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. The substance is actually excess assembly grease from the caliper boot and piston installation. This grease can be cleaned off and the rest of the service completed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 GMC Sierra brakes problems
severe 99 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
99
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
10crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 99 brakes complaints filed for the 2017 GMC Sierra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Owners have filed 99 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.
Brakes accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
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 information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
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 ↗This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of pulsing, grinding, scraping noise from brakes, uneven front brake pad wear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of pulsing, grinding, scraping noise from brakes, uneven front brake pad wear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 GMC Sierra exhibits a systemic brake assist failure pattern that manifests as a stiff, difficult-to-depress brake pedal combined with dramatically reduced or absent braking power, particularly during low-speed and parking operations. Owners report needing to apply excessive force—sometimes standing on the pedal—to achieve stopping, with some instances requiring pedal travel to the floor before the vehicle decelerates. Failures occur between 3,000 and 75,000 miles, with concentrations in the 30,000–60,000 mile range.
The problem escalates in severity across sequential brake applications: owners describe normal braking on the first stop, progressive pressure loss on the second, and total loss on the third. Many report no warning lights until the failure occurs. In low-speed backing and parking scenarios, this translates directly to near-collisions or actual damage—owners describe nearly hitting parked vehicles, pedestrians, and in one case, a child.
Dealers and owners consistently identify vacuum pump failure as the root cause, and pump replacement resolves the issue in documented cases. However, NHTSA recall campaign 19V645000 (which issued a software update and hydraulic service) has not resolved the problem for many owners. Several report the recall actually worsened the issue by introducing new ABS chatter and vibration. Parts availability was severely constrained during the recall period, with dealerships unable to source replacement pumps for weeks. Owners towing—particularly with trailers on grades—report the problem as catastrophically dangerous, and one owner credited trailer brakes with preventing a serious incident during grade descent.
Same GMC Sierra brakes reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of brake assist / hard brake pedal at low speeds
Brake assist function fails or degrades significantly, especially during parking and low-speed maneuvers. Drivers report needing excessive pedal force to stop, pedal becoming stiff and immobile, or brakes failing to respond initially. Some experience intermittent loss of power assist after first brake application, then loss on second or third attempts. The issue appears tied to vacuum system degradation.
When: Low speeds, parking lots, backing up; typically below 10 MPH. Failures reported between 3,173 and 75,000 miles, with concentrations around 30,000–60,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal extremely stiff or hard to depress; Reduced or complete loss of braking power; Pedal travels to floor with minimal braking effect; Extended stopping distance at low speeds; Multiple brake applications needed to achieve full stop; Spongey or soft brake feel; Clicking or moaning noise from engine bay under braking
Codes mentioned: Service Brake Assist warning light (when present), ABS engagement/chatter (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite vacuum pump replacement as effective fix; some report cost of $700+. Master cylinder seal failure noted in at least one case (3,173 miles). Vacuum pump parts availability was a known issue—dealers unable to source parts for over two weeks in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) issued; Software update performed on some vehicles via recall, but many report failure recurrence post-recall. GM issued notice N182202780 stating increased pedal effort may occur but brakes meet federal standards. Extended brake warranty to 150,000 miles mentioned. Some owners report dealerships claiming recall was completed when VIN was never included in recall.
Brake failure after recall service
Vehicle experiences new or worsened braking problems shortly after recall work (vacuum pump or software update). Some owners report the recall software update created new issues, including unintended ABS engagement and pedal chatter/vibration that did not occur before service.
When: Within 1 week to several months after recall service; typically during low-speed driving or parking.
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes become stiff and unresponsive after recall completion; New or increased ABS vibration and chatter in brake pedal; Hard brake pedal returning or worsening post-recall; Brake failure on multiple occasions after recall labeled complete
Codes mentioned: Service Brake Assist warning, ABS system activation (unintended)
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump replacement resolved issues in at least one case after failed software recall. One owner had both vacuum pump and vacuum lines replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 19V645000 (software update and/or hydraulic service). Dealers initially claimed vibration and chatter were normal after recall; upon owner persistence, some dealerships proceeded to replace vacuum pump. One owner reported GM told them recall was marked 'incomplete,' suggesting manufacturer awareness of remaining defect.
Wheel lock-up / brake lock with trailer jackknife
Front passenger side wheel locks inadvertently during normal driving, causing trailer to jackknife or detach. Multiple incidents reported where wheel lock triggered collision chain reactions. One case involved strut detachment from control arm.
When: Normal highway speeds (50 MPH) and trailer towing operations.
