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2001 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes complaints

Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 108, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jun 29, 2012 · Brakes · 170,000 miles · MO

While traveling at about 40 MPH on flat paved road the brake warning light came on. When I tested the brake, the pedal went to the floor. The warning light went off then flashed back on. On the second or third pump the warning light did the same thing. At that time I had regained a very soft and little brake. Upon inspecting the brake system it was found that the brake line aft of the left front wheel, behind the inter-fender cover where it passes over the frame member had failed due to serious rusting and had burst.

Filed Mar 28, 2012 · Brakes · 76,158 miles · MD

A second brake line ruptured as a result of rust corrosion causing the brakes to fail at 76,158 original miles. I narrowly avoided a rear end collision into another vehicle carrying a family with children. The vehicle was towed to a gm dealer where it was diagnosed. The cost estimate from the gm dealer to replace all of the rusted brake parts is $5,125.00 this is the second incident of brake failure as a result of rusted out brake lines. The first incident occurred at 73,870 original miles. A call was made to gmc in an effort to seek assistance with the repair amount and they adamantly refused any assistance.

Filed Jan 23, 2012 · Brakes, Fuel system · 150,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, he applied the brakes and the pedal depressed to the floor. The vehicle coasted to a stop. The contact examined the master cylinder and noticed that all the brake fluid leaked from the vehicle. The contact also noticed that the brake lines were fractured. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. In addition, the contact stated that he replaced the fuel lines and pumps in the past due to corrosion. The failure and current mileages were 150,000.

Filed Dec 29, 2011 · Brakes · 73,870 miles · MD

The master cylinder brake line rusted through causing the brakes to fail. The truck was towed by aaa emergency service where the brake failure was diagnosed. The cost to replace the failed brake line was $270.79 the rest of the under-carriage of the truck is badly rusted as well.

Filed Nov 27, 2011 · Brakes · 184,502 miles · FL

Stopped in front of house and when almost stopped the brake pedal went to the floor and I had no brakes except for a very slight "drag". I stopped and looked under the truck and saw fluid coming from under the front of vehicle. It appeared to be brake fluid and it was traced to a metal brake running across the front frame member to the brake on the front passenger wheel. The line was extremely rusty and leaking profusely. Upon further inspection all metal brake lines are severely rusted and need replaced. I have seen many vehicles but none with this amount of rust on every part of all lines and the frame. This truck is 10 yrs old and is now unsafe to drive until all brake lines are replaced at substantial cost and effort. As you would expect I am not pleased but consider myself very lucky. I could have killed someone or myself. Please warn others this hazard exists.

Filed Aug 22, 2011 · Body, Brakes · 88,000 miles · ME

I have a 200 gmc sierra and have found now that all the brake lines have rusted through, and the frame is so badly rusty it is not safe to drive. As I review the internet there are hundreds and hundreds of similar problems, many resulting in crashes. You must make gmc face up to this problem and get these dangerous vehicles off the road.

Filed Jul 21, 2011 · Brakes · 145,000 miles · OH

While bleeding the rear disk brake calipers in the driveway, the steel hydraulic tubing from the brake master cylinder to the rear brake calipers burst due to excessive rust. The result was a quick loss of hydraulic brake fluid. Had this happened on the highway, all braking would have been lost due to the fact that the hydraulic fluid reservoir is not divided into front/rear compartments. After the leak, the brake pedal went right to the floor.

Filed Jul 21, 2011 · Brakes · 145,000 miles · OH

While slowing down at my neighborhood elementary school I applied the brakes at the stop sign. The brake pedal began to pulse. I drove around the block to my house. Upon investigation, a 12" section of the inside of my left rear brake rotor broke off. When the rotor continued to turn, the remaining section of the brake rotor caught the caliper piston and sheared it off. Luckily, I was only driving at 18 MPH. If I had been on the highway driving 55-65 MPH, the loss of braking would have been catastrophic. The piece that broke off was covered with rust on the inside - the side manufactured with cooling openings which are located between the inside and outside of the brake rotor.

Filed Jul 19, 2011 · Brakes · 68,780 miles · AL · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that while approaching a traffic stop signal at approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was engaged but the vehicle failed to slow down and accelerated into a ditch. The vehicle was towed an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they state that the brake lines were fractured and the entire frame was corroded. The technician also stated that the brake lines fractured due to rust corrosion and recommended having the vehicle repaired at a collision center. Two months later, the vehicle was towed to a collision center where the contact was informed the damages were beyond repair. The failure mileage was 68,780. Updated 09/27/11 *bf updated 2/9/2012

Filed Jul 5, 2011 · Brakes · 165,000 miles · PA

A steel brake line was rusted and failed leaving limited braking for the vehicle. All fluid drained from the master cylinder.

Filed Jun 14, 2011 · Brakes · 45,149 miles · NH

Brake failure (loss of braking power and pedal went to floor). Caused by corroded steel brake line rupture. Inspection of brake lines showed extensive heavy rust, especially along the frame members.

Filed Apr 18, 2011 · Brakes · 55,000 miles · DE

We own a 2001 gmc sierra 1500 pickup truck with around 55k miles. Last dec 2010 the brakes failed when applying pressure. We thought the problem was one of the rear calipers; however, upon further diagnosis, it was determined the brakes lines had rusted and subsequently burst/ruptured during a brake application. Fortunately, the vehicle was close to home when the brakes failed and we managed to get our truck home without incident. We left our truck parked over the winter to deal with the issue when the weather would be more cooperative for having our vehicle towed to a repair shop. I contacted gm early march 2011 regarding our problem and gm said a gm authorized dealer had to diagnosis the problem. We had our pickup towed to a local gmc dealer and the dealer?s service dept charged us $98 to inspect our vehicle. The dealer reported back to gm that the corrosion was caused by lack of maintenance. The dealers estimate was $4,657 to replace the brake lines and perform other maintenance work caused by the lines rupturing. If the "ebcm for the anti-lock brakes did not have to be replaced, then the dealer?s estimated repair bill was reduced to $3,316. I informed gm that I've owned 10 or so vehicles in my lifetime and never had any brake lines corrode/rupture during a brake application nor did I have to have preventative maintenance performed on the brake lines to prevent them from corroding. Other owners of gm pickups/suvs have also filed complaints on the federal safety agency?s website for this same brake line failure problem due to corrosion. A preliminary evaluation was opened by the federal safety agency to determine the frequency, scope and safety consequences of the alleged defect in gm pickups/suvs manufactured during 1999 to 2003. The investigation number is "pe 10-010" dated 30 march 2010. The subject is "brake line failure due to corrosion". This investigation was opened march 2010 and I cannot locate any updates on the federal safety agency website. Updated 05/19/11

Filed Apr 11, 2011 · Brakes · 56,000 miles · DE

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 gmc sierra k1500. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact applied pressure to the brakes when she noticed that the brake pedal went to the floor and the vehicle continued to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the issue was preventive maintenance and offered no additional assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the local dealer for diagnostic testing. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

Filed Dec 27, 2010 · Brakes · TX

Brakes on truck fail to stop. When brakes are applied truck keeps jumping and than finally comes to a stop.

Filed Dec 26, 2010 · Brakes · 102,500 miles · CA

Problem is intermittent. Brake and ABS warning lights come on and stay on until engine is turned off. No detectable change in braking. Separately, but also intermittently, at low speeds (no warning lights) the ABS is engaged while braking, making the vehicle hard to stop at times. This seems to occur most frequently when turning to the left. Symptoms are very similar, if not identical to the federal safety agency campaign id number : 05v379000. Many anecdotal descriptions of this same problem in 1999-2002 gmc light trucks can be easily found on the internet.

Filed Dec 10, 2010 · Brakes · 65,849 miles · IN

This problem concerns my 2001 gmc sierra and gm's recall number 05068. The recall concerns the ABS and a rust problem. I had the recall performed on oct. 19, 2005 and there was 47,249 miles on the odometer. I noticed a braking problem last week with my truck. After doing a search on the internet, I decided it was probably a ABS sensor problem. I took it to the same dealer that did the original recall. They checked with gm regional manager and said it was already covered once and wouldn't cover it a second time. I had the repair done at the dealership on dec. 8, 2010 and the mileage was 65,849. So the effect of the recall only lasted 18,600 miles. I know 5 years have past, but the same issue in that few miles? I sent an email to gm on dec. 9 and they phoned me this morning. Said the vehicle age was such that they wouldn't do anything. If I had 150,000 miles or so on the truck, I wouldn't think that much about this. However, this is a problem that gm issued a recall on and from what a understand, the original recall did nothing but remove rust from the sensor and treat the surface. I would think a recall would last more that 18,600 miles. I don't know if you have had any other people with the same concern about the recall only stalling a problem later on down the road, but wanted to make you aware of the concern I have. The brakes will fail at low speeds when they are applied and the message center in the dash does not give any message. Thank you.

Filed Dec 8, 2010 · Brakes · 93,000 miles · KY

Braking system began failing at low speeds (< 10 MPH), almost causing me to rear end vehicles when trying to stop. Took the vehicle to a dealer, who cleaned the wheel speed sensors at a cost of $110. One month later, the brakes began failing again and after researching on-line, found a gm recall for 1999-2002 gmc sierras. Contacted gm but was informed only vehicles with certain VIN #'s are included, and mine is not one of them. I have children and frequently drive in school zones around school buses and children at low speeds (<15 MPH). This is a very dangerous situation because the vehicle will not stop.

Filed Nov 8, 2010 · Brakes · 101,000 miles · PW

Driving at approximately 35 MPH, applied brakes when approaching a red light. Brake pedal went down to the floor, truck went into the intersection and finally came to a stop. There were no indication of problem before this occurred. Truck taken to a repair shop. All brake lines were rusted and were replaced. I requested that the service station save the rusted parts which are now in my garage.

Filed Sep 28, 2010 · Brakes · 106,000 miles · NH

One of the brake lines failed while I was stopped in traffic nearly causing a collision. I was stopped with my foot on the brake when the pedal suddenly went to the floor and the truck moved forward several feet. I pushed the pedal again and the truck stopped but the pedal traveled nearly all the way to the floor. I looked and saw brake fluid leaking from a hole in one of the brake lines. The lines are all very rusty/corroded and the blown line was outside the frame below the drivers door.

Filed Sep 15, 2010 · Brakes · 99,000 miles · MD

2001 gmc sierra 1500 4x4 main brake line rupture from corrosion while driving in traffic.

Filed Sep 13, 2010 · Brakes · 144,555 miles · FL

I own a 2001 gmc sierra 1500. On september 7 2010 I left my house to go to work, I stopped at the mail box at the end of driveway with my foot on the brake. After about 15 seconds the pedal went to the floor and the truck started to roll away. I backed up into my driveway and noticed brake fluid pouring out from under the truck. When I looked under the truck I noticed that all the brake lines were extremely corroded and one was leaking. I thank god I was not driving down the interstate when it happened. Scary unsafe!!!

Filed Sep 5, 2010 · Brakes · 29,627 miles · IL

On 8/4/10, while moving in reverse in my driveway, my 2001 gmc sierra's brake line ruptured causing complete brake failure due to corrosion on the steel brake line. The vehicle is 10 years old and only has 29,000 miles on it. It was rarely driven in the winter when there was snow, ice or salt present. As of 9/5/10 the truck remains parked and the lines have not been replaced. When the failure happened, I conducted research to find this failure to be a pending investigation for a possible recall. The federal safety agency action number : pe10010. I only want gmc to take responsibility for the cost of the repair or reimbursement for the cost of the repair that is caused by this defect. But I'm pretty sure a recall on 6.3 million vehicles will not be issued with gm's ipo set to be released. So, I, the gm consumer, will have to wait.

Filed Aug 31, 2010 · Brakes · 96,000 miles · MA

Brake lines under driver's side door burst, spilling fluid in driveway while parking truck. Upon inspection, all brake lines have rusted/rotted. Truck is sitting in driveway, undriveable. Thank god it happened in driveway, not on hills we live on. Used e-brake to stop.

Filed Aug 10, 2010 · Brakes · 134,300 miles · VA

Sixty miles into return trip home while braking for stop light from about 55-60 MPH, brake pedal went straight to the floor and truck would not stop. Brakes worked fine earlier and failed without warning. Luckily I applied the brakes early missing a vehicle that was already stopped for the light by less than one foot. Brake fluid is leaking from severely corroded brake lines underneath the driver's side door. All brake lines are badly corroded and all need replacing. All of the truck's metal brake lines are recommended to be replaced.

Filed Jul 15, 2010 · Brakes · 77,499 miles · FL

Safety about gmc sierra truck ABS braking system. There is a recall on this truck for ABS activation when stopping and could cause a crash. I experienced this and they did replace or clean the wheel sensor and test for proper operation. Now I have the same problem but they will not correct it. This is not acceptable to me for I will be towing a trailer and depend on my brakes to stop. They want me to take it to the dealer at my expense. I told them that I disconnected the sensor and the brakes work fine. I believe that they correct this and also I did have a brake line failure where I had to pay them $700.00 for the replacement of my brake lines. I am furious about the braking system and cheap building of our cars and trucks. Do investigate this and reply.

Filed May 14, 2010 · Brakes · 117,323 miles · CA · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 gmc sierra c1500. While driving at speeds of 3 MPH and attempting a u-turn, the brakes locked. He attempted to apply the brakes but they would nt engage as he proceeded to crash into a nearby tree. He was not injured and the vehicle sustained substantial front end damage. The crash was reported to his insurance company. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 117,323 and the current mileage was 117,357.

Filed Apr 21, 2010 · Brakes · 95,722 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 gmc sierra 1500. While driving at approximately 20 MPH, the contact applied the brakes but the vehicle did not slow down. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the entire breaking unit was replaced. The failure had not occurred since the repair. The failure mileage was 95,722. The current mileage was approximately 96,320

Filed Apr 10, 2010 · Brakes · 123,500 miles · MA

Corroded brake line on my 2001 gmc pick up truck. The repair shop said they have seen alot of this. I just read in the boston herald about this problem. I was going down a hill and the brake peddle went all the way to the floor and the truck did not stop. This repair was $350.00.

Filed Apr 10, 2010 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · MA

Do not know if it was the front or rear brakes that were lost when driving. Drove carefully to dealership and had a corroded brake line replaced that had a hole or holes in it.

Filed Apr 10, 2010 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · PA

I own a 2001 gmc sierra 1500 pickup truck. During early march of this year, my brakes failed due to rust and corrosion on the brake lines. Two of the steel brake lines under the truck were so corroded with rust that the brake fluid ruptured the lines when I applied the brakes, and poured out on the ground. My braked pedal went to the floor. I had zero brakes without warning. It was only by sheer luck that I was traveling very slowly when this occurred, and I was able to stop using the emergency brakes. I was in the town of renovo, and could have killed someone due to this mishap. We live on a mountain, and tow a trailer with horses. This could have been a complete disaster under other circumstances. There was absolutely no warning that the brakes would soon completely fail. It cost over one thousand dollars to replace all of the brake lines on our truck. I have the receipt.

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