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2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Brakes Problems

22 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data

22
Complaints
Feb 2023Dec 2021
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (22)

criticalSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2026

Your brake master cylinder has failed multiple times — first replaced in April 2025, then the problem returned in December 2025 and again in February 2026. When this happens, your brakes don't respond correctly, you hear a clicking sound when pressing the pedal, the pedal becomes stiff, and your dashboard shows warnings like "Brake System Failure" and "43MPH Top Speed Limit." This creates a serious safety risk, especially while driving. Fixing this requires the dealership to diagnose why the master cylinder keeps failing and either replace it again or identify and correct the underlying cause.

NHTSA #: 11723332
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH and attempting to decelerate, the brake pedal extended to the floorboard while depressed, and the vehicle failed to immediately decelerate. During the failure, the message "Brake Failure" was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.

NHTSA #: 11680086
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2025

I have this pick up I was on a hill heading down to stop sighn pressed on brake and went to the floor no resistance nothing luckily it was a rural rd went thru stop sigh coasted to a stop was 1/4 from home lifted hood the brake reservoir was full all brakes were in top shape it was like something shut off the brakes electrically I have driven many large trucks and buses and vehicles never felt this no spongey at all it is at the dealership they are looking at but my concern this could be a far worst circumstance if in heavy traffic or at cross walk can’t even think of it. Scary I would think gm would have some type of secondary for electric malfunction the vehicle is at Cerrone gmc south Attleborough mass. My vehicle is 2021 Chevy Silverado 75000 miles well maintained. In short I believe the mechanics will diagnose and fix it but my concern. That these vehicles need safety checks

NHTSA #: 11675187
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2025

2021 Silverado 1500 TrailBoss LT Brake Sensor Monitor failure causes you not to be able to see brake pad wear/life remaining on dash information. Brake Pads (front and rear) replaced with sensor on 12/14/2023 and was unable to reset the brake pad monitor on dash (would not reset passed 51%) at approx 32K miles 01/2024, Front Left Sensor Monitor replaced again by dealership for $293 06/2025 Truck prompting if brake pads were replaced recently on dashboard 06/13/25 Brake Pad Life showing at 71% Front and 77% Rear at approx 50K miles 06/14/25, Brake Pad Sensor Monitor Error Message

NHTSA #: 11670048
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Jun 2025

First my engine light came on and as I was in my way to the dealership I lost my brakes. It stayed at the shop for a week before I was contacted only for them to tell me that there was metal shaving in my engine oil and they recommend full replacement, meanwhile haven’t even made it to my brakes. GM offered me 3K toward replacing the 13K+ engine. That’s so unacceptable!

NHTSA #: 11665196
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: May 2025

Metal shavings were found in my oil after the check engine light came on a day before I took it in. The day that I took it in my brakes limited the speed of my truck to 43 mph due brake malfunction. The dealership called and told me that they recommend engine replacement due to the metal shavings found in the oil. I can give more in depth info as I receive it but I just wanted to alert Chevy that my vehicle is doing the same thing that the others are getting recalled for.

NHTSA #: 11658633
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: May 2025

I am reporting a safety concern that I believe should be included in an existing or expanded recall for the Chevrolet Silverado. The issue involves engine replacement due to metal shaving being found in oil & brake failure, which occurred on 05/01/2025 The problem with the brakes occurred while I was in heavy traffic in Dallas, Texas multiple times, resulted in multiple near-accident experiences that day. The truck has been diagnosed by a mechanic, at the Chevy dealership and I believe this defect poses a serious safety risk and may be affecting other Silverado vehicles outside the current recall scope. I have driven the vehicle to Chevy and stayed in constant contact with the dealership, had diagnostics done, but the issue has not been resolved. am requesting that the NHTSA investigate whether this issue warrants inclusion in the current recall or a new safety campaign. I have on had this vehicle less than 2 years and I put less than 70K miles on it. I purchased it from vandergriff Chevrolet in Arlington, TX

NHTSA #: 11658634
mediumPARKING BRAKE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Apr 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the engine started rumbling with the check engine, stability-trac, and the parking brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed a misfire in cylinder #1. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the lift valve had collapsed, and the right side of the block lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA #: 11652250
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2024

Mechanics said that they see this on all new chevy trucks that the bracket causes the rubber brake line to rub on the bracket holding it in place also causing it to stretch and tear. Resulting in a over 500 dollar fix. The brakes failed on the interstate causing them to lock up. Almost killing me and my daughter but was able to gain control of the vehicle and save it.

NHTSA #: 11628273
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2024

I took my car to the dealership four times because the engine light and the ESC light kept coming on. It kept saying there was a misfire so they changed the spark plugs and did a gas treatment after I left the dealership the light came back on so I returned the next day. They change one wire that’s what they told me. The problem was so I left engine light came back on. I returned the next day then they changed the wires I left the facility again. The next day I got them started the car, the same problem, engine light, and the ESC light and now they have the car in the shop and they need to break the engine down to see what’s causing the misfire and to find out if I need a new engine or not. Who is all that shit right now?

NHTSA #: 11614001
mediumSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Filed: Oct 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 25 MPH and traveling down a 5 percent grade hill, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard on several attempts. The vehicle failed to slow down. The driver continued to pump the brake pedal. The contact engaged the parking brake. The service trailer brake system and the engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact had an independent mechanic reset the brakes. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake master cylinder booster system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 49,400.

NHTSA #: 11552201
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Aug 2023

Started having a rubbing sound in rear end of vehicle. Took it to dealer. Brake calipers are a issue on this model and dealer says, “ found updated rear brake calipers with deflectors to help with dirt in rear calipers/not covered under warranty customer pay expense”, they are replacing rotors under warranty that got worn out. They want me to pay $2400 to purchase and have the “updated brake calipers” installed. If brake calipers are updated then that means there is a known issue with them. Spoke with the manufacturer and they said too bad.

NHTSA #: 11539208
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2023

Loud growling. Breaks safety concern due to fail.

NHTSA #: 11512890
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2023

ESC failed. The 2021 Chevy Silverado (39495 mi) began to shutter and a slight bouncing of the rear end. The ESC light came on the service ESC warning on the dashboard then the check engine light began to blink at the same time the parking brake light came on. The dash warning switched to have parking brake serviced. The truck as best as I could tell applied the parking brake several times for no reason while at highway speeds and traffic on all sides. All warnings stopped when Auto engine shut down at exit ramp light. Previously brought into dealership for “Service ECS” and “Service Power Steering Drive With Care”. I was told “ unable to replicate “ (23194 mi). Vehicle was returned to me. They did confirm the dash warning was stored in the computer. I do not believe any warning (blinkers) or brake lights came on to warn vehicles behind me of the rear brakes being applied by the ESC.

NHTSA #: 11507134
mediumSERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2022

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 less than a year ago.

NHTSA #: 11497914
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: May 2022

When I start my Chevy Silverado 1500, three warning lights come on that are telling me that I have brake system failure 43 MPH top speed, Service ESC and Service Trailer Brake system. When I drive, the brakes are very mushy and the truck is very difficult to brake. 20 minutes later after stopping and getting ready to take the truck to the dealer, the brakes worked fine. The dealer couldn't replicate the problem at first, but finally had the issue when they were putting it on the rack to perform improve my tire alignment, so they said they updated the software. The truck brakes worked fine when I left the dealership. The next day (Saturday) I went to start the truck and the same issue happened. I can't take it in as Service is not available on Saturdays so I started looking online. Apparently there are several other owners dealing with this same issue and have been for years. I have read that it might be a variety of things causing this issue, but someone needs to get this resolved ASAP as I have read about some getting into accidents regarding this. My truck is only 16 months old and only has 14,000 miles on it.

NHTSA #: 11464659
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2021

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 replacement part for the truck. Now the truck is going to sit at the dealer for one to two months. I am now paying on a truck that I can't drive to work and no loaners available. my question is why are they aloud to still put these parts in a truck. How do I know if they fix it if the problem wont happen again. If it does happen i hope my family and any one else is not in the way of my truck that I am unable to stop.

NHTSA #: 11445592
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2021

I purchased my vehicle on 10/11/21 new with 4716 miles on it and on 10/27/21 a “service brake assist system “ came on along with the check engine light. I drove directly to Long Chevrolet and GMC of Athens, Tennessee. They scanned the codes and determine that the master break cylinder and associated system needs to be replaced. They kept the vehicle stating that the brake system could fail. It is now 11/6/21 and they have no estimated timeline on being able to get parts to repair my vehicle. I now have to make a payment on a vehicle I can not drive

NHTSA #: 11439585
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Sep 2021

the trailer brake serve light is on amd the parking brake will not come off, the truck is undrivable

NHTSA #: 11432515
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2021

My best friends truck, a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado had a brake failure a July 2021. Was coming up to an intersection to make a left turn and went to press the brake pedal to slow down for the turn. Pedal went all the way to the floor and the truck wasn't slowing down much at all. Multiple brake system warnings and lights came on the dash along with the check engine light. It got towed to the dealership he bought it from. They replaced the brake system control module and said it's good to go. Maybe it is, maybe it's not. There have already been 2 recalls pertaining to this exact issue released, none of which applied to his truck according to the VIN recall checker on GM's website. If the problem has been figured out and fixed, then it wouldn't still be occuring. This is a MAJOR safety concern, one that I feel people need to be aware of. Which is why I'm sharing what happened to my friend's truck on behalf of him. This situation is exactly why the emergency brake on vehicles is an all mechanical system that allows the driver to quickly and directly be able to apply the vehicles brakes. It's a reliable and dependable system that's been implemented for over a century. This is a prime example of why vehicles still need to have one onboard. This vehicle doesn't have a real emergency brake. There was an emergency in which the vehicles primary brakes failed and weren't able to slow down the vehicle. The little "emergency brake" button was more worthless than the main brakes that failed to do their job on this truck with less than 5,000 miles on it because the emergency brake system on this truck has worked 0% of the time it was needed so far. This isn't some engine misfire, sunvisor defect, or Bluetooth pairing problem, this is an out of nowhere total brake system failure. This is not good. And people need to be made aware that the problem is still occurring, and on vehicle's that GM isn't aware that it may be applicable to according to the absence of any recalls per VIN.

NHTSA #: 11426067
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jul 2021

Truck started wobbling and the engine light, traction control light , and Peking brake light came on . Also It say service ESC. Truck is making a horrible noise underneath.

NHTSA #: 11424152
mediumSERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Jun 2021

Purchased new Chevrolet Silverado AT4 last week and with only 72 miles on the odometer a warning light appeared on instrument cluster stating “Service Brake Assist”. Returned to dealer where purchased with 91 miles on odometer 3 days later. Dealer service department confirmed a faulty brake control module and ordered replacement part. New brake control module will arrive in 4 days and will be installed at that time. In the meantime, service manager said vehicle is safe to drive with existing brake control module. This is being submitted because of previous significant vehicle recalls on record for the same issue in 2018-2020. It appears the problem or some iteration of the problem has not been corrected yet in the 2021 models.

NHTSA #: 11422598

Other 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Issues