10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
100,523 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #64

Nov 162020

Sierra 1500

  • 196,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving about 45 miles an hour coming down an overpass. The brake pedal went completely to the floor and I narrowly avoided a crash. I took to my mechanic. They said that the brake lines were completely rusted out. I am not getting this fixed as it is an older truck but I do think that someone could die from this defect.

- New Orleans, LA, USA

problem #63

Dec 012008

Sierra 1500 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving 30 mph, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed and failed to stop the vehicle. The ABS and brake system warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where the brake lines were replaced due to rust. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000. Brake lines were replaced twice same location on the vehicle. Consumer is now having problems with ABS brake lighting on dash ( wheel speed sensors on front tone rings).

- Mantua, NJ, USA

problem #62

Jun 262018

Sierra 1500

  • 158,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle's braking ability was lost and the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle eventually came to a stop and was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000.

- Springfield, OH, USA

problem #61

May 062008

Sierra 1500

  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My emergency brake doesnt work...my head lights always burn out...my bed liner is wharped...

- Richmond, CA, USA

problem #60

Sep 102017

Sierra 1500

  • 165,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving between 3-8 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and the anti-lock brake system engaged, increasing the braking distance. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact mentioned that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was rust between an ABS sensor and the hub in the front driver and passenger side wheels. The hub and sensor needed replacement, but the vehicle was not repaired. The GMC dealer (jeff wyler florence Buick GMC, 1154 burlington pike, florence, ky 41042 (859) 279-4590) informed the contact that the VIN was not included in any service bulletins or recalls. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

- Alexandria, KY, USA

problem #59

Jun 032017

Sierra 1500

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the brakes failed to operate without warning. The bowser dealer was contacted and diagnosed that the brake line experienced severe corrosion and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Seven years prior to the failure, the brake lines were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to perform the repair at a discount. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

- Jefferson Hills, PA, USA

problem #58

May 132017

Sierra 1500 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving 25 mph, the brakes failed without warning. The contact stated that the zinc aluminum alloy on the brake lines caused severe corrosion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that all the brake lines needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. Updated 07/18/17

- Mapleton, ME, USA

problem #57

Oct 312016

Sierra 1500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the brake pedal pulsated when applied, but failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the brake sensors needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000. Updated 06/29/17

- Hollister, CA, USA

problem #56

Jul 302016

Sierra 1500

  • 124,000 miles
ABS system is kicking in at slow speeds, as in a crawl like you were driving next to a walking person. Like I am pushing on the brake pedal and it is pushing back and not allowing me to stop truck. Very scary

- Deep River, CT, USA

problem #55

Aug 142016

Sierra 1500

  • 118,000 miles
Brake lines rusted through prematurely and without warning pedal goes to floor with no stopping power

- Springfield, OH, USA

problem #54

May 212016

Sierra 1500

  • 157,468 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Thankfully I was in a parking lot, I was backing up and my brake pedal went right to the floor and I had no brakes at all. The brake line on the driver's side front burst. I have my truck at a local shop and its going to cost around $1500 to replace the brake lines. The cost is mostly labor. If loose the front brakes, I would expect the rear brakes to work but that is not the case. I am thankful I was not on the highway or pulling a trailer. I could of got hurt or hurt someone else. GM needs to look into the quality of parts used in their vehicle especially something as important as brakes.

- Salem, NH, USA

problem #53

Apr 152016

Sierra 1500

  • 136,034 miles
While on state highway and driving the legal limit, I was approaching a green traffic signal. An ambulance with emergency lights was approaching from the cross direction. I applied brakes and without warning brakes pressure completely failed. I had absolute minimal brakes and I went completely through the intersection. It appears to be rusted brake lines. When I apply the brakes, brake fluid squirts out of the front passenger side brake line where it crosses over from the driver's side. I have had all my work done at GM dealers and they never have mentioned this issue. I searched the internet and see multiple reports on this issue and that GM states this is a maintenance issue. I am over 60 and have never had a vehicle where the brake lines needed to be replaced. I was fortunate that my lane was clear or this would have resulted in an accident. It is beyond rational thought as to how GM can say this materials defect is not their problem. NHTSA should reevaluate this issue and force GM to recall their product before lives are lost.

