This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 GMC Sierra brakes problems
severe 112 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
112
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
7crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 112 brakes complaints filed for the 2006 GMC Sierra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Brakes accounts for 40% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 112 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CHEVROLET/GMC/CADILLAC: ANYTIME HYDRAULIC BRAKE PIPES ASSEMBLY NEED REPLACING, PRE-FORMED AND PRE-FLARED BRAKE PIPES ARE AVAILABLE, EXCEPT REAR AXLE CROSSOVER PIPE. MODEL 1999-2007 SILVERADO, SIERRA, 2000-2006 ESCALADE MODELS, AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, YUKON MODELS. UPDATED 7/18/14. UPDATED 12/9/14.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provide policy information on a revised customer concern not duplicated/verified labor operation numbers and how to submit CCND.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two brake system failure patterns on the 2006 Sierra: catastrophic corrosion of solid steel brake lines, and premature rotor wear combined with intermittent ABS misfiring.
The brake line corrosion failures are sudden and dangerous. Brake lines rupture without warning, typically at clips where they are retained to the frame. Owners describe the pedal dropping "completely to the floor" with no resistance. Multiple lines corrode and fail in sequence—one owner's left front line failed, was repaired, then the right front line failed in the exact same location weeks later. Corrosion occurs across all climate zones, though salt-belt states (Ohio, Massachusetts, New Jersey) see clustering. Repair requires replacement of all solid lines from master cylinder through ABS unit to wheel ends, costing $1,200–$2,700. Dealers refuse partial repairs, citing the risk that remaining corroded sections will fail imminently. GM denies warranty coverage, attributing corrosion to environmental exposure and maintenance—not a manufacturing defect.
Rotor issues start early. Vibration in the steering wheel appears at 10,000 miles, is addressed by resurfacing, returns at 18,000, then recurs at 32,000 requiring full replacement. Some owners report corrosion pitting and groove deepening even after dealer service.
ABS anomalies occur at low speeds: the system engages unnaturally during parking or low-speed stops, pulsating the pedal and extending stopping distance with no warning light. One owner nearly struck a pedestrian. Wheel speed sensor replacement has been attempted; prior model years had a recall for the same problem.
Several owners towing trailers or campers experienced brake failure during critical moments—backing boat ramps, descending mountain roads, hauling loads. The combination of sudden, unwarned failure and lack of manufacturer support defines the risk profile.
Same GMC Sierra brakes reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Brake line corrosion and rupture
Solid steel brake lines corrode and rupture, causing total loss of braking pressure and complete brake failure. Corrosion occurs at multiple points along the lines, particularly where they are retained in clips on the frame. Multiple lines often fail in sequence over time.
When: Typically 30,000–75,000 miles; occurs across all climate zones but especially in salt-exposed regions
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes completely to floor with no resistance; Large puddle of brake fluid under vehicle; Sudden total loss of brakes during normal driving; No warning light until significant fluid loss occurs
Repairs/costs cited: Complete replacement of all solid brake lines (master cylinder to ABS unit to each wheel) costs $1,200–$2,700. Partial repairs considered too risky due to widespread corrosion. Some owners replaced lines with aftermarket stainless steel (~$300–$480 parts plus labor).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM declined warranty coverage, claiming corrosion is environmental/maintenance issue due to road salt, not manufacturing defect. No recalls issued despite known pattern.
Brake rotor premature wear and corrosion
Factory brake rotors corrode, pit, and wear excessively at very low mileage, requiring resurfacing or replacement. Vibration recurs repeatedly even after dealer resurfacing or replacement. Some rotors replaced at 10,000 miles, again at 18,000, and again at 32,000.
When: 10,000–32,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration or shaking in steering wheel when braking; Grinding noise from brakes; Grooves deepening on rotor surfaces; Brake fade near end of braking cycle
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor resurfacing at 10,000 and 18,000 miles; full replacement by 32,000 miles. Costs not itemized separately in most reports but bundled with other brake work ($2,100–$2,700 jobs).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim no defect exists and rotor wear is normal. One dealer refused repair under warranty; another claimed grooves are not a safety issue.
ABS unwanted activation at low speed
Anti-lock braking system engages abnormally during low-speed braking (8–25 mph), causing pulsating pedal sensation, extended stopping distance, and delayed brake response. Problem intermittent; may recur multiple times during single drive. Earlier model years (1999–2002) had recall for same issue (05V379000).
