1999 GMC Sierra 1500: brake failure

Filed Sep 25, 2021 · Brakes · NC

ABS Brakes cut out leaving you with little to no brakes. No warning light appears. This continues on and off over time. Then that ABS warning light came on. When the warning light was on, brakes worked just not ABS. Light would go out and back to the original issue. Took it in to dealership when the light remained on. They reset the light and told me every thing was fine. And charged me $$$. ABS Brake warning light can right back on. Had the manager drive it. Told me it was fine, brakes worked well. The ABS warning would go in and out. Removed the ABS fuse, so I could depend on being able to stop, without having to worry about the ABS cutting in and out for a few years. Watched for recalls, nothing appeared. Noticed on blogs, others were having the same issue. Took it to a great mechanic! Who verified there were no leaks in the brake lines, replaced one line that had been known to have issues on this type of truck and verified there were no air bubbles on the lines. Still same issue, then replaced the computer system for the ABS. No codes ever came up on the computer system that I can recall. Had more issues with the ABS. Would go to stop, (generally on a hill) then when it came to the final stopping, I had NO BRAKES, had to slam on the brakes to stop. ABS Brake warning lights never came on. My mechanic looked and looked and relooked into this. Found from others that blogged that they had similar issues, that one or both of the ABS Brake sensors were not responding evenly causing an issue. Changed out the sensor. All is good now. This issues could have put and my family in danger a number of times. I was blessed to avoid a few accidents by driving far enough behind people and or had an emergency line to pull into when unable to stop. Hope a recall comes soon for these issues to prevent someone from being killed. These took place from about 2015-fixed 2020. Email me with a report number and where I can upload info at a later date, I will do so.

Filed Apr 27, 2019 · Brakes · 265,000 miles · KY

I was driving home from work on 421 in eminence, ky. I pushed the brake pedal & I had no brakes right in front of harry hill park. Gm & I are very lucky that no one was killed yesterday. The brake line corroded & leaked the brake fluid, so when I pushed the pedal, it went right to the floor. The vehicle is pretty clean & after checking many blogs & youtube videos this is a very common problem on gm trucks. I checked the recalls on this truck & the tailgate cable is recalled for breaking under load due to corrosion; this could injure somebody, but not as vital compared to the braking system as someone could die in a horrible incident. I would greatly appreciate your attention to this serious matter. Thank you

Filed Jul 24, 2016 · Brakes, Fuel system · 218,000 miles · VA · crash · 3 injuries

I am the original owner of a 1999 gmc sierra that just had brake line failure on 7/14/16 on the interstate that caused an acccident. I had complete loss of brakes, pedal to the floor. I used low gear and park brake to minimize damage but still made contact. It is currently at patriot buick gmc in williamsburg va for repair where I bought it new. I feel me having to pay $1000+ for the brake line repair and now a court date and insurance issues that are not my fault. We need to discuss gmc making some restitution as there is no rust anywhere else and this truck has only been in va. I have other gm cars from the 60's, 70s and 2000s that have no rust issue. Fuel line was leaking as well and some needed replacment.gm service request 8-2250924255 I also had the ps rear brake rotor shield come off and scrape moving parts last year. Turned itnto dealership as a problem. This truck was tsb'd years ago for line inspection

Filed Jun 5, 2015 · 243,000 miles · WV

Frame and cross members corrosion found when having cab rocker panels replaced and prep-repaint cab. Body shop called ask me to stop by have a look and that they had removed the bed. I was shocked at the cross member tube that rear shock is mounted to is almost corroded completely around over exaust muffler. Shop owner informed me he did not have ability to replace cross member. I am also concerned about the amount of corrosion over all frame-structure. We bought truck new, 50% of its time was parked under car port. New crate motor ($5000 installed) has 25,000 miles. Cab repairs and paint $3000 >. I kept it well maintained. We have 7 gm vehicles, cannot help to wonder how much hidden suprises ahead? I replaced corroded brake lines 2008 brakes went out in driveway stopped with parking brake. This is a serious substandard steel problem. Toyota I understand was recalled on this same issue? The truck still drives and feels like the first ride. Any helpful information welcome. Thanks'

Filed Feb 4, 2015 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · WA

Suburban is extremely difficult to stop or will not stop at stop signs. Pedal goes to the floor for emergency stops on highway and going down hills. Brake pedal is very soft. Abs system activates at slow speeds and/or may pull vehicle very hard to the left. The federal safety agency recall issued for this problem only in certain northern states but not in washington state where we have high corrosion from natural ocean air and extreme winter mountain driving with deicers. Though brakes have been repeatedly serviced since new this safety problem persists and is getting worse.

