2003 GMC SIERRA Service Brakes Problems

EXITING OFF FREEWAY RAMP IN INDIANAPOLIS BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT NOTICE AND NO BRAKE FLUID LOSS, NEARLY CRASHED CROSSING 5 LANES OF CROSS TRAFFIC JUST LUCKY I WASN'T BROADSIDED BY CROSS TRAFFIC. I RECEIVED NO NOTICE OF HAZARD FROM GM, NO RECALL AND ONLY LEARNED OF THIS PROBLEM ONCE RESEARCHING ON WEB. I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE.

Mileage: 150,000

I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT DRIVING ON A 4 LANE 55 MPH SPEED ZONE. AS I WAS APPROACHING THE STOP LIGHT I STARTING PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE PEDAL HAD NO RESISTANCE IT KEPT GOING TO THE FLOOR. I STARTED PUMPING THE PEDAL TRYING TO SLOW MY TRUCK DOWN, NO USE. I PUSHED PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THIS SLOWED A LITTLE. BUT NOT ENOUGH. I DOWN SHIFTED THE AUTOMATIC LEVER AND STARTING GUIDING THE TRUCK OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID THE STOPPED VEHICLES. I MISSED THE VEHICLES. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY 3 MILES FROM HOME. I MANAGED TO LIMP HOME BY DRIVING VERY, VERY SLOW AND USING THE GEAR SHIFTER TO SLOW ME DOWN. WHEN INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE AT HOME I FOUND THE BRAKE LINE ON THE RIGHT FRONT HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND THERE WAS A LEAK. ALL THE BRAKE LINES ON THIS TRUCK ARE RUSTED AND IN BAD SHAPE. I CALLED THE DEALER GLENN BUICK GMC WHERE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK NEW IN 2003. I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE PERSONAL "COREY" ABOUT REPAIRING THE RUSTED LINES. HE SAID GMC WAS NOT STANDING BEHIND THIS "FAILURE" ! I WAS ON MY OWN ! SEEMS GMC KNOWS OF THESE FAILURES AND SO DO YOU AND YOU HAVE AGREED NOT TO MAKE THEM STAND BEHIND IT AND YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO ALLOW MORE ACCIDENTS TO HAPPEN ! YOU = NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY WHAT A SHAME ! SHAME ON YOU AND GMC ! HAD I NOT BEEN "LUCKY" THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT! ANY HELP IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE WOULD BE APPRECIATED! THIS ISSUE WILL ONLY GET WORSE ! AS I AM SURE THERE ARE OTHER TRUCKS WITH THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM WAITING TO HAPPEN!

Mileage: 105,985

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT TOOK A LONGER DISTANCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC MULTIPLE TIMES WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Mileage: 46,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED ABRUPTLY TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COME TO A STOP UNTIL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINES FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.

Mileage: 73,000

WHILE TRAVELING IN MY 2003 GMC SIERRA TRUCK AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND THE PEDAL WENT 3/4 OF THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, THEN THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRUCK DID NOT STOP AS QUICKLY AS IT USUALLY DOES ( GLAD I WAS NOT GOING ANY FASTER) . UPON CHECKING THE TRUCK IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE STEEL BRAKE LINE HAD A HOLE IN IT DUE TO CORROSION AND THERE WAS NO BRAKE FLUID IN THE MASTER CYLINDER . *TR

Mileage: 106,000

ON 11/11/2014, TRUCK SUDDENLY VEERED TO LEFT, CROSSED MIDDLE OF ROAD AND WENT HALFWAY INTO DITCH, ROAD DID HAVE A SMALL AMOUNT OF SNOW[1/2 INCH], THIS HAPPENED JUST AS I TOPPED A SMALL HILL. ON 11/16/2014 AGAIN AS I TOPPED A HILL ON A CURVE THE TRUCK SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE LEFT, CROSSED THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND DID GO COMPLETELY IN THE DITCH. ON 11/30/2014 AS I BACKED OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND HAD A HORRIBLE NOISE WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY MECHANIC AND HE FOUND THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS FROZE UP AND SHEARED OFF THE BRAKEPAD AND THIS RUINED THE BRAKE ROTOR, THIS OF COURSE CAUSED THE LOSS OF BRAKES ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE, WHICH MUST HAVE BEEN PULLING ME OFF THE ROAD. LUCKILY WE SUFFERED NO SERIOUS INJURIES AND NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE ON THE ROAD. *TR

