Description of the safety problem On XXX, shortly after starting the vehicle and beginning to drive, I attempted to apply the brakes and discovered that they had essentially frozen up and were not functioning properly. At the same time the vehicle displayed the following warnings: Service ESC, ABS warning light, brake system warning light, "Trailer Brakes Disabled – Service Required," traction/stability control warning, and check engine light. I shut the vehicle off and restarted it. After the restart the brakes appeared to function normally again and most warning indicators disappeared. However, the check engine light remains illuminated, and I have noticed a slight hesitation when starting the vehicle. I have photographs of the warnings taken at approximately 21,029 miles. Relevant history This vehicle was purchased new. The original 6.2L engine suffered a catastrophic failure at approximately 18,685 miles while traveling at highway speed and was replaced under warranty. None of the current problems existed before that engine replacement. Since the replacement, the vehicle has experienced multiple electrical failures, including windshield wipers becoming inoperative while driving in rain, intermittent loss of electrical power and starting problems, steering-related and collision-system warnings, and tire-pressure warning discrepancies. During a recent dealership visit to Ourisman Chevrolet (service advisor [XXX]) for multiple electrical malfunctions, I was told the problem was simply that the battery needed to be charged. The problems have continued, culminating in the XXX braking malfunction. Request I am reporting this as a potential safety defect affecting the braking, stability control, and electrical systems of this vehicle, and I request that the federal safety agency record and review this complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Tahoe abs comes on
503 of the 10,079 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Tahoe describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 503
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 91,000
By model year
Often reported together
Brake failure 50Check engine light 17Grinding brakes 11Jerking 8Pulling 7Power steering loss 6Loss of power 6Battery drain 6
Trouble codes mentioned
U1006 1U0073 1C12FE 1C0710 1B1325 1B1000 1
What owners say
- Repeated check engine lights on for "traction control", "service ABS", and "ESC". - Repaired several components of wheel hub assembly, speed sensor, and breaking module. - Wheel speed sensor repaired 3x - Now dashboard messages are reading "service brake assist", "service steering column", and "service transmission now unable to shift soon". - Athens Chevy never called for a GM engineer and wont return phone calls. We have twin newborns and the vehicle is currently parked in a driveway because we are not confident in its ability to operate safely. I have stressed this to every GM service tech I've spoken to and the lack of concern is concerning in itself.
I have 19,000 miles. After each oil change, the engine begins to idol rough, the vehicle violently shakes and the traction control and ABS turn off. The first time this happened it was determined that there was a cylinder (4) failure causing a missfire. This was corrected under warranty. A few months later immediately after receiving an oil change again, the same actions occurred. This time the computer is showing a cylinder (7) failure and engine missfire. This is very similar to what is happening on the 6.7 L GM recall l, but I don’t have the 6.7 I have the 5.8. I believe the issue is bigger than just the 6.7 L.
