Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving approximately 35 MPH in town, the vehicle in front of me signaled to make a left hand turn. I began to slow down the vehicle and then I lost all brake pressure. I was unable to stop the truck to avoid an accident due to complete brake failure! There were no previous lights or warning signals notifying of a brake problem prior to this. The warning light came on after the accident. The brake fluid reservoir was full. After further investigation, it appears that the brake lines were corroded causing the brake failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500. While parked, driver of the vehicle depressed the brake pedal and placed the gear in drive; however, the brake pedal dropped to the floor board. The vehicle crashed into the driver's home. The contact did not mention of there were any injuries. The vehicle was towed to a collision repair shop. The mechanic stated the brake lines were severally corroded and would have to be replaced. There was an investigation under NHTSA action number:pe10010 (service brakes, hydraulic service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:hydraulic:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings) that May be related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 89,093 updated 1/20/12 the consumer stated the vehicle was parked in the driveway. It was parked towards the top of the driveway. …
While slowing down for a light on a 4 lane highway my brake lines burst in two places failed from being weaken by rust....I had no chance to stop or advert the car and crashed into and totaled a new Buick.....the driver was taken to the hospital...the front of my truck need repair....GM made the lines out of steel even thought the exhaust system and fuel line were made out of rust resistant material ( go figure)....I have my truck serviced at the local GM dealers and they never mentioned the potential hazard....when searching the internet I found that many other owners had the same experience.....I had also been on the local and national news yet GM but they never advise me of this condition, and I'm the original owner....under different circumstances it could of been much worse...my insurance went up 1000.00 and the agent said the break lines on her GM truck had just burst and crashed …
My truck hadn't been driven for a couple of weeks, but there was no indication of anything amiss the last time I drove it. The truck is parked at the top of a approx. 40ft. Long driveway that is moderately steep. I started the truck and slowly began backing down the driveway and the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. It flew down the driveway, going between a parked car and another steep hill, winding up in my neighbors front yard, where I managed to abruptly turn it and bring it to a stop before going thru his living room. Frequently, there are as many as 6to8 kids playing there, but being a bad weather day(cold),, luckily, there was nobody there. The possibilities of a terrible disaster are frightening. As it stands, the only 'disasters' are the ruts in my neighbors yard, a destroyed recycling container and my bank account,-to a tune of just over 1700$. …
Entered 1st lane of traffic , accelerated and entered second lane. At that time traffic slowed abruptly. Applied pressure to brake, brake pedal went to the floor--pumped brake, total failure causing me to hit vehicle in front of me. Applied emergency brake to stop vehicle, however tractor trailer was behind honking horn , came within inches of hitting me. With emergency brake applied, forced truck to breakdown lane. Luckily no injuries--just car damage including a new front bumper that had just been replaced due to chronic GM rusting. Tow truck arrived--driver notices severe brake fluid drainage on ground and on truck bed when raised up. Truck brought to repair shop, where mechanic reported all brake lines burst due to severe corrosion. Mechanic stated--no wonder you didn't have any brakes because all lines failed--not surprised due to GMC having brake line issues. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact observed an abnormal sound from the rear brakes without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer (betten baker GMC located at 749 w main st, lowell, mi, 49331) where it was diagnosed that the rear brakes had failed. The vehicle was repaired. Two weeks later, the contact observed a puddle under the front driver door and realized it was brake fluid. In addition, the contact observed that the paint on the frame was failing and was wet due to the excessive leakage of the brake fluid. The contact researched online to see the complaints on his vehicle and found a closed investigation due to brake line corrosion under NHTSA action number: ea11001 (brakes). The vehicle was not diagnosed again. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
76000 miles; issue ongoing beginning in November 2018 on dry pavement at low speed (under 10 MPH) braking is compromised by ABS system engagement issue. Below 10 MPH, the ABS system engages causing dry pavement braking to be double or triple the normal distance to stop prior to the ABS issue. This is a safety issue since ABS system pulsing of the brakes at slow speeds on dry pavement is unexpected. At a stop sign/crosswalk, this has caused a very close encounter. Vehicle has less than 80000 miles and has been serviced routinely by a certified mechanic. Replacement/service of ABS speed sensors and rust issue did not correct the problem. I have never been contacted regarding the recall that exists for this issue. Require assistance to determine why a vehicle with this mileage has this obvious safety issue and GM has provided no relief.
While driving to the store I applied the brake and it went straight to floor without any pre-warning of a brake issue. I was able to stop without crashing and found that the brake line routed over the gas tank rusted through spilling out brake fluid which caused the brake reservoir to empty. After doing some research NHTSA is well aware of the rusted brake lines on GM models, so I am not telling you anything new. I expect alternators, starter motors, and other mechanical components to fail and need replaced but brake lines should be manufactured using stainless steel. How can this be any different than a car ignition turning off causing potential crashes and loss of life. NHTSA should have GM recall vehicles and/or reimburse owners for this highly potential safety issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving approximately 15 MPH in a parking lot, the contact slammed on the brake pedal to avoid another vehicle that abruptly pulled in front of his vehicle. The brake pedal traveled to the floor without stopping the vehicle immediately. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not called; however, the contact spoke to a technician who stated that he could repair the failure by cutting out the rotted section of the brake line and replacing it with a new section. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 127,600. The VIN was not available.
Brakes blew out coming down a very steep hill. I was lucky because I had a Toyota in font of me slowing down because of a squirrel crossing the street. I had also slowed down but then the Toyota stopped and I went to stop my brake lines both front and back blew out and my pedal went to the floor and I had no brakes at all. Thanks to the Toyota being there to stop me other wise I would had a very bad crash into crossing traffic or head on into a guard rail or trees. I had to pay for all new brakelines installed on my truck and the damage to the Toyota and my truck costing around 2000.00 dollars plus the insurance over 2300.00 for the Toyota and my front end. Now im afraid to drive my truck.
Brake complaints in other Sierra 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500?
NHTSA has 105 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500, 58% of the model year's 180 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2003 GMC Sierra 1500, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 GMC Sierra 1500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.