1,335 of the
4,995 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Silverado 2500
are about the braking system —
27% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2003.
I am filing this complaint regarding my 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, which has approximately 20,000 miles and has been babied since new. The truck is maintained meticulously and the undercarriage is washed weekly. The brake failures I have experienced are completely unacceptable for a truck with this mileage and maintenance history. Both the FRONT and REAR brake friction material has completely DELAMINATED from the brake components. This is not normal brake wear. The material has separated from the underlying metal, which I believe is a serious material/manufacturing-quality issue. The dealer is now reporting that the rear emergency/parking brake shoes are also defective and require replacement. These components are inside the rear rotor and are not visible during a normal inspection. I strongly dispute any suggestion that this is simply corrosion or abuse. This truck is babied, maintained properly, and the undercarriage is washed every week specifically to prevent buildup and corrosion. At only 20,000 miles, having the front brakes, rear brakes, AND parking-brake shoes fail is completely unacceptable. The brake failures are also part of a disturbing pattern of component failures on this truck. The A/C compressor failed, leaving me without reliable air conditioning and resulting in a SIX-WEEK wait for replacement during the middle of summer. Additionally, only FIVE DAYS after I purchased the truck brand new, it required replacement of the Engine Control Module. This is a 2023 truck with only 20,000 miles. I expect normal wear items to wear normally—not to physically delaminate and fail. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether there is a systemic safety or manufacturing defect involving the brake materials/components used on these trucks. A brake component physically separating from its backing material is a serious safety concern and should not be dismissed as routine maintenance. GM needs to be held accountable for the quality and safety of this
NHTSA complaint #11758375 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving down a 50 mph roadway there was a line of cars slowing for a vehicle to make a turn. When gently pushing the brakes to slow down, brake went clear to the floor and could not slow down. Truck was driven into the ditch to avoid rear-ending vehicles. This happened immediately without warning, all braking prior to this incident was normal. When taken to our mechanic, they advised the brake lines underneath were notorious for rusting out and failing, new stainless steel lines were then installed to correct the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11731112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The parking brakes were engaged and would not release / yes, it is available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was in traffic stopped at a train track and could not move. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, the rear actuator for the brakes was faulty and had to be replaced. The warranty work was completed by the dealership Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Unknown Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - Not prior to the problem My concern is that my parking brakes "were nonexistent" per the dealership when they were diagnosing the warning light. So, I am afraid that the truck was driving while these were engaged.
NHTSA complaint #11728599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission Control Valve Body (Recall #N242454440) Your truck is part of the massive recall issued late last year (expanded in February 2026) regarding the 10-speed Allison transmission. The Problem: Internal wear in the valve body causes a drop in pressure, which can cause the rear wheels to lock up suddenly while you're driving. Multiple occurrences. It has been taken to the shop for this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11724565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My dash has been displaying intermittently “Service electric trailer brakes”. I have recently purchased a 30’ travel trailer. After driving a couple hundred miles with trailer in tow. The code started appearing even with the trailer not connected. I have contacted GM and they have indicated no recall on electric brake controller.
NHTSA complaint #11724272 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This has happened three times with the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD LTZ truck. Each time, the failure was following a remote start in my driveway. It has occurred at the approximately 40K, 80K, and now at 128K mile mark. First two repairs were covered under the warranty and extended warranty, with the third time there was no warranty and the cost for repair was ~$2800. Each time, the vehicle was remote started in the January timeframe with cold (0 to 30°F) temperatures to allow the vehicle warm up prior to driving. I know two of those events occurred when we had a more significant temperature drop as there was snow on the ground. Upon getting into the driver seat and putting into Reverse to back out of the driveway, I discovered the brakes and power steering had failed. The dealer on this third time indicated a check valve somewhere was "sticky" resulting in the failure of a hose with a booster tied to either the brakes or power steering (not sure which) failing taking the other part out. In this third case, either power steering or brake fluid vapors had been sucked back into the heater as things had sprayed around the engine compartment. The cab of the vehicle presenting a haze/fog in the vehicle causing me to realize there was something wrong upon opening the truck door. All three times, the vehicle was towed to the dealer for service repair. I do not know if this could have presented a fire hazard or had I been driving down the highway or interstate how fast I would have lost braking or steering ability.