On 7/28 while driving my vehicle, the ABS and traction control light came on unexpectedly (the symbol with the car and squiggly line in front of it). Nothing is wrong with the vehicle for these lights to come on as I keep up with all maintenance and repairs to this suv seeing that im the only owner. Then the next day, I noticed my truck keeps accelerating uncontrollably and then out of nowhere, the brakes would activate as if i am driving on ice (its summer time, there is no snow or ice on the roads). This issue keeps happening and today I almost got in a car accident for my vehicle accelerating on its own and when I went to apply the brakes, it barely stop the car. My car has brand new brakes, brake fluid is new, etc. Next thing I see on my dashboard it said service the stablitrak. I went to do research on this and I found that this is a common issue with all GM cars that was made 2014 to 2019. I have a 2016 Chevy Tahoe LT and have never had any issues with .y vehicle until now. I read there was a recall on models like my truck and when I put in the VIN, it said there was no recall. This is fraud because I know me almost getting into an accident had something to do with the stablitrak and GM should fix this issue seeing that the programming of the power steering and other features is on GM's end, not mine. This is a very bad safety hazard and if it wasn't for me applying the emergency brake, me and the car I would have hit would have been in serious danger. I see that I am not the only person with this issue and a Chevy serviceman said that this is a common problem with vehicles like mine and they are not sure why there isn't a recall on the stablitrak. I have children and I am afraid to drive the vehicle because of mostly all electrical components have been disabled due to the faulty stablitrak. This is putting the safety of myself and my children at grave danger and risk and something has to be done for our safety
I was driving home after dropping my kids off at school and when I was almost home my dash lit up with the traction control light, check engine light, ABS light, red break light, service ESC message, forward collision system unavailable message and break system failure 62 MPH top speed ( was switching between 43 MPH top speed and 62 MPH top speed ), I went to slow down and I had no brakes at all. The pedal sunk to the floor with zero resistance no matter how many times I pushed it. I live on a dead end road and thank god I had already crossed the major highway before my road because it would have been an incredibly bad accident. I finally got it to switch into neutral to stop and into park where I sat with my foot on the brake in park until someone could come out to me. I called my local dealership whom had it towed to them. My vehicle is a 2021 Tahoe with 23,014 miles at the exact moment this happened. The dealership said it was the master cylinder/brake module which is not covered under the power train warranty I still have. This is a major safety issue and it seems it is not isolated due to a simple google showing reports on other forums of other newer chevy/gms in different models have this same issue with brakes going out while driving.
While driving, the vehicle experienced a total loss of power steering, accompanied by a 'Power Steering: Drive with Care' dashboard alert. The steering wheel became extremely heavy and difficult to maneuver. Simultaneously, the ABS and brake warning lights illuminated. Although I managed to bring the vehicle to a safe stop, a subsequent repair attempt failed to resolve the issue. The vehicle remains undriveable as the intermittent failure persists, creating a severe safety hazard.
On March 21, 2026, I rented a Chevrolet Tahoe (approx. 24,450 mileage driven). While operating the vehicle on a freeway at approximately 40–50 mph, the braking system and ABS failed suddenly without any warning. Barely no brakes were able to apply to stop the vehicle. It also started to show that ECS service (Electronic Stability Control) and Service Brake Pad Monitor. Many faults started to show.
My car has a problem This will be the 3rd visit to the Chevy dealership and the 6th time in a garage. At this time, the original alternator that came with the Tahoe, was running high through December and replaced with a new alternator from Parts Geek. It was ok for a couple weeks and is running high again. You cannot test it from a cold start to get this reading. It must be ran for at least 20 min. After a certain amount of time the battery gauge will move to the highest point, the warning lights of ABs, traction control, stabilitrak, trailer brake light, battery light (first time on 1/27/2026 for battery light), loss of drivers assist on 1/26/2026, tire pressure light, car dies coming to a stop sign. I can’t turn it back on for at least a min. I’m stuck inside with zero power, can’t unlock the doors to get out to direct traffic, open windows or put on 4 ways so I don’t get smacked in the middle of the road. After that minute I heard a click (no key in ignition, not trying to start) and then the dash lights started coming back on again and I started it. The battery did not restart the time on the radio screen so I’m assuming I didn’t die fully. The radio screen always goes black first, then the heat goes in and out, the warning lights come on and it dies. Takes a minute or so to be able to start it again and the lights aren’t on anymore but will continue to do the same shit after awhile of driving and now daily. I’m afraid to drive it anywhere since almost getting stuck inside and plowed at an interaction. I have reached out to Chevy about this problem and was referred to take it back to the dealership again, and to reach back out as soon as it’s there to open a case on the issue.Ive had it, this has been ongoing for a year, and I have to keep paying for things that doesn’t fix the issue and it’s getting worse.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, the pedal was soft and was almost depressed to the floorboard. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but was a recurring failure. The contact stated that the ABS/ESC warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the warning lights then started flashing. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Electronic Brake Control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the vehicle had been repaired by the previous owner. The contact had to pay out of pocket for the repairs. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that the recall had been previously repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Driving along the highway in cruise control at about 70mph without any trailer being pulled. Suddenly I got brake errors. ABS, ESC, Trailer brake error failures all popped on the dash warnings. Brakes were unresponsive only applying hard pressure to the brake pedal was effective. There was zero feedback from the brake pedal to myself on it engaging and braking effectively. If this happened in a situation requiring more immediate braking, I would not have been able to figure out the braking capability of my vehicle in time. There were no issues with my vehicle at the time. I see that similar issues have been reported on Facebook "Chevy Tahoe Owners Group". Unknown whether it's a sensors glitch or a SW issue. After a few hours of being parked the car brake system started to work properly again. Made an appointment to check out they system at the dealership.
