2003 GMC Sierra Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 83about this part
- Share
- 40%of 206 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,244miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 83 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 GMC Sierra, 40% of the 206 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,244 miles. 5 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Exiting off freeway ramp in indianapolis brake pedal went to the floor without notice and no brake fluid loss, nearly crashed crossing 5 lanes of cross traffic just lucky I wasn't broadsided by cross traffic. I received no notice of hazard from GM, no recall and only learned of this problem once researching on web. I am lucky to be alive.”
NHTSA complaint #10786611, filed 2015-10, 150,000 miles“Car pulled out in front on me slammed on brakes, pedal went to floor, avoided car could not stop and ran into a field with my granddaughter in vehicle. Somebody is going to die as a result of these rusted brake lines. These are brakes we're talking about here. Recall needs to happen now!!!! Shame on you GM, we know your aware of this deadly problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10545415, filed 2013-09, 78,244 miles“Was coming up on a single lane bridge . When I started to brake my foot went to the floor. Lucky for me I did not have any oncoming traffic, and drove over the bridge safely. I then noticed check brake system sign on dash board. Pulled over and there was brake fluid dripping from the drivers side around gas tank area. The line was corroded and burst.”
NHTSA complaint #10481286, filed 2012-10, 115,000 miles“Pulled up to the carwash. As I was preparing to put money in the machine,I heard a hissing sound. Brake pedal went to the floor & brake light came on. I had no brakes whatsoever. Was able to roll back to a vacant area & stop with emergency brake. Truck is still in the shop where mechanic is replacing all the brake lines. He said this was common for this truck & the lines were all bad.”
NHTSA complaint #10545153, filed 2013-09, 99,000 miles“Backing out of a parking space I applied the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I hit a steel pole causing damage to my rear bumper. I was pretty sure I knew what was wrong. I inspected the truck and found brake fluid dripping from under the vehicle in the area of the drivers door. Further inspection showed the brake lines were very rusted which I attribute to the brake line failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10557204, filed 2013-12, 155,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V161000Apr 22, 2005On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake…Covers: GMC Sierra 1999–2005, Chevrolet Silverado 1999–2005
- 04V045000Feb 4, 2004Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135…Covers: GMC Sierra 2003–2004, Chevrolet Silverado 2003–2004, GMC Yukon 2003–2004 +10 more
Related service bulletins
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017This 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…
- 10054261Sep 1, 2014Chevrolet/gmc/cadillac: anytime hydraulic brake pipes assembly need replacing, pre-formed and pre-flared brake pipes are available, except rear axle crossover pipe. Model…
- 10112546Nov 6, 2012This 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…
- 10022470Jun 1, 2007Abs light on, dtc's c0265, c0201, u1041 set and/or loss of communication with brake module. (reground ebcm ground).
- 10021133Mar 13, 2007Service brake booster message.
- 10014878May 11, 2005Anti-lock braking system (abs) telltale illuminated with diagnostic trouble code c0550.
- 10012587Oct 1, 2004Antilock brake system light on service brake system message on driver information center. *eh updated
- 10011125Oct 1, 2004Low brake pedal, red brake light on, brake system warning message on. *tt updated
- 10012141Jun 1, 2004Availability of rear wheel mud flaps to reduce debris build-up on rear brake calipers and/or rear wheels.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 20 | 33% |
| 2015 | 3 | 6% |
| 2013 | 4 | 10% |
| 2012 | 4 | 14% |
| 2011 | 4 | 9% |
| 2010 | 4 | 12% |
| 2009 | 2 | 5% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 14 | 24% |
| 2006 | 27 | 51% |
| 2005 | 37 | 32% |
| 2004 | 74 | 39% |
| 2003 | 83 | 40% |
| 2002 | 145 | 58% |
| 2001 | 150 | 57% |
| 2000 | 228 | 51% |
| 1999 | 338 | 56% |
| 1998 | 62 | 33% |
| 1997 | 67 | 28% |
| 1996 | 47 | 19% |
| 1995 | 42 | 16% |
| 1994 | 14 | 7% |
| 1993 | 12 | 17% |
| 1992 | 7 | 23% |
| 1991 | 6 | 50% |
| 1990 | 10 | 56% |
| 1989 | 4 | 25% |
| 1988 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Sierra
31 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsSteering
27 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsEngine
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Sierra
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