Tl* the contact owns a 2019 GMC sierra 1500. While driving approximately 25 MPH and attempting to brake, the brake pedal traveled all the way to the floorboard. Also, the ABS, check engine, brake, and differential warning indicators illuminated. In addition, the service trailer brake system, service ESC, steering assist reduced, drive with care and brake system failure system top speed 62 MPH…
2019 GMC Sierra brakes problems
severe 60 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
60
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
3crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 60 brakes complaints filed for the 2019 GMC Sierra, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 60 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.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 GMC Sierra exhibits a wide range of brake system failures centered on the electronic brake control module and power assist system. Most commonly, owners lose nearly all braking power with the pedal requiring extreme force or traveling to the floor, sometimes at low parking-lot speeds but also at highway speeds. The failure mode is often intermittent—brakes work normally, then fail for 30 to 45 minutes, then self-correct after the vehicle sits with the ignition off. These incidents occur as early as 5 MPH in parking lots and as late as 120,000 miles.
When failures occur, the dashboard floods with warnings: "Brake System Failure - 62 MPH Top Speed," "Service ESC," "Service Trailer Brake System," and multiple indicator lights. The 62 MPH speed limit is particularly dangerous because it masks the severity of the actual brake loss—owners report needing to stand on the pedal with both feet and traveling 1/8 mile or more to stop from 45 MPH.
Dealers struggle to duplicate the failures because they're intermittent. When shops can't confirm the problem, they send owners home and advise them to return only if it happens again—a position owners find unacceptable given the safety risk. Several owners mention that dealer software updates or brake control module reprogramming provide temporary relief before failures resume. At least one dealer explicitly told an owner that GM has no permanent fix. Phantom braking, rear wheel lock-up, steering control loss, and erroneous trailer brake warnings round out the reported failures.
Same GMC Sierra brakes reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Complete or severe loss of brake power (pedal to floor, 5-10% braking capacity)
Brake system fails to respond or respond minimally when pedal is depressed, often requiring extreme force or repeated pumping. Pedal may go to the floor with no braking effect. Vehicle either stops very slowly or continues with minimal deceleration. Incidents occur both at low speeds (5-35 MPH in parking lots) and highway speeds (45-65 MPH).
When: Generally occurs shortly after starting vehicle, sometimes after remote start or sitting parked. Some owners report intermittent failures lasting 30-45 minutes before self-resetting. Multiple occurrences reported within first 6,000-20,000 miles; some as late as 68,000-120,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor with little or no stopping effect; Brake pedal extremely hard or spongey to depress; Stopping distance increases dramatically (reported 3x normal or more); Requires standing on brake pedal with both feet or extreme force; Loss of power assist, manual braking only; Intermittent failures self-correct after 30-45 minutes with ignition off
Codes mentioned: P25A2 (Brake system control module failure), C0580 (ABS braking and stability system), C0021 (Electrical short on brake booster), C2A17, U0100 (ECM communication), U026A, U0415
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attempted software updates/reprogramming of brake control module (BCM), master cylinder replacement, hydroboost replacement, brake bleeding, and fuse replacement. Many repairs were temporary or ineffective; failures recurred after pick-up. Some owners reported GM stated no permanent fix exists. One owner had brake master cylinder and fitting threads damaged, requiring replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 19V889000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic; ESC); Campaign 20V055000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); Customer Satisfaction Program N192272400; N192268090. Recall reprogramming did not fully resolve failures for many owners. GM instructed owners to bring vehicle back only when failure occurs. Some owners reported being told 'no codes, no problem' or advised to disable safety features. At least one owner (narrative #9) reported parking brake also engaging randomly at 55 MPH on highway (once with code, once without).
Hard/firm brake pedal requiring excessive force
Brake pedal becomes difficult to depress, requiring significantly more pressure than normal to slow or stop the vehicle. Pedal may be described as firm, hard, or stiff. Occurs independently or alongside reduced braking power. Some owners describe difficulty pumping brakes.
When: Reported at various speeds (5-65 MPH) and driving conditions. Occurs both at startup and during driving. Several incidents occur in first 2,600-15,520 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal firm and difficult to depress; Requires added effort to depress pedal; Pedal very stiff, higher pressure required than normal; Extremely difficult or impossible to pump brakes
Codes mentioned: P25A2
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced master cylinder, hydroboost, and performed software updates. Repairs often unsuccessful or temporary.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 19V889000 covered some incidents. Repairs attempted but failures persisted or recurred.
Multiple dashboard warnings with brake system failure message (62 MPH speed limit)
Vehicle displays multiple simultaneous warnings on instrument panel, including 'Brake System Failure - 62 MPH Top Speed,' 'Service ESC,' 'Service Trailer Brake System,' 'Steering Assist Reduced,' and 'Check Engine' light. Speed is electronically limited to 62 MPH when these warnings appear. Warnings often accompany severe loss of braking power and make the vehicle undrivable or unsafe.
When: Most commonly upon vehicle startup or shortly after starting. Reported in first 161 miles to 23,283 miles on vehicle. One incident reported after recall service at dealership.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard displays 'Brake System Failure - 62 MPH Top Speed' message; Multiple warning lights: ABS, Check Engine, Brake, Traction Control, Differential indicators; Message states 'Service ESC,' 'Service Trailer Brake System,' 'Steering Assist Reduced - Drive With Care'; Notification alarm sounds when warnings appear; Electronic speed limiter activates (max 62 MPH, sometimes 42 MPH); Braking power severely reduced when warnings active; Some warnings clear after vehicle restart; others persist
Codes mentioned: P25A2, C0580, C2A17, U0100, U026A, U0415
Repairs/costs cited: Software reprogramming and brake control module updates performed. Speed limiter and warnings sometimes cleared by dealer reprogramming or factory reset, but underlying brake loss often persisted. One dealer informed customer the 62 MPH limit was intentionally conservative but did not address the actual braking failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 19V889000; Campaign 20V055000. Recalls addressed speed limiters and warning messages but did not fully resolve brake power loss. Some owners received OnStar alerts about antilock brake problems with service recommendations.
Steering control loss or difficulty (yanking/pulling during turns, reduced power steering)
Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn, yanks sharply during turns, or pulls to one side. Occurs independently or alongside brake system failures. One incident involved power steering assist reduction.
When: Reported while making turns at low to moderate speeds (turning at stop signs, on curves). Associated mileage 2,600 to 85,500 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel yanks sharply to left or right during turns; Steering becomes difficult or firm to turn; Vehicle pulls to one side while braking; Power steering assist message ('Steering Assist Reduced') appears; Steering control becomes nearly impossible
Codes mentioned: Service ESC and Power Steering messages
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs documented in narratives. Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired in most cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 19V889000 mentioned in some cases but repairs not completed. Manufacturer did not provide specific assistance for steering issues.
Erroneous or phantom braking (vehicle brakes itself without driver input)
Vehicle's braking system activates on its own without driver pressing the brake pedal, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly or decelerate unexpectedly in the middle of the road or highway. Occurs independently or in conjunction with other brake failures.
When: Reported at various speeds (5-45 MPH) during normal driving. One incident on interstate at highway speed. One incident on snow-covered road.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle comes to sudden complete stop without driver input; Vehicle decelerates suddenly and independently; Brakes lock up or engage without pedal pressure; Rear wheels lock causing skidding; Vehicle screeches to stop in middle of road
Codes mentioned: Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) short-circuit indicated in one case
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle diagnosed with EBCM short-circuit and miscommunication causing parking brake to engage and rear wheels to lock. EBCM replacement recommended but not completed. Brakes replaced on one vehicle without resolving phantom braking. In one case, 6-cylinder engine malfunction diagnosed, but failure recurred after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 19V889000 applied but failures recurred in some cases. No permanent repair solutions provided.
Service trailer brake warning with no trailer attached (recurring blown fuse)
Vehicle displays 'Service Trailer Brake System' warning or loses trailer brake function despite no trailer being attached or towed. Fuse blows repeatedly even after replacement, suggesting electrical fault in trailer brake circuit.
When: Reported as recurring issue over time; one owner noted vehicle was 300 miles out of warranty when issue began.
Symptoms owners cite: Service Trailer Brake System warning appears; Trailer brake fuse blows repeatedly; No trailer has ever been connected to vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse replacement attempted but blows again. Owner noted this is a widespread issue with thousands of complaints online and a PI investigation on GM site.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite known widespread problem. Manufacturer has not addressed issue.
Brake control module error after recall service or software update
After dealers perform recall brake system software updates or repairs, brake failures occur or persist, indicating the recall fix is ineffective or causes new issues. One owner reported dashboard lighting up after remote start via OnStar following ABS recall repair.
