10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,189 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 GMC Sierra 1500 brakes problems

brakes problem

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2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #21

Aug 282013

Sierra 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 73,268 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While slowing to make a turn I applied the brakes and had a sudden and complete loss of brakes. Had I not been on a Suburban road or in traffic or a high speed highway the situation could have been catastrophic and resulted in a crash. I was near my repairing garage and managed to get the vehicle there by using the emergency brake and low speed. It was less than a mile. I had this repaired at a cost of $849.27. Just yesterday (6-30-2014) I was parked on a hill and as I released the parking brake my foot suddenly went to the floor and I experienced a second loss of brakes due to failure of the remaining two brake lines. I was on a hill and had only a tiny amount of braking power. The vehicle is at the garage and the cost of this repair has yet to be determined. They will replace the remaining two brake lines. I recently had to replace the transmission cooling lines which ruptured and are located in a nearby location on the vehicle. All are exposed and un-shielded. The manufacturer advertises that the vehicle is "professional grade" and "heavy duty" but I find both these claims to be great exaggerations. These situations have scared me and I desire to acquire a different vehicle as soon as I am able. Unfortunately, this will not be soon. I will have to drive with the fear that another potentially catastrophic problem could develop at any moment. Fortunately, neither of these incidents were panic stops.

- South Park, PA, USA

problem #20

Oct 102011

Sierra 1500 6-cyl

  • 26,000 miles
Front ABS speed sensors failed at 26,000 miles. The manufacture said this was due to normal wear and tear, this model year should have 60,000 miles on it. They have reimbursed some owners for this problem and refuse to pay others. No one at GM could explain why both sensors went out at the time.

- Pontiac, MI, USA

problem #19

Jan 162012

Sierra 1500

  • 74,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 general motor company Sierra 1500. The contact discovered the brake line and rear bumper was corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was 75,000.

- Weirton, WV, USA

problem #18

Sep 062010

Sierra 1500 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 with 25000 miles on it had both front wheel ABS sensors failed. Causing engaging of the anti lock brakes, when brakes is depressed when moving at less than 10 mph.

- Pontiac, MI, USA

problem #17

Oct 102011

Sierra 1500 4WD 8-cyl

  • 52,435 miles
Brake line failure. Low speed backing up brake pedal went to floor. Brake fluid sprayed on exhaust, producing a lot of smoke.truck was cold, if running longer there could have been a fire. Contacted GM in 2009 about brake line rust and they stated it was normal. Truck had only 32000 miles at time of complaint. Truck now has 58000 miles.

- Belchertown , MA, USA

problem #16

Aug 192011

Sierra 1500

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 GMC Sierra 1500. While driving approximately 50 mph, the contact engaged the brakes and the anti-lock brake system activated without intent. The contact planned to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnosis and repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

- Gibsonburg, OH, USA

problem #15

Jun 222011

Sierra 1500

  • 72,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2006 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact was driving 10 mph when the ABS system activated abnormally and caused an increase in stopping distance when attempting to brake. The ABS warning light did not illuminate to warn the contact of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised that the brake drums would need replacing due to debris build up, which was causing the ABS system to provide a faulty reading to activate. The manufacturer suggested taking the vehicle to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact believed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 72,000.

- Celina, OH, USA

problem #14

May 302011

Sierra 1500 6-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that when depressing the brake pedal, he would experience a vibrating or popping feeling. The vehicle was taken and inspected by an independent mechanic, who stated that the anti-lock braking system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. Updated 8/30/11 updated 09/28/11

- Mckeesport, PA, USA

problem #13

Nov 202010

Sierra 1500

  • 44,336 miles
At low speed the ABS activates causing extended travel when stopping, which turns out to be very scary for driver and pedestrians in cross walks.

- New Carlisle, IN, USA

problem #12

Jun 252004

Sierra 1500 8-cyl

  • 14,525 miles
2006 GMC 1500 Sierra with 16,734 miles, the ABS system engages around 5 mph and when the truck will actually stop is any one's guess. Very dangerous in parking lots, and around pedestrians as well as normal driving. I see there are thousands of similar complaints on the web. Please put my tax dollars to work and do something. Thank you.

- Pleasant Hill, MO, USA

problem #11

Apr 072010

Sierra 1500

  • 17,389 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2006 GMC Sierra 1500. Front brakes locked up at 17,000 miles. Needed to be replaced as they were rusted out. Front wheel assembly rusted out at 19600 miles. Needed to be replaced as front wheels could come off the vehicle while driving. Rear brakes locked up at 19000 miles, needed to be cleaned and lubricated. This vehicle became unsafe to drive after only 17000 miles! total cost (warranty expired) $1500.

