Owners have filed 248 complaints
about the 2003 GMC Sierra with NHTSA between 2002 and 2015.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 24 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 62
Against the median year of the GMC Sierra. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 58
11.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 67
39% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
94.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3015.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2010.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3317.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2513.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3417.9%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2814.7%
150,000+ miles
115.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2003 GMC Sierra Crew Cab
—
—
—
—
2003 GMC Sierra Extended Cab
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2002peak 8Dec 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 GMC Sierra
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE10010Opened 30 Mar 2010Closed 5 Jan 2011SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Brake line corrosion failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by General Motors Corporation (GM).On July 2, 2010, ODI received GM's response to an information request, which included GM's assessment of the frequency a...
DP05009Opened 20 Dec 2005Closed 31 May 2006PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
ODI'S REVIEW OF COMPLAINT DATA RECEIVED SINCE THE CLOSE OF EA04-011 REVEALED NO INDICATION THAT THE INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE RE-OPENED.MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE ENCLOSED IN THE DP05-009 PUBLIC FILE.ODI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REOPEN THE INVESTIGATION IN THE FUTURE SHOULD CONDITIONS WARRANT.
EA04011Opened 9 Apr 2004Closed 10 May 2005PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 20, 2005, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT HAD DECIDED THAT DEFECTS THAT RELATE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXIST IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2002 C/K 1500 SERIES (PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM) AND MY 2001-2005 C/K 2500 AND 3500 SERIES (TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM) PICKUPS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS.ACCORDING TO GM, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE THE FRICTION LININGS TO WEAR TO AN EXTENT WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BECOME INEFFECTIVE IN IMMOBILIZING A PARKED VEHICLE.GM'S ACTION COVERS AN ESTIMATED TOTAL OF 142,585 VEHICLES.DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LOW-FORCE SPRING...
EA04005Opened 19 Feb 2004Closed 28 Sep 2004LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH
TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE
GENERAL MOTORS FILED A DEFECT NOTICE 04V-129 ON MARCH 17, 2004, WHICH OUTLINES A PROGRAM TO REPLACE THE TAILGATE CABLES INSTALLED IN AFFECTED MODEL YEAR 2000-2004 VEHICLES.REFER TO ODI'S CLOSING REPORT FOR EA04-005 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.ODI IS AWARE OF REPORTS OF TAILGATE CABLE BREAKAGE OCCURRING IN MODEL YEAR 1999 AND EARLIER VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH SIMILAR TAILGATE CABLES AS ADDRESSED BY 04V-129, BUT ARE NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY CAMPAIGN O4V-129.ODI IS INITIATING A SEPARATE INVESTIGATION TO ADDRESS THESE VEHICLES.THE COMPLAINT-INJURY-FATALITY STATISTICS SUMMARIZED ABOVE...
PE03057Opened 8 Dec 2003Closed 9 Apr 2004PARKING BRAKE
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE
ODI OPENED PE03-057 TO ASSESS PARKING BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH FOUR WHEEL DISC BRAKES THAT INCORPORATE A SINGLE-SHOE DRUM-IN-HAT PARKING BRAKE INDEPENDENT OF THE SERVICE BRAKES.COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA INDICATE THAT THE PARKING BRAKE LININGS TEND TO WEAR OUT EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE (AT AN AVERAGE OF 24 MONTHS IN SERVICE), REDUCING THE PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM'S TORQUE BELOW THAT NEEDED TO IMMOBILIZE THE VEHICLE.GM HAS ATTRIBUTED THIS ACCELERATED WEAR TO FOREIGN MATERIAL INTRUSION AND A FAILURE OF THE BRAKE SHOE TO PROPERLY SELF-CENT...
Recalls on the 2003 GMC Sierra
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E025000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
07E066000
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Risk: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
05V163000
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
Risk: A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.
05V161000
PARKING BRAKE
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND BUILT WITH EITHER PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS OR TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS, THE PARKING BRAKE FRICTION LININGS MAY WEAR TO AN EXTENT WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BECOME INEFFECTIVE IN IMMOBILIZING A PARKED VEHICLE.
Risk: IF THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD, UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
04V225000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
CERTAIN EXTENDED AND REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND CARGO VANS CONVERTED TO COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' THESE VEHICLES HAVE ONE SEATING POSITION, THE CENTER REAR SEAT, EQUIPPED WITH CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES.
