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.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 spongy pedal problems
135 of the 18,180 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 describe soft or spongy brake pedal, most of them for the 2014 model year.
- owner complaints
- 135
- worst model year
- 2014
- typical repair cost reported
- $800
- typical mileage
- 64,000
Is there a fix? There are 8 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Brake failure 32ABS 18Check engine light 5Grinding brakes 3Wipers 2Won't shift 2Warning lights 1Tire blowout 1
What owners say
I went to the store and my brakes were working as normal. When I started my truck to leave I had a hard pedal and there we several warnings on the dash. One said to get service and the other said to limit speed to 43 MPH. I had almost no braking power. Fortunately, I was close to home and the speed limit was 30 MPH all the way home. Once I arrived home I cleared the code with my ODBII scanner and the brakes worked as expected. If I was towing my boat this could have been a bad situation resulting in an accident. I haven't had the same issue in several days however this has to be a huge liability for GM. I'm sure that this is a known failure mode for GM.
Almost had an accident in parking lot where my brakes were hard/spongy. I saw a recall for 2014 chevy silverado for brake booster pump but I was never informed of such recall at the time. I've had my truck since 2016. I notified dealership and they informed me that the timeframe has expired for them to repair.
Transmission issues that I have reported since 2 months into owning it. Anti-lock brake issues or braking issues where brake pedal is stiff but not stopping vehicle. Front grill shutter issues Temperature Transmission thermostat issues
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal failed to function properly and felt spongy while attempting to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously received a brake system software update under an unknown recall, which was completed by the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the brake system software update might be performed another time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,446.
I pulled into a parking lot, and into a parking spot. I put the truck in reverse to back up and straighten the truck, when I started to pull back in the brake pedal became hard to press. I had to stand up on the brake pedal to keep from hitting the car parked in front of me. It also happened another time while backing out of a parking spot when someone walked behind the vehicle, and I had to stand on the pedal.
Recall 19V‑645 / N192268490 was performed on my 2014 Chevy Silverado, prior to me purchasing the vehicle a month ago. A computer adjustment was completed in 2019. The vehicle has brake problems, ie: vehicle will ease forward with brakes applied or while stopped. Upon re-applying brakes I have a HARD brake pedal. Dealer stated that recall was completed and I will have to pay to get vehicle fixed. The problem I am experiencing with this vehicle is the same problem that was addressed in the original recall. Computer adjustment did not fix the problem and a new vacuum pump should be installed on the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local GM dealer on 15 September 2025. . If problem is not addressed properly, the vehicle brakes would/could cause an accident, at low speeds or move forward while vehicle is stopped. With vehicle in reverse, braking is harder than in forward causing potential accident.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was hard and failed to go down after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to decelerate by shifting into low gear, and the contact activated the hazard lights. The contact was able to drive to the residence in low gear, and the contact allowed the vehicle to roll to a stop. The contact stated inspected the brake booster, brake master cylinder, and the vacuum pump, and confirmed that there was no hydraulic leak found. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
We were heading on vacation to Florida on the evening of [XXX].While driving [XXX] towards Athens, Alabama we heard a squealing noise from our engine that lasted a minute then it stopped. We got off at the closest exit and realized that we had “No Brakes “. I prayed for our safety. Our truck ran through two stoplights that were red at the time. I downshifted the vehicle and stood on the brakes (hard pedal) and jumped over two concrete curbs before it finally came to a stop. We had it towed to Champion Chevrolet dealership in Athens Alabama. They diagnosed the problem as a brake vacuum pump that locked up and broke the belt too leaving us with no brakes at all. Champion Chevrolet worked us in and replaced the vacuum pump and belt.And got us back on the road for our vacation. We had to pay for a tow truck $100. An overnight stay at a hotel $150. I’m concerned about the tires, rims, alignment and suspension being damaged by jumping over the concrete curbs. I’m requesting a free inspection at a local Chevrolet dealership to thoroughly inspect and repair any damaged parts and a realignment. I also am out of pocket $250 for the tow and hotel room. I feel I’m being fair to ask for reimbursement and repairs. The dealership didn’t charge me for the repairs of the vacuum pump and drive belt as it was covered by a special recall (N182202780). Please direct me for escalation of reimbursement ,complimentary inspection and repair of my 2017 Silverado suspension or damages involved in this incident. Thanks [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] cell phone number [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Brake system failed while driving and brake pedal was stiff and not responsive. Had to apply heavy pressure to brakes and could barely stop. Avoided accident barely when brakes failed. I noticed clicking noise from engine as I slowly drove home. Truck taken to Chevrolet dealer by wrecker service. Brake Assist warning light came on after the brake failed. Waiting on dealers evaluation and inspection.
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 spongy pedal
Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years have soft or spongy brake pedal problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2014 (24 complaints), 2015 (23 complaints) and 2016 (19 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix soft or spongy brake pedal on the Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $800 (median of 10 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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