This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Chevrolet Colorado brakes problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
When does it fail?
Of the 10 brakes complaints filed for the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado, 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
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 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 Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a constellation of brake failures across the 2008 Colorado line. The most common issue is rear brake adjuster malfunction: self-adjusting shoes fail to hold clearance, causing squealing, rapid wear, and loss of braking power—especially on wet roads. GM issued TSB #07-05-24-001B for this, but coverage expires at 36,000 miles and many dealerships skip the repair in favor of temporary clean-and-adjust service. One fleet operator documented 40 instances among 92 trucks, suggesting systemic prevalence.
Additional failures include ABS sensor and wheel hub defects, brake drum perforation from debris accumulation, brake booster grommet tearing, and one case of near-total brake loss. Owners report hard pedal, extended stopping distances, ABS light faults, and intermittent brake failure requiring vehicle restart to restore function. One complaint describes continuous brake drag linked to electrical gremlins—the Colorado having undergone eight electrical repairs already.
Front brake pads shed a fine fiber that migrates into cabins and damages wheels. Several owners took vehicles to dealers on multiple occasions only to be told no problem was found or nothing could be done. At least one repair was performed at customer expense despite being arguably a manufacturing defect.
Same Chevrolet Colorado brakes reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Rear brake adjuster failure and premature wear
Self-adjusting rear brake shoes fail to maintain proper clearance, causing high wear, squealing, and potential loss of braking control. GM issued TSB #07-05-24-001B (coverage through 36,000 miles) but many dealerships perform only temporary clean-and-adjust service instead of the full repair. The defect occurs across the model line regardless of mileage.
When: 10,000 miles through end of warranty; reported in fleet of 92 Colorados with 40+ instances
Symptoms owners cite: Squealing rear brakes; High rear brake wear; Rusting on brake drums; Loss of control under braking, especially on wet roads; Brake pedal becomes hard to apply; Rear wheel lockup when moisture is present
Repairs/costs cited: TSB #07-05-24-001B provides free repair; dealerships sometimes charge for temporary clean-and-adjust instead. Brake drums replaced at owner expense in at least one case (48,500 miles).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #07-05-24-001B issued for rear brake adjuster repair (coverage limit: 36,000 miles)
Brake pad fiber emission and contamination
Front brake pads shed a fine fiber material that coats wheels, fenders, and rocker panels, then enters the ventilation system and passenger cabin. A TSB exists indicating the fiber damages chrome and dye-cast wheels. Issue is most pronounced during city driving.
When: Early in ownership; reported at 3,000 miles current mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Fine fiber material emitted from front brake pads; Fiber deposits on wheels, fenders, and rocker panels; Fiber entering ventilation system; Black fiber entering passenger cabin; Fiber most prominent during city driving
Repairs/costs cited: Owner required to clean wheels weekly; no repair described in narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB exists addressing fiber damage to wheels; specific TSB number not provided
ABS wheel hub and speed sensor failure
Defective wheel hub and speed sensor prevent proper brake engagement and trigger ABS fault warning lamp. Repair requires replacement of both components.
When: 43,726 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service brakes fail to engage properly at various speeds; ABS fault warning lamp illuminated
Codes mentioned: ABS fault
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel hub and speed sensor replaced at dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure
Brake drum holes from self-adjuster spring debris accumulation
Self-adjusting spring accumulates dirt and debris, creating a hole worn through the brake drum that causes intermittent brake failure. Dealer attributed failure to environmental issue rather than manufacturing defect.
When: 48,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes fail intermittently; Hole worn in brake drum
Repairs/costs cited: Brake drums replaced at owner expense by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer characterized as environmental issue; no recall or TSB cited
Brake booster check valve grommet failure
Grommet sealing the brake system check valve to the power booster tears or rips, causing near-total loss of braking capability. Failure occurred without any under-hood work that could have damaged the part.
When: Unknown mileage; no prior under-hood maintenance except oil changes
Symptoms owners cite: Almost complete loss of all brakes; Grommet ripped in two pieces
Repairs/costs cited: Grommet identified as failed during inspection; repair not detailed
Rear brake lockup and hard pedal during moisture exposure
Rear brakes lock up when moisture is present and require excessive pedal force during emergency stops. Dealer found no problems on two separate visits. Chevrolet stated nothing could be done.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brake noise—screeching and squealing; Rear brake lockup when moisture is present; Brake pedal becomes very stiff and hard during emergency stop; Inadequate stopping capability in emergency situation
Repairs/costs cited: No problems found by dealer on two separate inspections; no repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet stated nothing could be done
Rear brake drum failure causing excessive pedal force
Rear brake drums fail, requiring excessive pedal force to achieve braking. Problem occurs repeatedly at highway speeds.
When: Approximately 105,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal requires excessive force to stop vehicle; Failure occurs on numerous occasions; Problem occurs at 35 mph and highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake drums replaced by independent mechanic
ECBM failure causing extended stopping distance
Electronic Controlled Brake Module fails, resulting in abnormally increased stopping distance. Dealer diagnosed need for ECBM replacement but vehicle was not repaired.
When: 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormally increased stopping distance
Repairs/costs cited: ECBM replacement recommended; vehicle not repaired
Intermittent hard pedal and ABS malfunction
Brake pedal becomes hard to apply, vehicle slows but fails to stop, and ABS light illuminates. Issue is intermittent—stops occur and brakes function normally after vehicle restart. Pattern has repeated approximately 10 times.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal becomes hard to apply; Vehicle will slow but not stop; ABS light comes on; Problem resolved after stopping and restarting vehicle; Intermittent pattern—recurs approximately 10 times
Codes mentioned: ABS light
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented
Brake drag, squeal, and ABS grab with steering input
Brakes drag and squeal continuously, grab hard enough to chirp tires, and trigger ABS engagement during tight turns despite vehicle being in 2WD. Steering input over half rotation causes brake grab and tire chirp. Symptoms follow shifts into 4WD (particularly after reversing). Lower-than-expected fuel economy suggests brakes are dragging at all speeds. Owner suspects underlying electrical problem given Colorado's history of electrical faults.
When: Unknown mileage; problem exhibits at all speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes drag and squeal all the time; Hard brake grab sometimes causing tire chirp; ABS engages hard enough to make tires chirp on six occasions; Steering input (over half rotation) causes harder braking and tire grab; Rear wheels spin if starting from stop and turning simultaneously; Lower-than-expected MPG and high variation suggest continuous drag; Symptoms occur in both 2WD and 4WD; Lockup events follow 4WD engagement after backing up; Problem not noticeable at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; vehicle has received 8 electrical fixes already
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The brakes drag and squeal all of the time. They grab some of the time, and have temporarily locked up on 6 occasions. Being ABS; they don't actually lock up but do grab hard enough and long enough to make the tires "chirp". The problems are not noticeable at highway speed but the lower than expected MPG and higher than expected variation in MPG makes me think they occur at all speeds. Having…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet colorado. While driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal required excessive force in order to stop the vehicle. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the rear brake drums failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…
Rear brake issues no problems found at dealer 2 times I had taken it to them. Rear brake noise screeching squealing, lock up when moisture is present, and in an emergency stop the pedal gets real stiff and is hard to stop. I put in a complaint to Chevrolet and they said there is nothing they can do. I feel unsafe driving this vehicle after two close calls with emergency stopping. Please help me I…
Had brakes trouble with your 2008 Chevrolet Colorado?
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 2008 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 28,000 and 45,000 miles, with the median around 35,600. A quarter of owners report trouble before 28,000; a quarter make it past 45,000. 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/2008/Chevrolet/Colorado.
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.