522 of the
2,284 complaints filed about the GMC Sierra 2500
are about the braking system —
23% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2002.
Ongoing issues with Steering pull to right, and brake pull to hard right when applying brakes, which also turns steering wheel to right upon application. Have to keep steering wheel towards left with constant pressure to go in straight line and when braking. Driver has to be aware of changing road conditions that could affect that. Multiple inspections at multiple dealers have found no obvious issues, and multiple alignments performed, with tires also being replaced have had no success in correcting issue. Front suspension starting to feel loose due, and rear suspension squeak when going over bumps. Also recently found rear axle is shifted slightly to right. Suspect all are related. No parts replaced to date other than the tires. Happens daily. No accidents to date. Daily driver with long trips at times. Steering pull Issue has present since new but everything else has occurred since about 1800 miles and has progressively become worse. Conditions becomes worse at highway/freeway speeds of 65 to 80, but occurs as low as 10mph. Going back to 3rd dealer to look at it again. Truck is 2026 with 10,583 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11755350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The left rear internal "top-hat" parking brake shoes suffered a total manufacturing bonding failure, causing the friction lining to completely delaminate and detach from the metal backing plates inside the rotor hub. This triggered Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C060B (Left Park Brake Actuator Circuit). The failed components were replaced by the servicing facility and are unavailable, but the official dealer diagnostic scan sheet and itemized repair invoice are preserved and available for inspection upon request. Safety was compromised in two ways. First, the mechanical failure completely disabled the electronic parking brake system, forcing a heavy-duty truck to rely exclusively on the transmission's parking pawl to remain stationary. This creates a severe rolling vehicle hazard, especially on inclines or when hauling/towing heavy loads. Second, when these shoes disintegrate, the loose friction debris trapped inside the enclosed drum can shift, wedge, and cause a sudden mechanical wheel lockup or severe brake dragging at highway speeds, threatening vehicle control. The problem was officially confirmed and diagnosed by an authorized General Motors dealership service center. The technician scanned the vehicle, retrieved DTC code C060B, and confirmed upon inspection that the internal parking brake shoes had completely disintegrated. There were absolutely no physical symptoms, abnormal noises, dragging sensations, or brake pedal changes prior to the failure, as the parking brake shoes sit isolated inside the rotor hub. The issue appeared suddenly on May 23, 2026, when the vehicle immediately displayed a parking brake malfunction warning lamp on the instrument cluster dashboard and completely refused to engage the electronic parking brake.
NHTSA complaint #11755097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2025 Sierra 2500HD repeatedly displays “Trailer Brakes Disabled—Service Required” with a lithium- and solar-equipped trailer. The truck passes the EL-52641 simulator, but the failure occurs intermittently while towing and resets after Park or reconnecting the trailer. This closely matches the higher-trailer-battery-voltage/backfeed condition described in N232414840. Please open a TAC case and determine whether my 2025 has the revised Trailer Brake Power Module or whether GM engineering authorizes module replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11753160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On XXX, I was towing my camper to Copper Center, Alaska from Palmer, Alaska when my truck experienced a full transmission shut down which put the truck into "Reduced Power Mode". We descending down the road right next to Victory Bible Camp (64741 Victory Rd, Sutton-Alpine, Ak 99674) when the exhaust break turned off and the truck decreased power and the Check Engine Light illuminated. The Diagnostic that was produced by OnStar revealed 3 different codes. ( P0700 TCM, P0747 Pressure Control Solenoid A is stuck in the "ON" position, C116b faulty brake pad wear sensor.) I called GMC of Palmer and GMC OnStar advisor, both informed me that the truck needed to be towed. My safety concerns is this.... I had minimum cell phone signal and not a gas station or service station within MILES. I was on the side of the Alaska Highway 1 which is a major thoroughfare for traffic going to and from [XXX]. Thankfully there were a few kind folks that pulled over to offer assistance. My truck is a 2023 GMC Sierra 2500hd with only 26,262 Miles on it. I purchased this vehicle XXX. (It Still has the Temporary Tags on it.) If had been in a different part of Alaska when this transmission failed to function properly then we could be talking about a life or death situation. Especially, if my child was with me. I was hauling my camper that weighed ATMOST, 7,000 pounds. This is less than 40% of the trucks ability. I feel that this could put someone into a dire situation had they not had the experience with emergency situations