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 ↗2012 Chevrolet Silverado brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado have filed 9 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Silverado | 25 |
| 2009 Silverado | 17 |
| 2010 Silverado | 6 |
| 2011 Silverado | 15 |
| 2012 Silverado (this page) | 9 |
| 2013 Silverado | 3 |
| 2014 Silverado | 218 |
| 2015 Silverado | 334 |
| 2016 Silverado | 225 |
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 Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician with the steps on diagnosing and repairing vehicles that may have unwanted grade braking, reduced engine power with no Driver Information Center messages ? Brake Pedal Override Feature ?, transmission busy or frequent shifting up or down, and Diagnostic Trouble Codes P057B, P057C, and/or P057D may or may not be set. Technician will use this preliminary information to find the brake pedal position data parameters in the scan tool, and also to provide some additional diagnostic help. These issues may be caused by an incorrect brake pedal position sensor input to the engine control module. Technician will verify w
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GENERAL MOTORS: OWNERS MAY COMPLAIN ABOUT UNWANTED BRAKING, OR REDUCED ENGINE POWER. THERE MAY ALSO BE SOME UP AND DOWN SHIFTS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. UPDATED 10/15/14. UPDATED 11/12/14.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a meaningful issue. 9 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 9 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 75,872 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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.