There was a mass recall on 2018 GMC Sierras to due to a faulty break pump vaccum. We are experiencing the same problems but for some reason were not included in the recall. We were told to reach out on here as others have to see what can be done as this is a saftety hazard.
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes problems
44 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 23,000. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 44
- of this car's complaints
- 14%
- typical mileage
- 23,000
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
GMC Sierra 1500 brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
- Risk
- A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑866‑522‑9559, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
Recall number 20V603000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
- Risk
- As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Recall number 19V645000 · Recall details
What 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Incident description: On three occasion I have had the same catastrophic Engine failure putting myself and my family along with the general public in harms way. Starting March of 2022 while driving at approximately 60 MPH on the West Shore Expressway my truck experienced a sudden and total loss of motor power. My engine stalled out and I lost my ability to safety steer and stop my vehicle. This all happened during rush hour while driving in the left lane of traffic. This sudden loss of power forced me to maneuver the vehicle to the right shoulder of the expressway across the right lane of traffic. As there was no shoulder to pull over on the left side of the highway. This created an immediate crash risk for myself and other drivers. Upon inspection at the authorized GMC dealership where I purchased the truck new, a certified mechanic determined that the engine experienced a complete failure requiring replacement or rebuilding of the engine. I paid to have the engine rebuilt at the dealership. The second instance was similar to the above incident. Once again I paid for the repair. The third instance was more dangerous as when my trucks engine failed it almost caused an accident. As of today my truck is still sitting in the dealership for over 6 months and no one from the dealership or manufacturer will give me an answer on what has to be done now. This patter of sudden repeated engine failure clearly indicates a systemic safety defect that extends beyond normal wear and tear. I urge the federal safety agency to open a defect investigation into the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 engine systems.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal displayed more resistance than expected, causing the contact to have to apply more pressure while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the braking distance was extended due to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, while depressing the brake pedal to slow down, the brake pedal lost pressure, and the vehicle experienced a reduction in braking power. The contact had to depress the brake pedal with additional force to properly slow the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated; however, the message "Brake Assist" was displayed on the instrument panel. The local dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
I noticed there was an issue regarding the break assist system in my vehicle a few months ago when I went to go for a drive. It is available to be inspected. The issue regarding safety revolves around the difficulty to break. The low amount of brake availability is dangerous in the case of a situation that if I needed to break quickly it is extremely difficult to. I have not had a certified individual confirm the issue at this time. It has not been inspected. The warning message "Break Assist" comes up every time I try to utilize the brakes. I know there are previous recalls, although when I have tried to see if my truck falls under those recalls it does not.
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into gear as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that an unknown part was loose. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle near the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no failure was found. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate unintentionally. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the brake pedal. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down however, the brakes locked up unexpectedly. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the braking system had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
The brakes sometimes lock up after use, or don’t disengage ( on one side) and the truck swerves ( steering wheel turns to the right ) into the next lane. I have to over correct and you can hear the brakes squeal. I will have to get off the freeway or the road. I am on trying to track off a couple of times for 5 to 10 minutes Until it stops doing it. It does it on average once to Twice a day. Was told could be brake calipers hoses, speed sensors sending the wrong information to the ABS system. It is very dangerous to drive the truck on the freeway doing 75 miles an hour!
The contact owns a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her husband was inside the parked vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact researched the failure and was made aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 00V055000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ABS control module had experienced a failure; and the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
I purchased my Sierra in 2021 and 2 weeks after purchase I got a warning for service stabilitrk and another for trailer brake system. This is very very annoying and also has my abs light on. My next issue is a code u510 for active grille shutter assembly. Please fix these issues as they are very common and unsafe. Not to mention as much ad I paid for this truck.
Transmission started to shutter at 24000 miles. Dealer said couldn’t find anything. ABS and Stabilitrack light came on at about 40,000 miles off and on. Both these problems could result in a crash. On freeway or streets. The display information/ radio has a mind of its own. Connects to any phone number or start the on star call and etc. it takes your attention off the road and can result in a crash.
Questions about the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes
Does the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 44 complaints about the brakes of the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, 14% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 23,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes?
Yes, 2 recalls: 20V603000, 19V645000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the GMC Sierra 1500 have bad brakes?
The GMC Sierra 1500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2015 (229 complaints), 2014 (144 complaints) and 2000 (131 complaints).
Other 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Transmission 131Engine 72Electrical 43Steering 30Fuel system 11Suspension 11Airbags 8Driver assistance 7Wheels 7Acceleration 6Body 6Visibility 6Seat belts 5Tires 5Lights 3Seats 2
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