YearToAvoid

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 124 brake complaints for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500, 18% of all 671 complaints that year. Two related recalls (20V055000 and 19V889000) cover Electronic Brake Control Module software errors. Median mileage at failure was 7,292.5 miles, and NHTSA logs 4 crashes and 3 injuries tied to this area.

Brakes complaints
124
18% of 671
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
7,293 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Owners report antilock brakes failing to engage on snow or wet roads, causing the truck to slide or pull to one side before hitting a guard rail or other obstacle.
  • Dashboard warnings including 'brake system failure,' ABS, traction control, and 'service ESC' illuminate together, sometimes limiting top speed to 62 mph.
  • Some owners describe the brake pedal going soft or feeling like it could sink to the floor during routine testing.
  • Several complaints mention rear brakes locking up at low speed after shifting from park to drive, especially after idling or long drives.
  • A trailer brake warning light and blown fuse recur even when no trailer is connected.
  • One owner reported brakes feeling completely gone while leaving a gas station, requiring the truck to be towed after a dealer could not find a cause.

When 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 brake complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 10, 2018, latest May 3, 2026.

2019 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes complaints: complaints filed per quarter352018 Q42019 Q42020 Q42021 Q42022 Q42023 Q42025 Q12026 Q1
124 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q4 to 2026 Q2; peak 2020 Q1 (35).

Brakes recalls for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500

  1. NHTSA 20V055000Jan 30, 2020Brakes148,055 vehicles

    Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. These vehicles received updated software for the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). This software has an error, and as a result, the vehicle's electronic brake assist may be disabled. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Risk: A loss of electronic brake assist can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began February 24, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192268091.

  2. NHTSA 19V889000Dec 12, 2019Brakes463,995 vehicles

    Service brakes

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Cadillac CT6, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. Due to an Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) software error, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Antilock Brake System (ABS) may become disabled. Furthermore, if this specific error occurs, the vehicle's diagnostics will not illuminate the instrument cluster ESC and ABS malfunction warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

    Risk: If the driver operates the vehicle unaware that ESC and ABS are not functioning, there is an increased risk of a crash.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N192268090.

Brakes complaints by Sierra 1500 model year

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

  1. 20107 (3%)
  2. 201121 (6%)
  3. 201215 (10%)
  4. 20138 (5%)
  5. 2014201 (24%)
  6. 2015250 (32%)
  7. 2016118 (31%)
  8. 2017129 (30%)
  9. 201848 (15%)
  10. 2019124 (18%)
  11. 202060 (13%)
  12. 202124 (4%)
  13. 202231 (5%)
  14. 202317 (4%)
  15. 202412 (3%)
  16. 20256 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
NHTSA lists 124 brake complaints for the 2019 Sierra 1500, which is 18% of the 671 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500?
Yes. NHTSA lists two related recalls, 20V055000 and 19V889000, both covering an Electronic Brake Control Module software error that GM addressed by reprogramming the module.
At what mileage do 2019 Sierra 1500 brake problems typically show up?
NHTSA's data shows a median mileage at failure of 7,292.5 miles for brake-related complaints.
Are the 2019 Sierra 1500 brake issues dangerous?
NHTSA's complaint data ties this brake problem area to 4 crashes and 3 injuries, with no fires reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.