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
While driving warning service brake system illuminated on the dashboard. The ABS and parking brake lights also illuminated. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, and told consumer that ABS brakes were inoperable.
May of 2012 the brake line on the frame rail under the drivers seat failed, August 2013 brake line failed in two places at the same time just after a state inspection,repaired,and another brake line 1 foot from the mastercylinder along the drivers side frame rail just hours after the last repair, I have done my research this is not an isolated to just my truck failure g.m. Has known for sometime now their is a problem with low grade metal being used on their trucks but it would cost too much to address, so instead the public safety is being jeopardized over costs I am positive if someone would check brake related crashes they would be shocked at the results of the failures of these trucks.
2002 Chevrolet pick up truck. Consumer states failure of ABS system the consumer stated as his grandson turned into the driveway, the brakes failed. The pedal became extremely hard, and he was unable to slow the truck down. Even though the ABS failed, the warning light never illuminated on the dashboard. His grandson hit two vehicles parked in the driveway.
Vehicle did not stop, applied emergency brakes, I was backing out of my driveway went to apply brakes peddle went to the floor, lucky there were no vehicle passing while backing up. After further investigation found that brake lines were rusted, had to get towed to mechanic for repair at a cost of $1,000. The vehicle only has 86,000 miles, the only part on the whole vehicle that is rusted are the brake lines, I hope that this can be rectified because this was an expensive repair and could of become deadly. ( the mechanic used stainless steel brake lines for the repair which he showed me the receipt at a cost $35.00 the rest was labor cost 2 days in shop).
Dt*: the contact stated while applying the brake pedal it felt as though something grabs then it will release. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V379000, regarding the ABS. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The vehicle has not been to the dealership at this time to determine the problem. The manufacturer has been alerted. Updated 3/20/2006 -
Consumer had brake rotors and brake shoes replaced on 1999 Chevrolet silverado due to rusted rotors. (11/17/05) the front sensor was replaced which lasted for a few weeks. The hub assembly was replaced due to the bearings. The routers were rusty and were replaced along with the brake shoes due to the anti-lock brakes disengaging the brakes which were not allowing the brakes to clean up the routers. The anti-lock brakes still did not work as the new routers started to rust. The anti-lock brakes were disconnected and the vehicle begun to stop properly. The doors were also rusty. The brake pedal would jump as if it were going into an anti-lock stop.
Tl contact owns a 1999 3500 Chevrolet pick up. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH he applied the brakes and they failed to stop the vehicle. The contact had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle home using the emergency brake. The contact notice by looking underneath the vehicle the brake line has corrosion on it and that's what caused the brakes to fail. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer nor called the manufacturer. The contact stated a serious crash could have occurred due to the faulty brakes. The failure mileage was 211,000.
The ABS brake system when braking and or you hit a bump, pothole or depression the brakes go into anti lock and do not come out. It takes about 1/3 more distance to stop. I had one accident where I was on the I-5 freeway, traffic stopped, I applied the brakes and had to go between two cars. I hit the side of one car. This problem occurs most of the time. It is very dangorous since normal stopping distance is suddenly increased and there is nothing I can do when it happens. I have had it in the shop about 6 times.
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.
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Pickup years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (25), 1999 (20), 1998 (16), 2000 (14) and 1995 (10) model years. Brake complaints make up 33% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Pickup brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Chevrolet Pickup 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 Pickup brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 60% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (59 mentions), followed by the foundation components › disc (10).
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.