2020 Chevrolet Malibu: soft or spongy brake pedal

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Brakes · 74,356 miles · OK

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start, with several unknown warning lights illuminated immediately before the failure. The contact stated that the brake pedal was extremely firm while attempting to shift into neutral(N). The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the message "Brake System Failure" was displayed. The contact stated that the brake pedal was stiff and difficult to depress. Within 3 to 4 seconds, the brake pedal pushed back against the foot. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ESC had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the Auto START/STOP function was inoperable. The failure mileage was approximately 74,356.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · WA

While driving, the brakes became hard and the vehicle was difficult to stop. The brake pedal required excessive force, brake assist was reduced, and the stopping distance increased, creating a serious safety hazard. The check engine light had been illuminated for approximately two years before the brake failure occurred. In January 2024, I reported brake-related concerns to a Chevrolet dealership while the vehicle was under warranty, but the root cause was not diagnosed. In November 2025, after the brake pedal became hard, an independent repair facility inspected the vehicle and determined the brake problem was caused by a failing engine vacuum pump. They advised that the vehicle be repaired by a Chevrolet dealership. By January 2026, the brake condition had worsened to the point that the vehicle was no longer safe to drive and had to be towed. A Chevrolet dealership later confirmed that the engine vacuum pump had seized and damaged the camshaft, requiring replacement of both components. The vehicle remains inoperable. The failed vacuum pump caused loss of brake assist, resulting in a hard brake pedal, reduced braking ability, and an increased risk of a crash. I believe this represents a serious safety defect because failure of the vacuum pump significantly impairs the driver’s ability to stop the vehicle safely. I understand GM has issued service information regarding vacuum pump failures on this engine, and I am submitting this complaint because I believe other drivers may experience the same dangerous brake failure.

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · GA

While driving the brake pedal became hard to push out of no where. Once the car got to the shop it stopped cranking. The shop is stating that the brake vacuum pump is the cause of the brake pedal messing up, and that it also caused other engine damages estimating $3000.00

Filed Jun 30, 2025 · Brakes · VA

Brake pedal hardened due to vacuum pump

Filed Aug 26, 2021 · Brakes · TX

The brake pedal is hard. The car does not want to stop. The brake booster is not working. The car only has 40,000 miles