The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 45 MPH, the brakes failed to engage while depressing the brake pedal. The contact's wife pulled into a parking lot, shut off the vehicle, and allowed the vehicle to coast in the parking lot until the vehicle came to a complete stop. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 4,873.
Chevrolet Tahoe brake failure problems
369 of the 10,079 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Tahoe describe brake failure, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 369
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,200
- typical mileage
- 90,000
Is there a fix? There are 10 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
ABS 50Spongy pedal 10Warning lights 7Check engine light 7Grinding brakes 7Pulling 4Premature wear 4No deployment 4
What owners say
Upon getting into vehicle , a pooling of fluid was in the all weather mats.. with a visible leak line from top of mat to the pooling area on driver side. It did not dry as water would and it was a slightly oily feeelign and left an oily residue. Several day later after the vehicle sat over the weekend, more pooling was noticed with same leak line at top of mat to area where pooled. Upon further investigation and with picture documentation a dead on line for line leak from the brake down pedal shaft onto the all weather mat . and once at the mechanics it was confirmed to be a leak of the master cylinder. Many recalls have been done on other models as well. My warning light or module also has not alerted to the loss of brake fluid.
Brake System Failure 62 MPH Top Speed Service ESC Service Brake Trailer System These warnings appeared on 04/30 and my brakes became extremely hard to use to stop my vehicle. I had my two young children in the car, I was able to go up hill and shift it into park after driving 15 minutes basically with no brakes. It was towed to Hendrick Chevrolet, where they replaced the master cylinder. On May 5th I was driving the car and the service brake assist light came on with the message. I then had it towed to Hendrick where it stayed until July 28th. The dealership stated that it was an external leak in the master cylinder. Now for the 3rd time the brakes are making a squealing noise and the service brake assist light is on again. I do not feel safe in this vehicle.
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.
I am filing a safety complaint regarding my 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe Premier for repeated brake assist/braking failures. Most recent incident: While driving, the check engine light came on. I turned the vehicle off for approximately 10 minutes and restarted it, but the check engine light remained on. Approximately 20 minutes later, multiple warnings appeared on the dash including: “Brake Assist Failure Press Hard to Brake,” “Speed Limited,” and “Service ESC.” At that point, braking ability was severely reduced. I was close to my destination and approached a stop sign. I intended to roll through the stop sign because the brakes were not functioning normally, but another vehicle suddenly approached. I pressed the brake pedal with both feet. The brakes were stiff and hard to press. The vehicle still did not stop properly and came to a stop in the middle of the road past the stop sign. After arriving at my destination, the vehicle sat for approximately 1–2 hours. When restarted, the brakes appeared normal again, but the check engine light remained on. In the MyChevrolet diagnostics app, it then showed warnings for Engine and Transmission System, Transmission System, and Four Wheel Drive System. While driving to the dealership afterward, the vehicle also began shaking. This same issue previously occurred on April 16, 2026. I was driving on the interstate when the brakes lost assist and the dash displayed “Service ESC,” “Brake Assist Failure Press Hard to Brake,” and “Speed Limited.” After reaching my destination, I was told by someone at the dealership to turn the vehicle off for 10 minutes to see if that would fix things, so I turned the vehicle off for about 10 minutes. When restarted, all warning lights were gone and braking returned to normal. I still drove the vehicle to the dealership that same day for service. This is a repeated, intermittent brake failure / brake assist failure creating a serious safety hazard and near collision risk.
I own a 2020 Tahoe, 160,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of brake assist due to a failure of the vacuum brake pump. The brake pedal became extremely hard, and the vehicle would not slow or stop as expected, requiring me to put vehicle in neutral and frantically find a way to the shoulder to force a stop (pulling the emergency brake). This created a dangerous condition and significantly increased stopping distance, posing a serious safety risk to myself, and others on the road. There was little to no warning prior to the failure. This issue appears to be consistent with known complaints involving vacuum pump failure and loss of brake assist in similar vehicles. A failure of the braking assist system is NOT a normal wear condition and presents a critical safety hazard. I am reporting this incident due to the safety risk associated with sudden brake assist failure and the potential for accidents or injury. Vehicle issue has been confirmed by an independent service center. There was a warning light that appeared at the same time the brake stopped working leaving me no time to plan or know ahead not to drive.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a breach in communication with the OnStar system. The contact believed that the brakes failed, and several other safety systems became inoperable due to a failure with the OnStar system. The dealer was notified of the failure, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 114,000.
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.
SUV states brake system failure, tell driver not to drive over 43 miles per hour, attempted to have repairs continue to have repeat service with same issues, notified gm customer service of concerns regarding safety of vehicle with no brakes or steering control however vehicle states owner can drive, this is not safe to general public nor myself and family, gm staff stated could have towed did not seemed concerned for safety of the alert given as there is no current recall on this vin
To the federal safety agency, I am reporting a serious safety defect in my 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe purchased from Criswell Chevrolet (Gaithersburg, MD). Defects include a documented brake system failure while driving and repeated electrical/shift faults preventing shifting out of Park. The issue is ongoing even after the dealer/manufacturer stated it was fixed. Key events: Feb 3, ~12:45 pm: While traveling ~35–39 mph on a five‑lane road, brakes failed. I slowed by coasting uphill and using maximum pedal force to ~5–7 mph before stopping. I have video of the incident and two other times this has happened with pictures as the car was in park. Three prior start-up incidents: All dash lights illuminated (including brake failure and Forward Collison System Unavailable); vehicle stuck in Park. First required towing; dealer could not replicate despite reported stored codes. Subsequent event stranded my family. I have notified Chevrolet and the dealer; their offer does not address safety or recurrence. Please record this complaint, assess broader risk, and advise on related recalls/investigations. If there is a path forward to ensure the safety of my family, please respond with that guidance. My phone number is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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 brake failure
Which Chevrolet Tahoe years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (54 complaints), 2003 (42 complaints) and 2002 (38 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix brake failure on the Chevrolet Tahoe?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,200 (median of 44 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Chevrolet Tahoe?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history