Mileage: 70,200

I WAS TRAVELING IN RULE AREA OF MICH. AFTER DARK,A DEER JUMP OUT IN FRONT OF ME! I HIT THE BRAKES,A BRIEF BRAKE SURGE, THEN THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR! NO BRAKES! THE BRAKE LINES UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT AREA WERE RUSTED THROUGH! I STOP AT A GAS STATION. I FOUND BRAKE FLUID ALL OVER AND A MAN ASKED ME WHAT HAD HAPPENED,I TOLD HIM WHAT I FOUND , HE AND I COULDN'T BELIEVE THEY WERE SO RUSTED OUT ! MY TRUCK IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE! EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE LINES! IT'S GOT A STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST SYSTEM BUT THEY SCRIMP ON ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL SYSTEMS FOR SAFETY ! UNBELIEVABLE! BY THE GRACE OF GOD I DIDN'T HIT THE DEER! BUT WHAT IF IT HAD HAPPENED IN TOWN OR IF THE DEER WAS A CHILD! THANK GOD IT HAPPENED THE WAY IT DID AND NO ONE GOT HURT! *TR

Mileage: 84,586

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE LINES FRACTURED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT USED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A TRAIL OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DETERMINED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINES WERE EXCESSIVELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

Mileage: 160,000

AS I STATED PULLING OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE. I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. I QUICKLY PUT IT IN PARK. THEN CHECKED UNDER THE TRUCK TO FIND BRAKE FLUID LEAKING ALL OVER. THE LINE HAD RUSTED APART. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

I WAS PARKED ON A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (ABOUT 10 - 15 DEGREES). I STARTED THE ENGINE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL WAS NORMAL. I STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AND WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. I SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT I WENT OFF THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY ONTO A 45 DEGREE DOWNWARD SLOPED LAWN; THEN INTO A WOODED AREA AT THE TOP OF A RAVINE. I SLAMMED INTO A TREE. THE CAR WAS JUDGED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I DID NOT GET A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT A UNION PARK GMC (WILMINGTON, DE) TWO DAYS PRIOR. INCLUDING BRAKE INSPECTION. CAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE FAILED. *TR

Mileage: 134,652

I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WHERE TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND WAS DECREASING SPEED FROM APPROX 35 MPH. AT APPROX.10-15 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR SENSOR DETECTION AND THE BRAKES FAILED. I HELD THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED TO LOW GEAR AND DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER TO AVOID THE STOPPED TRAFFIC. I SLOWLY MOVED THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE PLACE. IN A SHORT DISTANCE THE SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING ACTIVATED BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO FAILURE. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO MY MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE ON THE LEFT FRAME RAIL HAD FAILED UNDER PRESSURE DUE TO EXTREME RUST. IT WAS ALSO DETERMINED THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES, EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE AND BRAKE PLATES WERE RUSTED FAR IN ADVANCE OF EXPECTATIONS FOR MY MODEL YEAR AND MILEAGE. ALL BRAKE LINES HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE ANOTHER FAILURE IS CERTAIN IF ONLY THE BLOWN LINE IS REPLACED. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD AND HAS SERVICED MY VEHICLE AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO ASSISTANCE OR RECALL FOR RUSTED BRAKE LINES EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. *TR

Mileage: 78,000

PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, NO BRAKES. BROKEN CORRODED BRAKE LINE, APPEARS THAT ALL LINES LOOK IN THE SAME SHAPE .LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE HOLE IN THE LINE IS DIRECTLY UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT. *TR

Mileage: 211,158

WHILE PARKING THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR AND SPRAYED BREAK LINE FLUID ALL ON THE MANIFOLD. THERE WERE ZERO BRAKES AND DISCOVERED THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO A SHOP FOR REPAIR TO THE LEAK. THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE ALL OF THE LINES ARE CORRODED. I WOULD NOT CONSIDER OUR STATE A "SALT STATE" BEING THAT WE LIVE IN THE SOUTH. DUE TO THESE CHEAP BREAK LINES WE WILL HAVE TO HAVE THEM ALL REPLACED. WE ARE VERY, VERY DISSATISFIED AND WILL PROBABLY NEVER BUY A GMC PRODUCT IF THIS PROBLEM IS NOT RESOLVED BY GM. *TR

Mileage: 147,000

DRIVING APROX. 40 MPH APPLIED BRAKES, BRAKES WERE SOFT. REAPPLIED BRAKES AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. LUCKY TO GET OFF THE ROAD PRIOR TO STOPPED TRAFFIC. PULLED INTO PARKING LOT & DISCOVERED BRAKE FLUID DRIPPING AND ALL OVER THE UNDERNEATH OF VEHICLE BOTH FRONT & REAR AREA. INSPECTED THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR TO FIND IT EMPTY. INSPECTION BY MY REPAIR SHOP DISCOVERED SEVERAL LINES HAD RUSTED THRU AND LEAKED THE FLUID OUT. I WAS FORTUNATE THAT I DID NOT REAR END ANY VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME AND LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT ON A FAST MOVING EXPRESS WAY & NEEDED TO STOP. *TR