Risk: THE STANDARD REQUIRES CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN TWO SEATING POSITIONS FOR VEHICLES WITH THREE REAR SEATING POSITIONS. THE STANDARD CAB AND CARGO VAN VEHICLES, WHICH ONLY HAVE FRONT SEATING POSITIONS, HAVE AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH TO DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND DO NOT HAVE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE STANDARD REQUIRES PASSENGER SEAT CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN VEHICLES WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH. HOWEVER, THE STANDARD DOES NOT REQUIRE VEHICLES WITH ONLY FRONT SEATING POSITIONS TO HAVE LOWER ANCHORAGE PROVISIONS IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH.
04E022000
EQUIPMENT
AFTERMARKET PICKUP TRUCK OVER-THE-RAIL BEDLINERS MANUFACTURED FOR INSTALLATION ON 1999-2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO AND GMC SIERRA PICKUP TRUCKS. THE TOGGLE WING ASSEMBLY USED TO ATTACH THE BEDLINER TO THE TRUCK BED IS NOT ENGAGING FULLY IN THE STAKE POCKET OF THE PICKUP TRUCK.
Risk: THE BEDLINER CAN BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PICKUP WHILE IT IS MOTION, POSSIBLY ENDANGERING FOLLOWING MOTORISTS OR PEDESTRIANS.
04V129000
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE GALVANIZED STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES THAT RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN, AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURE. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THE TAILGATE WOULD SUDDENLY DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER.
Risk: ANYONE SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED COULD BE INJURED BY FALLING FROM THE TAILGATE. ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE BUMPER REMOVED, THE TAILGATE MAY DROP EVEN LOWER. ADDITIONALLY, IF THERE IS CARGO ON THE TAILGATE THE CARGO MAY FALL OFF IF THE SUPPORT CABLES FRACTURE.
04V045000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.
Risk: CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2011074190,310 units in Canada
Heater And Defroster
On certain vehicles, the interface between the electrical terminals of the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower relay resistor module and the wiring connector (which powers the module) may be incapable of conducting higher current levels for sustained periods of operation. In addition, moisture and other contaminants (such as road de-icing materials) may enter the fresh air intake plenum and contact the internal circuit of the module or corrode the terminals. These conditions may cause the relay resistor module or wiring connector to overheat, causing various symptoms such as: the HVAC blower may not function on certain or all blower speed settings; a burning-plastic smell or smoke may be present in the vehicle, or; the HVAC blower may run continually with the ignition in the OFF position. These warning signs could, in certain instances, be leading indicators of an impending vehicle fire, which could result in property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Owners will be provided with additional warranty coverage for the blower motor resistor module/wiring connector overheating condition. Under this "special warranty coverage", should this condition occur within 10 years or 240,000 km from first vehicle registration, dealers will install a replacement blower motor resistor and resistor module connector.
Recall 200511973,473 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the 2nd row centre occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants. A lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow unfavourable occupant kinetics in the event of a crash. Moreover, the higher routing allows the lap belt to ride up on an occupant's abdomen instead of fitting low around their hipbones, and therefore, can expose them to more risk of abdominal and internal organ injury. Correction: Dealers will modify the guide loop.
Recall 20051166,920 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain 1999-2002 1500 series and 2001-2005 2500 & 3500 series trucks equipped with a manual transmission, the parking brake friction lining may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle. Correction: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer on vehicles equipped with PBR parking brake system and install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly on vehicle equipped with a TRW parking brake system.
Recall 2004102301,974 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, the galvanized-braided-steel tailgate support cables used to support the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position can corrode over time and fracture when loads are applied to them. Tailgate support cable corrosion may not be visible because of the plastic sheathing covering the cable. If one cable fractured, the remaining cable may retain the tailgate in a horizontal position. If the remaining cable was weakened by corrosion, it could fracture within moments of the first cable fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop approximately 10 degrees and strike the top surface of the rear bumper. If anyone is sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fracture, they could fall and be injured. On vehicles without a rear bumper, the tailgate may drop to a lower position. Correction: Dealers will replace the existing galvanized support cables with stainless steel support cables.
Recall 20040374,075 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the relief valve o-ring seal within the brake hydro-boost module could fail. If this happens during braking applications, the driver may be able to hear an engine compartment noise similar to the sound that occurs when the steering wheel is turned to a full stop position. The driver could also experience a slight increase in steering efforts while braking and parking. Under certain driving conditions, a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort may be required to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seal failure. Correction: Dealers will inspect the hydro-boost module, and replace it, if necessary.
