2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Brakes · OH

Was driving for about an hour pulling our 7,000 lb camper when all of sudden my daah lit up with all kind of lights and warnings. The messages were Service Trailer Btake System, Service ESC, Service Parking Brake, Brake System Failure 62mph top speed, check engine light, Traction Control Off, ABS Off. Pretty much had no brakes and had to use the manual gear selection to slow down from 65 mph. Not a good feeling wh no brakes pulling a camper. The brake pedal was hard and used everything I had to get it to go in to try to stop. Now my rear brakes on the truck currently making all kind of noise and the truck went to the mechanic today.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

It said on the dash, "Brake System Failure 43MPH Top Speed," "Service ESC," and lights on were the ABS light, BRAKE light, Engine Light, and Wheel Traction light. My wife and my [XXX] son's safety were at risk while driving on a busy 75mph highway and trying to turn around and make it home as the brakes did not work and having to cross busy streets. It was not able to reproduce but my local mechanic found the bulletin from way back that had not been addressed by GM after numerous times to a dealer for other repairs. I then took it to a local GM dealer that confirmed software update was not applied and they did the repair and I was charged to pay even though this was a known GM issue that never contacted me about this potential fatal random occurrence that could happen after I have taken great care of this truck. There not any warnings before randomly losing power on the highway once she hit 60mph on the on ramp and just started failing slowly. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Brakes · TN

While driving my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the braking system suddenly malfunctioned without any prior warning. When I released the accelerator, the vehicle began slowing as though the brakes were being applied even though I was not pressing the brake pedal. When I attempted to brake normally, the vehicle did not stop as expected and braking ability was significantly reduced. The red BRAKE warning, ABS warning, traction/ESC warnings, and check engine light illuminated. The dashboard displayed “Brake System Failure – 43 MPH Top Speed,” “Service ESC,” and “Service Trailer Brake System.” Because of the reduced braking ability, I stopped the vehicle and had it transported by flatbed tow to a Chevrolet dealership rather than continue driving it. The Chevrolet dealer inspected the vehicle and documented diagnostic trouble codes P25A2 and C053D. The dealer stated that the Brake System Control Module requested the warning light and that updated software was available to address these codes. The dealer reprogrammed the Brake System Control Module according to a GM technical service bulletin. No mechanical brake components were replaced. I was charged $362.95 for the diagnosis/reprogramming. I am reporting this because the failure occurred suddenly while the vehicle was being driven and resulted in significantly reduced braking ability, creating a serious risk of a crash. The vehicle had approximately 74,221 miles at the time of the incident. The dealer repair invoice documenting the codes and repair is available upon request.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NM

Vehicle: 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4x4 LT (5.3L V8 Engine) Component: Engine (Piston Rings, Lifters, and Motor Assembly) / Powertrain Component Availability: Yes, the failed components/vehicle are available for inspection upon request. What Happened and Safety Risk: While operating the vehicle on Prince Street in Clovis, NM, the engine suddenly began knocking violently without any prior warning or symptoms. Immediately following the mechanical failure, dashboard warning lights illuminated (including the Check Engine light, ABS, and Traction Control) and the vehicle dropped into "Reduced Engine Power" mode. This caused an immediate and hazardous loss of acceleration on an active roadway, forcing an emergency maneuver to navigate out of traffic and pull over safely. This sudden powertrain failure poses an unreasonable and severe safety risk to the driver and surrounding traffic. Confirmation and Inspections: The mechanical failure has been confirmed and diagnosed by Hamilton Chevy in Portales, New Mexico, and Sanders Repair Services in Portales, New Mexico. The vehicle and components have not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of any kind prior to the sudden failure.

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 55,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of drive power with high RPM. The check engine, traction control, ABS, and parking brake warning lights were illuminated, and the message "Brake System Failure, 43 MPH Top Speed" was displayed. The contact disconnected the battery and was able to correct the failure. The failure later recurred with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed May 12, 2026 · Brakes · 114,264 miles · NM

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado1500. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, four different warning lights illuminated: ABS, Service Brake Assist, Service ESC, and two specific "Brake System Failure" messages limiting the top speed to 42 MPH and 62 MPH, suddenly the vehicle went into limp mode and had to be towed. The vehicle will be taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,264.

Filed Apr 27, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 70,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and lost automotive power. The check engine, ABS, and several other unknown warning lights were displayed before an engine misfire. The vehicle regained automotive power before hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was an abnormal humming sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was eventually driven to the dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The dealer determined there was a lifter failure in cylinder #2, and there was debris in both the engine and transmission, which caused engine and transmission failures. The dealer agreed to a goodwill repair, to cover part of the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and transferred the contact to the federal safety agency to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Brakes · 79,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 10 MPH and depressing the brake while turning, the ABS warning light illuminated, and the brake pedal remained on the floorboard. The vehicle was pulled into a parking lot and was able to come to a full stop. The contact's wife inspected the vehicle and used a handheld diagnostic machine to retrieve an undisclosed DTC; however, the codes were cleared. The vehicle was then taken to the residence. On another occasion, while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the ABS warning light illuminated, and the brake pedal remained pressed to the floorboard. The contact used the handheld diagnostic machine to retrieve and clear the codes. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that an ABS update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact had not yet taken possession of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Filed Apr 30, 2025 · Engine · MT

While traveling on a rural state highway, the #8 lifter bearing failed, causing the engine to lose considerable power and the dash light to come on. No advanced warning of engine problems was noticed prior. The transmission also went into limp mode not allowing the vehicle to shift gears. At the same time the ABS and ESC systems also went into a safety mode diminishing the stopping power of the vehicle. Upon inspection by a licensed mechanic it was discovered that the #8 lifter bearing and the camshaft were both damaged at that time. Total replacement cost was over 10k and it took almost 6 months to find a rebuilt L87 engine at that time because there was almost no supply available as a result of these engines having multiple failures nationwide

Filed Feb 10, 2025 · Brakes · CO

After driving and doing errands I tried to pull truck into garage and noticed it was hard to move. It seemed like brakes were stuck on despite not applying brakes. I pulled out of driveway to drive around block. Lost all brakes while driving down county road at 50 mph. Check engine light on, brake failure warning on, warning light that speed limited to 43 mph, ABS light on. Eventually able to stop. Turned off engine for a few minutes. Restarted and brakes all worked again although check engine light still on. This could have been deadly on a steep road or on ice or in traffic. I see online that this is a common problem with Chevy trucks although no recall has been issued for this one. I am very concerned that this truck is not safe - for me or anyone else on the road with me. I have not taken it in. I live in the country, some distance from a dealership so nothing has been confirmed. Nothing like this has happened to this truck before and there was no other warning. It is available for inspection but is my only transportation.

Filed May 13, 2024 · Brakes, Electrical · 67,699 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the “ESC Unavailable”, 'ABS Failure', and “Do Not drive over 62 MPH”, “Please Drive with Care” messages were displayed. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the brake pedal remained on the floorboard. The contact stated that the braking distance was extended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,699.

Filed Nov 28, 2023 · Suspension, Transmission · ID

Driving 20 mph on paved downtown street when cross arm failed causing wheel to twist 90 degrees causing damage to brakes, drivetrain, abs, and steering. No warning just pop and trying to maintain my lane before able to turn into parking lot. Towed to dealer and diagnosed with control arm failure. They are aware of this issue and now replace control arms stronger rough country control arms and level the truck differently. DeAler is claiming GMC will not cover and they are calling it a suspension issue and out of warranty two months. Truck has 26000 miles on it. Lucky event happened at 20 mph and I was able to maintain control of vehicle