like I have had. (Prior Military Service). I have also filed a complaint with GMC Motors. Case# XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11748895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Intermittent trailer disconnect and loss of electric trailer brake output while towing Airstream. The truck is connected to the trailer through the seven Way plug. There are no modifications to the truck. This is a safety hazard as I pull a 9000+ lb trailer. Trailer connection drops momentarily and integrated trailer brake controller loses communication with trailer brakes. I went on a 5000 mile trip and my trailer brakes were connecting in disconnecting consistently. Every time there was a disconnection or connection the vehicle would “ding ding. This virtually happened consistently while we were on this long trip. During the trip, we tried to wedge the plug tight and zip tie the door shut, attempting to keep the plug tight. My truck is at the dealership, waiting on a “tool“. This is the second time it has been in the shop for this issue. I supplied a picture of the dash message after it got tired of connecting and disconnecting. I feel this is a serious safety issue. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11737376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Power steering pump failed when decelerating after 9500 miles. When power steering pump fails, power assisted braking also fails. Upon deceleration, I could not turn the steering wheel at all or stop the vehicle without extreme pressure on the brake pedal. I narrowly avoided impact with a concrete barricade at the entrance to a parking lot. GM issued a technical bulletin (DCS7112) on January 16, 2025 identifying the problem and failure and directing dealerships to replace the pump on inventory vehicles. No mention was made to repair or notify owners of the potential problem.
NHTSA complaint #11735271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brand new delivery there was a noise that changes with engine RPM. It also changed with turning the steering wheel. The dealer diagnosed a bad power steering pump. Due to possible metallic contamination all related parts that are connected to the power steering pump including the HydroBoost brake assist are going to be replaced
NHTSA complaint #11734694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On highway taking an exit. The brake pedal sank and did not engage at normal pressure, I had to push the brake all the way down for it to engage. Concurrently the steering wheel locked up where I could not turn the wheel at all. I drove straight through the exit ramp to the entrance ramp, luckily no one was entering the highway at the same time. I very well could have hurt some one else or myself. The steering wheel finally engaged where I had full power steering again and I was able to remove my truck off the highway and cautiously drove to a parking lot to get it towed. I have not tried to drive sense incident as it is at the dealer for service. The GMC Dealer has not inspected the vehicle yet, they are backed up with other services. There were no warning lamps at the time nor before the incident. Symptons see bellow. I have had issues with the brakes and it has been to the dealer 4 times including this incident, Service issue #1 at 21,501 miles -Breaks were pulsating, squealing and rough and it was shaking the steering column - The smell of burning breaks was present after drives -Solution they sanded down the hot spots on both rotors and pads for the front brakes Temporarily fixed the breaking and steering column shaking ( it did not solve the burning break smell problem. Service issue #2 at 28,142 miles Breaks were pulsating, squeaking, and steering column shaking - The smell of burning breaks was still present after drives. solution new front brake pads and rotors. Service issue #3 at 39,893 miles Rear brakes locked up while taking a turn on to a street Breaks were pulsating Squeaking and steering column shaking Smell of burning breaks is still present after drives solution machine front brake rotors. could not reproduce brake locking issue Final issue as mentioned above #4 @43,426 miles I cant help but think the constant break issues were warning signs.
NHTSA complaint #11722177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The main tailgate will not go down or function properly and it says online there is a national recall for this, but does not come up when I search my vehicle. When I turn on my left turn signal the brights flash for no reason and this is a known major issue with the vehicles as well. The trucks computer is telling me low on coolant even though it is not that has already been fixed through a 3rd pARTY WARRANTY Parking brake was stuck on when I bought the vehicle and had been for a long time you could tell and I had to pay over $1100 to fix it at GM. The Ford collision system does not work properly and the cameras will come on at certain times when they're not supposed to be and not come on when they are supposed to be
NHTSA complaint #11706292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Premature brake pad wear on all Brakes. All break pads worn down and had to be replaced at or before 25,000 miles. No trailer pulling and only light driving. Dealer stated rotors needed to be turned as well due to extremely low brake life.
