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 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2000 Chevrolet c3500. The contact stated while braking from approximately 35 MPH, the brakes did not engage and the contact proceeded to crash into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a local repair facility where the mechanic advised that the brake lines were rusted and corroded. One of the brake lines had fractured at the rear driver side wheel. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The vehicle was left at the repair facility where the contact was awaiting repairs. The failure and current mileages were approximately 135,000.
During operation of vehicle, power braking and steering is lost. Vehicle fails to stop or steer easily and therefore will not stop in safe distance. Occurs usually at slow speeds but increases stopping distance and requires extreme strength to turn. May happen several times during short trip. Vehicle has hydraulic assist (steering pump) brake system. Definitely unsafe and appears Canada has already acted on.
Time 15:30. Road conditions: dry. No clouds. Incident: slowing to a stop at pedestrian crossing, the ABS system activated at approximately 8 MPH. Vehicle failed to stop and lurched forward into pedestrians. Condition replicates the ABS failures in similar vehicles that are under recall; dealer indicated this vehicle was not part of recall but has same issue.
While traveling west bound on md route 4, upper marlboro, md, the traffic light turned to yellow as I was approaching dowerhouse road intersection. I applied my brakes to stop and the pedal suddenly dropped a few inches. I applied more pressure and the brake suddenly dropped to the floor and I lost all brake pedal use. I blew my horn as I went through the intersection as the light turned red. I pumped the brakes several times and there were no brakes. I applied the emergency brake and that slowed my vehicle and eventually stopped it. Upon returning my vehicle to my residence, examination revealed that the rear metallic brake line along the left frame rail had rusted or corroded through where the plastic anti chaffing clip attached to the brake line. Further exam revealed the front brake line had also failed. …
First time the brake failure occurred was in the driveway. My son, a newly licensed driver was taking the vehicle to school when he came back into the house and said the brakes on the truck don't feel right and the pedal goes to the floor. He stated that as he was backing out of the driveway, the brake pedal went to the floor. As a mechanic, I took the vehicle to the shop and found the brake line from the master cylinder to the rear brakes had failed. I replaced this line. Less than a month later another brake line burst when I had my foot on the brake in a parking lot. This time it was the brake line from the tee near the differential going to the left rear brake. All brake lines will now be replaced. My personal opinion is this is a defective part. …
I purchased a new 2000 Chevy 3500 4 door dully. It now has 67,000 miles. The truck has worn out seven sets of brakes and at this moment it needs the 8th set plus the front rotors are cracked from excessive heat and need to be replaced. Even with new brake pads the truck will not stop as it should you must drive it like your driving in snow. I seldom drive it over 55 miles per hour unless I am on the open road with no cars in sight. I have had no accidents just several close calls. But that is a result only of my defensive driving habits. I purchased this truck for heavy hauling but the truck won't stop itself much less a loaded trailer. The dealer was happy to put new brakes on as long as the general was paying the bill but now that the 3 years 36,000 has expired it's just me and my check book.
Rear brakes were excessively wearing out every 3-4,000 miles. Brake pedal would go to floor. Would have no rear brakes when they were applied. Had an accident due to lack of rear brakes, on one occasion dealer stated that the rear brakes were metal to metal, the brake pads were scorched, master cylinder was replaced, and the brake proportioning valve was replaced. Contacted manufacturer & informed consumer that VIN indicated a tow truck, but vehicle was not heavy enough to be tow truck. Manufacturer could not give explaination for labeling of tow truck. It could not be used as a tow truck.brakes would continue to wear out due to not being heavy enough, according to manufacturer's explanation. Consumer is requesting a fix to this dangerous problem or a pro-rated replacement of the vehicle.
This information pertains to a Chevy ck 3500 crew cab 4x4 dully purchased new in 2000. At 1,923 miles the original factory front brake pads were worn out and replaced under warranty. At 3,108 miles the rotor assembly was replaced. Again, at 7,709 miles the front disc pads had to be replaced. At 11,596 miles front disc pads, rear shoes and linings. At 20,317 miles front pads again along with replacement of h1320 booster assembly. At 24,977 miles front pads and h0780 brake valve replaced. At 35,000 miles one more set of front disc brake pads before the warranty ran out and the general cut me loose. Since the warranty expired, it has continued to be a front brake job between every 6,000-10,000 miles.
Had multiple brake line failures in the last 2 months. First being the main line to the rear brakes, then brake line to the right front wheel, then line to left front wheel. While truck was being worked on it was noticed that the front frame rail was starting to rust through near where the front bumper mounts, also noticed rust on the frame at front of cab area, this is not surface rust, this is rusted through the frame and has large rust scales. It is primarily in the area of the cab and forward. Frame seems to be okay from the cab back, problem is where the frame is enclosed.
The brakes overheated and they smoked when driving on long steep grades, also when down shifting, it was difficult to slow or stop. The brakes were not adequate for the weight of the vehicle. The brake pads were replaced, the rotors were resurfaced, the rear brake drums were cleaned, and the brake shoes were adjusted. (this did not fix the problem) the vehicle continued to experience these problems. The dealer representative suggested the consumer purchase a 2001 model which had the revised braking system.
NHTSA investigations
Hydraulic pump shaft failures
The preliminary evaulation is being upgraded.during the ea odi will limitits investigation to only those vehicles equipped with a hydro-boost system, which provides power assist to the braking and steering sytems.vaccuum brake booster vehicles are excluded.odi hasexpanded the scope of the ea to include model years2003 and 2004, asduring the pe, odi learned that the hydroboast pumps were modified in febraury…
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.
Brake complaints in other Silverado 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 48% of the model year's 80 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, though it has 1 recall for other components. 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 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires 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.