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 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I got into an accident with my 2005 chevy silverado by rear ending some one at a stop sign. I pulled up behind the vehicle and stopped to wait for them to go the it was my turn she didn't look well enough and had to hit her breaks again and so then did I but my truck did not stop in time because the breaking system delayed
Had to make a sudden stop when a pedestrian walked out in front of the car in front of me. My brake pedal went to the floor and I rear ended the car in front of me. Upon on investigation it was found that one of the front brake lines ruptured due to the high pressure from the emergency stop and the rusted brake line. I have owned this truck since new and there have been no recalls or communications that the brake lines will prematurely corrode and fail. Brake lines are not a normal serviceable part. Apparently, this is typical of this year vehicle from GM. Please recall or notify the public because this is a time bomb waiting to kill people. Brakes are more important than your emphasis on air bags. The brake lines didn't last as long as the engine, transmission, ball joints, shocks, etc which are all serviceable items and expected to be replaced. …
October 29,2020 I was traveling down a highway when I noticed traffic was stopped and when I went to apply my brakes the pedal went all the way to the floor and I had nothing not even a light came on to notify my of an issue. I also tried to apply the emergency brake and it snapped and at that point I had to leave the road way to avoid hitting any cars or anyone, and in doing so iwent towards a ditch and ramped a driveway. We have ;looked into the recalls and its the same parts we are having trouble with on this truck and why it caused me to wreck. Hydro boost system, and the emergency brake system. The codes that I pulled from the NHTSA. These all are whats has happened with my vehicle. …
My truck has been babied, only having less than 45,000 miles. Has never been off blacktop, and keep in garage. While towing my boat my breaks went out, come to find out my break line was rusted into and my master cylinder was also rusted where the break lines connect. I was told by chev dealer that all four break lines and master cylinder would have to be replaced. $1,400.00, this seems impossible for a truck with less than 45,000 miles that was not driven in the rain for the first two years and never been driven on salt treated road. I have another 4 wheel drive truck that I drive in bad weather. This is the only new vehicle I have ever purchased. Very disappointed in break service and Chevy wellness to admit there I is a defect with the break system.
Today at approximately 25mph I came to residential stop sign and the brakes went to the floor without and warning. The vehicle went into the cross road without stopping. I was forced to use emergency brake to get vehicle to fully stop. Upon inspection there was alot of brakes fluid in two spots. From drivers side frame rail and above fuel tank. When you look under the frame, the parts all look very clean and new looking. The only exception was that all the brake lines look heavily rusted. I was lucky it was not at high speeds, but from what mechanics tell me, this is getting extremely common. I believe at least owners should be notified to have them inspected. The dealer tells me all the lines need replaced at approximately $1300
Traveling down a hill when a driver in front of me decided to make a left turn rather abruptly, causing me to have to make a panic stop. I pressed the brake and the vehicle started to slow, and then nothing. (brake line burst-ed, which I had been told look rusted during last inspection.) I blew the horn and swerved to left lane and went around that person and then down the left side of the road avoiding several people coming the other direction. I manage to eventually get the truck stopped by constantly pumping the break after having my life flash in front of my eyes from narrowly avoiding multiple accidents.
I have a 2005 Chevrolet 2500 hd with 57000 miles and the brake lines are rusted into. I was getting ready to hook my trailer up and was backing and hit the brakes and they went to the floor. It was pouring fluid out under the door where the brake line was rusted into. This truck has not seen that much salt to have this happen. I hear that GM does not what to recall because they say it is a maintenance issue I beg to differ. I have a 1971 Chevy pickup that has seen years of salt and water and none have ever rusted like this 2005 has. I guess they are waiting to see how many will die before there is a probem.
Brake lines rusted out prematurely and burst, causing loss of braking ability. Had to replace every brake line on the entire truck, for they were all extremely rusty. 2 months later my fuel line also sprung a leak due to excessive rust, causing fuel to spill, check engine lights, and hard starting. Both of these issues present major safety concerns, and unfortunately are extremely common with these trucks.
The entire instrument panel flickers and goes dark randomly I cant see my speed or what gear I am in. On my way to work and attempted to stop at a stop sign break pedal went to the floor. I had zero brakes.upon inspection I found a break line had corroded through and ruptured. The vehicle only has 100 thousand miles. It seems to be a common issue with this model vehicle. This is very dangerous
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While changing the oil, the contact noticed that the entire frame, upper and lower control arm, brake lines, rear axles, hitch assembling, and rear spare tire carrier assembly were severely corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,000.
Brake complaints in other Silverado 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
NHTSA has 72 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 27% of the model year's 269 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 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 2500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 0 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.