Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the brake and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that upon depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard, and the vehicle hesitated to respond. The contact pulled to the side of the road, added brake fluid to the vehicle, and continued driving. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal traveled down to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to respond. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road downhill. The contact turned on the hazard lights and drove 5 MPH to her mother's residence while being trailed by a Police Officer. …
The contact's son owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while his son was exiting a parking lot, the brake pedal hose ruptured, and the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact discovered that there was a hole in the brake hose. The contact used a personal trailer to tow the vehicle home where the vehicle remained. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. The VIN was not available.
# 1 is the 4l60E transmission that sits on the exhaust and runs next to it on the opposite side the heat from the trans itself and the exhaust overheat the gasket which causes weak spots that leak along with burning up the 3-4 clutch. Lost everything but 1&2,R,N on trip to Illinois on way back went to speed up to pass and all sudden the engine started tacking out and leaking fluid. I applied fluid all the way home at a speed of 45mph in a 70 mph limit which caused a major safety hazard with traffic. Took to trans shop said the 3-4 clutch was fried and was no good due to overheating and loss fluid from damaged gasket that's split on the stamps from AC Delco. 2nd issue arises out 1rst, even more dangerous to point of dragging me down drive way and cutting into my leg leaving a small scar. …
Vehicle was being driven when "Service Brake System" appeared in the DIC. Vehicle was safely returned to owners home where it was discovered a master cylinder failure had occurred. The master cylinder contained no brake fluid, the booster was covered in brake fluid, and fluid was dripping from the undercarriage to the ground. The master cylinder and booster were replaced. In the process of bleeding the brake lines, a secondary leak was discovered in the brake line to the left front caliper. An inspection revealed a failure of the brake line due to rust. Inspection of the other brake lines revealed rust which will require replacement of all the brake lines. In this instance, the vehicle was actively being repaired when the failure of the brake line occurred. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving 25 MPH, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard prior to the brake pedal being depressed. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake line failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred numerous times. While driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but another vehicle collided into the front driver side of the contact's vehicle. A police report was filed. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries to the left shoulder that required medical attention. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 11/08/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to the floor but the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle crashed into a four foot tall curb and the transmission prevented the vehicle from going over. The air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by the contact, who was an independent mechanic. He diagnosed that the brake lines were rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
On 7/3/15, my husband applied the brakes to stop in order to exit a restaurant parking lot. The brake pedal went to the floor we (my husband, child, and I) drove across the marked parking ways and crashed into a parking lot sign to make the vehicle come to a stop. Upon exiting the truck, my husband noticed the brake line leaking. We were blessed that we had not pulled on the main street into oncoming traffic. We had to get the vehicle towed to a shop for repair. I also called don moore automotive service department and had no response.
I had to stop to wait for a vehicle making a left turn and as I applied the brakes they at first worked and then the pedal went to the floor and I had to go off the road over a small ban into a ditch. If safety is such an issue why are the car manufacturers not made to put the best quality brake and gas lines in their vehicles as there are better lines available than what they put in such as stainless.
Rear brake line busted on 2004 Chevy Silverado while driving in a parking lot. Really dangerous! Had to hit the curb to stop! There should be a recall on these steel brake lines! In the shop now to replace all the brake lines that are faulty! A cost that should be paid by GM not the consumer of a faulty product!
Abs system is failing light comes on then brakes don't catch, airbags message keeps coming on . Pulling in to store when it done it end up hitting the metal pipe in from of store to stop
Brake complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 330 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 41% of the model year's 797 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 20 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.