While driving the vehicle on a snow covered road the check engine light, abs light, esc light and parking brake light all came on. The vehicle also lost braking power. Took to the dealer. They told me it was a brake control module. If you do some research this is a on going thing since 2018. But they still continue to put this part in the trucks. On top of all of that they don't have a…
2021 Chevrolet Silverado brakes problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
What stands out
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado has generated 20 brake-system complaints describing multiple distinct failure modes, starting with complete loss of braking power. Owners report the brake pedal going to the floor with no resistance, typically accompanied by warning lights for brake system failure, ESC service, and check engine. Some owners hit speeds as low as 43 MPH in limp mode before regaining brake function after stopping and restarting. The brake control module replacement and software updates dealers perform do not appear durable—at least one owner reported the exact same symptoms recurring within days of repair.
A second major failure involves the master brake cylinder and booster assembly failing outright. One owner's truck left a dealership with a newly replaced master cylinder, only to fail again months later, then again two months after that. Dealers cite severe parts shortages, with some vehicles sitting in the shop for one to two months awaiting replacement components.
Owners also describe brake lines rubbing on frame brackets and tearing open, causing brake lockup or failure at highway speeds. One mechanic told an owner this is widespread on new Chevy trucks. A separate defect involves rear brake calipers allowing dirt ingress; GM offers "updated" calipers only at customer expense ($2,400), declining warranty coverage despite the known design flaw. The ESC system has applied the parking brake unintentionally at highway speeds without warning lights to following vehicles, and the brake pad wear sensor monitor frequently fails to reset after pad replacement.
Same Chevrolet Silverado brakes reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Brake control module failure
Brake system loss of function tied to faulty brake control module; multiple owners report sudden loss of braking power, mushy pedal response, or limp-mode speed restriction (43 MPH). Owners report the issue recurs after dealer software update or module replacement, suggesting the fix is not durable.
When: Under 5,000 miles to 94,000 miles; recurring within days or weeks after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to the floor with no resistance; Mushy brake response; Vehicle speed limited to 43 MPH; Brake system failure warning on dash; Check engine light, ESC light, parking brake light, traction control light illuminated; Service Brake Assist warning
Codes mentioned: Brake System Failure, Service ESC, Service Brake Assist
Repairs/costs cited: Brake control module replacement; software update; brake system reset. Repairs do not appear permanent—issue recurs after dealer work.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two recalls exist for 2021 Silverado brake control module issues per owner report, but VIN-specific checker indicates some affected trucks do not qualify. GM contacted in complaint #8 but no assistance provided. Manufacturer stated in complaint #13 'too bad' when customer raised known brake caliper issue.
Master brake cylinder and booster failure
Complete or near-complete loss of braking function caused by failed master cylinder or brake booster assembly. Owners report brake pedal to the floor with no slowing effect; some required parking brake engagement to stop vehicle.
When: 16 months to less than 2 years in service; mileages ranging 49,400 to 70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depresses to floorboard with no resistance or very little resistance; Vehicle will not slow down or slows minimally; Brake system failure warnings on dash; Check engine light illuminated; Service ESC and Service Brake System warnings
Codes mentioned: Brake System Failure, Service ESC, Service Brake System
Repairs/costs cited: Master brake cylinder and booster replacement required. Parts unavailable at dealership; vehicles left in shop for 1-2 months awaiting parts. One owner reported second failure two months after initial April 2025 repair, then recurred again in December 2025 and February 2026.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives. Parts shortages prevent timely repair.
Brake line rubbing and rupture
Brake lines rubbing on bracket or frame component, causing line wear, stretching, and tearing. Results in brake fluid loss and brake failure on the road.
When: Early in ownership; identified at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes lock up or fail on highway; Rubbing noise in rear of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Brake line and caliper bracket replacement; repair costs exceed $500. Mechanics report this is seen on 'all new Chevy trucks' per one owner's report.
ESC system malfunction with unintended brake application
Electronic stability control system malfunctions, applying parking brake or service brakes unexpectedly at highway speeds without warning to following vehicles. Related to broader brake control module issues.
When: At 39,495 miles; also reported in early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: ESC light and Service ESC warning on dash; Check engine light blinking; Parking brake light on; Vehicle shudders and rear bounces; Parking brake applies unintentionally at highway speeds; Service Power Steering Drive With Care warning
Codes mentioned: Service ESC, Service Power Steering Drive With Care
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate issue on initial visit; warning codes stored in computer but no repair performed.
Brake pad wear sensor monitor failure
Brake pad wear sensor fails to reset or display correctly after pad replacement, preventing driver from monitoring actual pad remaining life. Sensor replacement did not resolve the underlying issue.
When: At 32,000 miles (approximately 1 year after purchase); recurred at 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pad wear monitor stuck at 51% and will not reset; Dashboard prompting for pad replacement verification despite recent replacement; Incorrect brake pad life percentage display (71% front, 77% rear at high mileage)
Codes mentioned: Brake Pad Sensor Monitor Error
Repairs/costs cited: Front left sensor monitor replaced by dealership for $293 (out of warranty); issue recurred within weeks.
Rear brake caliper design defect
Updated rear brake calipers with deflectors indicate a known design flaw allowing dirt ingress into calipers. Calipers cause rubbing noise and premature rotor wear.
When: Identified during vehicle ownership; not specified in early or late ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Rubbing sound in rear end; Premature rear rotor wear
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership offers 'updated brake calipers with deflectors' at customer expense ($2,400 for purchase and installation); rotors replaced under warranty. Manufacturer declined to cover updated parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated 'too bad' when customer inquired about covering the known-issue updated brake calipers.
Parking brake failure and ESC entrapment
Parking brake will not disengage and remains stuck in engaged position, rendering vehicle undrivable. Related to broader ESC/brake control system failures.
When: Early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake light on; Parking brake will not come off; Trailer brake service light on; Vehicle undrivable
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Anytime the weather gets colder than 32degrees Fahrenheit the DEF system freezes, which even if the tank is full makes the truck go into limp mode until it thaws out. The engine light pops on and off with no codes associated with it. Now the breaks and break lines are freezing when it gets below freezing. These are just a few of the reoccurring problems we’ve experienced since buying the truck…
Had brakes trouble with your 2021 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 2021 Chevrolet Silverado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 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?
Based on the 22 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 71,700 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.
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/2021/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.