2003 GMC Sierra 1500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 105about this part
- Share
- 58%of 180 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,724miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 105 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500, 58% of the 180 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,724 miles. 8 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The ABS activates at low speed braking under dry road conditions without the tires locking up. The brake pedal vibrates as if I were on ice with the tires locked up. Braking effect is reduced under these conditions. This happens randomly and when it does I cannot be sure if I can stop in time before hitting the vehicle or object in front of me.”
NHTSA complaint #10809780, filed 2015-12, 62,000 miles“Started my vehicle applied the brake to shift to drive and the brake pedal went to the floor. I got out of the vehicle and there was a puddle of brake fluid on the ground on the driver side under where the drivers seat is. There was brake fluid dripping from a rusted brake line. I'm lucky this happened when the vehicle was stopped and not while I needed stop because it was a complete loss of brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #10920447, filed 2016-11, 80,000 miles“Backing up toward 60 ft dropoff to unload debris.when I hit the brakes the pedal went to the floor.stopped with e-brake or I would have been down that 60 ft drop.checked under truck and fluid was running out a break in the line from rusting through in the middle of the line,not at a fitting.was very lucky that I stopped in time.that would have left a mark!”
NHTSA complaint #10551032, filed 2013-11, 55,000 miles“82k miles, original owner, well maintained and garaged. Had to stop at a red light and the pedal went to the floor as I went into the intersection.luckily no other cars were ahead of me and nobody was hurt. Dic lights came on and brakes have not worked since limping my vehicle back home.”
NHTSA complaint #10807621, filed 2015-11, 82,000 miles“I was pulling up to a busy intersection I went to step on the brakes they were gone. Lucky I was able to jump the curb and come to a stop, before hitting any one. Upon inspection the brakes lines were rusted through!!!!!!! Note!!! I had my truck in for a oil change and 27 point inspection the day before. At the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10492093, filed 2013-01, 105,407 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10226382Oct 18, 2022This 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…
- 10162149Jun 24, 2019This 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…
- 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…
- 10246647Sep 1, 2014Pre-Formed and Pre-Flared Hydraulic Brake Pipe Kits Now Available for Service
- 10112560Nov 9, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about brake rotors on new vehicles and replacement parts from General Motors Service Parts…
- 10112544Nov 6, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a power steering pump whine noise. Technician will need to flush…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 3% |
| 2025 | 7 | 6% |
| 2024 | 11 | 3% |
| 2023 | 17 | 3% |
| 2022 | 30 | 5% |
| 2021 | 25 | 4% |
| 2020 | 55 | 11% |
| 2019 | 114 | 17% |
| 2018 | 44 | 14% |
| 2017 | 108 | 30% |
| 2016 | 106 | 31% |
| 2015 | 229 | 32% |
| 2014 | 144 | 19% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 6 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 10 | 3% |
| 2007 | 25 | 10% |
| 2006 | 67 | 46% |
| 2005 | 50 | 28% |
| 2004 | 67 | 32% |
| 2003 | 105 | 58% |
| 2002 | 127 | 77% |
| 2001 | 108 | 77% |
| 2000 | 131 | 72% |
| 1999 | 103 | 65% |
| 1998 | 18 | 31% |
| 1997 | 18 | 22% |
| 1996 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
43 complaintsSteering
15 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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