2020 GMC Sierra brake problems
55 of the 479 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the 2020 GMC Sierra name the brakes (NHTSA’s “Service Brakes” heading — the hydraulic brakes, ABS and brake assist). Filed under the same heading: 1 recall. Every figure below is a document in a federal file, linked; none is a failure rate, and none is a verdict on any one car.
What owners filed about the brakes
Source: NHTSA complaint database3 of the 55 reports a crash · 1 a fire · 3 injuries. Self-reported, unverified.
Filed per year: 2020: 14 · 2021: 8 · 2022: 4 · 2023: 5 · 2024: 6 · 2025: 14 · 2026: 4
Half of the 22 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the brake problem between 3,000 and 45,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
479 complaints in all about the 2020 GMC Sierra, 4 filed in 2026. The whole picture, every system →
Counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many of these were sold; nothing here is a rate. NHTSA groups complaints coarsely, so “Service Brakes” means the same area of the vehicle, not one fault.
Across model years: GMC Sierra brake problems, every year on file →
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the brakes. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
Two issues broken valve spring caused engine to shut down, second service brake, brake failure light, service ESC, service trailer brake messages causing brake failure
Everything was fine for about 6 months after having purchased vehicle as new. Then I got warning lights asking me to both service the parking break and service ESC with a warning that driving would be compromised just over 60mph. I notified dealer who says they fixed the glitch but it happened again.
My 2020 Gmc sierras brakes failed on may 22nd and ECM and now the engine and transmission are experiencing issues based on the onstar report
Electronic ABS brake failure with 73 miles on odometer while stopped at red light alarm chimes sounded and power brakes were lost. Warning lights on dash ABS brake failure multiple engine warning lights came on. Dealer service was puzzled needed to contact GM technical support. Final outcome they are replacing the electronic brake module
The contact owns a 2020 Gmc Sierra. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the system brake failure warning message illuminated on the instrument panel. Once the warning light illuminated, the contact experienced complete brake and steering failure.
What is on file about the brakes
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall filed under this heading
- 20V116000 HighFeb 27, 2020 · 20,352 vehicles
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. The bolts used to attach the front and/or rear brake calipers may have not been heat treated and may break under load.
Trouble codes named on this system
Codes a bulletin or an owner’s complaint about the 2020 GMC Sierra names on this model year; a code with a record of its own links it.
Other systems with a record on the 2020 GMC Sierra
Source: the same files- engine problems 260 complaints
- transmission and drivetrain problems 97 complaints
- electrical problems 81 complaints
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsAre brake problems common on the 2020 GMC Sierra?
They are documented: NHTSA holds 55 owner complaints naming the brakes on this model year (11% of everything owners filed about it), and 1 recall is filed under the same heading. Whether it is a problem on one particular car is a diagnosis, not a count, and a count says nothing about how many were sold.
Is there a recall for the brakes on the 2020 GMC Sierra?
Yes — one campaign is filed under this heading: 20V116000. A recall is matched by VIN; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do brake problems show up on the 2020 GMC Sierra?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 7,020 miles; half of them between 3,000 and 45,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Service Brakes" heading cover?
The hydraulic brakes, ABS and brake assist. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.