- Martinsville, IN, USA

problem #52

Dec 012015

Sierra 1500

  • 208,000 miles
All brake lines have rotted out

- Marlette, MI, USA

problem #51

Sep 012015

Sierra 1500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,988 miles
The contact owns a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving at a low speed, the brake warning indicator illuminated and the brakes failed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake line failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,988. Updated 02/12/16

- Maumee, OH, USA

problem #50

Oct 222015

Sierra 1500

  • 98,300 miles
I recently took my truck off the road to replace the shock absorbers. While replacing the rear shocks, I noticed that the brake pads were worn to less than one eighth inch thick. I then looked at the front brake pads and noted that they had hardly any wear. I understand that the front brakes do 70% of the braking and the rear brakes do 30%. that made my finding abnormal. All the brake pads and rotors were replaced, at the same time, about one year ago. When I prepared to change the front shocks, I noted that the ABS dashboard light was on. I was turning the vehicle around at the time and when I approached the garage I applied the brakes and the pedal went all the way to the floor. A few seconds later, I felt the brakes modulating and the pedal was forcefully pushed back up to the at rest position. The truck continued to roll and the brakes were ineffective. I have always believed that a dual (front/rear) braking system was a safety feature. I was incredulous that this was even possible. I feel fortunate that I was only navigating in my yard. I pull a 27 foot fifth wheel with this truck several times a year. I can only imagine the outcome if this event happened on the highway with the rv attached. I found many anecdotal stories that were similar to mine on several websites. As of now, this truck is grounded until I find a satisfactory explanation for this. The brake fluid reservoir was found to be completely full of brake fluid and an inspection of the brake lines revealed no sign of leakage. I have not yet delved into the trucks ABS system, but I have strong reason to believe it is defective.

- Alma, AR, USA

problem #49

Sep 212015

Sierra 1500

  • miles
The contact owns a 2002 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving approximately 25 mph, the brakes failed. The vehicle had to be towed to a independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake hose needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN and failure mileage were unknown.

- Tappahannock, VA, USA

problem #48

Sep 052015

Sierra 1500

  • 40,000 miles
Slowed down and turned into a parking spot and the ABS system kicked in. Did get the pickup stopped and noticed brake fluid leaking by the driver real wheel. Had almost no brakes getting the pickup home. Upon inspection found the rear brake line had ruptured due to corrosion. The ABS system has been kicking for no reason before this. Talked to a mechanic and he said there have been a lot of corrosion problems with the 1999 to 2003 GM pickups.

- Dunlap, IA, USA

problem #47

Aug 212015

Sierra 1500

  • 68,524 miles
On the morning of Friday August 21, 2015, my wife went to move my 2002 GMC Sierra. She pulled out of our driveway and proceeded up-hill about 300-400 feet, and then turned around in a neighbor's driveway, when coming back down the hill she tried to brake to stop in front of our house, but the brakes totally failed without any warning. She then went up a slight hill on the other side of our house, but still couldn't stop, and didn't think to put the truck in park as she slowed. She rolled backwards down the hill and was able to steer into a neighbor's yard where the truck came to rest on a berm. At the time she said there were cars parked on both sides of the street and had a car been coming the opposite direction she would have crashed into it. Had there been pedestrians they could have been hit as well. When I came home that afternoon, I added brake fluid to the reservoir, and then pushed on the brake pedal. I saw a huge stream of fluid pour from below the driver's side door. I looked under the truck and found the brake lines surprisingly corroded. If sudden, immediate loss of brakes without any warning is not cause for a recall I do not know what is.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #46

Jul 032015

Sierra 1500

  • 200,100 miles
Pulling into my driveway truck started to slow then the pedal went to the floor. Tried pumping the brakes but did not stop untill I hit two garbage cans and pushed them into my garage door. I now have a truck I cant drive and a garage door that will have to be replaced. There was no warning I am just fortinate that no one was infront of this truck. One of the lines to the rear of the truck blew out and lost its fluid all over my driveway. I thought if you lost 1 line the truck could still stop with the front brakes but I had nothing. Please warn people before this problem kills people.

- Lake Geneva, WI, USA

problem #45

Jun 202015

Sierra 1500

  • miles
I was slowing down to park to unload some recycling and I pressed on my brake pedal and it went all the way to the floor. I was barely able to avoid hitting the person in front of me (outside of their vehicle) and their vehicle. I pumped the brakes but the pedal did not resist at all. My brakes were totally inoperable without using the emergency brake. I got out and had brake fluid streaming out of the lines right below the drivers seat.

- Leesburg, VA, USA

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