# GMC Sierra brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 206 - **Most complaints:** 2019 (56) - **Related recalls:** 7 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 206 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the GMC Sierra (2015-2026 models), most for the **2019** model year (56). There are **7 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## GMC Sierra brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 31 | 818 | 4% | | 2016 | 2 | 50 | 4% | | 2017 | 24 | 431 | 6% | | 2018 | 12 | 305 | 4% | | 2019 | 56 | 658 | 9% | | 2020 | 28 | 484 | 6% | | 2021 | 19 | 599 | 3% | | 2022 | 18 | 603 | 3% | | 2023 | 6 | 506 | 1% | | 2024 | 6 | 380 | 2% | | 2025 | 3 | 126 | 2% | | 2026 | 1 | 81 | 1% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## GMC Sierra recalls related to the brake warning light **[24V674000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V674000)** (2023 models, reported 2024-09-12): Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** The Electronic Brake Control Module (eBCM) software will be updated through an over-the-air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners can contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac... **[20V603000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V603000)** (2018 models, reported 2020-10-01): A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, 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 November 11, 2020. **[20V116000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V116000)** (2020 models, reported 2020-02-27): Broken caliper bolts can reduce brake performance or interfere with wheel rotation and increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake caliper bolts, free of charge. The recall began March 23, 2020. **[20V055000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V055000)** (2019 models, reported 2020-01-30): 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. **[19V889000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V889000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-12-12): 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. **[19V761000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V761000)** (2015-2018 models, reported 2019-10-24): 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. **[19V645000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V645000)** (2015-2018 models, reported 2019-09-06): 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. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What GMC Sierra owners report - "Light braking did not trigger the safety brake-override system, and the engine continued to pull forward until I was forced to mash the brake pedal completely down to overpower the engine." -- owner of a 2026 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2026 - "At approximately the same time, multiple brake system failure and warning indicators illuminated on the instrument panel. I immediately contacted GMC through the vehicle's SOS system and reported the brake failure. The vehicle was subsequently towed and delivered to a GMC dealership/service department for diagnosis..." -- owner of a 2025 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2026 - "I was traveling at highway speed 55 mph and truck braked to 30 mph approximately with no pre warning this has not happened before or after. The truck has about 26k on it." -- owner of a 2024 GMC Sierra, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the GMC Sierra brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 7 related recalls (24V674000, 20V603000, 20V116000, 20V055000, 19V889000, 19V761000, 19V645000) covering 2015-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which GMC Sierra years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2019 and 2020 Sierra model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 56 for 2019. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a GMC Sierra with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my GMC Sierra has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any GMC dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other GMC Sierra warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/gmc-sierra): 37 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/gmc-sierra): 18 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/gmc-sierra): 540 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/gmc-sierra): 58 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/gmc-sierra): 57 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/gmc-sierra): 212 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/gmc-sierra): 180 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints - [Chevrolet Tahoe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-tahoe): 136 complaints ## GMC Sierra - [GMC Sierra specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/gmc-sierra) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.