I've had plenty of GMC in the bay over the years, and the brake complaints on these don't surprise me. 1,485 on the NHTSA record across 71 model-year entries (2005–2026) is not a fluke. The 2015 GMC Sierra leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 7 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Repair cost runs around $450 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Across the 815 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 58,351 miles. Pulsing, grinding, soft pedal — none of those should sit more than a week. Brake problems compound fast on a vehicle already on the list.
ProblemsByVin GMC / BRAKES
71 model-year entries · 2005–2026
GMC brakes problems
1,485 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against GMC vehicles for brakes issues. 1 active recall campaign. See brakes across all makes →
Complaints
1,485
Recalls
1
Year-models
71
Avg fix
$450
105crashes
7fires
44injuries
Worst-affected GMC model-years for brakes Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2015 GMC Sierra
208 complaints · ~$450 severe
2014 GMC Sierra
118 complaints · ~$450 severe
2005 GMC Sierra
118 complaints · ~$450 severe
2006 GMC Sierra
112 complaints · ~$450 severe
2017 GMC Sierra
99 complaints · ~$450 severe
2018 GMC Terrain
63 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2019 GMC Sierra
60 complaints · ~$450 severe
2015 GMC Yukon
57 complaints · ~$450 severe
2020 GMC Terrain
52 complaints · ~$450 severe
2007 GMC Sierra
44 complaints · ~$450 severe
2019 GMC Terrain
42 complaints · ~$450 severe
2025 GMC Acadia
30 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2017 GMC Yukon
30 complaints · ~$450 severe
2016 GMC Yukon
29 complaints · ~$450 severe
2020 GMC Sierra
24 complaints · ~$450 severe
2017 GMC Acadia
21 complaints · 1 recall · ~$450 severe
2018 GMC Sierra
20 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2024 GMC Acadia
18 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2022 GMC Sierra
17 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2021 GMC Acadia
15 complaints · ~$450 severe
2005 GMC Yukon XL
15 complaints · ~$450 severe
2007 GMC Yukon
14 complaints · ~$450 severe
2005 GMC Canyon
13 complaints · ~$450 moderate
2018 GMC Acadia
12 complaints · ~$450 severe
2021 GMC Sierra
11 complaints · ~$450 severe
Active recalls — GMC brakes 1 on file
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2017 Cadillac XT5 vehicles manufactured April 16, 2016, to May 9, 2016, and 2017 GMC Acadia vehicles manufactured April 19, 2016, to April 22, 2016
If there is a brake fluid leak, braking performance may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front brake calipers, replacing the brake caliper assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2016. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 16096.
Common questions
How many GMC brakes complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,485 complaints across 71 model-year entries from 2005 to 2026. 1 active recall campaigns cover brakes issues across the GMC lineup.
Which GMC model has the most brakes complaints?
The 2015 GMC Sierra leads with 208 complaints in this category. Next: 2014 Sierra (118) and 2005 Sierra (118).
What does it cost to fix GMC brakes problems?
Independent shops average $450 for brakes repairs across the GMC lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there GMC brakes recalls?
Yes — 1 active recall campaign covers brakes on GMC vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with GMC.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.