Recall 200329427,525 units in Canada
Visual System
Certain vehicles do not comply with either CMVSS 105, or CMVSS 135. The red brake warning indicator will not be illuminated while the ABS is modulating the front brakes. Correction: Since this does not pose any safety risk, no corrective action is required.
Recall 200306343,000 units in Canada
Label
On certain vehicles, the following statements were omitted from the SIR caution label: "Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front" for the vehicles without an air bag switch or "Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front unless air bag is off" for vehicles with an air bag switch and "Sit far back as possible from the air bag". The statements are printed in the Owner's Manual. Correction: None required as instructions are in the owners manual and this is well known by the public.
Recall 20030167 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles fail to conform to CMVSS 212 - Windshield Mounting. These vehicles lack a continuous urethane bonding bead between the body surface and the windshield. In vehicles with this condition, the windshield may not be retained in accordance with safety standard during a crash. Correction: Dealer will remove, reseal and reinstall the windshield.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 38,000 milesChiefland, FLCrash1 injured1 killed
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN,THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD ON. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT END WAS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN NECK AND HEAD FRACTURES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE INJURIES ULTIMATELY LED TO THE CONTACT'S DEATH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000. UPDATED 11/09/15*LJ UPDATED 4/4/18*JB
NHTSA complaint #10774697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,652 milesHockessin, DECrash
POWER TRAIN
I WAS PARKED ON A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (ABOUT 10 - 15 DEGREES). I STARTED THE ENGINE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL WAS NORMAL. I STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AND WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. I SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT I WENT OFF THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY ONTO A 45 DEGREE DOWNWARD SLOPED LAWN; THEN INTO A WOODED AREA AT THE TOP OF A RAVINE. I SLAMMED INTO A TREE. THE CAR WAS JUDGED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I DID NOT GET A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT A UNION PARK GMC (WILMINGTON, DE) TWO DAYS PRIOR. INCLUDING BRAKE INSPECTION. CAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10632173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,652 milesHockessin, DECrash
AIR BAGS
I WAS PARKED ON A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (ABOUT 10 - 15 DEGREES). I STARTED THE ENGINE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL WAS NORMAL. I STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AND WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. I SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT I WENT OFF THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY ONTO A 45 DEGREE DOWNWARD SLOPED LAWN; THEN INTO A WOODED AREA AT THE TOP OF A RAVINE. I SLAMMED INTO A TREE. THE CAR WAS JUDGED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I DID NOT GET A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT A UNION PARK GMC (WILMINGTON, DE) TWO DAYS PRIOR. INCLUDING BRAKE INSPECTION. CAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10632173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,652 milesHockessin, DECrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS PARKED ON A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (ABOUT 10 - 15 DEGREES). I STARTED THE ENGINE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL WAS NORMAL. I STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AND WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. I SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT I WENT OFF THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY ONTO A 45 DEGREE DOWNWARD SLOPED LAWN; THEN INTO A WOODED AREA AT THE TOP OF A RAVINE. I SLAMMED INTO A TREE. THE CAR WAS JUDGED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I DID NOT GET A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT A UNION PARK GMC (WILMINGTON, DE) TWO DAYS PRIOR. INCLUDING BRAKE INSPECTION. CAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10632173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,652 milesHockessin, DECrash
ENGINE
I WAS PARKED ON A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (ABOUT 10 - 15 DEGREES). I STARTED THE ENGINE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL WAS NORMAL. I STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AND WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. I SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT I WENT OFF THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY ONTO A 45 DEGREE DOWNWARD SLOPED LAWN; THEN INTO A WOODED AREA AT THE TOP OF A RAVINE. I SLAMMED INTO A TREE. THE CAR WAS JUDGED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I DID NOT GET A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT A UNION PARK GMC (WILMINGTON, DE) TWO DAYS PRIOR. INCLUDING BRAKE INSPECTION. CAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10632173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,652 milesHockessin, DECrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS PARKED ON A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (ABOUT 10 - 15 DEGREES). I STARTED THE ENGINE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL WAS NORMAL. I STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AND WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. I SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT I WENT OFF THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY ONTO A 45 DEGREE DOWNWARD SLOPED LAWN; THEN INTO A WOODED AREA AT THE TOP OF A RAVINE. I SLAMMED INTO A TREE. THE CAR WAS JUDGED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I DID NOT GET A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT A UNION PARK GMC (WILMINGTON, DE) TWO DAYS PRIOR. INCLUDING BRAKE INSPECTION. CAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10632173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 96,000 milesKawkawlin, MI