Mileage: 40,929

APPROXIMATELY JULY 12,2013, I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD DOING ABOUT 50, WHEN A CAR CUT ME OFF,I HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES QUICKLY,AS I DID, I LOST MY BRAKES. AS I EXAMINED WHY, I FOUND OUT THAT MY DRIVERS SIDE REAR BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED THREW. NOW IN 2014, MAY 13 , I WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD COMING TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN IT CHANGED TO YELLOW, I APPLIED MY BRAKES AND FOUND OUT ONCE AGAIN I HAVE NO BRAKES! THIS TIME THE BRAKE LINE FOR THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE HAS RUSTED AWAY CAUSING BRAKE FLUID LOSS. *TR

Mileage: 34,000

2003 GMC SIERRA 1500, BRAKE LINE FAILURE. PURCHASED TRUCK NEW IN 2003 WHILE STATIONED IN THE SOUTH, TRANSFERRED TO NEW ENGLAND IN 2008. 50/50 NORTH-SOUTH TRUCK, CAN'T BLAME IT ALL ON ROAD SALT. EVENT: WHILE IN PARKING LOT THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR WHILE SHIFTING INTO REVERSE. BRAKE LINES COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT, FLUID ON THE GROUND LEFT FRONT SIDE AND UNDER DRIVERS SEAT AREA. DRUMS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED TWO YEARS PRIOR. TRUCK WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP AND I'M STILL AWAITING THE ESTIMATE. AFTER QUICKLY READING THE AMOUNT OF ISSUES IN THE PAST 24 HOURS GM NEEDS TO RECALL AND FIX THESE ISSUE BEFORE LOSS OF LIFE NUMBERS INCREASE. *TR

Mileage: 101,000

ABS ACTIVATES (NOTICED BY PULSING BRAKE PEDDLE) WHEN MOVING SLOWLY TO A STOP ON DRY CLEAN PAVEMENT. OCCURS RANDOMLY WHEN SLOWLY COMING TO A STOP. *TT

Mileage: 107,000

I WAS APPROACHING STOP LIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED. BRAKES FAILED DUE TO RUSTED BRAKE LINES. NO ACCIDENT INVOLVED FORTUNATELY. *TR

Mileage: 89,764

BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I HIT A STEEL POLE CAUSING DAMAGE TO MY REAR BUMPER. I WAS PRETTY SURE I KNEW WHAT WAS WRONG. I INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND FOUND BRAKE FLUID DRIPPING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE IN THE AREA OF THE DRIVERS DOOR. FURTHER INSPECTION SHOWED THE BRAKE LINES WERE VERY RUSTED WHICH I ATTRIBUTE TO THE BRAKE LINE FAILURE. *TR

Mileage: 155,000

STATE OF NEW YORK BASED 2003 GMC SIERRA 1500, 4X4, DRIVING ON SMOOTH ROAD DRY ROAD, 30 MPH, TOWING LIGHT UTILITY TRAILER WITH LADDER AND SMALLER ITEMS, APPLIED THE BRAKES, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND REAR ENDED AUTOMOBILE AND PARKED CAR AS WELL. TICKETED BY NEW YORK STATE POLICE FOR INADEQUATE BRAKES. 2003 GMC SIERRA HAD CORRODED BRAKE LINES AND HAS SPENT ENTIRE 10 YEARS IN NEW YORK AND LESS THAN 70,000 MILES. SECOND INCIDENT OF CORRODED BRAKE LINES. *TR

Mileage: 67,000

THE PROBLEM STARTED WHEN I NOTICED THE REAR BRAKES MAKING EXCESSIVE NOISE. FIGURING THAT IT WAS LIKELY WORN BRAKE PADS, I DECIDED TO CHANGE THEM. DURING THE PROCESS OF CHANGING OUT THE BRAKE PADS, I NOTICED THAT THE ROTORS HAD BEEN EXTREMELY WORN DOWN. THIS LEAD TO ME REPLACING BOTH REAR ROTORS, ONLY TO FIND THAT THE BRAKES WERE NOT RELEASING AFTER BEING APPLIED. I THEN REPLACED BOTH REAR BRAKE CALIPERS. THIS DID FIX THE PROBLEM OF THE BRAKES NOT RELEASING. AFTER BLEEDING THE BRAKES, I TOOK THE TRUCK OUT FOR A TEST RUN. AT THIS POINT THERE WAS A BRAKE LINE FAILURE AND LEAD TO COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE. MY CONCERN IS DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE BRAKE LINES ARE VERY HEAVILY CORRODED, AND I FEAR THAT THERE WILL BE MANY FUTURE PROBLEMS WITH THE SYSTEM. THE TRUCK HAS MANY OTHER RUSTED PARTS UNDERNEATH AS WELL, AND I DO NOT USE THE VEHICLE FOR ANY ABNORMAL DRIVING USE THAT WOULD LEAD TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. *TR

