Brake complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 31% | 18,000 miles |
| 2020 | 2 | 12% | — |
| 2019 | 2 | 25% | 6,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 18% | 7,000 miles |
| 2017 | 13 | 62% | 12,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 20% | — |
| 2015 | 2 | 25% | 49,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 7% | 36,000 miles |
| 2013 | 6 | 27% | 20,000 miles |
| 2012 | 4 | 31% | 15,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 25% | 115,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 20% | 45,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 21% | 60,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 17% | 94,000 miles |
| 2006 | 1 | 8% | 26,000 miles |
| 2005 | 6 | 26% | 58,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 29% | 65,000 miles |
| 2003 | 11 | 19% | 29,000 miles |
| 2002 | 10 | 18% | 47,000 miles |
| 2001 | 7 | 16% | 85,000 miles |
| 2000 | 18 | 21% | 55,000 miles |
| 1999 | 12 | 18% | 73,000 miles |
| 1998 | 4 | 17% | — |
| 1997 | 3 | 10% | 79,000 miles |
| 1996 | 2 | 13% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to pull to the left, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder off the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact stated there was smoke coming from the driver's side front brakes. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 18,000.
Vehicle Caught Fire while driving on the highway. This is the third Chevy express 2021 that caught fire in last three months. [VIN] - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date of Fire - July 6th 2026 [VIN] - 2022 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 16th 2026 [VIN] - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 18th 2026
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that the ABS and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ABS pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under warranty, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Hanes Chevrolet Company (11075 E. Main St, South Webster, OH 45682) where it was diagnosed and determined that there was internal corrosion, and that the ABS pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 11,856.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the ABS inadvertently engaged, and the vehicle pulled to the left side. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic brake control module assembly needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
I'd be driving down the street and the brakes would start applying themselves by themselves . I took the van to Ganly Chevrolet the first time and they did a brake job and said it was fixed . I drove it about a half mile and was doing about 35MPH when the brakes locked , if I wasn't buckled in I probably would have gone through the window . I immediately took it back by putting the gas pedal to the floor . you could smell and see the brakes burning . later Ganly said I needed a Brake Module and kept the car After about 6months of having my Van . they finally admitted they couldn't get a Brake Module and they had been on back order for about a year and didn't know if they would ever get one Later they called me and said they found a loose wire and my van was fixed again . …
I'd be driving down the street when my brakes would apply by them selves slowing my car down . after that my dash would bong and the ABS light would come on . I took it to my Chevy dealer and they replaced the brakes and said it was fixed . I pulled out of the dealers lot and was driving at 35MPH when the brakes locked and a skidded to a stop . If I hadn;t been buckled in I would have gone thru the windshield . I held the gas pedal to the floor and returnd to the dealer at about 20 MPH and some salesman came running out and said my van was on fire .I got out of my van but I didn't see any fire but there was heavy smoke coming from around the brakes . THE cHEVY DEALER HAD MY VAN APPROXIMATELY 7 MONTHS AND SAID THEY REPAIRED IT TWICE MORE , bUT EVERYTIME i PICKED IT UP THE BRAKES WOULD GO ON A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY AND i WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK . …
The Brakes will Lock up while driving Due to an issue with the Power Brake Hydro Boost System. The Hydro Boost Control Valve will allow Pressure to apply the Brake Master Cyl. with Engine speed increasing while the vehicle is traveling in a normal Fashion. Overheating the Brake calipers to the point of Protective boots burning up. Rotors and pads are damaged also. This a known problem Posted on repair search boards. I am a Certified ASE Master Mechanic with over 40 Years This a Very Dangerous Event and Part Failure
The vehicle randomly and autonomously applies the brakes and cuts engine power while driving. At this time the vehicle states "service stabilitrak" and the icon flashes that I am skidding, which I am not (I have video proof of this occuring). After 4 trips to the dealership the problem still persists. It is only a matter of time for this to occur while merging, or making a left across traffic and cause a serious and potentially fatal collision.
Related recalls (3)
Service brakes, hydraulic
Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with Bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator May crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge.
Service brakes, hydraulic
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.
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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
NHTSA investigations
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Express years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (18), 2017 (13), 1999 (12), 2003 (11) and 2002 (10) model years. Brake complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Express brake problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 05V-043 (service brakes, hydraulic, Feb 8, 2005); 04V-045 (service brakes, hydraulic, Feb 4, 2004); 98V-033 (rotor, Feb 17, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Express brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 43,000 miles; 65% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (29 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc (6).
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.