When: Within days to weeks after recall service at dealership. One incident immediately after recall service for seatbelt tensioner and brake system update.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake failures occur after recall service; Dashboard warnings reappear after recall update; Software fix does not prevent recurrence; Multiple dashboard errors appear after remote start following recall repair
Codes mentioned: P25A2
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed software reprogramming and brake control module updates, but failures persisted. One dealer admitted to owner that GM does not have a permanent fix. Multiple owners report being advised to bring vehicle back if failures recur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 19V889000; Campaign 20V055000. Recalls acknowledged but repairs confirmed ineffective by dealers and owners.
Brake pad wear monitor malfunction (reporting incorrect wear percentages)
Dashboard brake pad monitoring system displays incorrect or erratic brake wear percentages. Reported as 90%+ wear then suddenly showing service alert, or dramatic changes between visits. Causes confusion about actual brake condition.
When: Reported at various mileages. One case showed 51% rear brake wear in April 2020 at 15,000 miles, then 91% at same visit, then 15% requiring replacement by March 2023 at 28,000 miles (unusual rear brake wear pattern).
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pad monitor shows 90%+ remaining then suddenly shows service alert; Dramatic swings in reported wear percentage at same dealer visit; Rear brakes wearing excessively (worn to 15% in 13,000 miles); Software glitches in brake monitoring system
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Dealers attributed to software bugs. One owner noted inability to determine real brake issues from software errors.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledged software bugs but provided no permanent fix.
Vehicle engine shutdown and loss of power (related to brake system)
Engine unexpectedly shuts down while driving without warning, leaving driver unable to restart. Vehicle loses all power for extended period (up to 25 minutes). Diagnostic code P25A2 (brake system control module) appears in one case, suggesting brake/electrical system involvement.
When: One incident on interstate at highway speed after 500-mile trip. One incident after vehicle was parked and shut down automatically for manufacturer reset.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down suddenly while driving; No warning lights or indication before shutdown; Vehicle loses all electrical power; Driver unable to restart engine; Power returns after 25-30 minutes; Message appears: 'Vehicle shut down for manufacturer reset'
Codes mentioned: P25A2 (Brake system control module)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed after shutdown. Owner with code P25A2 noted no other codes present but vehicle would not start.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not addressed. One vehicle later involved in head-on crash after shutdown and brake failure.
Brake service mode defect (automatic piston extension during service)
When vehicle is placed in brake service mode for pad replacement, the electronic brake piston can automatically extend without warning when the rotor is rotated, creating pinch and crush hazard for mechanic's fingers. Safety feature did not keep piston retracted as intended.
When: During routine brake pad service.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake service mode activated on dashboard; Piston retracts initially for service; Piston automatically extends when rotor rotated; Service mode turns off unexpectedly during work
Repairs/costs cited: Owner using C-clamp to hold piston retracted; nearly suffered finger laceration when piston extended.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Rear wheel lock-up or excessive rear brake wear
Rear wheels lock up during braking, often without warning lights or codes. Rear brakes wear excessively or lock prematurely compared to front brakes, which contradicts normal brake wear patterns.
When: Intermittently during normal driving. Excessive rear wear documented at 13,000-28,000 miles when front brakes should wear faster.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear wheels lock up during braking at low speed (5 MPH); Rear brakes lock causing skidding; Rear wheels skid on snow or dry pavement; Rapid excessive rear brake wear; Rear brake pad wear reverses from 51% to 91% between visits
Codes mentioned: Check Engine warning light sometimes illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Brakes replaced; transmission and TCM also replaced on one vehicle. Rear brake wear pattern suggests ABS or brake proportioning issue rather than normal wear. One case associated with brake module reset needed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Program N192272400 mentioned. Some repairs attempted but failures recurred or underlying cause not addressed.
Synthesized from 60 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
New truck, GMC 1500 denali, 1100 miles, started vehicle with multiple warning sounds & warning lights, dash says "brake system failure 62mph top speed", service trailer brake system", steering assist is reduced drive with care" service ESC", braking was completely reduced & needed hard press on brake to try and get vehicle to stop. Very diminished braking. Vehicle was stationary in a parking…
After starting my truck I got the following messages service ESC service trailer brake brake system failure - 62 MPH top speed steering assist reduced drive with care thought I would just limp it home although after leaving my parking spot I realized that I had almost no brakes at a all. I re parked the truck and had it towed to the dealership which is telling me that they reset the codes…
Had brakes trouble with your 2019 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 2019 GMC Sierra?
It's a meaningful issue. 60 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 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 4,000 and 13,000 miles, with the median around 8,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,000; a quarter make it past 13,000. 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/2019/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.