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 ↗2007 Chevrolet Silverado brakes problems
moderate 88 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
88
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
3crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 88 brakes complaints filed for the 2007 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
Owners have filed 88 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.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 warranty administration bulletin provide policy information on a revised customer concern not duplicated/verified labor operation numbers and how to submit CCND.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2007 Chevrolet Silverados report persistent brake system failures across multiple modes. Brake line corrosion is the most frequent complaint—steel lines rust and fail, sometimes catastrophically, forcing owners into repairs costing $600 to $3,000. Failures happen at low to highway speeds and at low mileage (some as early as 39,700 miles), with brake fluid leaking onto driveways and loss of braking ability requiring emergency brake activation or ditch maneuvers to stop safely.
ABS and wheel speed sensor issues appear in a distinct cluster: the system activates incorrectly during low-speed driving, causing jerking and requiring excessive pedal force. Wheel speed sensors corrode, especially in salt-belt regions, and dealers report they cannot clean or remove them without further damage. Diagnostics yield no fault codes despite repeated failures.
Brake pulsation, grabbing, and dragging are chronic. Owners have rotors resurfaced or replaced multiple times at intervals of 5,000–8,000 miles—sometimes four or more times within 30,000–40,000 miles—with no permanent fix. Front pad wear is uneven and premature. Brake hardware (calipers, master cylinders, proportioning valves) fails repeatedly; repairs do not hold. Squealing, grinding, and steering wheel shake during braking are routine complaints, worsening under load towing or on downgrades.
Low brake response and mushy or spongy pedal sensation occur, sometimes progressing to complete pedal fade to the floorboard. One brake line failure happened even during initial parking-lot testing. Dealers consistently claim problems are "normal" or refuse to diagnose without a trouble code, leaving owners frustrated and unsafe.
Same Chevrolet Silverado brakes reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Brake line corrosion and rupture
Steel brake lines rust and corrode, leading to pinhole leaks, complete rupture, or loss of brake fluid. Failures occur across forward lines from master cylinder to ABS module and rear brake lines. Common in salt-belt and humid climates. Owners report lines becoming brittle, pitted, and deteriorating rapidly.
When: 9,000 to 200,000 miles; as early as 39,700 miles on some trucks; some rusting occurs rapidly even when parked
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depresses to floorboard with no stopping power; Loss of brake fluid visible under vehicle; Brake lines visibly rusted, pitted, or deteriorated; Spongy or soft pedal before total failure; Complete brake failure while backing up, parking, or driving at low to high speed
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of entire brake line systems; labor-intensive due to steel line bending not pre-formed; costs range $600–$3,000 (parts $100–$500, labor $500–$2,300); some owners noted GM refused to cover under expired extended warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claim that corrosion is common among same vehicles; GM did not issue recalls for this defect despite multiple reports; some dealers deny warranty coverage after expiration; GM stated in 2008 they upgraded to improved materials for newer models
ABS and wheel speed sensor malfunction
ABS activates incorrectly at low speeds during normal driving, causing jerking, vibration, and loss of vehicle control. Wheel speed sensors corrode in salt-belt regions and fail to detect wheel rotation, sending wrong signals to ABS computer. Corrosion accumulates around sensors, pulling them upward and disrupting signal.
When: As early as 2,000 miles; at low speeds (under 10 mph, 25 mph); intermittent, recurring 25–30 times over 3 years in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: ABS activates unprompted at low speeds; Jerking and forward lurch when braking gently; Excessive force required on brake pedal; ABS warning light illumination; Pulsating brakes when ABS engages; Difficulty stopping; vehicle moves through stop signs or intersections when ABS engages
Codes mentioned: No fault codes in computer despite repeated failures
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer cleaning of wheel speed sensors (temporary, often recurs); sensors cannot be removed without risk of damage per dealer reports; replacement may be needed but dealers avoided confirmation; one recall (14459) for rear brakes was improperly installed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state 'computer shows no codes so nothing is wrong' and refuse to diagnose or repair; GM regional supervisor gave same response; recall 14459 applied to some trucks but was improperly installed by dealer; no TSB or remedy found in narratives
Brake pulsation and grabbing
Brakes pulsate, grab, and cause steering wheel shake during braking, especially at highway speeds or while towing. Occurs repeatedly despite multiple rotor resurfacing and pad replacement. Uneven rotor wear, excessive rotor pitting, and proportioning valve imbalance suspected.
When: 10,000 miles onward; occurs at 40–80 mph during braking for toll plazas, off-ramps, or turns; recurring every 5,000–8,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Truck and steering wheel shake excessively when brakes applied; Brake pulsation at low and highway speeds; Uneven pad wear (inner pad wears prematurely); Brake squeal when applied; Excessive rotor pitting visible by mileage 9,000; Rotor wear requiring replacement every 5,000–8,000 miles; Jerking motion when coming to stop
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor resurfacing (temporary); rotor replacement (multiple times); front pad replacement (4+ times in 30,000 miles); rear drum replacement; caliper replacement; rebalancing of tires; proportioning valve suspected but not confirmed repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated pulsation is 'normal for the vehicle'; service manager dismissed safety concern; shop visited 5 times with no resolution; one friend with same truck also reports inside tire wear
Brake pedal fade and loss of response
Brake pedal becomes mushy, spongy, or loses resistance under sustained pressure, sometimes progressing to complete fade where pedal travels to floorboard with no braking action. Failure often sudden and without warning lights. Master cylinder, brake lines, and bleeding procedures do not fully resolve the issue.
When: 17,100 miles and beyond; intermittent at low and highway speeds; some cases after brake system repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or loses resistance under sustained pressure; Pedal fades during braking, requiring increased force; Pedal depresses fully to floorboard without stopping vehicle; Pedal requires both feet or excessive force to stop vehicle; Pedal may depress 4 times in 10 minutes without response; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Brake line bleeding (temporary); brake caliper replacement; two brake lines replacement; master cylinder replacement; third attempt included front lines and caliper replacement; repairs do not hold
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not notified in some cases; no recall or TSB evident from narratives
Brake hardware failure (caliper, master cylinder lock-up)
Calipers lock up, seize, or fail to release, causing premature pad and rotor wear on one wheel. Master cylinder fails. Brake proportioning valve suspected of maladjustment, applying unequal pressure between front and rear circuits.
When: 48,000 miles (locked caliper); recurring at 5,000–8,000 mile intervals
Symptoms owners cite: One caliper locks or seizes, causing rapid pad and rotor wear on that wheel; Grinding sound from front end; Excessive wear on one pad or shoe while others have 3/4 life remaining; Possible swerve or spin-out risk under heavy braking due to imbalanced pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Right caliper replacement at 48,000 miles; brake pad and rotor replacement multiple times; proportioning valve suspected but not confirmed as defective or adjusted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB cited
Brake noise (squeal and grinding)
High-pitched squealing and grinding sounds during braking, particularly in humid weather or after car washes. Noise persists after rotor replacement, resurfacing, and pad changes. One rotor showed extensive pitting by 9,000 miles.
When: 2 months after purchase (around 9,000 miles); recurring in humid or wet conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Loud squeal when brakes applied; Grinding noise heard during braking; Squeal worse in high humidity; Squealing after recall repair completion; Noise persists after multiple repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer initially blamed weather and break-in period; rotor resurfacing and replacement; pad replacement; rear drum cleaning; none permanently resolved noise
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed issue was weather-related and normal break-in
ABS cold-weather malfunction
ABS warning light and brake warning light illuminate in cold, wet conditions (below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, snow on road). ABS does not function when needed. Lights turn off and brakes work normally once vehicle warms.
When: Recurring in winter, most recently 01/07/14; happens only in sub-10-degree wet conditions
Symptoms owners cite: ABS and brake warning lights illuminate in cold, wet conditions; ABS does not engage when tested by hard braking; Warning lights clear and brakes function normally after warming in garage
Repairs/costs cited: No repair taken; issue resolved by warming vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No contact with manufacturer
Brake controller incompatibility
Integrated trailer brake controller is inoperative or incompatible with certain aftermarket trailer brake systems, rendering trailer braking inoperable.
When: At time of purchase; discovered during towing use
Symptoms owners cite: Trailer brake controller does not function; System incompatible with certain trailer brake types
Repairs/costs cited: None; mechanic confirmed controller not working as designed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Sales rep informed of intended towing use and discussed optional integrated braking system; system confirmed to be incompatible with certain trailers
Synthesized from 88 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard while driving at various speeds without warning. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they replaced the brake calipers, two brake lines and the brake pads. Despite the repair, the failure returned soon after the repairs were performed. The contact…
My brakes did not work as before the warning lights and buzzers went off. *tr
Side airbags deployed in a non accident situation while driving...two weeks prior to that brake failure. *tr
Had brakes trouble with your 2007 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 2007 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 88 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 85 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 24,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 57,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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/2007/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.