NHTSA complaint #11722493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 01/16/2026, Quirk Chevrolet completed product safety recall N242482680 for the Brake Pressure Switch Connector Fire on my vehicle. Shortly after, my vehicle would come to an abrupt stop on its own while driving. This happened twice on my way home and then the third time at home at which point, it would no longer move forward or backward. The vehicle needed to be towed to the dealership that did the recall. After researching online, I discovered this is a known issue after the recall because the recall component is faulty. One source reports the cause is an improperly manufactured jumper harness which is missing protective tape or a faulty internal C-clip in the cylinder. Another source states the post-service emergency brake issues often stem from a software update meant to enhance safety or an incomplete repair of the brake pressure switch wiring harness. The update automatically engages the parking brake. I absolutely know that the catastrophic failure of my vehicle's braking system was a direct result of the recall work; however, the dealership made me pay for the repairs out of pocket until such time as GM or Chevy makes an "official" recall on the faulty recall. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk by way of my vehicle stopping abruptly on its own. The problem has been reproduced by many sources online - just do an online search "2021 Chevy 5500 emergency brake issue after brake recall completed" and see all the results that come up corroborating my personal experience. Quirks Chevrolet in Manchester, NH inspected the vehicle. No warning lamps or messages appeared on the dash. Please contact me if you want any additional information or copies of receipts, etc. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11716406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Took truck to dealer with concern of higher than normal braking force needed. Couldn’t verify concern. Looked today under the steering column and the brake booster is leaking fluid inside the cabin of the truck when the brake pedal goes through the firewall. There was Almost no brake fluid inside the reservoir causing the brakes to fail with no warning. Looked at similar trucks and all have brake fluid leaking from the same location. With as little as 10,000 miles. Mine has 22,000 miles and it’s failed requiring complet replacement of the brake booster. Taking to the dealership to replace the complete brake booster assembly when part is available. This is a 21 Chevy 2500 truck that pulls up to 18,000 pounds. higher than normal braking application needed, can be deadly or lead to complete brake failure whether loaded towing a trailer at a weigh of 25,000lbs or even the 7,000 pounds empty the truck weighs would reasonably result in the loss of someone’s life. Only thing that drew me to this concern was a harder application of the brake pedal and noticing brake fluid under the dashboard. Would gladly allow anyone to inspect my truck.
NHTSA complaint #11699620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I pulled the truck out of the garage in working condition, left it running while parked in the driveway. It emptied the entire brake fluid reservoir through a leak in the distribution junction on the rear axle, leaving the truck with no brake function whatsoever. Had I not parked the truck in the driveway, I would have been involved in a serious collision due to sudden complete brake failure.
