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 1999 GMC Sierra 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2 years ago I had all of the brake lines replaced because of failure due to rust at a cost of $1000.00 I believe the cause was poor metal in the brake lines and the way the lines are attached to the body & frame help to cause the problem.
1999 GMC Sierra k2500 4x4. At just over 100K miles the advanced rust and corrosion on my steel brake lines is very bad. These are the hard galvanized lines that are in the engine compartment beneath the brake fluid reservoir near the frame, and the hard galvanized lines that run along the inside of the frame rail on the driver side (left hand side of the truck) from front to rear. This started a few years ago and has gotten progressively worse. The corrosion is in the form of rust that is flaking off in chunks. With the steel rusting and flaking away like this, it will compromise the integrity of the brake line, significantly reducing the ability for the brake lines to hold pressure, and at some point May ultimately result in brake failure. I have other GM vehicles with more miles that are older I've had since new and the brake lines have very little signs of rust and corrosion. …
I have a 1999 GM pickup while 3 hrs from home I was coming onto a traffic signal when I applied the brakes I was not slowing down I had to use the emergency brake and lower gears to prevent running into the cars ahead of me, when I finally stopped and checked fluid I was empty the closest station was still miles away, lucky for me I was on fl st rd 710 20 miles from indiantown I stayed in the slow lane driving at 5- 25 MPH until I could get fluid. I had this problem all the way home without crashing. Upon investigating I found that my brake lines have rusted out, I am now in the middle of changing them out as I can't afford a mechanic and now am having problems trying to fix so now I am out of work because of this. Last night I happened to be watching the news and seen this. …
Dt: a humming noise came from under the hood after removing the key from the ignition and shutting off the engine. The vehicle was driven to a GM dealer, who noted that the anti lock brake pump was continuously running. The anti lock brakes were repaired under a recall, but the pump was not covered by the recall. The cost for a replacement of a brake pump was $2,000 or the dealer could perform a cheaper process by simply removing anti lock brake fuse which bypassed the brake pump. The contact opted for removing the fuse due to cost. This remedy warranted the anti lock brakes as non working. Since this repair there have been no further problems.
Truck was in shop for unrelated maintenance. Brake line failure occurred while moving truck out of service bay. Truck is currently undriveable. Mechanic indicated that this is common failure as lower quality material was used in the brake lines. Additional research on web indicated this is a widespread issue. This is the first I had heard of the problem. I am the original owner. I feel blessed that this failure occurred in a non-traffic situation. I frequently drive this truck in heavy traffic on I-94. Thanks,[redacted]
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 GMC c2500 pickup. The contact stated that while traveling downhill, the brakes were applied but the vehicle did not respond. The contact had to use the emergency break in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected and it was determined that the brakes lines were completely rusted. The contact spoke to the manufacturer regarding NHTSA campaign id number: 00V345000 (service brakes: hydraulic), but was told that there was no recall for the vehicle. The failure and the current mileages were 170,000.
Tl contact owns a 1999 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that every time he approaches a stop at approximately 10 MPH, the ABS engages and the vehicle jerks forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that it was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock). The dealer stated that the hub bearing needed to be replaced at the cost of $1,700. The current mileage was 120,000 and failure mileage was 96,000. Updated 12/12/07
Brakes failed as brake line corrosion allowed fluid leak. This was first of multiple line failures in the last three years. Three different factory lines failed then one transmission line. This truck is not used during winter and was under coated multiple times. No other part on this truck is corroded nearly as much as every steel line on it, including the gas lines( also replaced just last year) truck runs and drives excellent except for this corrosion problem.
I own a 99 GMC Sierra 2500. While pulling a 9000 lb trailer my brakes went out had enough time to down shift and use emergency brake to bring truck too a stop. Upon investigation I noticed the blown brake line and lots of corrosion on the under carriage of the vehicle this is something that needs to be addressed. I have owned older vehicles and have never seen such rust on the under carriage like this truck has. Especially the brake and fuel lines.
I was pulling my horse trailer and went to stop at a stop sign and my truck brakes went out and I could not stop. I ended up being pushed into traffic and almost went off a cliff. My step dad came and got my trailer and we hauled my truck back to his place. My dad and step dad started looking at it and my entire brake line is rusted out? I have noticed several websites stating numerous incidents and recalls? I need help!
Brake complaints in other Sierra 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 GMC Sierra 2500?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 GMC Sierra 2500, 61% of the model year's 36 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 GMC Sierra 2500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 GMC Sierra 2500. 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 1999 GMC Sierra 2500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
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.