Filed Oct 27, 2014 · Brakes, Suspension · 150,000 miles · MI

Coming to a stop sign I applied the brakes and they completely failed without warning; no lights or indication failure was imminent. The pedal went to the floor with no resistance. Managed to turn onto a dirt shoulder and downshift to stop. Inspection revealed rusted through rear brake line. Although the dash brake warning light comes on while starting the truck, it goes off and gives no indication the brake fluid is low. While repairing the brake lines it was noticed the frame of the truck is extremely rusty and flaking. After wire-brushing by hand,the frame is showing cracks on both sides, under the cab, near the rear, right about where a crossmember is attached. This vehicle is no longer safe to drive. I am not impressed with gm's claim that this was a lighter, stronger frame on this truck. We have 2 older trucks with nowhere near this much rust and neither have cracked. The design allows too much crud to accumulate inside the lip of the frame where it is almost impossible to wash out.

Filed Jun 9, 2014 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 gmc sierra 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, the brakes failed as the brake warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who stated that the brake lines failed and were rusted. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 09/15/14*lj the consumer stated that 2 damaged lineswith union were repaired. All lines needed to be repaired. Updated 1/15/2014

Filed May 16, 2014 · Brakes · 114,191 miles · MA

While starting to drive away, applied brakes and could not stop. No warning able to stop vehicle and have towed to repair to a local gm dealer repair facility repaired section of rusted out brake line. Second incident occurred on august 2010 traveling approximately 35 MPH. Applying brakes for a turn no brakes no warning, was able to avoid rear end collision by going straight and using emergency brake. Vehicle was towed to local repair center and had to replace 3 ft of brake line and again was a rusted out section of break line I am sending information because of the reports that this has been a ongoing problem for gm trucks.

Filed Jan 25, 2014 · Brakes · NJ

While driving on interstate 295 I noticed the brake light come on so I checked the emergency brake to make sure it wasn't pushed in I pulled over at the next rest stop I looked over truck all seemed ok after restarting light was off then came on while driving again as I got to my exit pedal went to the floor scary as hell but the truck did stop as I stepped all the way down . I proceeded home checked brake fluid none at all I added some and could see after I started and pumped brakes the fluid was spurting out a line onto under carriage I took to my tech he said its a known problem with chevy gmc and would cost close to $1500.00 right now im unemployed and cant afford to have it fixed please help, help, help!

Filed Dec 3, 2013 · Brakes · 97,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 gmc k1500 sierra. The contact stated that the while reversing, the brakes failed to engage. The contact later inspected the vehicle and discovered that brake fluid was leaking from the brake lines. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 97,000. Updated 01/14/14*lj the consumer stated 9 brake lines were replaced. Updated 01/16/14

Filed Jun 17, 2013 · Brakes · WV

I was backing out of my driveway when my brakes went to the floor, always noticed how rusty the truck is underneath, and the outside looks like new. What had happen is a whole in my brake line .I done some research and noticed about 6 million other people have had the same issue..definitely think gm should pay for new brake lines, why would they build a vehicle that's not safe for at least 15 years..don't think I'll ever own another gm product.

Filed Sep 18, 2012 · Brakes · 190,000 miles · MI

I was coming upon a red light behind other traffic. I stepped down on the brakes to stop, and the peddle felt spongy. I tried pumping them, then nothing. I avoided hitting the truck in front of me by swerving across into the other lane and pulling into a parking lot, were I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop. The brake warning light never came on, and I don't understand while it was a total brake failure, I thought that's why there is a dual reservoir, and there was still plenty of fluid in both. Upon inspection, I saw the brake lines were all severely corroded, and the one going to the rear brakes was split. I know I live in michigan, and the truck is rusty(thanks again gm) but I have cars over 40 years old with original lines on them with absolutely no corrosion on them. This is a substandard part, that needs to be recalled before more people are injured or killed.