2003 GMC Sierra 2500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 73about this part
- Share
- 46%of 160 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 73 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500, 46% of the 160 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,000 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving on I 75 doing 70 MPH I had to come to a sudden stop I applied brakes and there was no brakes., I ended up putting truck in the ditch to avoid serious accident. It ended both brake lines from master cylinder both blew up from corrosion these lines went to the ABS module. I was some what injured.”
NHTSA complaint #10928370, filed 2016-11, 350,000 miles“I was driving down the road when my brake peddle went to the floor, I had to use my emergency brake to stop my vehicle. Luckily I swerved to avoid traffic in front of me and was able to stop safely. Upon having my truck towed, my mechanic showed me that my brake line from my master cylinder had rusted out causing brake failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10563218, filed 2014-02, 223,000 miles“As I began backing out of my drive way my brake peddle went to the floor and I had a rapid decrease in braking power. Upon investigation I noticed brake fluid leaking from the brake lines right above the frame rail on the driver side. If this happened while driving it could have LED to injuries or fatalities especially when such a large and heavy truck suddenly loses braking power.”
NHTSA complaint #10532731, filed 2013-07, 125,346 miles“Going down a hill approaching a t intersection I pressed the brake and went to floor, tried pumping nothing so I put the truck in 3rd gear and then 2nd and shut off my lights to see if any cars where coming into t . I need to turn left, luckily no cars made it thru. But I had to cross a hwy before getting home. I did the same thing went from d to 3rd to 2nd, again no cars. Was very lucky.”
NHTSA complaint #10543795, filed 2013-09, 116,059 miles“Hit the brakes on my 2003 Gmc sierra 2500hd fairly hard to avoid an accident. I slowed down enough to avert another car, but the anti-lock brakes failed to engage and brake fluid exploded all over my engine. My brakes no longer worked after this initial braking. Pedal went to the floor. Had to use emergency brake to stop and get towed. Very close call.”
NHTSA complaint #10355246, filed 2010-09, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242252Aug 18, 2023This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
- 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…
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10178353Jun 26, 2020This 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…
- 10161004May 13, 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…
- 10129088Jan 23, 2018This 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
- 10246645Nov 1, 2013Pre-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…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 14% |
| 2025 | 7 | 25% |
| 2024 | 16 | 15% |
| 2023 | 3 | 9% |
| 2022 | 4 | 9% |
| 2021 | 7 | 13% |
| 2020 | 13 | 16% |
| 2019 | 4 | 13% |
| 2017 | 8 | 22% |
| 2016 | 10 | 17% |
| 2015 | 6 | 7% |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% |
| 2013 | 3 | 7% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 20% |
| 2009 | 5 | 16% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 7% |
| 2006 | 30 | 45% |
| 2005 | 38 | 33% |
| 2004 | 56 | 39% |
| 2003 | 73 | 46% |
| 2002 | 78 | 58% |
| 2001 | 62 | 46% |
| 2000 | 32 | 67% |
| 1999 | 22 | 61% |
| 1998 | 8 | 53% |
| 1997 | 7 | 50% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500
36 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsTires
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Sierra 2500
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