I was traveling on a highway on-ramp and when I accelerated to get to normal driving speed, every light on the dash blinked and had a full brake failure. No ABS, no pressure on the pads, and the vehicle was limited to 60 mph. I narrowly avoided multiple accidents. This came with zero warning and the truck had less than 12,000 miles on it.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brake failure problems
1,092 of the 18,180 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 describe brake failure, most of them for the 2003 model year.
- owner complaints
- 1,092
- worst model year
- 2003
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 85,000
Is there a fix? There are 8 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 157Check engine light 34Spongy pedal 32Loss of power 11Power steering loss 10Engine failure 10Grinding brakes 10Warning lights 7
Trouble codes mentioned
C1500 3U0101 1P25A2 1P0305 1C05B0 1C0580 1
What owners say
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.
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)
had catastrophic brake failure got a message that said. brake system malfunction no deceleration available traveling 75 with no ability to stop after rear end accident Dealership can not replicate issu or pull any code from computers after acciden. it has thrown warning on and. can't stop have to hit shoulder and coast for 1-3 miles till can get slow enough to slam into park
Brakes failed going into busy intersection with coming traffic. It can be available for inspection. Applied the brakes to stop at stop sign. Truck didn’t slow down - brakes went hard and my truck kept going. Escaped collision of oncoming vehicles going 55mph. Turned the truck a sharp left landing in first lane of traffic and quickly put into reverse. Going into the dealership Monday morning to have it checked. Happed too fast to notice any warning lamps etc..
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving at an undisclosed speed, several brake warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal, and the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact pumped the brake pedal continuously to bring the vehicle to a stop. The vehicle was then driven in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with a brake control module failure, which was caused by an incorrect software version that had crashed the module. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,300.
I applied brake and pedal went straight to floor without any stopping. I had to steer into a ditch to avoid a collision resulting in more damage to steering system, frame, windshield and body. This was complete brake system failure and yes is available for inspection. I was in a very rural area at time and was able to avoid a collision however, if I had been in city or on highway it could have easily resulted in injury or fatalities. The problem is currently under federal investigation and has been widely reported as a serious problem which may soon result in widespread recall. The vehicle has not been inspected yet by dealership or anywhere else as it just happened 18 hours ago. There were no warning lights or chimes before the incident when pedal went to the floor. After incident dashboard lit up with warning lights including, Brake, ABS, Traction control, power steering, Collision system, Engine light, Steering Column and others. Truck speed limited to 43 mph. And pedal still goes to the floor without applying brakes.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to engage while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact placed both feet on the brake pedal for the vehicle to come to a stop. No warning lights were illuminated. A dealer was contacted and made the contact aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 187,918.
In September 2004, I filed a complaint on my 2019 chevrolet Silverado was making a noise from under the steering wheel (like a click noise at least twice) also the brakes were changing the movement when I pressed the brakes. One night the brakes completely went out while driving at 55 mph. I tried everything from pumping hard but the pedal went all the way to the floor with no result. I related the gas until the vehicle came to a stop. From there I placed the vehicle on park in the middle of an intersection. When the traffic light turned green I placed the vehicle on D and it moved but still with no brakes. I parked on the side of the road and called a wrecker to tow my truck home. It was could not be driven. After filling a complaint the local dealership called me and fixed it free of charge. Last week the noise on the steering wheel came back and the brakes are acting funny again. I have my two daughters ages [XXX] and [XXX] in my truck and I am requesting another inspection to my vehicle before another accident can happen. IT is unsafe INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was on the highway doing 70 MPH with my family driving down I-40 through western NC (mountainous terrain) when my brakes went out and the vehicle went into limp mode. I was able to safely pull over thank God and then had my vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer just informed me that a software update is needed, and not covered under warranty. There are multiple safety bulletins coming out for related years and issues related to the braking system of this make/model and I would like this documented as well as Chevy to cover the cost of repairing this defect.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: electric: control module: software
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles. The electronic brake control module software may fail to display a warning light when a loss of brake fluid occurs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- 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 customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N242447990.
Recall number 24V674000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
- Risk
- 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. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑866‑522‑9559, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
Recall number 20V603000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑866‑522‑9559. GM's number for this recall is N202294420.
Recall number 20V116000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. These vehicles received updated software for the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM). This software has an error, and as a result, the vehicle's electronic brake assist may be disabled. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267. GM's number for this recall is N192268091.
Recall number 20V055000 · Recall details
Service brakes
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Cadillac CT6, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. Due to an Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) software error, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Antilock Brake System (ABS) may become disabled. Furthermore, if this specific error occurs, the vehicle's diagnostics will not illuminate the instrument cluster ESC and ABS malfunction warning lights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control" and 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4223, or GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267. GM's number for this recall is N192268090.
Recall number 19V889000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
- Risk
- 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑630‑2438, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Recall number 19V645000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
- Risk
- If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.
Recall number 18V578000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
- Risk
- If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 20760.
Recall number 16V069000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brake failure
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2003 (152 complaints), 2000 (124 complaints) and 2004 (115 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix brake failure on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 129 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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