Mileage: 63,812

WHEN EXITING THE TOLL ROAD, I APPLIED BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. IT APPEARED WE WERE GOING TO ROLL THRU THE GATE, I LET OFF THE BRAKE, AND THEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME RE-APPLIED HER BRAKE. AND WHEN I RE-APPLIED MY BRAKES, THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR. NO WARNING, NO WARNING LIGHTS - THE TRUCK DID NOT STOP. I HIT THE CAR INFRONT OF ME. LUCKILY I WASN'T TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, AS NOBODY WAS HURT. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I NOTICED ALL THE BRAKE FLUID HAD LEAKED OUT, AND THEN MY SERVICE LIGHTS CAME ON. HAD TO BE TOWED HOME AND THERE I DISCOVERED THAT MY BRAKE LINES HAD DISINTEGRATED - TOTALLY RUSTED OUT. I'M AT THE CONCLUSION THAT THE BRAKE LINE WALL WAS SO THIN, THAT WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE LAST TIME, THE PRESSURE BLEW OUT THE LINE. NO SECONDARY LINE FUNCTION. YES, ALL LINES APPEAR TO BE TOTALLY RUSTED OUT. TRUCK IS ORIGINALLY FROM OHIO, I LIVE IN TEXAS. I SEE THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM IN CHEVY/GMC TRUCKS. AND I AM FACING AN OUTRAGEOUS REPAIR BILL. AS A SINGLE PARENT OF 3, 2 OF WHICH ARE TEENAGE DRIVERS, I'M NOT ABLE TO COME UP WITH THE FUNDS TO REPAIR. I'M SO GLAD MY KIDS WEREN'T DRIVING IT AT THE TIME. I AM TRYING TO GET GM TO HONOR THE BRAKE LINE REPAIR FOR $500 THAT I HAVE SEEN ON A COUPLE OF TV STATION ACTION REPORTS. NO LUCK SO FAR. THANK GOD MY KIDS WEREN'T DRIVING, AND THANK GOD I WASN'T TRAVELING AT HIGHER SPEEDS - WHERE SOMEONE MAY HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT. *TR

Mileage: 129,808

CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT ON ME SLAMMED ON BRAKES, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, AVOIDED CAR COULD NOT STOP AND RAN INTO A FIELD WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER IN VEHICLE. SOMEBODY IS GOING TO DIE AS A RESULT OF THESE RUSTED BRAKE LINES. THESE ARE BRAKES WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE. RECALL NEEDS TO HAPPEN NOW!!!! SHAME ON YOU GM, WE KNOW YOUR AWARE OF THIS DEADLY PROBLEM. *JS

Mileage: 78,244

PULLED UP TO THE CARWASH. AS I WAS PREPARING TO PUT MONEY IN THE MACHINE,I HEARD A HISSING SOUND. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR & BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD NO BRAKES WHATSOEVER. WAS ABLE TO ROLL BACK TO A VACANT AREA & STOP WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE. TRUCK IS STILL IN THE SHOP WHERE MECHANIC IS REPLACING ALL THE BRAKE LINES. HE SAID THIS WAS COMMON FOR THIS TRUCK & THE LINES WERE ALL BAD. *JS

