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 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While pulling into the driveway at approximately 7 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed to the floor but the vehicle did not stop. The vehicle crashed into the contact's porch. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The contact observed brake fluid under the front of the vehicle and the brake lines were completely rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Ma 09/03/15 updated 11/03/2017
I was preparing to slow down as I approached my driveway. When I applied my vehicle's brakes, the brake pedal went completely to the floor. My vehicle did not slow down and I had to utilize me emergency brake and also shift into a lower gear in order to slow down. I was unable to slow down enough to safely make a turn and subsequently my vehicle travelled thru a ditch area and came to a stop in my front yard. Completing a check of my vehicle's brake system, I learned that my master cylinder was completely empty. I had my vehicle towed to a local garage where I was told the vehicle's complete braking system lines had rusted away causing all brake fluid loss and needed to be replaced. All brakes lines were replaced from the master cylinder to the ABS module and then to each brake system at the wheel. The cost of the work was $598.00. …
The right front brake line on my truck rusted through. I lost braking when loading my 10 ft camper in the driveway. I took the truck to dealership and it was found that all the brake lines are rusted and in danger of failure at any time. All of the brake lines on the truck are bare metal and prone to rust. New brake lines are painted to prevent this from happening. Had to buy complete brake line kit to get right front line for replacement by dealership for $452.85 . They recommend that I replace all of the lines. I called Chevrolet customer service, complaint # 8-3176545196. I have gotten no cooperation, they have told me there is nothing that they can do. Because of this potentially causing a catastrophic fatal accident due to complete or partial loss of braking power - it gives no warning until failure occurs. …
I was in fast lane on highway approaching some construction and was cut off by someone who passed me on the right . I stepped hard on my brakes and the pedal went all the way to the floor . . I hit the person in front of me and ruined my front bumper. Upon inspection of my vehicle I noticed brake fluid dripping from frame rail . .I looked and noticed a line ruptured due to rust / rot and all the brake lines where in bad condition . I was able to crutch the truck to a repair shop and the repaired the steel line. Mechanic made me aware of the terrible condition all the steel lines were in ( fuel lines, transmission lines,ect) and that the brake bleeders on front calipers where also rotted beyond saving . . I believe all these lines should have been stainless steel as they are exposed to the elements and I'm lucky to have not totaled the truck , injured someone else and or myself.
During a normal stop at a light, just as the vehicle was getting close to a complete stop there was a noticeable bump felt in the brake pedal and release of brake application on its own while still pushing on the brake pedal. This occurred as vehicle was slowing, just before a complete stop was achieved . After researching the problem which seems to be well known in automotive forums and by GM. I removed the front wheel speed sensors, cleaned the corrosion from the mounting pads and reassembled. Before cleaning the sensor mounting the problem would occur 80-90% of the time brakes were applied. After cleaning it has not happened again. There is a recall on this very issue on earlier year models, clearly this needs to be expanded to more model years. If someone had been in front of me when this occurred there is a very good possibility I would have hit the back of their vehicle.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact filed a complaint two years ago regarding the ABS locking up in rainy conditions. All four of his tires locked when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact drove through two bushes and struck a large traffic light pole. The vehicle sustained $7,000 worth of damages. A police report was filed. The contact has been in and out of the hospital since the crash. The manufacturer recalled the vehicles in the north of the united states, but not the south. The contact has a lawyer and spoke with the Chevrolet manufacturer regarding the brake failure. He no longer drives the vehicle in the rain. The failure mileage was 16,000.
The rear brakes failed with little or no warning. The brakes went from good to mushy without warning light. I added brake fluid to test in drive way. Pumped the brakes and the warning light came on. The rear line failed. I had the truck inspected at a general motors dealer in January of 2018 and also at the end of February. The said my vehicle is maintained in excellent condition. If this could happen to me....all GM vehicles with these brake lines are at risk. I read their was a safety bulletin 13-05-22-001. Today is 4/12/2018...because I tow a boat to florida I had the truck checked 2 times in the last 12 weeks....if the dealers can't detect faulty lines....a recall is needed.
I was positioning my Chevy Silverado 2500 year 2006 to hook up my travel trailer rv. As I was backing up to line up the hitch to the rv ball the brake pedal went to the floor and I lost all braking. I had to put the gear shift in park to stop the slight roll. I looked under the truck and there was brake fluid all over my driveway where it had come out of a corroded brake line under the drivers seat. This truck only has 97,797 mile on it. I am very fortunate that the corroded brake line failed before I was able to hook up the rv and start driving, I could have had a serious accident that might have killed someone.
We were getting ready for a long trip (maryland to florida). We hitched our trailer to our truck and were testing lights, brakes, etc. At the campground before we left. As we tested the brakes at a low speed, we realized the brakes did not work at all. We parked it right there on the road in the campground and called a tow truck to take us to our mechanic's shop. When he looked at it, he found he had to replace all the brake tubing because they were all rusted out. Had we been on the road with our trailer, we would have had a crash and could have been killed or severely hurt.
Lost brakes while driving in residential neighborhood due to rusted brake line. Had it towed to my mechanic who did an inspection and said all the brake lines were rusted at the brackets holding the lines. My mechanic is in the process of replacing the brake lines. I talked to several other people with the same year truck and both had also experienced brake line failure from rust. Truck has only 20K miles and has only been in the salt twice as I had an older vehicle I used when it snowed. GM needs to correct this safety defect.
Brake complaints in other Silverado 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
NHTSA has 71 complaints about the brakes of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 40% of the model year's 178 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2006 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 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 56,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.