Problems · by component
2020 Chevrolet Silverado service brakes problems
103 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado cite service brakes, 14% of all 749 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
103
14% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the service brakes
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“It said on the dash, "Brake System Failure 43MPH Top Speed," "Service ESC," and lights on were the ABS light, BRAKE light, Engine Light, and Wheel Traction light. My wife and my [XXX] son's safety were at risk while driving on a busy 75mph highway and trying to turn around and make it home as the brakes did not work and having to cross busy streets. It was not able to reproduce but my local mechanic found the bulletin from way back that had not been addressed by GM after numerous times to a dealer for other repairs. I then took it to a local GM dealer that confirmed software update was not applied and they did the repair and I was charged to pay even though this was a known GM issue that never contacted me about this potential fatal random occurrence that could happen after I have taken great care of this truck. There not any warnings before randomly losing power on the highway once she hit 60mph on the on ramp and just started failing slowly.”
“1) The vehicle experienced a rear axle/rear-wheel lock-up after the recall-related repair was performed and the same diagnostic codes associated with the initial repair reportedly returned. 2)The rear axle/rear wheels locked while the vehicle was being driven on the highway, creating a significant loss-of-control and collision hazard. A sudden drivetrain/axle lock-up at highway speed causes the vehicle to stop or behave unpredictably, potentially resulting in a severe collision 3) Yes. Huffines Chevrolet performed the initial recall-related repair and subsequently the same diagnostic codes reportedly returned after said repair 4) The vehicle has been inspected by 2 Chevrolet dealerships, including Huffines Chevrolet and El Dorado Chevrolet/Motors. The matter has also been reported to GM Customer Assistance under Case No. 110236243 5) Yes. Diagnostic codes associated with the recall-related issue were present when the vehicle was initially taken to Huffines Chevrolet on August 10, 2026. Huffines performed recall-related repairs, including replacement of the transmission module as part of the attempted repair. After the vehicle was returned, the problem recurred.…”
“While driving my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the braking system suddenly malfunctioned without any prior warning. When I released the accelerator, the vehicle began slowing as though the brakes were being applied even though I was not pressing the brake pedal. When I attempted to brake normally, the vehicle did not stop as expected and braking ability was significantly reduced. The red BRAKE warning, ABS warning, traction/ESC warnings, and check engine light illuminated. The dashboard displayed “Brake System Failure – 43 MPH Top Speed,” “Service ESC,” and “Service Trailer Brake System.” Because of the reduced braking ability, I stopped the vehicle and had it transported by flatbed tow to a Chevrolet dealership rather than continue driving it. The Chevrolet dealer inspected the vehicle and documented diagnostic trouble codes P25A2 and C053D. The dealer stated that the Brake System Control Module requested the warning light and that updated software was available to address these codes. The dealer reprogrammed the Brake System Control Module according to a GM technical service bulletin. No mechanical brake components were replaced. I was charged $362.95 for…”
“Complete brake system, master cylinder, pads, rotors. Only 75000- miles. Morning start and the brakes are locked up. Had to get towed and the entire system needed to be replaced. So after several days and almost 5,000 I started driving home. After about 5 miles something fell off the front brakes and bounced along underneath but I was close to home so I continued and didn't need to apply the brakes until my driveway and then a terrible grinding sound. Called the dealer (Modern Chevrolet) Winston-Salem NC. Turns out the Einsteins who did the work forgot to tighten the bolts holding the rotor and one fell out and the other one was grinding against the wheel. So another extended stay at the dealership to correct this, a new wheel and correction to the brake components.”
“While stopped at a highway red light, the vehicle jolted forward and numerous dash lights came on, including messages saying “Brake System Failure, Service ESC, Service Trailer Brake, Service Parking Brake, Engine Power Reduced, Power Steering Reduced.” This is the first time any of these messages have ever appeared. This made the vehicle incredibly difficult to steer and the braking ability was almost non-existent. Had this happened one minute earlier or later, a multi-vehicle and potentially fatal accident would likely have occurred. Vehicle was towed to a dealer who confirmed the error messages and severely reduced performance. To me, this seems consistent with GM service bulletins PIT5730 and 20-NA-073. The dealer, however, is quoting me $3,700 to repair the master cylinder and electronic control braking module. Whatever the case, this absolutely needs to be upgraded to a recall before this happens to somebody at the wrong time.”
“I went to the store and my brakes were working as normal. When I started my truck to leave I had a hard pedal and there we several warnings on the dash. One said to get service and the other said to limit speed to 43 MPH. I had almost no braking power. Fortunately, I was close to home and the speed limit was 30 MPH all the way home. Once I arrived home I cleared the code with my ODBII scanner and the brakes worked as expected. If I was towing my boat this could have been a bad situation resulting in an accident. I haven't had the same issue in several days however this has to be a huge liability for GM. I'm sure that this is a known failure mode for GM.”
Showing 6 of 103 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.