How many brake complaints does the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

NHTSA lists 118 brake-related complaints for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, which is 31% of all 377 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?

Yes. Recall 19V761000 covers reprogramming the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), and recall 19V645000 addresses insufficient vacuum from the vacuum pump affecting brake assist.

At what mileage do brake problems usually start on this truck?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 45,000 miles at the time of brake-related failure for the 2016 Sierra 1500.

Have brake issues caused crashes or injuries?

NHTSA records 9 crashes and 9 injuries linked to brake complaints on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, with no fires reported.

2016 GMC Sierra 1500 Brakes Problems

Brakes account for 118 of 377 total complaints (31%) on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, tied to 9 crashes and 9 injuries. Median mileage at failure is 45,000. Two related recalls (19V761000 and 19V645000) cover brake control module and vacuum pump issues.

Brakes complaints: 118; 31% of 377
Crashes reported: 9
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 9
Median mileage: 45,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners report the brake pedal going to the floor with no stopping power, leading to rear-end or low-speed collisions.
Some describe a hard, stiff brake pedal that resists depression, especially at low speeds in parking lots or at stop lights.
Several complaints describe loss of brake assist or vacuum, requiring much harder pedal pressure to stop the vehicle.
One owner traced the issue to a failed vacuum pump around 56,000 miles, which reduced vacuum supply to the brake booster.
Multiple owners report the truck failing to stop even in reverse at very low speeds, causing property damage.
One driver noted violent vehicle shaking above 20 mph combined with brakes that would not bring the truck to a complete stop.

When 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 brake complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 25, 2017, latest Jul 22, 2026.

118 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q1 (19).

Brakes recalls for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500

NHTSA 19V761000Oct 24, 2019Brakes652,967 vehicles
Service brakes
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
NHTSA 19V645000Sep 6, 2019Brakes3,456,719 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.

Brakes complaints by Sierra 1500 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20107 (3%)
201121 (6%)
201215 (10%)
20138 (5%)
2014201 (24%)
2015250 (32%)
2016118 (31%)
2017129 (30%)
201848 (15%)
2019124 (18%)
202060 (13%)
202124 (4%)
202231 (5%)
202317 (4%)
202412 (3%)
20256 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 have?: NHTSA lists 118 brake-related complaints for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, which is 31% of all 377 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500?: Yes. Recall 19V761000 covers reprogramming the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM), and recall 19V645000 addresses insufficient vacuum from the vacuum pump affecting brake assist.
At what mileage do brake problems usually start on this truck?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 45,000 miles at the time of brake-related failure for the 2016 Sierra 1500.
Have brake issues caused crashes or injuries?: NHTSA records 9 crashes and 9 injuries linked to brake complaints on the 2016 GMC Sierra 1500, with no fires reported.