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 ↗2009 GMC Sierra brakes problems
moderate 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
When does it fail?
Of the 4 brakes complaints filed for the 2009 GMC Sierra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Of the 19 model years of GMC Sierra we track for brakes problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (4).
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 Preliminary Information communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production Option Code HP2. With a battery maintainer installed on the vehicle use brake pressure bleeder that maintains 30 psi for the entire bleed procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
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 Electronic Brake Control Module and Brake Pressure Modulator Valve for the 2-Mode Hybrid Utilities and Trucks will be placed on a parts restriction through the General Motors Technical Assistance Center. Dealer will need to contact for further assistance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
At around 4,000 miles the front brakes squealed often, mostly when it had been sitting for a while. (brake pads had a lot of meat left). At around 10,000 miles the brakes started grabbing while driving. I played with the e-brake some since this is the most common culprit, and the grabbing went away soon afterwards. Fast forward to 80,000 miles where I changed out the front brake pads. The spring…
2009 GMC sierra 1500. The consumer stated it felt as though the brakes were dragging when coming to a stop or a light. *ss the consumer stated the problem became progressively worse, particularly when turning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they were unable to find a problem. He returned to the dealer, a month later, and still no problem was found. The consumer replaced the brake…
Had brakes trouble with your 2009 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 2009 GMC Sierra?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 38,333 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2009/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.