SEATS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHEN INSERTING THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, THE SEAT MOVED FORWARD AND PINNED THE CONTACT TO THE DASHBOARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR DRIVE SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 04/06/16*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10810891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesAllenton, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
EXITING OFF FREEWAY RAMP IN INDIANAPOLIS BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT NOTICE AND NO BRAKE FLUID LOSS, NEARLY CRASHED CROSSING 5 LANES OF CROSS TRAFFIC JUST LUCKY I WASN'T BROADSIDED BY CROSS TRAFFIC. I RECEIVED NO NOTICE OF HAZARD FROM GM, NO RECALL AND ONLY LEARNED OF THIS PROBLEM ONCE RESEARCHING ON WEB. I AM LUCKY TO BE ALIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10786611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesChiefland, FLCrash1 injured1 killed
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP SIGN,THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD ON. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT END WAS COMPLETELY DAMAGED AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE AIR BAGS NOT DEPLOYING, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BROKEN NECK AND HEAD FRACTURES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE INJURIES ULTIMATELY LED TO THE CONTACT'S DEATH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,000. UPDATED 11/09/15*LJ UPDATED 4/4/18*JB
NHTSA complaint #10774697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,985 milesGeorgetown, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT DRIVING ON A 4 LANE 55 MPH SPEED ZONE. AS I WAS APPROACHING THE STOP LIGHT I STARTING PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE PEDAL HAD NO RESISTANCE IT KEPT GOING TO THE FLOOR. I STARTED PUMPING THE PEDAL TRYING TO SLOW MY TRUCK DOWN, NO USE. I PUSHED PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THIS SLOWED A LITTLE. BUT NOT ENOUGH. I DOWN SHIFTED THE AUTOMATIC LEVER AND STARTING GUIDING THE TRUCK OFF THE ROAD TO AVOID THE STOPPED VEHICLES. I MISSED THE VEHICLES. LUCKILY I WAS ONLY 3 MILES FROM HOME. I MANAGED TO LIMP HOME BY DRIVING VERY, VERY SLOW AND USING THE GEAR SHIFTER TO SLOW ME DOWN. WHEN INVESTIGATING THE CAUSE AT HOME I FOUND THE BRAKE LINE ON THE RIGHT FRONT HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND THERE WAS A LEAK. ALL THE BRAKE LINES ON THIS TRUCK ARE RUSTED AND IN BAD SHAPE. I CALLED THE DEALER GLENN BUICK GMC WHERE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK NEW IN 2003. I SPOKE TO THE SERVICE PERSONAL "COREY" ABOUT REPAIRING THE RUSTED LINES. HE SAID GMC WAS NOT STANDING BEHIND THIS "FAILURE" ! I WAS ON MY OWN ! SEEMS GMC KNOWS OF THESE FAILURES AND SO DO YOU AND YOU HAVE AGREED NOT TO MAKE THEM STAND BEHIND IT AND YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO ALLOW MORE ACCIDENTS TO HAPPEN ! YOU = NATIONAL HIGHWAY SAFETY WHAT A SHAME ! SHAME ON YOU AND GMC ! HAD I NOT BEEN "LUCKY" THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT! ANY HELP IN RESOLVING THIS ISSUE WOULD BE APPRECIATED! THIS ISSUE WILL ONLY GET WORSE ! AS I AM SURE THERE ARE OTHER TRUCKS WITH THIS POTENTIAL PROBLEM WAITING TO HAPPEN!
NHTSA complaint #10746026 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesCleveland, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT TOOK A LONGER DISTANCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC MULTIPLE TIMES WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10734293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesWarren, CT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE RPMS INCREASED TO 3,500 WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL LINES WERE RUSTED, FRACTURED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000.
NHTSA complaint #10730944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesHilliard, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND TRAVELED ABRUPTLY TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COME TO A STOP UNTIL THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED AS THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINES FRACTURED DUE TO CORROSION. THE VEHICLE NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
NHTSA complaint #10700608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesChester, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE TRAVELING IN MY 2003 GMC SIERRA TRUCK AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN AND THE PEDAL WENT 3/4 OF THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, THEN THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRUCK DID NOT STOP AS QUICKLY AS IT USUALLY DOES ( GLAD I WAS NOT GOING ANY FASTER) . UPON CHECKING THE TRUCK IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE STEEL BRAKE LINE HAD A HOLE IN IT DUE TO CORROSION AND THERE WAS NO BRAKE FLUID IN THE MASTER CYLINDER .
