2012 GMC Sierra 1500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 5%of 107 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 GMC Sierra 1500, 5% of the 107 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles.
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.
“On cold morning starts, front brake pads will engage rotor, and release very slowly. Then on a turn, front pads will engage, lock for a short time, and then slowly release. Seems like engine has to warm up before brakes act normal. After cold morning startup, before moving vehicle, if brake pedal is pumped repeatedly for 30 seconds, brakes will try to act normal, when vehicle is moved. I am on my 2nd set of front pads and rotors. 1st set were severally worn. Tech said it looks like your calipers were sticking.”
NHTSA complaint #11056267, filed 2017-12, 47,000 miles“June 29, 2025, Driving on the St. Francis loop in Amarillo, TX, brake lights start flashing, the warning sounds happening, no brakes. I had already slowed down to 35-45 mph due to road construction ahead. I weaved through the cones and as soon as possible, hit the ditch and then coasted to a stop. (I didn’t think about the emergency brake, in my panic.) I turned the vehicle off and called my husband. I decided that I wasn’t pulled over far enough over in the ditch, so I started the pickup again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11756257, filed 2026-08“The contact owns a 2012 Gmc SIERRA 1500. The contact stated that the brakes functioned independently even when the accelerator pedal was applied. Also, the traction control warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred approximately five times. The vehicle was taken to bill marsh automotive group (1621 s garfield ave, traverse city, mi) where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel positioning sensor failed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11080422, filed 2018-03, 55,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 10253061Mar 4, 2024This Preliminary information communicates that when removing the fuel line jumper hose care should be taken to be sure the line is reinstalled correctly to avoid a no/low fuel…
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 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
42 complaintsOther or unknown
37 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 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