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: electric: control module: software
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles. Dealer service technicians may have calibrated the brake system incorrectly, affecting Electronic Stability Control (ESC) , traction control, Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), and braking while towing a trailer.
- Risk
- Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will recalibrate the brake system control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 27, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1202; GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is N212340970.
Recall number 21V579000 · 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: 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
- What is wrong
- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2014 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles manufactured July 9, 2013, through July 22, 2013; and 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles manufactured July 16, 2013, through July 23, 2013; and model year 2014 GMC Yukon vehicles manufactured July 13, 2013, through July 18, 2013; and model year 2014 GMC Yukon XL vehicles manufactured on July 22, 2013. The rear brake caliper bolts may not be fully tightened. Thus, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Risk
- Loose caliper bolts may cause reduced braking performance and result in lengthened stopping distances, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts on both rear brake caliper brackets. Any bolts found loose will be replaced and tightened. This service will be performed, at no charge. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 and GMC at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's recall number is 13247.
Recall number 13V342000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
- What is wrong
- Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles may experience unwanted antilock brake system (ABS) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maryland, massachusetts, maine, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia only.
- Risk
- This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor, and check the peak-to-peak output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal is within specifications. The recall began september 22, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 05V379000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
- What is wrong
- On certain sport utility vehicles, the brake pedal pushrod retainer may be missing. If the retainer is missing, the brake booster pushrod could disengage from the brake pedal.
- Risk
- This could result in a loss of brakes which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the vehicles for the brake pedal pushrod retainer and install one if it is missing free of charge. The manufacturer began contacting owners by telephone on march 10, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 05V103000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?passenger car brake systems.? Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
- Risk
- Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
- Remedy
- Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on june 18, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339; chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463; or hummer at 1‑866‑486‑6376.
Recall number 04V045000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. Some of these vehicles have a clearance condition between the front right-hand brake pipe and the body cross sill that could decrease to the point of allowing contact during the life of the vehicle. If contact occurs and the brake pipe becomes damaged, in half of the brake system there can be a loss of brake fluid and pressure. The brake warning lamp will be activated when the brake fluid level reaches the indicator limit.
- Risk
- During braking, the pedal will be lower than normal and stopping distances will be longer. If this occurs when stopping distance is limited, a crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the front right-hand brake pipe for wear. If there are signs of wear, this section of the brake pipe will be replaced with a new designed brake pipe section. If there are not signs of wear on the brake pipe, the dealer will install a spacer clip to ensure sufficient clearance between the brake pipe and the body cross sill.
Recall number 00V345000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.
- Risk
- If a driver continues to drive with a cracked rotor, the cracks could continue around the wheel mounting bolt circle and ultimately result in a wheel separation.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
Recall number 98V033000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Tahoe abs
Why does the abs come on in the Chevrolet Tahoe?
Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, check engine light and grinding or squealing brakes, and the codes they mention most are U1006, U0073 and C12FE.
Which Chevrolet Tahoe years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (103 complaints), 2001 (94 complaints) and 2002 (57 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix ABS light or ABS activating on the Chevrolet Tahoe?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 46 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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