NHTSA complaint #10671883 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,200 milesGreen Castle, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
ON 11/11/2014, TRUCK SUDDENLY VEERED TO LEFT, CROSSED MIDDLE OF ROAD AND WENT HALFWAY INTO DITCH, ROAD DID HAVE A SMALL AMOUNT OF SNOW[1/2 INCH], THIS HAPPENED JUST AS I TOPPED A SMALL HILL. ON 11/16/2014 AGAIN AS I TOPPED A HILL ON A CURVE THE TRUCK SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE LEFT, CROSSED THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND DID GO COMPLETELY IN THE DITCH. ON 11/30/2014 AS I BACKED OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND HAD A HORRIBLE NOISE WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY MECHANIC AND HE FOUND THE BRAKE CALIPER WAS FROZE UP AND SHEARED OFF THE BRAKEPAD AND THIS RUINED THE BRAKE ROTOR, THIS OF COURSE CAUSED THE LOSS OF BRAKES ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE, WHICH MUST HAVE BEEN PULLING ME OFF THE ROAD. LUCKILY WE SUFFERED NO SERIOUS INJURIES AND NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10664777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesJohannesburg, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PANEL CLUSTER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 UPDATED 1/28/15
NHTSA complaint #10663090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,586 milesPlymouth, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS TRAVELING IN RULE AREA OF MICH. AFTER DARK,A DEER JUMP OUT IN FRONT OF ME! I HIT THE BRAKES,A BRIEF BRAKE SURGE, THEN THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR! NO BRAKES! THE BRAKE LINES UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT AREA WERE RUSTED THROUGH! I STOP AT A GAS STATION. I FOUND BRAKE FLUID ALL OVER AND A MAN ASKED ME WHAT HAD HAPPENED,I TOLD HIM WHAT I FOUND , HE AND I COULDN'T BELIEVE THEY WERE SO RUSTED OUT ! MY TRUCK IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE! EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE LINES! IT'S GOT A STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST SYSTEM BUT THEY SCRIMP ON ONE OF THE MOST CRITICAL SYSTEMS FOR SAFETY ! UNBELIEVABLE! BY THE GRACE OF GOD I DIDN'T HIT THE DEER! BUT WHAT IF IT HAD HAPPENED IN TOWN OR IF THE DEER WAS A CHILD! THANK GOD IT HAPPENED THE WAY IT DID AND NO ONE GOT HURT!
NHTSA complaint #10660940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKE LINES FRACTURED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT USED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10659336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesRiverside, RI
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A TRAIL OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DETERMINED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINES WERE EXCESSIVELY CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE HIMSELF. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
NHTSA complaint #10658667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SUN Valley, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
2003 GMC SIERRA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A SPEEDOMETER FAILURE. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS DRIVING 55 MPH. HOWEVER, THE SPEEDOMETER SHOWED 100 MPH. IT WENT ON FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND THEN WENT BACK TO NORMAL. THE NEXT DAY, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS ACTING ERRATIC AGAIN. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, HOPING IT WOULD BE SOMETHING SMALL, BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE A $700 EXPENSE.
NHTSA complaint #10644065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesWest Point, IA
SERVICE BRAKES
AS I STATED PULLING OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE. I PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. I QUICKLY PUT IT IN PARK. THEN CHECKED UNDER THE TRUCK TO FIND BRAKE FLUID LEAKING ALL OVER. THE LINE HAD RUSTED APART.
