 06/21/11

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 20, 201094,000 milesNH

COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO BRAKELINE FAILURE DUE TO RUST ON 1999 GMC SIERRA PICKUP. *TR

Vehicle Speed Control1 injured
Filed Apr 8, 2010142,000 milesNJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN; THEREFORE, HE USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. HE THEN NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ON THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THE CONTACT RECEIVED MINOR BRUISES DUE TO THE SUDDEN STOP. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 142,000.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 16, 201052,000 milesOH

BRAKE PEDAL ON 1999 GMC SIERRA TRUCK WENT TO THE FLOOR. BUSTED BRAKE LINE. UPON INSPECTION FOUND ALL LINE ARE BADLY RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH CORROSION ON ANY VEHICLES I HAVE OWNED BEFORE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 14, 200975,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS 1999 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND PROCEEDING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THERE WAS PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL; FOLLOWED BY NO POWER RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED STRAIGHT THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AND FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE DRIVER WAS FORCED TO SHIFT GEARS INTO THE "NEUTRAL" POSITION WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND BELOW BRAKE APPLICATIONS. AN AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN REPAIRED THE VEHICLE ACCORDING TO THE RECALL #05V379000, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC ANTILOCK ; HOWEVER, THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION AFTER THE RECALL REMEDY WAS REPAIRED. THE EARLIER RECALL REMEDY WAS INSUFFICIENT AND DID NOT ADDRESS THE DEFECT. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. THE CURRENT WAS MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 26, 200849,000 milesVA

FUEL PUMP/SENDING UNIT FAULTY. GAUGE DOES NOT READ PROPER FUEL LEVELS. ONE MINUTE WHILE GOING DOWN ROAD YOU HAVE A FULL TANK NEXT MINUTE LIGHT COMES ON FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY. SOMETIMES GAUGE WILL NOT READ FUEL IN TANK AT ALL. I HAVE COME ACROSS OTHER GMC OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT. GUYS AT SHOP SAY IT IS COMMON TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP/SENDING UNIT. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jun 16, 200736,000 milesPA

I HAD UNWANTED ABS ACTIVITY. ABS WOULD COME ON WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT LOW SPEEDS. NHTSA DID RECALL #05V379000. WORK WAS DONE BY DEALER BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE COST TO REPAIR WAS OVER $1,000. I PULLED ABS FUSE. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Apr 23, 2007NY

1999 GMC SIERRA. CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE PEDAL DID NOT MOVE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. MECHANIC REPLACED THE ABS CONTROL VALVE. *MC THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP SO THE RECALL COULD BE PERFORMED ON DEC 28, 2006, HOWEVER HE EXPERIENCED A FAILURE 1 MONTH LATER. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT LEFT SENSOR WAS DAMAGED WHICH WAS PROBABLY THE CAUSE OF THE CONTROL VALVE FAILURE. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Mar 7, 2007NY

1999 GMC SIERRA PICKUP TRUCK CUSTOMER STATES THAT AFTER GETTING CAR FIXED DUE TO A RECALL ON BRAKES THE NEXT DAY THE BRAKES STOP WORKING CAUSING A ACCIDENT**CC THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON DEC 28, 2006 AND ON JANUARY 3, 2007 WHEN THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WAS EXTREMELY HARD, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND CONSEQUENTLY HIT A PARKED VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC WHO SAID THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE VALVE HAD BURNED OUT. THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS DAMAGE TO THE FRONT LEFT SENSOR AND WANTED TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAD BEEN WORKING ON THE ABS SENSORS RECENTLY. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT SOMEONE HAD PIERCED INSIDE THE SENSOR AND DAMAGED IT, WHICH WAS THE PROBABLE CAUSE OF THE CONTROL VALVE FAILURE. *JB

Complaints 1-50 of 600, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201761010Routine
20166210Routine
201553610Routine
20141011220Do not drive
201339310Routine
201229220Routine
201143200Routine
201034120Routine
200937100Routine
200868200Routine
200759220Routine
200653630Routine
20051171120Routine
20041881050Routine
2003206912Fatalities reported
2002249720Above average
2001264725Fatalities reported
20004431232Fatalities reported
1999 — this page600921Fatalities reported
1998190080Routine
1997238050Above average
1996246230Above average
1995261600Above average
1994190320Routine
199372310Routine
199230420Routine
199112200Routine
199018220Routine

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1999 GMC Sierra: questions buyers ask

Is the 1999 GMC Sierra a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Sierra years to avoid: owners filed 600 complaints, 5.9 times as many as a typical Sierra year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (53%).

What is the most common problem with the 1999 GMC Sierra?

The brakes: 319 of the 600 complaints (53%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (16%), sets off warning lights on the dash (9%) and leaks oil or fluid (4%). The typical report comes at 60,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1999 GMC Sierra have?

9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 11, 2009. The largest, 00V345000, covered 1,383,922 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1999 GMC Sierra problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 62,000 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 60,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1999 GMC Sierra?

Yes, 10 times. The latest, PE10010 ("Brake line corrosion failure"), was opened Mar 30, 2010 and closed Jan 5, 2011.

Are there service bulletins for the 1999 GMC Sierra?

The manufacturer filed 229 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (44), the engine (43) and the body and frame (25). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 11, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.