Mileage: 99,000

ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 AT APPROXIMATELY 6:00 AM, I WAS APPROACHING AN INNER-NEIGHBORHOOD INTERSECTION AT LOW SPEED (APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH) AND BEGAN TO APPLY MY BRAKES TO BRING MY VEHICLE TO A REQUIRED STOP. UPON APPLYING MY BRAKES, THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED COMPLETELY WHEREBY THE BRAKE PEDAL LOST ALL PRESSURE AND DEPRESSED COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. DUE TO THE FACT THAT I WAS TRAVELING UP AN INCLINE AT THAT POINT AND WAS APPROACHING A (FOUR-WAY) STOP SIGN, MY TRUCK CAME TO AN EVENTUAL STOP A FOOT OR TWO INTO THE INTERSECTION. NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED BY ANYONE AS THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIANS PRESENT. INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE POST-INCIDENT CONFIRMED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE HAD BURST LEADING TO COMPLETE LOSS OF HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID AND IMMEDIATE LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTION. BRAKE FLUID WAS SPILLED ON VARIOUS REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS INCLUDING THE AXEL AND ON THE PAVEMENT. AN SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION OF THE PERFORATED REAR DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE LINE SHOWED THE BRAKE LINE TO BE SEVERELY CORRODED WITH EVIDENCE OF EXTREME CLUMPED AND LOOSE, FLAKING RUST LAYERS. THE PERFORATION WAS EVIDENT JUST ABOVE THE LEFT REAR AXEL. AN INSPECTION OF THE OTHER BRAKE LINES ON THE VEHICLE SHOWED VARIOUS DEGREES OF SIMILAR CORROSION. AFTER A FULL INSPECTION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM, A CONCLUSION WAS MADE THAT ALL OF THE 1/4" BRAKE LINES ON THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE AND SEVERE ROT PRESENT. IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT TO NOT DO SO WOULD SUBJECT THE VEHICLE OPERATOR AS WELL AS OTHER DRIVERS AND/OR PEDESTRIANS TO POTENTIALLY FATAL CONSEQUENCES SHOULD ANOTHER ROT INDUCED BRAKE LINE PERFORATION OCCUR. *JS

Mileage: 77,800

DRIVING MY 2003 GMC SIERRA AT ABOUT 60MPH I HAD TO DECELERATE AT AN EXIT WITH A SHARP TURN AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO SWERVE AROUND ALREADY STOPPED TRAFFIC WHILE USING THE E-BRAKE TO STOP. PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SAW THE BRAKE FLUID POURING FROM THE REAR BRAKE LINE BENEATH THE DRIVERS POSITION. I SEE ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM REPORTED MANY TIMES WITH THIS MODEL YEAR VEHICLE. I ALSO SEE THE NHTSA HAS PREVIOUSLY INVESTIGATED THESE FAILURES BUT NO RECALLS?? I'VE SEEN THAT THE GM RESPONSE IS THAT THE VEHICLE SHOULD STILL STOP EVEN WITH THE BROKEN LINE. NOT ACCEPTABLE. SHOULDN'T EVER HAPPEN, IF QUALITY PARTS WERE USED INCLUDING STAINLESS STEEL. I'VE SEEN MANY CARS IN THE PAST WITH AT LEAST TWICE THE AGE AND TWICE THE MILEAGE THAT NEVER HAD THE PROBLEM. COULD THERE BE A DEFECT IS A SMALL AMOUNT OF INSTANCES.....SURE, BUT NOT THIS FREQUENTLY. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. AMAZING! *TR

Mileage: 115,950

IN A PARKING LOT AND WITHOUT WARNING OR INDICATOR LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHED TO THE FLOOR WITH NO RESISTANCE OR BRAKING ACTIVITY. FORTUNATELY, I ROLLED TO A STOP PRIOR TO ENTERING THE HIGHWAY. AFTER TOWING MY GMC TRUCK TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP, I WAS INFORMED THE METAL BRAKE LINES HAD FAILED (CORRODED.) DEALER IS NOW REPLACING ALL BRAKE LINES (METAL TUBES AND RUBBER HOSES.) INTERNET RESEARCH RESULTS SHOW NHTSA OPENED AN INVESTIGATION FOR THIS IN 2010. I CALLED GM, WHO STATED THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF ANY RECALL. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED THE LAST TIME I DROVE THE TRUCK, 3 DAYS EARLIER, I WOULD HAVE BEEN TOWING A BOAT THROUGH THE MOUNTAINS WITH 3 PASSENGERS AND GEAR. IT PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE ENDED WELL. NO WARNING INDICATOR, NO RECALL FOR INSPECTION, NO BULLETIN FOR DEALERSHIP TO INSPECT DURING MY LAST MAINTENANCE. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT I HAD TO LEARN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM IN THIS MANNER. *TR

Mileage: 104,500

AS I ENTERED MY DRIVEWAY I APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THE PEDAL FELT VERY SOFT. WHEN I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE I NOTICE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL. OPENED THE HOOD AND COULD SEE WHERE THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED THROUGH. ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES ARE TOTALLY RUSTED. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE! *TR

Mileage: 167,901

FIRST TIME: I HAD JUST PICKED UP ONE OF MY DAUGHTERS AND WAS HEADED HOME, WHEN WE STARTED GOING DOWN HILL I APPLIED BRAKES TO STAY WITHIN SPEED LIMIT. AT FIRST THERE WAS A MOMENT OF THE BRAKES WORKING AND THEN NOTHING BUT A SLOPPY BREAK PEDAL. AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL IS A SHARP CURVE AND A TRAFFIC LIGHT. EVEN THOUGH THE TRUCK IS AN AUTOMATIC, I APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND DOWN SHIFTED WHEN RPM'S WERE LOW ENOUGH TO GO TO LOWER GEAR. I WAS GOING INTO 1ST GEAR WHEN WE ENTERED THE SHARP CURVE, THERE WERE 3 VEHICLES AT A RED LIGHT, SO I STARTED TO HEAD FOR THE GUARD RAILS TO SIDE SWIPE AND CUT THE WHEEL INTO THE RAILS WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND BACK ON TO THE ROAD I WENT. LIMPED ALL THE WAY HOME IN THE BREAK DOWN LANE IN FIRST GEAR. CALLED A TOW TRUCK ($$$) THAT BROUGHT IT TO THE SHOP. THE SHOP REPLACED ($$$) A SECTION OF ROTTED BREAK LINE THAT FAILED. 2ND TIME: TODAY WITH BOTH OF MY DAUGHTERS IN THE TRUCK, SAME CIRCUMSTANCES AS ABOVE ONLY WITH A STOP SIGN AND I WAS GOING FASTER THAN I WANTED TO BE WHEN WE APPROACHED THE STOP SIGN (TRAFFIC ON THE MAIN ROAD DIDN'T HAVE TO STOP) SO BETWEEN DOWN SHIFTING, UP SHIFTING AND EMERGENCY BRAKE, I WAS ABLE TO TIME IT TO GO INTO TRAFFIC AND ONCE AGAIN LIMP ALL THE WAY HOME, PARKED THE TRUCK AND GO THROUGH MORE CRAP, AGGRAVATION AND $$$. I'VE LIVED IN CONNECTICUT ALL MY (DRIVING) LIFE, OWNED DIFFERENT MAKES OF TRUCKS AND CARS (SOME FROM THE LATE 60'S ALL THE WAY THE PRESENT) AND NEVER, EVER HAD A BRAKE LINE BUST OR ROT THROUGH ON ANY OF THE VEHICLES IN THE 34 YEARS I'VE DRIVEN. IT'S NO SURPRISE THAT GM DOESN'T HAVE REPLACEMENTS, THEY GOT RID OF THEM SO TESTS COULDN'T BE RUN ON THEM. I PAID ENOUGH FOR THE TRUCK TO EXPECT IT TO BE SAFE FOR MY FAMILY. I MEAN, REALLY, BRAKE LINES. MOST IMPORTANT SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THEY MAKE THE EXHAUST SYSTEM OUT OF STAINLESS. HERE'S A THOUGHT, STAINLESS BRAKE LINES. *TR

Mileage: 71,000

BRAKE LINE IS RUSTED THRU AND LEAKING. I HAVE LIVED IN THE RUST BELT OF MICHIGAN ALL OF MY LIFE (49YRS) AND HAVE OWNED MANY OLD / HIGH MILEAGE VEHICLES. IN THE PAST I WAS A LICENSED AUTOMOTIVE MECHANIC. IN ALL OF MY EXPERIENCE I HAVE NEVER SEEN BRAKE LINES RUSTED OUT THIS BAD ON A 10YR OLD VEHICLE WITH 130,000 MILES. I HAVE IN THE PAST OWNED A 20YR OLD TRUCK WITH NEAR 200,000 MILES AND THE LINES ON THAT TRUCK LOOKED NEARLY NEW WHEN I SOLD IT. IN THIS CASE, I DO NOT KNOW IF THE PREMATURE RUSTING IS DUE TO POOR MATERIALS OR THE LOCATION OF THE LINES. THE LEAK IS LOCATED WHERE THE LINES ARE MOUNTED TO THE TOP OF THE FRAME, IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE FRONT EDGE OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR. IN THIS LOCATION THEY APPEAR TO BE MORE EXPOSED TO SALT SPRAY COMING OFF OF THE FRONT WHEEL THEN THEY WOULD BE IF THEY WERE MOUNTED TO THE INSIDE WALL OF THE FRAME. SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS HAVE REVEALED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PLACE THAT THE BRAKE LINES RUST THRU ON THIS MODEL TRUCK. IN MY HUMBLE OPINION THIS IS A PREMATURE CONDITION FOR A VEHICLE OF THIS AGE AND MILEAGE. ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE REST OF THE TRUCK IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION FOR ITS YEARS. *TR

Mileage: 130,802

PULLED UP TO STOP SIGN (PULLING 3,800# BOAT) WENT TO APPLY BRAKE PEDAL AND BRAKE LINE BURST. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR BOARD, QUICKLY APPLIED EMERGENCY BRAKE, VEHICLE CAME TO STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. LUCKLY THIS WAS A DEAD END ROAD, WITH NO TRAFFIC. (RUSTED BRAKE LINE). *TR

Mileage: 84,000

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. *TR

Mileage: 100,000

WHEN EXITING AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY ON A HIGH SPEED RAMP, I HAD TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH EXTRA PRESSURE TO SLOW DOWN QUICKLY DUE TO A MERGING CAR. THE BRAKE PEDAL PROVIDED LESS THAN NORMAL RESISTANCE AND THEN PROCEEDED TO GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE TRUCK DID SLOW DOWN SUCH THAT I WAS ABLE TO AVOID A COLLISION BUT IT WAS SCARILY CLOSE (DIDN'T STOP ANY WHERE NEAR THE DISTANCE THAT IT HAS TAKEN OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS). AS I WAS CONTINUING TO ROLL/GLIDE DOWN THE HIGHWAY I DECIDED TO TEST THE BRAKES TO BE SURE I HAD BRAKING CAPABILITY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR AND NO BRAKING CAPABILITY. I HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO STOP AND MOVE INTO A SAFE PLACE ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO WARNING SIGN OF A BRAKE PROBLEM AND THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE NOR AFTER THE LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY. THE METAL BRAKE LINES HAD CORRODED THROUGH AND REQUIRED REPLACING IN ORDER TO GET THE BRAKING CAPABILITY RESTORED. THE REPAIR TOTAL WAS $1,307 PLUS TAXES. THIS CATASTROPHIC LOSS OF BRAKING CAPABILITY WITH NO WARNING OR EVEN PERFORMANCE INDICATION IS A TOTAL FAILURE FOR THE STANDARDS FOR WHICH A MOTOR VEHICLE SHOULD BE ALLOWED ON AMERICAN ROADS. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT AN ACCIDENT WAS AVOIDED AND IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT I KNEW TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AS A BACKUP; MY 24 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER THAT WAS A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE HAD NO IDEA THAT THIS WOULD BE AN OPTION. THIS TRUCK IS 10 YEARS OLD WITH THE FIRST ~1 YEAR IN MICHIGAN BEFORE I ACQUIRED IT AND USED IT IN A SO-CALLED SALT BELT STATE (DELAWARE). IT IS 10 YEARS OLD AND ONLY HAS 76,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

Mileage: 76,342

STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND STARTED THE ENGINE - BRAKE FAILED AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE 2 MILES HOME BUT HAD TROUBLE STOPPING NOT KNOWING THERE WAS AN ISSUE. WHEN THEY REACHED THEIR HOME THEY NOTICED FLUID LEAKING OUT FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES (SUPPOSEDLY STAINLESS) HAD SEVERELY RUSTED AND ONE OF THE LINES HAD RUPTURED DUE TO RUSTING THROUGH. IT ALSO APPEARS THAT RUSTING IS AFFECTING THE FUEL LINES AND OIL COOLER AS WELL AS THE FRAME. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE GMC DEALER FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE/INSPECTIONS OVER IT'S LIFETIME AND 2 - 3 TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR FOR SERVICE WITH NO MENTION OF THE SEVERE RUSTING. THE ONLY DISCUSSION WAS THAT THE OIL COOLER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED SOON AS IF IT WAS A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ITEM. *TR

Mileage: 98,500

AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND MY VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THANKFULLY THERE WERE NO CARS COMING AS I WENT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN. MY BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. I WAS ABLE TO LIMP THE TRUCK BACK THE 1.5 MILES TO MY HOUSE. NOW I AM LEARNING THAT THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE GMC'S. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A SHOP AND THEY HAVE INFORMED ME THAT ALL THE LINES ARE RUSTED AND BRITTLE! *TR

Mileage: 120,000

ENTERED PARKED TRUCK IN PERSONAL DRIVEWAY. APPLIED BRAKES PRIOR TO STATING AND PETAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO WARNING. OPENED HOOD AND NOTICED BIG PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID IN DRIVEWAY. ADDED MORE BRAKE FLUID ONLY TO SEE IT LEAK RIGHT BACK OUT ON THE GROUND. CONTACTED REPAIR STATION, HAD TRUCK TOWED. I WAS NOTIFIED BY THE REPAIR STATION THAT THERE WAS SEVERE BRAKE LINE RUST AND THEY COULD ONLY COMPLETE A PARTIAL REPAIR AT A LOCAL AREA OF THE BROKEN BRAKELINE DUE TO THE MAJOR COST INVOLVED! *TR

