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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was backing up the truck when a car came up behind me and had to hit the brakes hard. The peddle went all the way to the floor, no brakes at all. Had to steer the truck into a snow bank to avoid an accident. The cab of the truck immediately smelled like brake fluid. Took the truck to the shop and discovered the brake lines are rusted at every point where they connect to the frame. Repaired the first leak and another leak started in another line in the same area the lines attached to the frame behind the drivers side front wheel. Repaired the second leak and a 3rd leak appeared inside the frame rail behind the cab where the line attaches to the frame. The lines can not be safely repaired. All new lines must be installed. The truck only has 10,250 miles on it and is always washed including the under carriage after driving on salted roads.
On approx. 28 April 2013 after a 200 mile trip I was parking my truck when the brake line broke. I then used the emergency brake to stop the truck. At this time I made the necessary repairs to get us back home. Once there I responded to len stoler cheverolet in westminster md. Where I purchased the vehicle. I asked them if they could bleed the brakes, because I did not think I got all the air out of lines. At this time I was waiting in the waiting room when a service advisor came in and ask me to go into the shop because they wanted to show me something. When I arrived at my truck (which was on the lift) they stated the entire brake lines were so corroded that they needed to be replaced at a price of $1610.80. I stated that the so call metal used had to be defected to allow the whole system of lines to rust to this point in only seven years. …
This vehicle has had multiple brake issues since new. First off, it goes through front brake pads and rotors too frequently. First replaced around 25K and again around 60K. This vehicle has mostly been used for long highway trips, ny to fl etc., not around town. Used in rural area. Next, several brakes lines have burst and had to be replaced. The last incident luckily was in my driveway. Having dual brake cylinders on these trucks does not seem to help if a brake line bursts. I needed the emergency brake to stop it on almost flat ground. A recurring problem is with the ABS. Evidently they rust easily, especially in salt belt states, then corrosion on the sensor and hub causes it to activate for no reason. It does not activate the computer control or give warning. It happens intermittently. I had to have one front hub replaced in 2013 and another in 2014. …
While traveling along rt 80 in new jersey at 65 MPH, traffic began to slow in all lanes. I hit my brakes only to find that my foot went completely to the floor and had possibly 10% braking ability remaining to stop the truck. I was only able to avoid contacting the vehicles in front of me by downshifting, using the emergency brake and running onto the highway shoulder and off the road to avoid an accident. I was able to drive slowly to the closest repair shop where I was informed that the brake lines were corroded and leaking brake fluid. As a result, when I hit my brakes, the brake fluid leaked causing the lack of peddle pressure and did not operate the brakes properly. I had no previous warning that there was any brake problems. Additionally, the gas lines were corroded and required replacement. This is an additional hazard that could cause a fire. …
While traveling on the expressway in my 2006 Chevrolet Silverado with 26,000 miles on the odometer, I attempted a transient lane change while taking evasive action in order to avoid a hazardous situation. When coupled with the brakes I noticed longer than usual engagement. As a result, I was forced onto the shoulder and had to use multiple downshifts in concert with the emergency brake to bring the vehicle to a halt. It sounded like a train stopping on rails. I proceeded to drive home with hazards on,u never exceeding third gear. The following morning I noticed clear oil underneath the front end of the vehicle. I believe this is an extremely dangerous vehicle and a less experienced driver would have been killed or extremely injured. Lastly, I have also been noticing inconsistency with steering resistance. Sometimes the steering is considerably looser than at other times. …
While approaching a traffic signal my brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I drove my vehicle slowly home and checked brake fluid level. It was low and I topped it off. I tried the brakes again and once again the pedal went to floor. I went under the vehicle and brake fluid was dripping off the cross member just behind the engine. I could see that all the brake lines were very rusty. I was able to get the vehicle to big o tires. After inspection, it was found that the brake line had rusted through and all the others were in very bad shape and I had all the lines replaced. After some research I found this was a known problem and GM has redesigned the lines but, refused to recall and replace the lines. You need to research this problem further and insist on a recall before someone is killed. …
Brake line rupture resulting in immediate brake failure without warning. Parallel parking a 2006 Silverado when we encountered a complete brake failure and nearly struck another parked vehicle. Brake petal depressed completely to the floor without warning. Steered truck toward curb to fully stop before striking other vehicle. Immediate inspection revealed brake line rupture on drivers side of vehicle in undercarriage area near back of drivers seat. Significant loss of brake fluid and complete brake failure. Fortunately traveling less than 5 MPH - five minutes earlier we were traveling at speeds of 70 MPH on interstate highway. This could have been a catastrophic event had it occurred on the interstate or the offramp. Vehicle passed a virginia state safety inspection three weeks earlier. GM or NHTSA should warn GM owners to check their brake lines and also consider a recall.
My left front wheel hub assembly failed while driving. Brake system was compromised. I was able to pull over and stop safely, but brakes did not respond as they should. Moreover, there was no indication that the wheel bearing was failing, and I am quite aware of what this sounds like because this will be the fourth time I have replaced the wheel hub assembly on the left side. I have replaced the right hub assembly twice. In all previous times, I heard a slight whirling noise or at worse slight grinding, which would lead me to inspection and replacement before failure. This time it failed without any warning. I believe GM has made a serious design and/or quality error in this truck. This should be investigated because this is a common problem.
My vehicle with 57,000 miles had the brakes go out while driving without warning. I took it to a mechanic who said the front brake lines had rusted and broke. I have had the work completed. I feel this is a product defect for a low mileage vehicle. It is very well taken care of and has very few miles on it, and I have owned it since it was new. I have been in contact with Chevrolet and they will not provide me with any answers. They keep telling me to take it to a dealership, however the dealership has told me there is nothing they can do.
Traveling 60 MPH on the highway and approached a red traffic light. Applied the brakes to stop with other traffic. Brake pedal went completely to the floor with approximately 10% braking power. No warning lights on dash. Fortunately the traffic light turned green and traffic moved prior to a crash. Crash was guaranteed if traffic light had not changed. Brake fluid level fine. Brake line under drivers side rusted and burst. No warning signs.
Brake complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 101 complaints about the brakes of the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, 55% of the model year's 182 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Silverado brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, though it has 4 recalls 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 2006 Chevrolet Silverado brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 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.