2019 GMC Sierra 1500 · symptom sheet
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early
- 112owner reports
- 8,800median miles
- 4involved a crash
Newest report May 3, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
112 of the 646 complaints on this car describe brake wear. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.
Narrower sheets: Brake pedal feels soft or spongy (30 reports) · ABS light on (26 reports)
Tick what matches of 112 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 (36 reports), the pads and rotors (6 reports) and the master cylinder (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the brakes cover the 2019 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
These vehicles received updated software for the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). This software has an error, and as a result, the vehicle's electronic brake assist may be disabled.
Due to an Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) software error, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Antilock Brake System (ABS) may become disabled.
All 10 recalls on the 2019 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 2019 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 4,500 and 15,520 miles, from the 75 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 16 service bulletins or notices for the 2019 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 premature brake pad life and engineering is working on release new pad lining material.
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.
12 more on the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 page.
What owners wrote
“Were driving and vehicle repeatedly suddenly braked in the middle of interstate or highway without any warning. We are so traumatized, and scared of this vehicle. It has happened before. Dealership says there is nothing they can do. This could have caused our life. GMC should be held accountable.”
Filed Jul 16, 2023
“I were driving at low speed and all 4 wheels locked causing the vehicle to suddenly stop without notice. I almost got rear ended. I had to put vehicle in park and turn off and turn back on to get it to move. Again it did the same thing stoping with brakes locking suddenly, almost causing an accident in middle of road. There was no warning at all.”
Filed May 11, 2023
“I keep receiving trailer breaking system service notifications and as far as I know a trailer breaking system requires no service.”
Filed Jan 3, 2023
“Abs, traction control and trailer break system failure. Check engine light comes on and goes off after 5 cycles. It also says ESC warning drive with care and it flashes also and steering reduced”
Filed Jan 1, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 4 of 112 reports involved a crash and 3 people were hurt. 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
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 157 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 105 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 94 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 63 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 41 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 30 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 26 reports