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 1996 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Traveling on dry pavement at ~ 30 MPH, sudden stop due to traffic. Brake pedal initially had good brake then went to the floor. All brake lost, collided into vehicle ahead of me and pushed them into vehicle ahead of them. Vehicle stalled due to collision, restarted truck and all brake operation appeared to be good. Took vehicle to dealer for analysis, contacted GM customer support filed complaint, dealer inspection showed no failure of ABS or other components. GM field tech went to dealer inspection report found no reason for failure could not duplicate failure. GM denies any responsibility or suggestions for repair.
"refer to prior complaint- id vq-528687-yn-pdf" when a wheel skids a very,very,very short distance while braking, ABS does not engage but locks out conventional braking! No brakes, no stop. When towing a 7000+ pound load it gives you a very negative thrill. No fix from dealer or GMC, tried many, many times. Removed 60 amp ABS fuse! Truck stops but it is not what should be done. I have driven the truck 116000 miles, 40000 with the fuse removed. Do you have any suggestions other than junking it, replacing the fuse and killing myself and others, etc. Please advise. It appears to be very similar to the ABS problem on 1995 and earlier trucks that prompted a (mfg?) recall but GMC denies it. At that time I spoke with the representative that was investigating the ABS problem. Explained to him what I thought would give him the best chance to duplicate the problem. …
Severe surface corrosion on rear brake line LED to line bursting during an emergency stop to avoid a collision. Burst occured at ninety degree bend in line by bracket leading to the flexible line to rear axle. Surface corrosion appears along brake lines at other places. I think it is unusual that the brake lines on a seven year old vehicle would exhibit such severe corrosion. Unless you were looking for this you would not normally see it since the line runs inside the frame rail.
The brake line above the gas tank rusted and failed while it was being driven. There was no forewarning of this and as it was above the gas tank, would not have been noticed. The gas tank had to be dropped and the brake line replaced. Thank goodness the vehicle stopped before rearending the vehicle in front of me and thank goodness my one year old wasn't in the vehicle at the time. Old part has been retained. Repair cost was $458.21.
Brake system is defective. When brakes are needed suddenly the brake pedal would go the floor. At other times, when brake are used the brake would only brake on one wheel. At random right side wheels would lock up when brakes are applied, causes consumer to lose control of vehicle , resulting in an accident. Property damage to another consumer's fence, and several personal injuries were sustained by driver. Dealer notified.
Dt*: the contact stated the ABS activated at various low speeds and there were increased stopping distances. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V379000, regarding the antilock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Although these problems persisted, the vehicle was not seen by a dealer.
In emergency stopping conditions the anti-lock brakes rip the steering wheel out of your hands, the indepentent wheel braking throughs the vehical out of control . Factory service manuel does not include this kelsy hays system. Mac tools , as well as five other, is unable to get a prom to diagnose, told only 500 made for GM experamental facilities. Brakes apier to be for 1500, 4 wheel traction control system on an 8600gvw 4 wheel lock rear pickup. I got the info by offering to pay double to any one who could analyze the system, the best eqiup. And mech. Within fifty miles of lake forest il.. Even a 27,000 dollar analizer was unable to do it for the same reason . I am disaebled, back broken getting rear ended. Braeks that work the same every time applied easilly are very important. So are safe seats. Rear bumpers. I keep getting hit from behind at red lights or standing. Thank you.
Seats->drivers and passengers seats (leather) cracked in less than three years. Expected more for the price of this option. Have had brakes replaced 1 - 1 1/2 months prior to failure. I was out in the back country, 40 miles from paved roads, when I heard the rotors being torn up by what was left of the brake pads. It ruined both rotors. I was told at an independant shop that the calipers failed. I went to the dealer and the service advisor insisted that the calipers didn't fail . It was just cheap brake pads. I know for a fact that wasn't the case.
Consumer stated that since he purchased vehicle he had brake problems. Once he could not stop vehicle and ran into the rear of another vehicle, but no damage was done. He took vehicle to midas and had brake repairs done, but right wheel kept locking up. He had a new disc put on that particular wheel. But when he drove the vehicle it still locked up, and began to smoke. He was afraid of a vehicle fire.
Intermittently when applying the brakes during normal braking/ any type of road conditions, dry weather or wet weather, the system locked up. Truck has been serviced for this problem 5 times. Dealer was not able to duplicate the problem. The problem has not been corrected. Please provide any further informaiton.
Brake complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 47 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 GMC Sierra, 19% of the model year's 246 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (25 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 GMC Sierra brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 GMC Sierra, though it has 2 recalls 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 1996 GMC Sierra brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 114,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries 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.