Mileage: 48,755

WAS COMING UP ON A SINGLE LANE BRIDGE . WHEN I STARTED TO BRAKE MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOOR. LUCKY FOR ME I DID NOT HAVE ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC, AND DROVE OVER THE BRIDGE SAFELY. I THEN NOTICED CHECK BRAKE SYSTEM SIGN ON DASH BOARD. PULLED OVER AND THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID DRIPPING FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE AROUND GAS TANK AREA. THE LINE WAS CORRODED AND BURST. *TR

Mileage: 115,000

BRAKE LINE RUSTED THROUGH, 1 MONTH LATER A SECOND BRAKE LINE RUSTED THROUGH. MASSIVE RUST ON FRAME AND BUMPERS AS WELL. *TR

Mileage: 44,000

GOING DOWN THE ROAD PULLING A TRAILER, WENT TO BRAKE AND THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. ENDED UP HAVING TO USE THE TRAILER BRAKES TO STOP. *TR

Mileage: 65,194

FIRST INCIDENT WAS A BRAKE LINE BURSTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT MY LOCAL GARAGE. AT THAT TIME HE TOLD ME THAT ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES WERE IN BAD SHAPE. SECOND INCIDENT, WHILE I WAS DRIVING UP THE ROAD AT APPROX 55 MPH WITH MY 19' BOAT IN TOW I REALIZED I HAD NO STEERING OR BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP AND PULL THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD TO A SAFE LOCATION. THE FAILURE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO A ROTTED LINE TO THE POWER STEERING COOLER. LASTLY, I AM NOT ABLE TO GET A SAFETY INSPECTION STICKER BECAUSE MY BRAKE LINES IN SUCH BAD CONDITION. ESTIMATED COST TO REPAIR $800-$1500 DOLLARS. I WILL ADD THAT THE TRUCK LOOKS LIKE NEW, SPENDS MOST OF IT'S TIME IN THE GARAGE AND IS USED PRIMARILY TO GO TO THE LOCAL DUMP, PLOW MY DRIVEWAY ONLY AND OCCASIONALLY TOW MY BOAT TO THE LAKE! MILEAGE REFLECTS THIS.DATES MAY NOT BE TOTALLY ACCURATE BUT THE BEST OF MY RECOLLECTION. *TR

Mileage: 80,000

DUE TO CORROSION THE BRAKES LINE BURST CAUSING A COMPLETE BRAKING FAILURE - NO WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED!!! THE LINES CORRODED COMPLETELY IN THE HOLDERS WHICH ATTACH TO THE VEHICLES FRAME. UNDER MODERATE STOPPING PRESSURE THE LINES BURST! ALL METAL LINES NEED TO BE REPLACED FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE TO THE REAR. TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN EXPOSED TO EXTREME WEATHER OR SALT WHILE IN MY OWNERSHIP. THIS IS COMPLETELY AND UTTERLY UNACCEPTABLE. *TR

Mileage: 92,500

TRUCK WAS ENTERING MAJOR HIGHWAY,TRAFFIC BEGINS TOO SLOW DUE TO RUSH HOUR ,SEEING THIS OCCUR I STEPPED ON BRAKES EXPECTING TO SLOW DOWN ,UNTIL I REALIZED PEDAL HAD GONE ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR,THEN I LET UP AN PUSHED TO FLOOR AGAIN-NO BRAKES NO ROOM TO GO LEFT OR RIGHT IMPACT WAS UNAVOIDABLE,IMPACTED CAR TWICE WHICH PUSHED THAT CAR INTO ANOTHER THIS TRUCK WAS SERVICED BY GM DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE AND ENGINE COOLING LINES MONDAY TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, NO MENTION OF BRAKE LINES ISSUE, ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON FRIDAY. ALSO HAD CONTACTED GM ABOUT ORIGINAL WORK RE: POSSIBLE WARRANTY. *TR UPDATED 07/25/12 *BF THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE TRADED THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 07/31/12

Mileage: 33,338

I WAS DRIVING DOWN MY STREET AND TRIED TO STOP AT THE STOP SIGN. THE BRAKE PEDAL STARTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THEN SUDDENLY WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. I DROVE THE ONE BLOCK BACK TO MY HOUSE AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. I OBSERVED A LARGE PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID UNDER THE DRIVERS DOOR. UPON INSPECTION, I SAW A BUNDLE OF RUSTY BRAKE TUBES RUNNING DOWN THE FRAME RAIL OF THE TRUCK. I HAD THE TRUCK TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. *TR

Mileage: 114,540

PUMPING UP BRAKES IN DRIVEWAY WHEN BRAKE LINE BURST ENDED UP WITH NO BRAKES AT ALL FRONT OR BACK COULD ONLY USE EMERGENCY BRAKES TO POSITION TRUCK TO BE TOWED. *JS

Mileage: 135,000