- Richmond, NH, USA

problem #10

Jul 062010

Sierra 1500

  • 58,000 miles
At 5 mile per hour ABS comes on no matter what road condition is..a recall with the same problem has been issued for years prior.

- Greencastle, IN, USA

problem #9

Mar 302010

Sierra 1500

  • 30,000 miles
The ABS activates when it isn't supposed to. Backing out of my driveway the brake drops, grunts, and takes far too long to stop. Also when turning this occurs. GMC had a recall for the exact same thing for the model years 1999-2002 starting in 2005. They say it's from normal wear and tear, but not one other truck or SUV owner I've ever known has had a similar problem, with a different company. They even offered to pay for part of it, citing the recall accidentally. This is a very dangerous defect, and something needs to be done about it. We don't need to wait until somebody dies. Earlier today while driving it took nearly 5 seconds to stop coming up to a railroad crossing. If I hadn't known about the defect, I may not have been able to stop. Did I mention the vehicle has less than 30,000 miles in its 5 years of operation? companies shouldn't be allowed to wait 6 years to initiate recalls. They obviously know it's a problem. Thanks.

- Portage, IN, USA

problem #8

Sep 122009

Sierra 1500

  • 20,000 miles
Improper ABS activation a low speed. Occurs in the last few mph of deceleration at a stop sign or red light. Also occurs when coming to a stop during parking, worse when turning. Pavement is dry. No ABS activation at speeds above 5 mph. Pedal vibrates lightly and becomes softer until complete stop is attained. Very concerned that braking distance is compromised and might impact vehicle in front or stop within intersection.

- Hudson, OH, USA

problem #7

Jul 192009

Sierra 1500

  • 10,000 miles
Purchased 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 new in April 2006 with 208 msl showing on odometer. At 10,000 miles started getting vibration when applying brakes. Took vehicle into dealer rotors were turned, vibration gone. At about 18,000 miles vibration returned. Took vehicle back to dealer, rotors turned again and tires balanced and rotated. Again smooth braking. At 32,000 mls vibration returned again. Took back to dealer, this time they replaced front brake rotors with new new ones. Brakes smooth again. I now have 44.500 miles and the vibration is back again as bad as ever. Vehicle is now out of warranty. Dealer will not do anything unless I pay. These are highway miles. I am not riding the brakes getting them hot. $30,000 for a pick up truck and GM can"T or won"T fix the problem. I will never by another GM product!!!

- Kernersville, NC, USA

problem #6

Mar 012009

Sierra 1500

  • 30,000 miles
2006 GMC Sierra brake issues. Rotors have been turned 6 plus times in 90K miles. Brakes squeak, pulsate, and vibrate continuously. Dealer has checked multiple times and advised that I just need my rotors turned.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #5

Dec 172008

Sierra 1500

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the master cylinder failed on his vehicle. While driving at an unknown speed, the brake pedal extended to the floor and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact rear ended another vehicle. There were no injuries. The front end, hood, and grill were damaged. The vehicle was towed from the scene and returned to the shop it was repaired at three months prior to the crash. The technician stated that the master cylinder was the cause of the failure. The contact has called different GMC dealers and repair shops to purchase a master cylinder, but there are none in stock. It would take a week for the part to arrive so that the repair can be completed. The failure mileage was 50,000.

- Mattapan, MA, USA

problem #4

Aug 172008

Sierra 1500

  • 18,456 miles
Down hill at 80mph brakes on my 2006 GMC 1500 caused my steering wheel to shake so hard my heart was in my pants. 18K miles on my truck and had to have my rotors turned and shoes adjusted in rear drums. Sign of global market. Low bidder gets the job to mfg all parts and you guys at NHTSA get a pay X twice a month. NHTSA has two other stories re bad brakes on 2006 GMC 1500. No action until someone get hurt is the word of the day. Ps: I don't drive at 80mph but get fast on ca route 15 or get run over by car/big rigs so you should at all times have perfect brakes and worry about the other small stuff.pls call GM and tell them my life is in their hands and in the coming years no more GM products for me if they can't mfg a brake system that can go more then 18K. Navy aircraft I landed had brake rotors that would turn red from heat but did not need a change out after 200 landings. X it out NHTSA the next person you save maybe your son or his friend.

- Oxnard, CA, USA

problem #3

Feb 202007

Sierra 1500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles
Poor brake system performance-have had rotors & drums resurfaced starting at 24,500 miles & at 33,000 miles. Now at ~36,000 miles the rotors & drums need to be replaced!this is my every day vehicle & is not a work truck.

- Huntsville, AL, USA

problem #2

Nov 212006

Sierra 1500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,427 miles
: while driving various speeds going down hill and appliying the brakes the vehicel rattled and shook. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, who determined this was a characteristic of the vehicle. Updated 1/31/2007 -

- Queen Creek, AZ, USA

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