I've had plenty of Chevrolet in the bay over the years, and the brake complaints on these don't surprise me. 5,295 on the NHTSA record across 215 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 2 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Chevrolet vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Repair cost runs around $450 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Across the 3,135 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 53,228 miles. Pulsing, grinding, soft pedal — none of those should sit more than a week. Brake problems compound fast on a vehicle already on the list.
Chevrolet brakes problems
5,295 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Chevrolet vehicles for brakes issues. 38 active recall campaigns. See brakes across all makes →
Worst-affected Chevrolet model-years for brakes Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Chevrolet brakes 12 on file
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2023-2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV vehicles
Without a warning light, the vehicle may be driven with low brake fluid, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
General Motors
An electrical short in the brake pressure switch can overheat the circuit and increase the risk of a fire while driving or parked.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon vehicles
Overall braking performance may be compromised, increasing the risk of a crash.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV vehicles
If a brake caliper fractures and brake fluid is lost, the vehicle may experience reduced brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5
A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles
If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5
Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Equinox vehicles
Brake drag may result in overheating of the brake pads, affecting the braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles
As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured January 6, 2014, to December 24, 2014
If the vehicle experiences a brake fluid leak it can increase the stopping distance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Aveo and 2009 Pontiac G3 vehicles
If the ABS valve corrodes it may result in longer brake pedal travel or reduced performance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Common questions
How many Chevrolet brakes complaints are on file with NHTSA?
5,295 complaints across 215 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 38 active recall campaigns cover brakes issues across the Chevrolet lineup.
Which Chevrolet model has the most brakes complaints?
The 2015 Chevrolet Silverado leads with 336 complaints in this category. Next: 2006 Silverado (314) and 2005 Silverado (270).
What does it cost to fix Chevrolet brakes problems?
Independent shops average $450 for brakes repairs across the Chevrolet lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Chevrolet brakes recalls?
Yes — 12 active recall campaigns cover brakes on Chevrolet vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.