When: Reported from 29,000–75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: ABS activates when not needed (e.g., at stop sign or in driveway); Brake pedal pulsates; Stopping distance increases significantly; Vehicle may not stop within expected distance or bump into obstacles; No ABS warning light illuminates to alert driver
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel speed sensor replacement recommended. One owner had to pay out-of-pocket in 2011 for repair; problem recurred by 2017. Dealer cited debris buildup in brake drums as cause in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer has history of recall (05V379000 for 1999–2002 models) but has not extended it to 2006. When asked, dealers claim normal wear or offer no repair under warranty.
Master cylinder failure
Master cylinder loses ability to build or maintain brake pressure, resulting in brake pedal dropping to floor and complete brake system failure.
When: Reported at 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor with no resistance; No braking response; Vehicle unable to stop
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replacement required; part availability reported as limited (week lead time at dealerships).
Hydraulic booster system failure (diesel 2500 HD)
On diesel 2500 HD models with hydro-boost power steering/braking accumulator, sudden complete loss of both brakes and power steering. System operates normally when stationary or on retest at dealer, making diagnosis difficult.
When: Intermittent; reported on vehicles in use
Symptoms owners cite: Simultaneous loss of brakes and power steering; No response to brake pedal when vehicle placed in reverse; Power steering reservoir overflowing; Manual brakes only functional
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports similar failure on relative's identical vehicle occurring 4 times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to diagnose on initial service; issue does not reproduce consistently.
Brake line abrasion from factory wire/loom
Factory-installed electrical wire or wire loom rubs through brake line, causing rupture and fluid loss.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor; Hole worn through brake line
Repairs/costs cited: Brake line replacement needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Defect identified as coming from factory, per owner.
Synthesized from 112 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
My 2006 GMC has only 29,000 miles on it. I bought the truck in october 2009 with 16,000 miles. I keep the truck clean inside and out, top to bottom including under the vehicle. People comment to me all the time on how nice the truck looks. Brake line let go in yard. Pedal went to the floor, no brakes had to hit reverse then neutral and the emergency brake. I had just returned home from going up…
Total brake failure while in motion. Corroded brake line ruptured causing immediate loss of all fluid. Had this happened 5 minutes earlier, I would have been on a four lane highway in bumper to bumper christmas traffic. At 70 years old I can only imagine how catastrophic an accident my reflexes would have generated. The fluid sprayed on the hot engine creating a cloud of smoke. I was afraid the…
2006 sierra denali with just over 75,000 miles. With 1/2 block warning and only traveling at a speed of 20mph, I was unable to come to a complete stop. The brake pedal was all of the way to the floor when I ran into a van in the intersection. I felt very little resistance from the pedal and the ABS definitely did not go off. There was no snow or ice on the road surface. However after towing…
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 GMC sierra 1500. The contact stated that the master cylinder failed on his vehicle. While driving at an unknown speed, the brake pedal extended to the floor and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact rear ended another vehicle. There were no injuries. The front end, hood, and grill were damaged. The vehicle was towed from the scene and returned to the shop it was…
ABS activation at low speeds resulting in increase stopping distance. It resulted almost striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk. This had previously been repaired at my own cost in 2011 and the problem has again returned. Previously GMC sierras were recalled with the same problem. Recall number: 05v379000 recall date: 08/29/2005 component: service brakes, hydraulic:antilock problem…
I purchased the 2006 2500hd diesel pickup new. The truck has had poor braking since new and the dealer has always said it functions normally. I have had the dealer do all the maintenance on the truck other than oil and filter changes. The undercarriage of the truck including all lines, brakes rotors, hubs has been rusting since new. The underside of the truck looks like a 20 year old plow truck.…
Hydraulic brake line rust out results in loss of stopping ability. The "blow out" occurred while the vehicle was stopped (I was very lucky!). Upon inspection, several of the hydraulic lines were rusted badly. I felt that I had to replace them all (with stainless steel lines) to prevent another failure which could have dire consequences. The cost of the replacement stainless steel hydraulic…
ABS light keeps coming on while driving
When braking at slow speeds the anti lock brakes appear to engage causing the pulsating brake in the pedal. The truck stopping distance is increased and the brakes do not fully engage causing the truck to bump the curb. The problem also may happen at higher speeds such as 25 MPH and corrects when the pedal is depressed fully to the floor causing the brakes to fully engage (lock up). The…
While driving at low speeds, about 20 MPH or lower, the brake pedal fades to the floor. There are no lights or codes and brake fluid at the proper level. This happens quite frequently and anywhere.
Had brakes trouble with your 2006 GMC Sierra?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2006 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 112 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 104 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 30,000 and 86,762 miles, with the median around 55,046. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 86,762. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/GMC/Sierra.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.