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 ↗2009 Chevrolet Silverado brakes problems
moderate 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
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 communication provides the technician with the additional steps that are needed to help perform a successful brake bleed on the 2-Mode Hybrid with Regular Production Option Code HP2. With a battery maintainer installed on the vehicle use brake pressure bleeder that maintains 30 psi for the entire bleed procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
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 Electronic Brake Control Module and Brake Pressure Modulator Valve for the 2-Mode Hybrid Utilities and Trucks will be placed on a parts restriction through the General Motors Technical Assistance Center. Dealer will need to contact for further assistance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Silverado brake complaints center on multiple distinct failures. Owners report repetitive rotor warping, with grinding noise and steering vibration during downhill braking—even after grinding and full replacement. Some bought the truck with the problem already present; one retired brake specialist took his truck to the dealer four times before GM replaced rotors as a goodwill measure.
Hydraulic failures are documented: both rear slave cylinders failed simultaneously on one truck at 36,000 miles, causing chatter and lockup despite functioning ABS. Another owner lost all braking at 32,000 miles due to ABS modulator valve failure (Part #25922981); a 2016 GM service bulletin exists for this part.
Electrical and control module problems recur: brake switches fail and require replacement multiple times, StabiliTrak and ABS lights illuminate together, headlights flash when brakes are applied, and dual module failures knock out both brake warning and ABS functions. One owner with a trailer brake system found the ABS module failure (Part #25802684) caused nationwide parts shortages with no available fix.
Owners also report spongy brake pedal feel, excessive travel, and locked-up brakes that require throttle input to release. One truck's brakes self-engaged and pulsed at low speeds. A brake pad completely detached from the rear, causing rotor damage. Several owners report dealers refused warranty work citing out-of-warranty status despite early failures.
Same Chevrolet Silverado brakes reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Rear Brake Slave Cylinder Failure
Both rear brake slave cylinders failed simultaneously, leaking hydraulic fluid onto brake linings, causing them to stick to the drums and resulting in brake chatter and wheel lockup despite ABS being equipped.
When: 36,094 miles, 4 years of service
Symptoms owners cite: Extreme chattering of rear brakes upon application; Rear wheel lockup despite ABS being active; Hydraulic fluid leakage from slave cylinders
Repairs/costs cited: Both rear brake slave cylinders replaced; repair performed at customer expense; no recurrence in subsequent 3,000 miles
ABS/Stability Control Module Failure - Trailer Brake System Disability
ABS/stability control module (Part #25802684) failure disables power to trailer brake systems, cutting brakes on electric-brake trailers. Module was on nationwide backorder with no parts available in the country.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Driver Information Center warning: 'SERVICE TRAILER BRAKE SYSTEM'; Loss of power to integrated trailer brake controller; Electric trailer brakes non-functional when module fails
Repairs/costs cited: Defective ABS/stability control module (Part #25802684) requires replacement; GM had zero parts in stock nationwide at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has no fix; module on backorder; no parts availability
Rotor Warping - Repeated Failures
Front brake rotors warp repeatedly, even after grinding, replacement, and pad replacement. Problem occurs primarily during downhill braking with moderate pressure. Owner reports no hard driving, only 4,000 miles per year.
When: First occurrence at ~1 year / low mileage; recurrence at 23,000 miles; continues despite multiple repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration and growling noise from brakes during downhill driving; Reduced brake pedal effectiveness going downhill; Steering wheel shaking when braking on hills; Warped rotor diagnosis on multiple service visits
Repairs/costs cited: Rotors ground, then replaced multiple times; brake pads replaced; problem persists despite repairs
Brake Pedal Feel Issues - Weak/Spongy Pressure
Brake pedal exhibits weak, spongy, or soft back-pressure, requiring excessive pumping to achieve adequate braking control. Pedal travel exceeds normal limits for the model year and competitors.
When: Reported at 32,000 miles and as general characteristic of 1500 models
Symptoms owners cite: Weak or spongy brake pedal feel; Excessive brake pedal travel to floorboard; Need to pump pedal more than twice to obtain adequate pressure; Inadequate emergency braking response
Brake Switch Failure - Electrical Malfunction
Brake switch fails repeatedly, causing StabiliTrak and ABS warning lights to illuminate. Brake lights also stick on and will not turn off when pedal is released. Switch replacement is temporary; failure recurs.
When: Multiple occurrences within service life
Symptoms owners cite: StabiliTrak warning light illuminates; ABS warning light illuminates; Brake lights remain on after pedal is released; Lights recur after switch replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Brake switch replaced multiple times (at least 3 replacements reported); problem recurs after repair
Brakes Not Releasing - Sticking/Locking
Brake system fails to release normally, requiring half-throttle pedal push to 'pop' brakes free, causing vehicle to lunge forward. When brakes are reapplied, they lock up. System self-engages and pulses when vehicle is below 20 mph and foot is off accelerator.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes do not release with normal pedal release; Brakes 'pop' free suddenly when throttle applied, lunging vehicle; Brakes lock up on reapplication; Self-engaging pulsing and surging brakes at low speeds; Repetitive brake engage/lock cycle in traffic
Brake System Electrical - Headlight Flashing During Braking
Headlights flash on and off intermittently whenever brakes are depressed. Dealer visited approximately 20 times; dealer claimed phenomenon is normal due to new charging system. Manufacturer offered no assistance.
When: Started at ~19,000 miles; ongoing at 38,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights flash on and off when brakes are depressed; Intermittent electrical anomaly
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable or unwilling to repair despite ~20 service visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered no assistance; dealer claimed condition is normal
ABS Modulator Valve Failure
ABS modulator valve (Part #25922981) fails, disabling brakes entirely. Owner references GM Service Bulletin PIT4383P (May 2016) indicating this part is a known issue with replacement available under bulletin.
When: 32,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete brake system failure; Driver Information Center shows brake system problems; StabiliTrak warning light; Traction control warning
Repairs/costs cited: ABS modulator valve (Part #25922981) replacement; owner was quoted $4,000 for repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Service Bulletin PIT4383P (May 2016) covers this defect with parts replacement
Electronic Control Module and ABS Module Failure
Both electronic control module and ABS module fail simultaneously, illuminating brake and ABS warning lights upon vehicle startup. Vehicle not repaired; manufacturer aware but no resolution provided.
When: 70,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake warning light illuminated at startup; ABS warning light illuminated at startup
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic control module and ABS module replacement required; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised follow-up with dealer but provided no remedy
Rear Brake Pad Detachment
Complete rear brake pad missing from driver-side rear brakes, causing grinding noise and extensive rotor damage. Rear brakes replaced multiple times; front brakes never replaced despite heavy rear brake wear.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise during braking; Brake pad completely missing from driver-side rear; Extensive rotor damage from pad loss
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake pads replaced several times; extensive rotor damage required repair
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 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 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 10,422 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 26,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,422; a quarter make it past 70,000. 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/2009/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.