Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Initially we had the brakes changed, then we took it to the repair shop and they were test driving it, and tried to stop the truck, and ran into the welder in the shop and destroyed the welder and wrecked the front bumper of our truck. We then had the bearings worked on. After researching on the internet, I found where some trucks were recalled for this problem of the anti lock brake system engaging at slow speeds. Our truck has a vibration in the brake pedal when trying to stop, but it only occurs at the final stage of stopping, at slow speeds. It has occured numerous times, and with no weather conditions on the road.
I purchased a 2002 chev. K1500 5.3liter 4x4 pickup in oct. 2010. Once I took the truck home the brakes started acting up. I contact GM and they advised the truck had a recall on the ABS system but the recall had been perform on the truck and they could not do any more for me. I thought if it was a safety problem they had to fix the problem. What is happening is the ABS system is kicking in at low speed under 10mph. When you are pulling into a parking spot or at a cross walk. And the truck will take twice the distance to stop. They do not think they are needing to do anything with the problem. But, they are doing a dissatisfaction to the consumer. I am a employee at a auto repair shop. And we are seeing 1 or 2 a month with the same problem. I feel GM need to stand behind the product and they are not. It is going to take someone to have the ABS brake kick in and run someone over. …
2001 Chevrolet 1500 ext. Cab 4wd truck ABS system activates at low speed. The incident occured in a parking lot as the truck was pulling into a parking space. The ABS system activiated and there was a complete loss of breaking power. The truck hit the car in the parking space opposite the truck. Upon inspection of the truck, the front rotors were almost completely absent of a usable wear surface on the inside of the rotor, the external side of the rotor did not exhibit the same probelm. New rotors were installed with new pads at owner's expense. ABS activation at low speed then still occurred. I purchased a subscription for the alldata website to retreive applicable service bulletins. The service bulletin lists the wheel speed sensor as the possible fault. Upon examination, the sensor also had the same rust problem as the rotor. …
Was looking to park in a super market and when I slowed to turn in and pressed the brake pedal it vibrated and actually attempted to speed up slightly. Took it to the dealer and they said it was because the stainless steel rotors had rust on them and the sensor wasn't working right. Polished them and it was good for a year or so. The next thing about a year later I got a recall for the same thing from the manufacturer. They had to do the same process. They did reimburse me from the first time it happened.
I was involved in a head on collision with another vehicle, a larger GMC dually. I was traveling at 55 MPH when the other vehicle entered my lane at near or equal speed and struck me head on. I had time to react by stomping the brakes but I seemed to not slow down. I had no where to turn all possible lanes of avoidance were blocked with smaller cars. The airbags did not deploy... It is my understanding that by law cars/light trucks are required by law to have airbags if they are 1998 or newer. I understand a light truck to be up to 8,600 lbs gross weight with payload. This standard includes my truck, I sustained sever injuries to my neck/chest and ruptured discs in my back resulting in emergency back surgery. If I had airbags I am sure my injuries would not have been nearly as server and I my have not lost so much. …
1st.- problem with brake booster, causing a major vaccum leak causing vehicle to surge and stall when acclerating on take-off. Eventually engine would cut-off. After a lot of effort, dealer repaired that problem. 2nd.- 3/4 ton truck, hd towing package, everything supposed to be heavy duty according to salesperson and sticker in window. Brake pads on front are for a 1/2 ton, light duty truck.vehicle does not stop very well, at times, brake pedal goes to floor with little stopping effect. Dealer was notified during 1st. Problem encounter. Dealer made no effort to explain or correct problem. Problem still exist. 3rd.- transmission malfunctioniong. I have had two transmission repair shops inspect vehicle, both said that problem was common with GM trucks. Vehicle has been plagued with one problem after the other. Dealer has been notified several times, even by certified mail. …
Brake line failed on 1999 Chevy silverado 4wd pick up. Crashed into the back of a ups freight truck at stop light. I applied the brake pedal app. 50 yards to try to stop my truck the brake pedal went to the floor I was helpless cars on one side telephone poles on the other luckily put truck in 2nd gear to slow the truck down some then crash ed hard into the back of freight truck. Luckily not killed. Brake fluid was flowing out of rusted brake lines under drivers side seat under frame. Truck is possibly a total loss. GM had me tow at my own expense to verify the broken tubing break line,had my mechanic look at the brake lines and said it definitely ruptured and we took pictures of rusted brake lines as evidence. GM investigator asked me if I was injured and what I wanted from them. …
Was traveling approximately 25 miles per hour toward intersection. Applied brakes but oddly pedal seemed to go to floor with zero braking action. Subsequently, my vehicle entered intersection during red light. Was struck on drivers side by 18-wheeler crossing intersection and then my vehicle's forward momentum caused a frontal impact to 18-wheeler crossing intersection from the passengers side. Air bag did not deploy. Vehicle was a total loss. My wife sustained a fractured rib, bruised sterum and cervical spine dislocation. My two children ages 6 and 9 sustained cuts to the head from flying glass requiring stitches and glue. I attempted to have general motors inspect the vehicle; however, they were un- willing to pay a $500.00 fee for wrecking yard to move vehicle for inspection. Brakes and air bag failure !!!! Both problems that have been previously identified by other vehicle owners.
NHTSA investigations
Vacuum brake booster
Alleged that the vacuum brake booster can fail resulting in loss of brake effectiveness and extended stopping distances.
Parking brake failure
Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake…
Hydraulic pump failres
GM is conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between May 1999 and October 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early October 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes.
Parking brake failure
In a letter dated April 20, 2005, GM notified NHTSA that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to GM, some of these vehicles May have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an…
Parking brake failure
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet C/K Pickups years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (24), 1999 (24), 2000 (18), 2001 (10) and 2002 (10) model years. Brake complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet C/K Pickups brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Chevrolet C/K Pickups model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet C/K Pickups brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (35 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (12).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.