2021 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 9, 2026MIBrakesEngineSteering

   XXX 2021 GMC Seria 108,339 miles driving home from [XXX] in town and out of nowhere the lights on the dash light up I saw it say adaptive steering and something breaking. There was a lot going on as the steering was rapidly shaking limited breaking while trying to avoid a collision. The engine started a loud knocking sound and sudden smoking out tail pipes. I was able to get the truck stopped turned it off and sat there for a while trying to collect myself. Restarted the…

   NHTSA complaint #11762994 · source
2. Filed Jul 24, 2026GABrakesSteeringSuspension

   Vehicle: 2021 GMC Sierra SLT | VIN: [XXX] Dealership: Carl Black GMC Roswell, GA (11225 Alpharetta Hwy, 30076) | Invoice #[XXX] | Service Date: [XXX] Paragraph 1 – Suspension Hazard: Dealership diagnosed a worn left upper ball joint (popping sound on left turns) and installed Rough Country aftermarket upper control arms on my stock-height Sierra SLT. These arms are designed for lifted suspension and alter factory caster/camber geometry, placing extreme stress on ball joints.…

   NHTSA complaint #11752674 · source
3. Filed Apr 23, 202677,000 miTXTowedBrakesSuspension

   The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while her son was driving 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to slow down as intended. The driver attempted to use the parking brake to slow the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to slow down. The message “Braking System Failure” was displayed. The driver pulled over to the side of the road, and the passenger’s side front wheel detached and started leaning to the right before the vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11733285 · source
4. Filed Jan 10, 2026PABrakes

   Left rear parking brake actuator malfunction. The truck would brake unexpectedly. The brake would not completely release at times. Took it to the dealer on June 6, 2024 and they replaced the rear rotors and pads. I asked them if the parking brake actuator was faulty and may have caused the premature wear. They laughed and said no, it wasn't possible. On Aug 7, 2024 I returned the truck to the dealer with the fault codes C1114 & C060B caused by a failure of the parking brake…

   NHTSA complaint #11710153 · source
5. Filed Sep 17, 2025MIBrakes

   The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 has an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) that bolts on to the rear calipers. The EPB does not release, in order for service, you have to long press the parking brake, then the truck goes into service mode & will release the brakes for service, some newer models may not have this feature. The vehicle has 36,000 miles on it & the inside rear brake rotors are worn down from the EPB dragging & not releasing as supposed to, causing excessive premature wear &…

   NHTSA complaint #11687893 · source
6. Filed Jun 24, 2025AZBrakes

   On March 10, 2025, I was driving down a residential street, about 40 mph, when the "Brake System Failure, 42 miles top speed," indicator light came on. Seconds later, I was approaching a stop sign and pressed down on the brake pedal. The brakes failed and the brake pedal went directly down to the floor. Luckily there were no other vehicles around and i was able to coast through the stop sign. I continued to coast until the truck stopped on its own and I was able to shift the…

   NHTSA complaint #11669035 · source
7. Filed Jun 1, 2025UTBrakesEngineSteering

   While traveling on the interstate the vehicle lost all propulsion and started to rapidly decelerate. Shortly after propulsion was lost the engine turned off completely affecting the steering and braking of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the GMC dealership that we purchased it from. repairs have not begun so I assume it would be available for inspection. We were traveling on a three lane interstate up a grade at 80 MPH. Had I not been able to safely get the vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11664233 · source
8. Filed Jan 29, 2025CABrakesEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   We have had several times where we are on highway and our truck like slams on the brakes causing us to lose control. It was a recall on it and GMC fixed it and within the same week of them fixing it it happened 3 times back to back. Making my truck to force another car to steer out of my way and actually went off the highway. Thank god it was just dirt snd he didn’t get hurt or anything. But I am scared to even drive my vehicle! It starting Happening for about a year now.…

   NHTSA complaint #11639324 · source
9. Filed Dec 21, 2024FLBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I received a notice of a recall for a known problem with GMC transmissions. it is very well known that these transmissions lock up and cause problems with braking and can cause the vehicle to slide off the road when the tires lock up. it also causes hard shifting, which I have experienced. GMC said they will not fix the transmission, they instead will add a device to monitor the transmission, so when the transmission locks up and causes an accident, it will let me know that…

   NHTSA complaint #11631966 · source
10. Filed Jul 25, 2024AZBrakes

    While towing a trailer in tow/haul mode on the highway traveling around 60mph, their was a strong downshift clunking sound. About 10 miles later, it happened again, except this time the brakes logged up and truck skid for about a full second and then trailer began fishtailing slightly. Check engine like P2C7A came on. Seems like brakes or transmission momentarily locked up.

    NHTSA complaint #11604500 · source
11. Filed May 12, 2024OKFireBrakesElectrical System

    My truck had smoke rolling out at work when I noticed it. Tried to put it out it Burnt my hands ! destroyed the inside I had it towed and insurance investigator said it was do to a brake controller for the trailer. And I took it to get estimate and the service dept said it was do To brake controller my truck was totaled my wallet toast my coat was toast my I phone my deposit my truck i drove daily to work out of and personal. General Motors would not help I called the.…

    NHTSA complaint #11588287 · source
12. Filed Jan 4, 202434,500 miWIBrakes

    The contact owns a 2021 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes seized, and the service brakes warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle jerked forward. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off; however, the service brakes warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or…

    NHTSA complaint #11563631 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology