Chevrolet Colorado brake failure problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · 32,440 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, the power steering and brake failure warning lights illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact enabled the emergency parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 32,440.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · IA

2020 Chevrolet Colorado 2.5L, approximately 81,500 miles. I experienced a sudden loss of power brake assist. There was no warning noise associated with the failure; the brake pedal became extremely hard and required substantially greater pedal pressure to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent professional mechanic. Inspection found that the brake booster vacuum pump itself was not the primary source of the failure. The failure was at the engine exhaust camshaft interface that mechanically drives the vacuum pump. The camshaft drive was damaged and no longer properly operated the vacuum pump, resulting in loss of brake vacuum assist. This is not normal brake-pad or rotor wear. The hydraulic brakes remained functional, but without the vacuum assist the pedal effort increased dramatically, creating a significant braking safety concern. The vehicle has been removed from normal use pending repair. I am reporting this because failure of an engine component that drives the brake vacuum pump can cause sudden loss of power brake assist.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · CA

Vacuum pump for brakes failed and damaged the whole engine to be replaced because of faulty vacuum pump design

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

While driving, the vehicles internal computer system seized, completely shutting down and restarting itself over the course of 30 seconds. During and after this event, the brakes, power steering, and restraint system all became inoperable. Brakes failed to engage and power steering did not function. The issue resolved itself after turning the vehicle completely off and back on again. Brakes, power steering, and the restraint system have operated off and on over the past week since the event happened

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Brakes · FL

I was driving along the highway exit ramp when I went to brake; the brake pedal was stiff, and the vehicle wouldn't stop. I had to put my full body weight into it, and that’s when the car came to an abrupt halt. I nearly crashed into the car in front of me. I took it to the Bomnin Chevrolet dealership, and the service advisor informed me that the vehicle had logged a fault code or something similar. The vehicle is currently at the dealership. Prior to the incident, there were no on-screen indicators, warnings, or warning lights. It was only after the brake failure that a message appeared on the screen—along with the wrench symbol—reading "Brake Assist Service."

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · UT

After shifting to drive the vehicle had no brakes. A week or so earlier the check engine light came on. Messages on the screen said brake system failure along with other messages. Took to dealership, an update was installed. Last Wednesday engine light reappeared with the same messages but didn’t have time to return it to the dealership so parked it until today. Today was the brake failure. Returned to dealership, they replaced the battery and said the brake issue is fixed. I’m not convinced this fixed the issue and believe this could get someone seriously injured or killed.

Filed Aug 29, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

While driving home multiple lights,messages and sounds came on the dashboard. I stepped on the brake and there were no brakes. I put vehicle in neutral and pumped brakes a few times. I was not traveling that fast so the vehicle stopped before I hit the person in front of me. I drove 10 mpg with my hazards on to the nearest gas station. I called Chevy service and they sent a tow truck N/C to bring to the dealer.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Brakes · FL

I purchased this truck new in March of 2024, in May I was at a Starbucks drive-thru and lost all brakes. While slowing down at the window the pedal went to the floor and my dash light up like a Christmas tree. I pulled into a parking spot and shut the truck off for about 5 minutes. When I turned the truck back on the lights were gone and the truck seemed fine, so I drove home. The next day I was picking up my kids from school when in the pickup line the same issue happened. I lost my brakes, the dash lit up, and the truck started rolling forward in the pickup line. I had to push on the brake pedal as hard as I could to make the truck stop. I called the dealer and had the truck taken there. The truck was there for several days and I was told the master cylinder and brake control module were replaced. I’m reporting this now, because I saw that this is part of a larger issue being reported and I wanted my experience memorialized to help others.

Filed Jul 9, 2026 · Brakes · PA

While driving downhill nearing a stop sign my wife went to apply the brakes to stop and all she had was an extremely hard brake pedal. She panicked that she “no brakes.” She was only going about 20 MPH, and was able to stop the vehicle but it took an extraordinary amount of effort to do so. Had she had to make a sudden stop for a child, another person, or something else, she would not have been able to stop without negative consequences including possible death. There were no warning signs, vehicle pulled out of driveway and brakes were normal. Less than 10 seconds later no more power brakes. The vehicle had the vacuum pump seize which eliminated the power boost and the pump is operated by the exhaust camshaft which also got damaged and needs replaced. Chevy dealership estimated the repair at $2,600. Upon researching the vacuum pump, this is a common failure on multiple GM vehicles resulting in sudden brake loss. The vacuum pump should have been designed with a shear pin, so that if it fails the camshaft does not get damaged. Had the vacuum pump been properly designed and it was the only failing part, the repair cost would be $500 versus $2,600. Also, there should have been a temporary backup system so you would not lose power boost.

Filed May 30, 2026 · Brakes · FL

I was driving down a street, stopped for an accident that the police where directing traffic for, went passed the 2 officers, put my indicator light on to turn into Dunkin Donuts and stepped on the brakes and they failed. I was lucky there was an incline and no one behind me, I was able to drive up the incline and use my emergency brakes to slow and stop the car before going over the top and down the other side. I called the tow truck and was towed to my auto shop where is was discovered, my car suffered a catastrophic brake failure. Thank goodness I was not on my usual route with my special needs son and wasn't going to fast. This is a known failure of the brake vacuum booster pump and this damaged my camshaft and timing chain and cost a fortune on a car barely out of warranty. This would have been a death sentence for me and my son if I had been on a highway, as well as other people on the highway, if I wasn't able to stop for construction, someone cutting in front of me or any other incident on the road. This is NOT acceptable and these vehicles should be recalled!!!!! I am not the only one that has been through this since 2014 TERRIBLE-recall this part before someone dies, like they did in VA with the bus. I also had to rent a car during the repairs so I could get my son to his activities. This whole incident that should have been covered under a recall has caused my son to have PTSD with this vehicle.