NHTSA complaint #11705508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This vehicle exhibits the same failure described in NHTSA Recall N232426400 — spontaneous unlatching after rain due to water intrusion into the exterior tailgate release switch. I’m requesting a goodwill replacement under GM bulletin # N232426400 as the failure mechanism and part are identical. It has caused brake failure and nearly killed me because of battery drain while driving. All American Chevrolet of Midland Texas is refusing to solve the problem and says no recall is available.
NHTSA complaint #11695406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2021 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6.6L gas 6 speed automatic transmission W/4wd After a brake service job the vehicle will randomly kick on the traction control/ABS and the right front brake will lock up. The steering wheel jerk is violent enough to remove the wheel from the drivers hands. No Traction control or ABS lights flash on the dash when this occurs and it has caused the vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic and also off the road. The dealer was unable to recreate the issue nor are there any stored codes/issues found when having the truck diagnosed. ABS and speed sensor wires have been reviewed and none were damaged during the brake job. All wheel speed sensors are functional and reading when the issue happens. This issue happens during dry or wet conditions and is random without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11692084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While trailering a large RV the information center sent me two warnings. The first was trailer brakes disconnected the second was service trailer brakes. Took it to the dealer they were unable to replicate so they blew me off.
NHTSA complaint #11688147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to come to a complete stop, the brakes made a loud whistling and squealing sound. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, Bellamy Strickland Chevrolet GMC (145 Industrial Blvd, McDonough, GA 30253); who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that it was a known issue with no fix for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, who was also unable to diagnose the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The mileage was approximately 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11685255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Problem #1: Trailer brakes failed while pulling 40' fifth wheel trailer. Was driving at about 50MPH on a 55MPH road and was approaching a stop light. I went to apply my truck and trailer brakes simultaneously and quickly found out I had "lost" my trailer brake. This happened another two times within the next 10 mile trip to my house. I immediately disconnected my trailer and took my truck to the shop. The GMC Dealer fixed this issue, however, it is both scary and extremely dangerous to the public when something like this happens on a brand new truck. Problem #2: Right around 30,000 miles I was driving (unloaded) down the road at about 35MPH when I felt a hard clunk in the transmission followed by grinding noises - immediately a notice flashed on the dash stating the truck went into reduced acceleration and the check engine light came on. I brought my truck to a local GMC Dealer to be serviced on June 19th and they advised me it was the Allison transmission valve body. The part has been on back-order and my truck is still at the dealership sitting in the back lot with at least 4 other 2024 HD models. I called GM twice to inquire about Safety Recall N242454440 (covering 2020-2022 GM Vehicles) and recommend that it get extended beyond 2022 since the problem with the transmission valve body has not been resolved yet. I have not heard anything back from them since that call back in June.
NHTSA complaint #11684267 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We noticed that the brakes were really soft. We literally had to push on the brakes with excessive force. We took it to Lynch - West Bend, WI for a service call and was told that nothing was wrong with it. After leaving the dealership we did our own research (the hubby is a certified master technician himself). Come to find out through GM, contacts through TBM brakes and Duramax Forum.com "brake pedal effort" we found the issue and a solution and we fixed it ourselves. This truck is brand spanking new and the dealership threw their hands in the air with a safety issue and let us drive out of the parking lot. Imagine driving away after being told no issue to end up in an accident due to failed brakes. Who's to blame for that? Certainly not the customer. It was only when the new car sales manager took the truck for a drive, he agreed that there was a problem. - too late we took it home and fixed it ourselves. This problem needs to be looked into seeing its a known issue!
NHTSA complaint #11682108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a clanking sound coming from the steering wheel while attempting to make a turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle hesitated, with the brake warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,824.
NHTSA complaint #11680925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My booster is leaking into the floor. I took it to the dealer and they said it was the booster and it needs to be replaced. This could make the truck lose its brakes and run into something or someone.
NHTSA complaint #11674427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a stop, the contact simultaneously depressed the brake pedal and accelerator pedal, causing the vehicle to move forward and to stop simultaneously. The contact stated that the pedals were significantly close to each other. The contact’s foot was sliding off the pedals. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact requested for an adjustment of the pedals. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10.
NHTSA complaint #11672512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.