This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Chevrolet Silverado brakes problems
severe 313 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
313
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
15crashes
1fire
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 313 brakes complaints filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Brakes accounts for 40% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 313 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CHEVROLET/GMC/CADILLAC: ANYTIME HYDRAULIC BRAKE PIPES ASSEMBLY NEED REPLACING, PRE-FORMED AND PRE-FLARED BRAKE PIPES ARE AVAILABLE, EXCEPT REAR AXLE CROSSOVER PIPE. MODEL 1999-2007 SILVERADO, SIERRA, 2000-2006 ESCALADE MODELS, AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, YUKON MODELS. UPDATED 7/18/14. UPDATED 12/9/14.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ABS LIGHT ON, DTC'S C0265, C0201, U1041 SET AND/OR LOSS OF COMMUNICATION WITH BRAKE MODULE. (REGROUND EBCM GROUND).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2006 Silverados describe catastrophic brake failures triggered by premature corrosion of bare steel brake lines running along the frame. The lines rust from the inside out and at connection points, causing ruptures that dump fluid and leave drivers with no pedal pressure—often without warning. Failures occur between 9,000 and 122,000 miles, with many happening between 7 and 10 years in service regardless of mileage.
Brake pedals going to the floor at highway speed or in traffic are common; owners used emergency brakes and downshifting to avoid collisions. One driver narrowly missed a semi at 50–60 mph. Mechanics consistently report the entire line system is compromised—they replace all lines, not just the failed one. Replacement runs $600–$3,800 depending on labor access; some trucks require cab separation from frame to reach lines near the ABS module.
Secondary corrosion problems include failing wheel speed sensors (drilled out due to rust), prematurely worn rotors at low mileage (replacements at 2,400, 13,000, 21,000 miles), and parking brakes that won't hold. GM offered zinc-coated replacement lines on later repairs and issued recalls for 1999–2005 models with the same defect, but refused to extend coverage to 2006 and newer. Most owners report warranty denial based on age or mileage.
Same Chevrolet Silverado brakes reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Brake line corrosion and rupture
Bare steel brake lines corrode prematurely, causing ruptures, loss of brake fluid, and partial or complete brake failure. Corrosion occurs throughout the system—at frame attachment points, under the cab, near the ABS module, and at connection fittings. Owners report lines turning to rust flakes at a touch, rupturing from impact or normal braking pressure. Multiple lines typically fail sequentially or concurrently, requiring replacement of the entire brake line system.
When: Between 9,000 and 122,000 miles; some failures as early as 4 years in service; commonly between 7–10 years regardless of mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor with no warning and no resistance; Spongy or soft brakes; Brake fluid leak visible under vehicle from frame rail or connections; Service brake light and/or ABS light illumination; Reduced or absent braking power requiring emergency brake to stop
Codes mentioned: Brake system pressure fault, ABS light activation
Repairs/costs cited: Complete replacement of all brake lines from master cylinder through ABS module to wheels required. Repair costs range from $598 to $3,800 depending on labor access and whether lines can be replaced without separating truck cab from frame. Aftermarket stainless steel line kits available as owner-sourced upgrades; GM-authorized repairs use zinc-coated steel lines as replacement. Some vehicles require truck bed or cab removal to access lines near ABS module, dramatically increasing labor.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM covers 30% of repair costs on selective warranty basis (some cases). GM introduced zinc-coated brake lines as replacement design in later production. Recalls issued for 1999–2005 Silverado models (certain model years) with same issue, but 2006 and newer not included in recalls despite identical design. GM attributes failures to vehicle sitting and salt-belt environment, denying design defect. Most owners report GM denies warranty coverage citing age and mileage.
Brake rotor and pad wear
Front and rear brake rotors show premature corrosion and wear, glazing over rapidly. Some rotors are out of round or exhibit pitting corrosion and porous metal composition. Brake pads wear excessively fast due to compromised rotor surface. Replacements required multiple times in vehicle lifetime at low mileage.
