2018 GMC Sierra 1500 · symptom sheet
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early
- 44owner reports
- 27,000median miles
- 2involved a crash
Newest report Aug 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
44 of the 304 complaints on this car describe brake wear. Only transmission shudder is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 44 reports
Brake wear on other Sierra 1500 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Brake reports cover a wide spread of symptoms. Grinding or squealing is common, and so is a pulsing pedal or a shake through the car when stopping. Others describe pads and rotors worn out long before they expected, a brake warning light, or a pedal that goes soft or sinks toward the floor. The most serious ones say the car didn't stop in time.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
3 recalls on the brakes cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
All 7 recalls on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the Sierra 1500
Brake vacuum pump failure. Closed apr 10, 2022, led to recall 19V-645.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 13,000 and 72,000 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 5 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic trailer brake system causing a voltage spike into the trucks electrical system which is causing DTC C1114 to set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicle that may have a "Check Trailer Wiring" or "Service Trailer Brake System” message on the Driver Information Center when a trailer is ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about fluid leaking from the brake caliper piston area found during a service of the vehicle.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on the step needed to diagnose and repair vehicles that may have uneven brake pad wear. Technician will need to inspect and measure the brake pads thickness.
1 more on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 page.
What owners wrote
“Transmission started to shutter at 24000 miles. Dealer said couldnât find anything. ABS and Stabilitrack light came on at about 40,000 miles off and on. Both these problems could result in a crash. On freeway or streets. The display information/ radio has a mind of its own. Connects to any phone number or start the on star call and etc. it takes your attention off the road and can result in a crash.”
Filed Apr 18, 2024 · 24,000 miles
“The service alert for the trailer brakes keeps going off constantly and continues to go off persistently almost making the vehicle undriveable. I was informed to file a complaint with your company by my local dealership as this is a recurring issue with GMC trucks.”
Filed Aug 28, 2022
“I am getting a service alert for the Trailer Brake System. It is constant and loud and distracting and a significant safety hazard, not only because of the distraction, but also because it renders trailer brakes completely useless”
Filed Aug 15, 2022
“I was stopped at a fast food drive thru and then I tried to go to the next window and the truck wouldnât move at all it will just rev so I put it in parked turned off the truck and turn it back on put it on drive and was able to move for like 40 ft then it did it again so I had it towed to my home”
Filed Jun 12, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 2 of 44 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 68 reports