2003 GMC Denali Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 22%of 32 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 GMC Denali, 22% of the 32 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have had the break/steering fluid booster replaced 3 times in a 6 month period. How Gmc can call this a problem but not a safety issue is beyond me. I have looked it up and thousands have had problems with this along with alike vehicles from the same years. The breaks and steering lock up while driving especially around turns. It is extremely dangerous!!!!! I guess not enough people have died....uugghhh .... So frustrating!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #11165106, filed 2019-01, 120,000 miles“On june 4, 2014, driving on a clear, dry and sunny day in my 2003 Gmc sierra Denali pickup truck. On virginia drive heading eastbound in montgomery county, pa, at 32 MPH; with normal braking action heading into a curve, the brake pedal surprisingly went to the floor and experienced loss of braking. Fortunately I was able to negotiate the turn, narrowly escaping running off the road, only because it was two lane road in each direction and there was no nearby traffic at the time. Brake functionality never returned except for minimal capability near the end of pedal travel. …”
NHTSA complaint #10596077, filed 2014-06, 63,000 miles“Within about 10 miles of a moderate braking situation and reaching home, brake pedal became progressively softer at each successive stop until complete brake failure occurred near home. The emergency brake was used to slow and stop vehicle in driveway (home). Right front steel brake line was found to have burst due to extensive rust/corrosion. Extensive corrosion of most brake lines was found and repaired at considerable cost as a preventive measure to help avoid accident or injury. …”
NHTSA complaint #10455716, filed 2012-04, 47,500 miles“Parking brake does not release when release handle is pulled. Releases after vehicle placed in drive and moved forward slightly or placed in reverse and moved back slightly.”
NHTSA complaint #10148925, filed 2006-01, 48,000 miles“The contact stated the left front brake pipe fully fractured while driving at 25 MPH. There is a NHTSA recall, # 03v151000, regarding the brake piping. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The vehicle was driven to the local independent repair shop for repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10147916, filed 2006-01, 52,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10078876May 11, 2016This 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…
- 10014946Mar 1, 2005Parts restriction program for vehicle stability enhancement system (stabilitrak).
Brakes: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Denali
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Denali
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology