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2016 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes complaints

Page 4 of 5: complaints 71 to 100 of 106, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Mar 31, 2019 · Brakes · 36,000 miles · VT

Brake pedal gets very hard can hardly stop rig does it more when going slow then at highway speed got to be very careful cause you have to press very hard to get it to stop

Filed Mar 29, 2019 · Brakes · 39,578 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc sierra 1500. While driving low speeds, the brake pedal felt hard and failed to depress. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to suttle motors (12525 jefferson ave, newport news, va 23602, (757) 886-1700) where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 39,578.

Filed Mar 23, 2019 · Brakes · 84,000 miles · AR

Brake pedal becomes extremely hard to depress. The vehicle fails to slow down at a reasonable rate even when very significant (foot) pressure is applied. This occurred many times; three occurrences when backing up and two occurrences when driving forwards. All of these event occurred at very slow speed, basically when moving the vehicle into a parking spot. All events were preceded by slow driving (< 4 MPH) for about one minute. The loss of stopping power occurred suddenly; even a few seconds before there appeared to be no issue. Initially it was ignored as an individual occurrence, yet the additional occurrences indicate an issue.

Filed Mar 22, 2019 · Brakes · 27,800 miles · FL

While transiting on a major highway in north florida the traffic came to a sudden stop and unfortunately when I pressed the brake pedal nothing happened, I had to push the peddle with extreme power and it still was not enough. To avoid the slower vehicles I had to pull the truck onto the grassy median to avoid a possible deadly collision. I was able to recover control of the truck thankfully. Mysteriously the brakes worked again when I came back onto the highway. I took the truck to a nearby gmc service dealer and after the truck was tested they informed me that they found a faulty brake vacuum pump. In discussion with the dealer they also informed me that this is becoming a "somewhat common" issue. Without warning or any indicator the brake system failed, this is completely unacceptable. Lives could have easily been lost due to a malfunction part. Vehicle only had 27k miles on it.

Filed Mar 21, 2019 · Brakes · 40,700 miles · TX

Brake pedal becomes extremely hard to depress. The vehicle fails to slow down at a reasonable rate even when very significant (foot) pressure is applied. This occurred now four times; three occurrences when backing up and one occurrence when driving forwards. All of these event occurred at very slow speed, basically when moving the vehicle into a parking spot. All events were preceded by slow driving (< 3 MPH) for about one minute. The loss of stopping power occurred suddenly; even a few seconds before there appeared to be no issue. The issue remained until I put the car in park and turned of the engine. The issue was no longer there when I restarted the engine. The instances of the issue occurred over the last two months. Initially it was ignored as an individual occurrence, yet the three additional occurrences indicate an issue. A similarity of the conditions leading up to the issue is that I drove very slowly on a flat (level) surface. The duration of this drive was maybe a minute or so. (the best way to describe this is how one drives when looking for a parking spot in a busy parking lot with lots of pedestrian traffic).

Filed Mar 5, 2019 · Brakes · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the brake pedal became extremely difficult to depress. The contact had to aggressively maneuver the vehicle to avoid a crash. Ourisman chevrolet of rockville (807 rockville pike, rockville, md 20852, (301) 637-6496) had not been able to diagnose the failure. Fitzgerald buick gmc rockville (5501 nicholson ln, rockville, md 20852, (301) 770-3300) diagnosed that the brake booster vacuum was faulty and replaced the part under warranty. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Feb 19, 2019 · Brakes · 17,000 miles · OH

When I am going at a slow rate of speed at fast food drive-through or backing down my driveway in reverse I go to press on my panel and next thing you know it is is hard as a brick and the vehicle keeps going I hold most didn't stop going down my driveway and hit one of my children I've took it to the dealership twice they say you can't tap your brakes you have to let the vacuum build back up that is no excuse for the vehicle not stopping!!!! This happens daily at some point something has to be done someone is going to get hurt !!!!!!!

Filed Feb 16, 2019 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · CA

Brakes become stiff at slow speeds now allowing the truck to properly stop

Filed Feb 5, 2019 · Brakes · 39,910 miles · VA

When attempting to stop at low speeds, experiencing little to no brake pressure in drive and reverse. This is the third occurrance since nov 2018. Symptoms include stiff brake pedal and audible click upon resuming motion and thump felt in brake pedal followed by significantly reduced braking ability. Narrowly avoided three collisions on commute to work this morning in normal traffic conditions.

Filed Jan 21, 2019 · Brakes · 32,862 miles · TN

At low speeds the vacuum pump gets weak and does not provide the needed vacuum to the brake booster. Resulting in loss of power brakes. While parking I backed up and then pulled forward to straighten up. As I changed direction a pedestrian walked out in front of me and nearly hit them. I had to stand on the pedal with both feet. If my wife would have been driving the truck she would have ran the pedestrian over. The dealer can not replicate the problem and they are not going to replace the booster under warranty. Although gm does have a technical service bulletin in place about this exact issue. Tsb # pit5361c. This is a major safety concern!!!! And gm does not care!

Filed Jan 18, 2019 · Brakes · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact had to apply force to the brake pedal each time the failure occurred. Ourisman chevrolet buick gmc of alexandria (1800 old richmond hwy, alexandria, va 22303, (571) 366-8047) was notified several times for months and stated that further diagnostic testing was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same symptoms as listed in the federal safety agency preliminary evaluation number: pe18012 (service brakes, hydraulic, service brakes), but was excluded. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

Filed Jan 15, 2019 · Brakes · 46,000 miles · MO

Lost power brakes when depressing them as I was backing into a parking spot. I had to press repeatedly to get pressure back in the brakes. Luckily stopping in time. It happened again later this evening when I was rolling to a stop at a light. The brakes again lost power and I had to press them repeatedly stop the truck before hitting the car in front of me.

Filed Jan 14, 2019 · Brakes · 143,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc sierra 1500. While driving various speeds, the brakes suddenly malfunctioned and the brake pedal became very difficult to depress. The vehicle was taken to coathella valley gmc (78960 garner rd, indio, ca) where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump was faulty. The vacuum pump was replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 143,000.

Filed Jan 8, 2019 · Brakes · 68,000 miles · GA

When traveling at slower speeds in stop and go traffic on the highway the brake peddle becomes very hard and I am unable to stop the truck. No other vechiles were hit, but it was a very uncomfortable situation. This has also happen servel times in forward and reverse within public parking lots. I have been a able to determine the truck loses power brakes when the brake peddle is applied 4-5 times while traveling slow.

Filed Jan 3, 2019 · Brakes · 41,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc sierra 1500. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle would not stop in a timely manner when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact had to depress the brake pedal several times to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to ron anderson chevrolet buick gmc (464054 e state road, yulee, fl, (904) 572-4132) where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 41,000.

Filed Jan 2, 2019 · Brakes · 71,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc sierra 1500. Within less than a week of owning the vehicle, the brake pedal felt hard and was difficult to depress. Corwin chrysler dodge jeep ram fiat (1025 w sunshine st, springfield, mo 65807, (417) 862-9272) was informed, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle could not be driven safely due to the failure. The dealer stated that the vehicle may be serviced per a warranty, but it would not be in effect for another sixty days. The dealer stated that the vehicle may be serviced for tsb: pit-5361b (additional brake pedal effort). The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.

Filed Dec 22, 2018 · Brakes, Transmission · 57,000 miles · AR

2016 gmc sierra- bought used hard shifting noted immediately and shuttering on inclines, took to dealership had part replaced- fixed shuttering but not hard shifts- now it not only shifts hard but while I was trying to stop at a drive through the brakes failed- lunges forward almost hitting the car in front of us- next day I pulled into a parking spot same thing happened- brakes would not compress- stood on the brake before it finally stopped- backed up a bit to straighten up and the [xxx] thing did it again in reverse. I'm traveling back home to arkansas from florida in a few days with my children and I'm scared to death to drive this thing. I can't get it looked at before we leave because of the weekend/ christmas break.seriously unsafe vehicle! There should be recalls on these vehicles! I've read so many similar stories, why has this not been addressed yet? Gmc should be ashamed. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 19, 2018 · Brakes · 34,375 miles · NY

I have experienced loss of power brake boost on numerous occasions, several times while backing my boat trailer down the boat ramp, and several occasions backing up at slow speeds and going forward at slow speeds (usually less than 5 MPH). The brake pedal becomes very hard to depress, and truck feels like it's not going to stop unless I apply extreme pressure. It has been intermittent. I asked my local gmc dealer about the issue this past fall, and was told they couldn't do anything until it failed and could be replicated. I didn't experience it again for several months, but this week it has occurred at least three times. I called dealer to make an appointment, which they did, but they again told me that unless they can replicate it, they won't be able to fix it. I have researched this site and have found a number of instances with both gmc sierra's and chevrolet silverado's experiencing the exact same problem.

Filed Dec 18, 2018 · Brakes · 43,361 miles · TN

Pulling into my garage at very slow speed, I depressed the brake pedal and nothing happened. I had to stand on the brake pedal to prevent the truck from going through the wall and into the dining room. Thought maybe there was some air in the brake fluid. Looked at the reservoir and nothing appeared out of normal. A couple of weeks later, today 12/18/18, while backing out of a parking spot at an autozone, someone walked behind the truck. As I pressed the brake pedal to stop and allow them to pass, nothing happened. The truck kept going. I had to stand on the pedal to prevent my truck from bumping into the pedestrian. Both incidents had the vehicle moving at less than 5 MPH and idle engine power.

Filed Dec 10, 2018 · Brakes · 37,000 miles · PA

Brake pedal becomes hard to push making stopping a problem. Huge safety issue. While in motion at low RPM brake pedal becomes hard limiting the stopping of the truck

Filed Nov 27, 2018 · Brakes · 44,000 miles · AR

My 2016 gmc sierra has 44,000 miles on it. In the last 2 weeks I have had 3 occasions when traveling at very low speeds the brake pedal becomes stiff and requires both feet to depress enough to get the vehicle to stop. Even when completely compressed with my full force the vehicle continued to roll slowly. One time was in a parking lot and the other 2 times were at drive-thru fast food spots. Brake function seems completely fine at normal operating speeds. A search of the internet LED me to find several forums with people describing the exact same situations. At low speeds the brake pedal becoming extremely stiff and cannot be depressed more than 1". I was lucky to be able to stop by putting my truck into neutral. If I had rolled out in cross traffic someone could have been killed. There are way too many stories exactly like mine all over the internet for there not to be a significant problem with the vacuum pump and or brake booster or some other brake system component on 2014-2018 gmc pickups and large suvs.

Filed Nov 25, 2018 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · CA

Vacuum pump failed and replaced at my own expense. Brakes would not depress, were very firm and truck continued to roll even with extra firm pressure on brake peddle.

Filed Nov 23, 2018 · Brakes · 38,000 miles · OK

Had to replace vacuume pump after intermittent brake failure at slow speeds with only 38,000 miles on the truck. Brake failure would occur without warning. Dealership diagnosed the issue after testing he vacuume pump, which was reading 6 psi. Was told there have been no recalls for this issue.

Filed Nov 23, 2018 · Brakes · 37,500 miles · CA

Several times I've experienced weak braking a different speeds or while shifting from parking. I also experience the brakes not fully depressing after I step on the brakes. I took my vehicle for a brake inspection thinking I may need new brakes and was told by the inspector that the pads are not the issue, he told me he has never seen an issue similar to what is going on with my truck and instructed me to take it to the dealership. When I contacted the dealership the service advisor told me that it sounds like I just need to replace the brake pads and rotors and told me that he doesn't believe there's an underlying issue based on what I was told at the other service center. Any issues with braking components should be addressed immediately by the manufacturer before people get hurt or someone is killed.

Filed Nov 7, 2018 · Brakes · 35,800 miles · WI

Brake pedal rock hard and will not press down

Filed Oct 15, 2018 · Brakes · 31,500 miles · WI

On multiple occasions, the brakes appeared to loose all brake booster function, causing incredibly weak braking at low speeds. Twice it failed in a parking lot situation, where the effect was minimal (just required pushing the pedal with maximum force I could generate) the most recent was a parallel parking situation where the brake failure almost cased a low speed collision. I missed the car behind me by mere inches!! I address this with the gm dealer twice and both times I received "could not duplicate" it will be noted again. This needs to be addressed via a recall as it is a major safety issue, and is not specific to my truck (this has been documented on the internet, and there is a tsb for it which mine supposedly was not part of) the problem is low speed, at idle manuvers where the brakes are replied repeatedly (like parking). I never noticed a problem at any speed above crawl

Filed Sep 21, 2018 · Brakes · 52,900 miles · SD

When backing into a parking spot at my residence. I pulled forward to straighten out and my break pedal got hard and would not come to a complete stop for a few feet after initiating stopping procedure. I almost ran into multiple vehicles. It was as if I was sliding on ice. I tried it a couple more times thinking it was a fluke and it persisted to continue with the same behavior. I even went as far as turning my truck off and starting it again to see if it was an electrical issue causing it and nope continued to do it. This is a huge issue that needs to be taken care of as I have read multiple complaints over the same thing.

Filed Sep 18, 2018 · Brakes · 41,500 miles · TX

Brake failure - multiple time while driving my 2016 gmc sierra, the pedal has gotten hard & will not stop the car. This generally happens after using the brakes several times quickly. The brake pedal will get hard & the truck will not stop. Luckily I have not been injured but the problem is very dangerous & I fear for my life while driving this truck. There is a technical service bulletin on the problem, tsb # pit5361c, however it is not a safety recall. How many people have to die before the federal safety agency enforces a recall?

Filed Sep 12, 2018 · Brakes · 50,734 miles · TX · crash · 5 injuries

The second incident on september 1, 2018: 2016 gmc sierra 1500 z71 4x4 cc I was speeding up to merge onto a busy highway in denver, headed to the mountains to take my wife and three boys camping. A car in front of us had began slowing down, so I began slowing down, they slammed on their brakes, so I slammed on mine. The only difference between our vehicles besides size was that they came to a complete stop, as soon as I slammed on my brakes, the truck just glided on the pavement as if it were a sheet of ice. The only thing to stop us was the back of their vehicle! We got a rental truck and carried on with our camping trip. As we drove past the accident scene slowly hours later to head back towards the mountains, (traffic was much lighter) we noticed that the skid marks from my truck were straight with no breaks in the skid lines, which to my knowledge indicates that the ABS system was not working properly. I never had any indicator lights show up on the dash. After that accident, my wife and I conducted a lot of research, come to find out that gm trucks had multiple complaints with their brakes, wish I had done my research first.

Filed Sep 12, 2018 · Brakes · 42,000 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

In march of 2018, I bought my 2016 gmc sierra 1500 z71 4x4 used with 36,000 miles on it from crain kia of conway, ar. The salesman started off by telling me that they didn't have anything I wanted, but of course when I was about to head out the door, he runs up to me and tells me that he found one that he thinks I would like, told me that they had lost track of it on their lot and it had been there for over 100 days. I liked what I saw, it was a good price, and it seemed like a mechanically sound truck. After about a couple weeks, I began to notice that I was having to pump the brakes just to stop, but didn't seem real bad at the time. The problem only worsened so I brought it by a local gm dealership and body shop to see if they could diagnose the issue, which of course they told me that everything was fine. I continued to drive it and when I wouldn't pump the brakes, they began gliding, almost like I was trying to stop on ice before they would actually come to a complete stop. I had two incidents' regarding this issue with the brakes within two months of each other. The first on july 7, 2018: I was at a stop sign, completely stopped. I was heading left at a three way intersection and there was a car turning right slowly onto the street that I was leaving, so I barely lifted my foot off the brake to make my left turn when the car decided that they were gonna go straight. I immediately slammed on the brakes, but the truck just kept going for another few feet until the brakes finally stopped me along with the other individuals car. I immediately had the brakes checked out again and of course nothing was found. I took it to a different body shop to have the bumper replaced and asked him if he could check it out, nothing turned up. To be continued.........................

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