When: As early as 2,400 miles; repeated replacements at 25K, 37K, 60K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Pulsating or vibrating brake pedal and steering wheel shimmy when brakes are applied or after brakes warm up; Rough or glazed rotor surface; Brake pad chirp sensor triggering prematurely; Rapid loss of braking capability between sensor warning and pad failure
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor resurfacing (2400 miles, 13K miles) and replacement (21K miles, 6500 miles) performed multiple times. All four rotors often defective. Calipers or wheel cylinders also may require replacement due to corrosion. Mechanics report this corrosion pattern is common.
ABS sensor and wheel hub corrosion
Front wheel speed sensors corrode and fail due to heavy rust on sensor mounting pads and brake hub surfaces. Corrosion is so severe sensors must be drilled out for removal. Right and left sensors typically fail one after the other. Some replacement sensors received from dealer stock are themselves defective.
When: As early as 37,000 miles; failures recurring within 1–2 years of replacement
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light illumination; Brake pedal pulsating to floor and moving up and down; Delayed stopping (5+ feet further than normal) at low speeds (under 10 mph); ABS system engaging unexpectedly on dry pavement at very low speeds; Loud noise from wheel area during braking
Codes mentioned: Left wheel sensor bad (example), Right wheel sensor bad (example)
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel speed sensor replacement; sensors must be drilled out due to corrosion. Complete hub bearing replacement (including sensor) at $750+ per side; some owners replaced same hub twice within 1–3 years. Cleaning corrosion from sensor mounting pads as temporary fix. Diagnostic cost: $74.50. Full sensor set: $505; labor and misc: $313.50.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls issued for 1999–2005 models (certain years) for identical ABS sensor corrosion issue, but not extended to 2006. GM-certified service centers note they replace wheel sensors very frequently on these vehicles. GM denies extended warranty coverage citing vehicle age and mileage.
Brake booster diaphragm rupture
Brake booster diaphragm fails catastrophically without warning, leaving driver with very little braking power. Failure occurs at idle or low-speed parking situations.
When: At 63,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud popping sound like balloon popping; Recoil felt in brake pedal; Suddenly very little brake assist available; Brakes extremely hard to apply
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replacement required. Mechanics note this failure is described as something that 'never happens,' especially on vehicles with low mileage (63K).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet refused to cover repair cost under warranty, citing age and mileage (though not a wear item and described as mechanical defect by owner).
Parking brake failure
Parking brake shoes and mechanism cannot hold vehicle stationary on grade or flat ground, even after adjustment per service manual and replacement of worn hardware.
When: Upon inspection
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake does not hold truck stationary; Brake shoes worn through lining; Even after replacement and adjustment, brake fails to hold within days
Repairs/costs cited: Brake shoe and hardware replacement, cable and actuator inspection, and manual adjustment and burnishing per service manual. Problem recurs quickly with dragging shoes wearing out rapidly. Typical across fleet of seven identical trucks; dealership experience indicates recall should apply to automatic transmission models as well.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for manual transmission models but not automatic transmission variants with identical brake design.
Brake line welding defect
Brake line at rear driver's side brake shock absorber connection exhibits partial or defective factory welding, creating structural weakness and risk of recurrent failure.
When: At 29,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake failure when pedal depressed at highway speed (50 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: First dealer repair completed partially; second dealer identified partial welding and stated failure could recur at any moment. No factory defect evident in driving history (no rough terrain or abuse). Repair cost and completion unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer took report but refused to authorize dealer to complete full welding repair, despite second dealer confirmation of factory defect.
Synthesized from 313 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Brake lines through out truck are rotting. *kb
Brake line failure due to excessive corrosion as the lines lay on the frame. Luckily, the break was at home and I was able to get it into the shop for repair. Less than a month later, another line broke as I was pulling into my drive.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, he depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle did not stop immediately. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the brake lines were corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000.…
Brake failure when stepping on brakes on highway. Steel brake line from front to rear brakes ruptured and pedal went to floor with no warning. From reading on web this is a commend problem with corrosion on brake lines due to poor quality materials used in manufacturing. *tr
ABS brakes activate at a very low speed almost when slowing to a stop. I'm afraid im going to rear end someone. Dealer cant find any problems. When will this be a recall???? *tr
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…
Had brakes trouble with your 2006 Chevrolet Silverado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 313 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 300 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 45,000 and 97,797 miles, with the median around 66,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 97,797. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chevrolet/Silverado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.