2001 GMC Sierra Brake Problems

Which parts fail

• Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
  69
• Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
  7
• Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
  7
• Antilock › Wheel speed sensor
  4
• Conventional
  3
• Antilock
  2

Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  108%
• 25k–50k
  3327%
• 50k–75k
  2722%
• 75k–100k
  2218%
• 100k–150k
  2016%
• 150k+
  119%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

05068a product safety recall front wheel speed sensor corrosion. My vehicle was serviced for this recall in 2006 which involved removing and cleaning the ABS sensor and reinstalling it. No redesign was created to improve this flawed design. I'm having the same failures described and covered in this recall. While moving at slow speeds in dry conditions ABS kicks in and increases my stopping distance. I hit a parked car in a parking lot due to this defect. My vehicle was in motion at <5mph on dry pavement when the breaks went into 'ABS mode' and hit a stationary parked car. Luckily no one was hurt. When I contacted GMC I was told that this would not be covered under the recall because it was already serviced for this recall in 2006 and that the issue was therefore closed. In my case the original recall was not adequate and my car breaks still failed even though serviced in 2006. …

My 2001 GMC Sierra pick up truck 43K miles , brakes failed while attempting to come to a stop in the parking lot of the long beach 24hr family fitness center resulting in the vehicle hitting a wall on jan 11 2006. I pushed the brake pedal to the floor and no brakes available. While foot on the brake trying to stop the vehicle, there came an indeterminate pulsing sound and vibration on the pedal. The vehicle hit the parking structure wall at a very slow speed (about 3-5 miles per hour). The truck is under an extended warrenty and the dealer found the front left wheel bearing and hub to have excessive play and was replaced with my $100.00 deductable. The damage to the truck was totaled at $2828.20. …

My 2001 GMC Sierra pick up truck 43K miles , brakes failed while attempting to come to a stop in the parking lot of the long beach 24hr family fitness center resulting in the vehicle hitting a wall on jan 11th 2006. I pushed the brake pedal to the floor and no brakes available. While foot on the brake trying to stop the vehicle, there came an indeterminate pulsing sound and vibration on the pedal. The vehicle hit the parking structure wall at a very slow speed (about 3-5 miles per hour). The truck is under an extended warranty and the dealer found the front left wheel bearing and hub to have excessive play and was replaced with my $100.00 deductible. The damage to the truck was totaled at $2828.20. …

Disc rotor delamination, anti-lock control. I was pulling a 3/4 ton van stuck in his yard, as I got him close to the hard surface ( driveway) I put on the brakes and the truck wouldn't stop, it hit the corner of his block house. No damage to the house however I had to replace all but hood and one headlight assy. 10 MPH and neither bag deployed. I thought it was my own stupidity until reading all the issues on here w/ GM's braking problems. I feel a bit better about myself. The big issue !! All four rotors delaminated w/ 46,000 miles this is the 1st new truck I've owned and believe me it's been babied for sure. I was told by my service dealer there was nothing GM would do about this problem it was my problem for not driving it as much as I should (b.s.) dealer wanted to charge me a grand to replace all the rotors and pads I did it for 500.00 and still have the old parts. …

Anti-locking brakes - problem with ABS brakes - as brakes applied on dry or wet surface, the worst brakes got, no matter if light or hard touch or slow or fast speed. GMC sierrra (2001) was brought in for repair after brakes failed causing slow speed collision with spouses pu truck in my driveway resulting in no damage or injuries. Replaced one speed sensor (left front wheel) and cleaned other at my expense ($148.60 for parts, labor charge waived - mileage 35416). 2nd complaint or request - dragging brakes or locking and pulling when applied 3rd complaint or request - remove all four wheels and check brakes - results - repair include parts & labor at my expense - (mileage 41073) machine two front and two rear rotors and replace front and rear calipers plus free up slidders (parts $272, unknown breakdown on labor cost above and beyond).

Drivind down 1603 east bound approaching stop light and felt small ripples in the road and anti lock system kicked in and was unable to stop in time and hit a full size 2001 to 2004 Chevy pick up in the rear bumper. No injuries and crash was between 10 and 20 MPH and an estimate of damage between the 2 vehicles was 2000.00 to 2500.00. As of May 3 2005 I am having the brakes serviced and sensors checked. After reading the article on the internet about a possibility of a problem with the anti-lock system I thought it might have just been a fluke being that this happened on dry pavement and sunny conditions.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 GMC Sierra. While driving 15 MPH, the brake pedal failed to depress. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the sensors on the front of the vehicle failed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was made aware of NHTSA campaign number: 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while attempting to stop, the ABS failed and the vehicle started to pull to the right. The contact determined that the cause of the failure was a defective wheel speed sensor. The VIN was not affected by NHTSA campaign number: 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000. ...updated 06-11-15 updated 11/23/2015

While braking at a stop light, my 2001 GMC Sierra 2500hd, proceeded to slide into the car in front, light snow was on the ground and a little wet, speed was about 25 miles an hour less at impact, is this related to the investigation for GM trucks ? Also this past year at a stop sign, when I was braking the ABS kick in but the petal went to the floor, low speed but I had to put in neutral and take evasive action to prevent entering the intersection and missed stricking a car?

It was snowing and icy outside. I attempted to brake for an upcoming red light. The brake pedal went completely to the floor. I had very little braking power. I steered to the curb to avoid traffic in the intersection. I jumped the curb and came to a stop against a power pole. Damage to the power pole and to the front of my truck. One of the steel brake lines ruptured. Upon closer inspection, all the brake and fuel lines were severely corroded.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Brake complaints in other Sierra years