2004 GMC Sierra: brake failure

Filed May 12, 2015 · Brakes · 86,150 miles · VA

On december 28, 2014 I was driving my 2004 gmc pick-up truck and suffered total loss of brakes. This happened as I was approaching an intersection and I narrowly avoided an accident. There was no warning prior to the brake failure - no warning light was on, and no gradual decrease in braking ability. After the failure, I determined that there was a sudden and massive leak of brake fluid from a rusted brake line. Previously, in april of 2014 I had my pick-up truck serviced at an authorized gmc service center. At that time, the service ticket referenced condition of brakes to be in yellow requiring future attention. It was my understanding that the issue at that time was brake rotors would need to be replaced at the next service interval. There was no mention of any potential danger from brake line rusting/failure. Upon researching vehicle issues on the web I have discovered that there seems to be an inordinate number of brake line failures for vehicles of my type. It appears gmc has refused to issue a recall. I had my vehicle towed to the gmc dealer and had them replace rusting brake lines ($801.64). The replacement gmc brake lines installed are of a different (improved) design - they have a painted/protective coating on them, which appears to be an attempt to address past premature brake line failure issues.

Filed Apr 7, 2015 · Brakes · 92,546 miles · PA

Again. My truck had complete brake failure again due to corrosion on the steel lines. This is an otherwise nice truck with brake lines that look like they've been in the ocean their entire lives. Gm dealer quoted over $1,700 to fix. Gm owned warranty company refuses to cover repair. Gm customer service tells me to pound sand.

Filed Nov 27, 2014 · Brakes · 74,000 miles · PA

Started out when brake fluid started leaking from the truck. Brake pedal went to the floor. Luckily did not happen when was driving. Found out the brake lines were rusted and was leaking and the repair cost would be over $1200. Looking on the internet this looks to be a known for certain gmc/chevy year trucks.

Filed Aug 26, 2014 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · PA

I was taking my 4 yr old to school this morning with his 1 yr old sister when the brakes completely failed. Upon approaching a red stoplight at 30 miles per hour with three cars stopped ahead of me I pressed the brake pedal and it went completely to the floor. I pulled gearshift to the low position and swerved into the vacant left hand turning lane to avoid the cars stopped at the light. Then turned hard right as to not enter the busy intersection in front of me with no avail. Somehow we were not hit by another vehicle. At that time I pulled vehicle over to the shoulder of the road which ended abruptly and turned into a grassy area of a baseball field where the vehicle finally came to a stop.gm states that if there is a brake line failure the vehicle still has braking ability. I can tell you first hand that is a totally false statement. My vehicle dash did not display any problem prior to this incident. When vehicle was tow to my home I put key in the ignition to check my mileage and now a brake failure message is displayed.I am very angry with gm for not notifying me of this problem and never had any idea there was an on going issue until today. Myself and my two children could have been killed today because of this neglect. Please do something to rectify this problem because many more gm vehicle will have this problem and innocent people and their families will be hurt or even die.

Filed Jul 19, 2014 · Brakes, Fuel system · 51,228 miles · NY

All fuel and brakes like rotted. The brakes failed for the second time. One brake line was previously replaced approx. 1 year ago. Both times vehicle needed to be towed for repair. Total cost for most recent replacement/repair was $1202.13.

Filed Jul 9, 2014 · Brakes · 118,110 miles · MA

I had not driven my truck in a few months due to other problems with the ventilation controls. While beginning to prepare the truck to tow a 3500 pound boat I needed to reposition the truck in my driveway. The driveway slopes down to the street. While moving the truck, on my driveway, the brake pedal went completely to the floor. Pumping the brakes was not able to stop the truck that was traveling at idle speed. All braking was gone and the truck rolled down the driveway and into traffic on my street. By turning off the engine and coasting to a stop (in gear) just avoided an accident. After getting the truck back in my driveway I found two distinct puddles of brake fluid under the truck. Inspecting the brake lines showed that there were at least two different failure points in the brake lines. One closer to the master cylinder and another a few feet further back. I believe one failure occurred in the front brake circuit and the other was in the rear brake circuit which LED to the *complete* loss of braking. This is contrary to gm claims that this failure can not lead to total brake loss. I have pictures and video of the failure points that I can forward if needed.

Filed Jun 1, 2014 · Brakes · 104,000 miles · VA

I had just had the truck inspected. Was driving home and two blocks from the inspection station when I came to a red light. When I stepped on the brakes the pedal went to the floor. Fortunately I reacted quickly enough to use the parking brake to stop the truck and keep from rear ending the car that was already stopped. After pulling into parking lot and inspecting the brakes I noticed a puddle under the front left of the truck. Looking closer I found the brake line had rusted through. I returned to the shop where I had the inspection done. He repaired the one line that had burst. I was informed that the other lines looked rusted and ready to burst at anytime.

Filed Apr 18, 2014 · Brakes · 35,900 miles · NY

Traveling south, ny rt. 12. Attempted to slow for a right turn. Signal on, towing an empty trailer approx weight 2000 lbs. Applied the service brake for the turn, pedal went to floor, no brakes. Luckily no incident. Examined the underneath and found that the steel brake lines were routed over the frame on the driver side (underneath body under the driver door.) when brake line(s) failed, there were no sign of any braking ability. Both the front and rear brake systems were inoperable. The lines had rusted through from apparently road salt or (?), creating a very dangerous situation. Since the incident I have spoke with several other drivers who have experienced the same failure.

Filed Apr 7, 2014 · Brakes · 195,000 miles · OH

Brake lines had rusted out and burst so the brakes failed to stop the truck. Truck was on a down hill incline and went through a stop light (fortunately it was late at night and there was no crossing traffic.) had to replace all the brake lines.

Filed Jan 20, 2014 · Brakes, Wheels · 66,674 miles · MA

While driving, needed to slow down for traffic light and the brake pedal went to the floor. I was able to still drive it, as the brakes would stop the truck eventually. Cause was the rusted rear brake line that ruptured. Cost to fix was $400.00 in addition, on 12.27.13, I had the front wheel bearing replaced at a cost of $525.00. The truck only has 66,600 miles on it.

Filed Dec 26, 2013 · Brakes · 83,000 miles · MA

I was I 91 south heading in to hartford ct, traffic was heavy and as a result I was traveling appx 20 MPH as I entered the ramp exit lane. I stepped on brake pedal and the pedal went to the floor, fortunately I was able to veer into the breakdown lane and avoid hitting other cars. I slowly made it to my place of employment and later had the truck towed home. As it turns out I discovered the all brake lines had corroded and had to be replaced. I contacted gm as I thought it very unusual for all brakes lines to be so severely corroded. They attributed the severe corrosion to the fact that the truck was 10 years old and refused to cover the expense and considered the case closed. By doing a simple internet search I found that this same problem is quite common and my mechanic also informed that gm ( possibly as a result of this being a common issue) has made a available a brake line replacement kit.

Filed Nov 7, 2013 · Brakes · 78,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc sierra. The contact stated that while reversing into her residential garage, the brakes failed. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that one of the brake lines had fractured and all the rest of the brake lines were completely corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 78,000.