NHTSA complaint #10632606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,652 milesHockessin, DECrash
POWER TRAIN
I WAS PARKED ON A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (ABOUT 10 - 15 DEGREES). I STARTED THE ENGINE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL WAS NORMAL. I STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AND WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. I SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT I WENT OFF THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY ONTO A 45 DEGREE DOWNWARD SLOPED LAWN; THEN INTO A WOODED AREA AT THE TOP OF A RAVINE. I SLAMMED INTO A TREE. THE CAR WAS JUDGED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I DID NOT GET A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT A UNION PARK GMC (WILMINGTON, DE) TWO DAYS PRIOR. INCLUDING BRAKE INSPECTION. CAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10632173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,652 milesHockessin, DECrash
AIR BAGS
I WAS PARKED ON A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (ABOUT 10 - 15 DEGREES). I STARTED THE ENGINE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL WAS NORMAL. I STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AND WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. I SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT I WENT OFF THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY ONTO A 45 DEGREE DOWNWARD SLOPED LAWN; THEN INTO A WOODED AREA AT THE TOP OF A RAVINE. I SLAMMED INTO A TREE. THE CAR WAS JUDGED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I DID NOT GET A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT A UNION PARK GMC (WILMINGTON, DE) TWO DAYS PRIOR. INCLUDING BRAKE INSPECTION. CAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10632173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,652 milesHockessin, DECrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS PARKED ON A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (ABOUT 10 - 15 DEGREES). I STARTED THE ENGINE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL WAS NORMAL. I STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AND WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. I SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT I WENT OFF THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY ONTO A 45 DEGREE DOWNWARD SLOPED LAWN; THEN INTO A WOODED AREA AT THE TOP OF A RAVINE. I SLAMMED INTO A TREE. THE CAR WAS JUDGED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I DID NOT GET A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT A UNION PARK GMC (WILMINGTON, DE) TWO DAYS PRIOR. INCLUDING BRAKE INSPECTION. CAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10632173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,652 milesHockessin, DECrash
ENGINE
I WAS PARKED ON A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (ABOUT 10 - 15 DEGREES). I STARTED THE ENGINE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL WAS NORMAL. I STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AND WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. I SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT I WENT OFF THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY ONTO A 45 DEGREE DOWNWARD SLOPED LAWN; THEN INTO A WOODED AREA AT THE TOP OF A RAVINE. I SLAMMED INTO A TREE. THE CAR WAS JUDGED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I DID NOT GET A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT A UNION PARK GMC (WILMINGTON, DE) TWO DAYS PRIOR. INCLUDING BRAKE INSPECTION. CAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10632173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,652 milesHockessin, DECrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS PARKED ON A SLOPED DRIVEWAY (ABOUT 10 - 15 DEGREES). I STARTED THE ENGINE, STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND TOOK THE CAR OUT OF PARK INTO DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL WAS NORMAL. I STARTED TO ROLL FORWARD AND WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE CAR DID NOT SLOW. I SLAMMED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. AT THIS POINT I WENT OFF THE END OF THE DRIVEWAY ONTO A 45 DEGREE DOWNWARD SLOPED LAWN; THEN INTO A WOODED AREA AT THE TOP OF A RAVINE. I SLAMMED INTO A TREE. THE CAR WAS JUDGED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I DID NOT GET A BRAKE WARNING LIGHT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT A UNION PARK GMC (WILMINGTON, DE) TWO DAYS PRIOR. INCLUDING BRAKE INSPECTION. CAUSE OF BRAKE FAILURE WAS DETERMINED TO BE RUPTURED BRAKE LINE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR BRAKES WERE FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10632173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesWest Chester, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION WHERE TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND WAS DECREASING SPEED FROM APPROX 35 MPH. AT APPROX.10-15 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT ANY WARNING OR SENSOR DETECTION AND THE BRAKES FAILED. I HELD THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, IMMEDIATELY SHIFTED TO LOW GEAR AND DRIFTED TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER TO AVOID THE STOPPED TRAFFIC. I SLOWLY MOVED THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE PLACE. IN A SHORT DISTANCE THE SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING ACTIVATED BUT THERE WAS NO WARNING PRIOR TO FAILURE. THE TRUCK WAS TAKEN TO MY MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE ON THE LEFT FRAME RAIL HAD FAILED UNDER PRESSURE DUE TO EXTREME RUST. IT WAS ALSO DETERMINED THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES, EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE AND BRAKE PLATES WERE RUSTED FAR IN ADVANCE OF EXPECTATIONS FOR MY MODEL YEAR AND MILEAGE. ALL BRAKE LINES HAVE TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE ANOTHER FAILURE IS CERTAIN IF ONLY THE BLOWN LINE IS REPLACED. I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP THAT SOLD AND HAS SERVICED MY VEHICLE AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS NO ASSISTANCE OR RECALL FOR RUSTED BRAKE LINES EVEN THOUGH THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS.
