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 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to leak fuel and the brake line would leak causing the brakes to lose power whenever the brake pedal was depressed. The contact also stated that the fuel tank strap fractured due to rust causing the fuel tank to detach from the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear leaf spring fractured due to rust as well. The contact also stated that the entire sub-frame of the vehicle was rusted causing pieces of metal to fall off from the frame while driving. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake lines, fuel lines, the rear leaf shackle, and the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. …
Design flaw - Brake light switch- the end section of the internal spring is placed in a position that allows it to potentially slide down and block the space needed for when the plunger is depressed, jamming up the switches ability to properly function. I have not determined what happened to the switch on my truck, but noticed that this scenario was a possibility and felt obligated to report my opinion.
I have had brakes fail twice because of corroded brake lines now one of my fuel lines ruptured because of corrosion I have been told by mechanics that corroded failing lines is a common issue on Silverado's
As I approached an intersection to make a left-hand turn, I stepped on my trucks brake pedal. I experienced a complete loss of braking power, with the trucks brake pedal going straight to the floor, after an instant of a firm, solid pedal. Pumped the pedal to try to regain brake operation to no avail. No hydraulic pressure was present. No warning lights or other indications of brake system failure occurred. Truck was driven home a very short distance using e-brake. Brake fluid was seen dripping from the rear axle area in large amounts. Truck was towed to my local garage which found a burst steel brake line at the junction with the rear hydraulic flex hose. Other brake lines were heavily rusted. Rest of the undercarriage was not similarly rust like the brake lines. The garage stated this was not the first Silverado they saw with this problem. …
While driving approx 50mph on 2-lane highway a brake line burst under hard braking (vehicle in front of me suddenly slowed to make a turn off the highway) due to rust. Pedal went all the way to the floor and I lost significant braking power. This resulted in a minor accident where I dented the bumper of the truck that was turning and significantly bent the right end of my front bumper. Was able to continue the trip the last 50 miles to my destination but braking distances were considerably longer than normal. Took it to a local mechanic who said all the brake lines were rusted and had to be replaced.
While traveling at about 5 MPH, I experience a total brake failure. The petal dropped to the floor. I was unable to stop the vehicle resulting in a rear end collision with the stopped vehicle in front of me. It was determined that a brake line ruptured. I was under the impression that it was a law that vehicles of this year had a dual braking system to avoid this situation. If this vehicle does have such a system it did not function.the vehicle had to be towed from the scene since it had no brakes.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the brakes failed to operate. The contact crashed into a ditch. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
While traveling in traffic on the highway at less than 30 miles per hour when I went to apply my brakes the ABS came on immediately shortening my safe stopping distance enough so the end result was a collision.
When slowing down and coming to a stop the ABS brakes kick in making it take longer than normal to stop. It started happening a couple of weeks ago pulling into my driveway and it is getting worse. It happens at slow or as I am slowing down to come to a stop, then the ABS kicks in and increases the stopping distance. That normal stopping distance you think you have under normal conditions is not there. This problem is in perfectly dry conditions. It is not weather related at all. I have had to stand on the brakes to stop. It's been somewhat intermittent but it almost caused me to get into an accident today. Turning while stopping usually causes the issue to happen the most, that's what happened today. Coming to a straight stop doesn't always cause the issue. Apparently there was this same issue with the 1999 - 2002 Chevy trucks and they were recalled. …
This is 3rd time my brakes blow a line in 2 years and the first 2 times one time I was holding my brakes while backing up a hill on my property with a trailer attached, the second coming to a stop sign and this last time going down a steep hill coming to an intersection. I just changed the line that was broken the first two times. I had filed a complaint with you last year but I cannot find the info. This time I changed all of the lines as it scared me bad this time as I live in the mountains and did not wish to push my luck any further. Chevrolet wanted over $1,200 to change them out using the same materials that failed in the first place. I had them changed at napa for $680 using copper/nickel which is a superior product. GM's excuse for the lines rusting out was the customer did not wash the lines off when salt got on them. You cannot get to most of the lines to wash them off. …
Brake complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 131 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 25% of the model year's 525 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2005 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 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.