NHTSA complaint #11679616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on the freeway in a construction zone, I smelled a burning oil smell. I considered the possibility it was in relation to road repairs being done (roads being repaved, ie tar resurfacing). I was cut off by another vehicle and depressed my brakes and I saw a poof of smoke over the front passenger area near tire. I noticed all of my gauges were in the normal ranges (temperature, battery voltage, etc.) In less than a minute my truck went into limp mode and advised it had a DEF system issue and it would be limited to a set MPH and a set number of miles. Check engine light came on and another driver alerted me that the underneath of my vehicle was on fire. I pulled over to the side of the highway and my truck became engulfed in flames in. Truck is under factory warranty, unmodified, never been in an accident and has had all recommended services performed at local dealership. There was a significant amount of traffic and luckily I did not collide with anyone or set neighboring dry grass field on fire. Fire department responded and extinguished the fire, but it is a total loss. Insurance company has been notified, and vehicle will be available for inspection by appropriate agencies. While local law enforcement did respond, they did not take a report because I didn't hit anything, and the only property damage was my own. (There is documentation of the event, but just dispatch notes.) Prior to the situation above the truck had been at operating temperature for at least 20 minutes and I had traveled for about 20 miles on the highway. The total distance traveled from when I smelled the burning smell was maybe 1.5 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11678537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While towing our camper, the trailer brakes constantly turn off and on. The camper dealer already checked over the camper wiring, and hooked it to Ford and Ram tow vehicles and could not replicate the problem. The problem is obviously with my Silverado. For the additional details below; - The approximate date is Anytime and Everytime we tow the camper. - There could be a crash anytime the trailer brakes turn off. - A crash due to no trailer brakes Could cause a fire. - An injury or fatality would be highly likely if the trailer brakes "disconnect" at the wrong time causing a crash, with or without fire. - There would most certainly be a police report if any of the above happened.
NHTSA complaint #11666437 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While pulling my Vilano fifth wheel trailer to Alabama from my home state of Texas the driver information center alerted me that the trailer brakes were disconnected. Then a short while later it alerted that trailer brakes were connected. This situation continued for the entire trip to Alabama. When the info center indicated trailer brakes were disconnected, they were indeed not working. Several times I almost rear ended cars stopping in front of me. (The vehicle had a recall notice urging to take it in and replace the brake module shortly after purchasing it. I did this.) Once I arrived in Alabama I took the vehicle to the Chevrolet dealership in Foley, Alabama to check the braking system. They told me there was no problem with the braking system. I retrurned to my home in Little Elm, Texas with the problem occurring the entire trip. I finally made it home and today took the vehicle to James Wood Chevrolet in Denton, Texas to have the braking systme checked again. They told me there was nothing wrong with the braking system. The service writer did say that because the trailer has LED lights the braking system does not recognize the voltage from the trailer and that is why the brakes are disconnecting. Please help me find out how to correct this extremely dangerous condition while I am towing my 16,000 pound fifth wheel trailer.
NHTSA complaint #11664955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
the emergency brake warning light keeps coming on, service, reduced engine function. I have taken in to the dealership and they cant find the problem, this is on many forums and with little to no answers, just a lot of speculation.
NHTSA complaint #11659233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brake pad failure, at 22,000 miles brake pads are almost worn out and leave extreme amounts of brake dust on wheels. This issue has been happening since 500 miles. Was told by dealer that it's a cheaper pad that the manufacture uses and the wear is normal. Steering wheel shakes when brakes are applied and when you're pulling a load the vehicle starts vibrating and jumping. Now rotors are warped due to the faulty pads wearing out so soon. Dealer and GM refuses to fix it, dealer says it's not covered and not a safety issue and GM has no explanation for their rejection the claim.
NHTSA complaint #11658361 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When hooked to 5th wheel trailer the brakes work good for a day then info center says check trailer brakes. The trailer bakes are not operational at that time. A few minutes later trailer brakes are back working again.The truck keeps shutting off the trailer brakes and sometimes they do not come back on at all. It happens every time I hook up to 5th wheel trailer. I have had it back to dealership 6 times and they can’t fix it.
NHTSA complaint #11655615 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While towing our 25ft travel trailer, I began getting warning from the trailer brake controller which repeatedly disconnected and, thankfully reconnected them after a brief interval. Luckily, the times when I had no trailer brakes did not require rapid stops. That said, towing a 7000 # trailer thru the mountains in a driving rain storm with no brakes randomly caused a bit of concern. After researching this I find this is a known defect and has TSB’s and voluntary recalls in place. (TSB 23-NA-149 and N232414840 respectively) However I was never notified by GM as my VIN was not included in the above. We could have been seriously injured or worse. This tsb is almost 2 years old. Why were we not informed/included? Our issue is identical to the tsb.
NHTSA complaint #11653987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.