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger wheel locks without warning; Trailer jackknife or detachment; Vehicle pulled into ditch by trailer dynamics; Driver alert warning light illumination (in some cases)
Codes mentioned: Unknown recall referenced by owner (NHTSA campaign number not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles not diagnosed or repaired by owners; towed to collision centers or home. Structural damage (strut separation from control arm) reported in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in these narratives. Owners referenced possible recall linkage to Service Brakes, Hydraulic but had not been formally notified.
Brake pressure loss on multiple brake applications
Brakes work normally on first application but lose pressure progressively on second and third applications, causing extended stopping distance or brake fade. Occurs across range of speeds but most dangerous in traffic or towing scenarios.
When: Sequential brake applications in stop-and-go traffic, at traffic lights, and during towing.
Symptoms owners cite: First brake application adequate, second begins losing pressure; Third brake application results in complete pressure loss; Slow or no response to pedal after initial application; Truck rolls forward despite pedal depression; No warning lights in most cases
Codes mentioned: Service Brake Assist warning (some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs cited for pressure loss mechanism; vacuum pump issues suspected by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response documented for this failure mode.
Anti-collision system override of brakes
Forward-collision alert system engages and appears to override or interfere with driver's brake application. Pedal goes soft and travels to floor even though driver is attempting to brake. System does not effectively brake the vehicle, creating false sense of active braking.
When: Triggered when anti-collision system detects vehicle ahead or obstacle. Reported 6 times in one narrative (4 on interstate, 2 on highway), and once during backing (boat launch).
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal softens and travels to floor during collision warning; Reduced or no braking response when system is active; Loss of brake pressure and control to driver; Need to pump brakes or use emergency brake to regain control
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reported vehicle checked by 2 dealers and independent mechanics 4 times in past year with no resolution documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal response documented; owner states lack of safety concern on GM's part.
Brake pedal failure / master cylinder seal defect
Brake pedal loses pressure while depressed and held, or fails completely. One case confirmed as cracked or nicked master cylinder seal allowing pressure release. Pedal may be firm initially but slowly descends to floor while maintaining steady foot pressure.
When: At traffic lights with foot on pedal; during initial brake application at slow speed.
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal slowly descends to floor while foot is held steady; Pedal becomes firm then loses function seconds later; Complete brake failure with no advance warning; No check engine or warning light until failure occurs
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replacement performed in case with 3,173 miles; dealer suspected seal crack or nick causing pressure leak.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented response in these narratives.
Vacuum pump failure / decreased output
Mechanical vacuum pump output decreases over time, reducing brake assist. Owners and dealers specifically identify vacuum pump as the root cause. Pump replacement resolves issues in multiple cases, though parts availability was problematic during recall period.
When: Gradual onset over vehicle life; reported between 19,000 and 75,000 miles. Some failures very early (under 40,000 miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Gradual loss of brake assist; Hard brake pedal requiring excessive force; Loss of power brakes sensation; Intermittent or progressive loss of braking function
Codes mentioned: Vacuum pump diagnostic codes mentioned but not specified in narratives
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum pump replacement confirmed as successful repair in multiple cases. Parts shortages documented—dealers unable to source replacement pumps for extended periods (over 2 weeks stated in one case). Cost mentioned as $700+ in one case where owner was charged out of warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V645000 addresses vacuum pump issue. GM issued service notice citing reduced vacuum output may occur and recommending oil change interval adherence. Recall campaign noted as 'incomplete' by at least one owner, suggesting ongoing manufacturer awareness.
Trailer brake system warning / inoperative trailer brakes
Trailer brake system displays warning light or fails to function despite tow package being installed. Vehicle has never been used for towing, yet warning appears. Repair needed before safe towing possible.
When: Present on vehicles with low mileage and no towing history.
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brake system warning displayed on instrument cluster; Trailer brake system inoperative or non-responsive; Warning persists even after ignition cycling
Codes mentioned: Trailer brake system warning message
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs documented; owner expressed concern about repair costs and stated it is a safety issue affecting thousands of vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented; owner notes issue has gone unaddressed for years.
Synthesized from 99 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Panel message with beep Saying: SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM
First and most importantly my brakes are my main issue and safety problem. I nearly ran into the car in front of me at a busy intersection. My trucks brakes lose pressure after the first initial stop coming to any traffic lights, stop sign, slow traffic, parking lots etc... No matter how slow or fast the trucks movement is. First break attempt is ok but 2nd starts losing pressure and 3rd…
Had brakes trouble with your 2017 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 2017 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 99 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 53 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 32,900 and 60,000 miles, with the median around 46,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,900; a quarter make it past 60,000. 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/2017/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.