NHTSA complaint #10632029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesOwings Mills, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL SANK TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT TO A LOWER GEAR TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE SERVICE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID LINES WERE RUPTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #10621718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 211,158 milesMedia, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, NO BRAKES. BROKEN CORRODED BRAKE LINE, APPEARS THAT ALL LINES LOOK IN THE SAME SHAPE .LUCKILY THERE WAS NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE HOLE IN THE LINE IS DIRECTLY UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT.
NHTSA complaint #10621446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,502 milesAlbuquerque, NM
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
I WROTE GM ON OCTOBER 26, 2013 ABOUT MY 2003 GMC SIERRA DURAMAX DIESEL 6.6L 6L THAT JUST RECENTLY STARTED BILLOWING BLUISH BLACK SMOKE CONSTANTLY FROM THE EXHAUST AND COSTING AN EXORBITANT AMOUNT OF MONEY IN GAS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER (QUALITY BY DILORENZO IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO) AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A BULLETIN ISSUED IN OCTOBER 2006 FOR LEAKING FUEL INJECTORS. THEY DIAGNOSED MY TRUCK WITH THE EXACT FUEL INJECTOR PROBLEM. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 83,502 MILES ON IT AND I'VE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE NEXT TIME I TAKE IT FOR AN EMISSIONS TEST (A REQUIREMENT IN NEW MEXICO) IT WILL FAIL. I FINALLY SAVED UP ENOUGH MONEY TO GO AN OUTSIDE REPAIR SHOP ON JULY 15, 2014 TO GET MY FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED AND THE TOTAL CAME TO $4763.78. I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WERE TWO STRIPPED BOLTS INDICATING THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED (ADDITIONAL COST OF$12 EACH TO REPLACE THE 8 BOLTS). I CALLED THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE INJECTORS WERE REPAIRED UNDER THE ORIGINAL BULLETIN (04039) IN JUNE 2005 AT TILLERY MOTORS IN BELEN NM. THEREFORE, THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE NEVER REALLY REPAIRED PROPERLY IN THE FIRST PLACE. I HAVE SPOKE TO ANOTHER WOMEN ([XXX]) AT THE GM CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER. SHE IS AGAIN ELEVATING THIS ISSUE TO A SPECIALIST UNDER GM ID [XXX] FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE TOTAL COST (STANDARD 24-48 HOUR CALL BACK). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10611064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,502 milesAlbuquerque, NM
ENGINE
I WROTE GM ON OCTOBER 26, 2013 ABOUT MY 2003 GMC SIERRA DURAMAX DIESEL 6.6L 6L THAT JUST RECENTLY STARTED BILLOWING BLUISH BLACK SMOKE CONSTANTLY FROM THE EXHAUST AND COSTING AN EXORBITANT AMOUNT OF MONEY IN GAS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER (QUALITY BY DILORENZO IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO) AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT THERE WAS A BULLETIN ISSUED IN OCTOBER 2006 FOR LEAKING FUEL INJECTORS. THEY DIAGNOSED MY TRUCK WITH THE EXACT FUEL INJECTOR PROBLEM. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 83,502 MILES ON IT AND I'VE BEEN INFORMED THAT THE NEXT TIME I TAKE IT FOR AN EMISSIONS TEST (A REQUIREMENT IN NEW MEXICO) IT WILL FAIL. I FINALLY SAVED UP ENOUGH MONEY TO GO AN OUTSIDE REPAIR SHOP ON JULY 15, 2014 TO GET MY FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED AND THE TOTAL CAME TO $4763.78. I FOUND OUT THAT THERE WERE TWO STRIPPED BOLTS INDICATING THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED (ADDITIONAL COST OF$12 EACH TO REPLACE THE 8 BOLTS). I CALLED THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HE TOLD ME THAT THE INJECTORS WERE REPAIRED UNDER THE ORIGINAL BULLETIN (04039) IN JUNE 2005 AT TILLERY MOTORS IN BELEN NM. THEREFORE, THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE NEVER REALLY REPAIRED PROPERLY IN THE FIRST PLACE. I HAVE SPOKE TO ANOTHER WOMEN ([XXX]) AT THE GM CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER. SHE IS AGAIN ELEVATING THIS ISSUE TO A SPECIALIST UNDER GM ID [XXX] FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF THE TOTAL COST (STANDARD 24-48 HOUR CALL BACK). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10611064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.