2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Brakes Problems

Vehicle suffered a failure cascade of the brake booster vacuum pump system. During a low-speed bumper collision on July 4 and a boat ramp slide, the pedal triggered abnormal ABS-like pulsing as the computer tried to hydraulically compensate for dropping vacuum pressure. This resulted in truck front bumper damage and boat trailer fender damage. On July 10, total failure occurred in a drive-thru, rendering the pedal rock-hard and sopping mear impossible. All marked parts and logs are available for inspection. Onboard diagnostic data reveals the electronic brake control module has driven continuously without a master clear for 22,665 miles, locking the last system initialization to 78,468 miles. This continuous data loop proves code C0299-00 was actively visible in the history log during the subsequent dealer service visits. Instead of performing the hardware pump remedy under Recall N192268490 (NHTSA 19V650). At the Jan 24 dealer visit (78,482 mi), dealer applied a software update and charged out-of-pocket fees to clear symptoms. They also ignored subsequent communication regarding the billing discrepancy. Technicians completely neglected the history logs despite explicit complaints regarding low-speed ABS sensations, trailer brake messages, park assist, and brake assist warnings. The 2026 dealers (and 2024) falsified multipoint inspections stating brakes required NO service until after winter. Jan '26 dealer delayed further diagnostics until June '26. May '26 dealer ignored texts regarding a crooked steering wheel and unstable tracking after alignment service. The truck was intentionally misdiagnosed as functional to avoid the warranty period repair. This unaddressed mechanical failure caused a destructive system cascade requiring replacement of the vacuum pump, oil-contaminated vacuum lines lines, oil-saturated booster, master cylinder, glazed pads, warped rotors, fluid flush, tires from module drag, alongside the resulting bumper and trailer property damage.

NHTSA ID

11750018

Incident

Jul 4, 2026

Brake assist activates for no apparent reason

NHTSA ID

11736275

Incident

Apr 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal failed to function properly and felt spongy while attempting to depress the brake pedal. The contact stated that the vehicle had previously received a brake system software update under an unknown recall, which was completed by the dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the brake system software update might be performed another time. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,446.

NHTSA ID

11725838

Incident

Mar 20, 2026

Mileage

175,446 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked unexpectedly, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal became inoperable. The contact reported that the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard, and the ABS system vibrated following the brake pedal failure. No warning lights were illuminated for the brake failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

NHTSA ID

11704101

Incident

Dec 9, 2025

Mileage

139,000 mi

I was pulling up behind a vehicle that was entering the highway when I noticed that the driver had to yield to oncoming traffic and did not continue driving. I applied my brakes, but the vehicle did not come to a complete stop, and as a result, I struck the vehicle in front of me. My safety was put at risk, as this could have resulted in a major accident. Additionally, my car insurance premiums increased because of this incident. I was never informed about the recall, nor did I receive any phone calls or mail notifications regarding it. I only became aware of the recall recently after seeing posts on social media, which prompted me to contact my dealership. Upon doing so, I was advised that my vehicle does in fact have an active recall. I don't have any warning lamps or anything advising me of this issue.

NHTSA ID

11693936

Incident

Mar 19, 2019

For the last month or so, occasionally when I am going anywhere around 30-60 and I press the brakes, the vehicle will lose power for a few seconds and Stabilitrak is activated. It has locked up the brakes twice in the last 2 weeks when I was parking and could have caused an accident and if it happens when I am driving, I worry that it will cause an accident. I did some research and saw that there is a recall on my year and model. The symptoms it describes are exactly what my truck is doing but when I put in my VIN, it does not show the recall on my truck.

NHTSA ID

11676829

Incident

Jun 21, 2025

There is a recall (N182202780) for certain models of gm apparently, but my truck does not fall under the recall though it is the same exact problem with the brake vacuum. When pumping my brake pedal, my brakes become almost non responsive, causing me to back into my secondary vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11673776

Incident

Jul 15, 2025

We had a auto shop do work and left are breaks lose And they do not tighten bolts both break calibers were lose and according to the lawyer we spoke with they do not have a business licenses Triad Transmission & Auto Repair 244 NC-22, Ramseur, NC 27316 Junior akins and John kearns

NHTSA ID

11667055

Incident

Aug 9, 2024

Vacuum pump intermittent failure. Not always but during periods of traffic the brakes get stiff and I have a service brake assist notification come on. Then it goes away and all braking is functional and fine

NHTSA ID

11660313

Incident

May 7, 2025

ABS system and trailer brakes lights on dashboard come on and until the truck is off and sits for awhile the abs will start working again. Have had several shops look at it and have heard several different things. Started with the cheaper side of things and still no luck for a solution.

NHTSA ID

11660088

Incident

Mar 16, 2023

The 2016 silverado LTZ 5.3L flex fuel lifters went out at 83k miles. I was left standed and had to be towed. I have researched that this is a known GM issue with the 5.3L motors, but I was told because I was outside the warranty that I had to pay the $8000 repair bill for a new motor. This is one a GM issue and a safety issue because I had sudden no power while I was driving and with no warning. The second issue is that the brakes have a serious shake and vibration that the dealership told be they were fine, but it is very hard to stop the vehicle with a tremendous about of force I had to place on the brake peddle. The life of this vehicle has had all services done at Jim Mckay Chevrolet in Fairfax VA. I could not afford the repair and unfortunately I had to trade in the truck and buy a new truck with large monthly payments.

NHTSA ID

11645804

Incident

Nov 11, 2024

While tapping brakes to park in tight spaces or inching up in a drive thru, the brake pedal shudders and gets stiff. It's extremely hard to stop the truck.

NHTSA ID

11643424

Incident

Feb 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and remained at the dealer for several days. The contact was informed that the recall could not be completed. The contact was informed that several repairs needed to be completed prior to the recall repair being performed. The contact stated that the suggested repairs were completed; however, the contact was informed that the recall repair could not be completed. The contact stated that no explanation was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but provided no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11622344

Incident

Oct 28, 2024

Vacuum pump defect

NHTSA ID

11620932

Incident

Oct 18, 2024

it is available and the brakes and steering is very stiff my safety no brakes no it hasnt been serviced at a dealership no inspections by dealership they appeared all at once on 10/11/24 no warning lamps

NHTSA ID

11619318

Incident

Oct 11, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering and brake systems warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the warning lights were cleared; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V761000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Service Brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ID

11619281

Incident

Aug 11, 2024

Mileage

138,000 mi

I was driving my 2016 silverado high country 1500 with my travel trailer when the brakes stopped working making it extremely difficult to stop at a traffic light. Dashboard says service trailer brake system. I checked fuses and connections and turn truck on and off and issue is unresolved.

NHTSA ID

11615016

Incident

Sep 15, 2024

Abs stabalink light come on and off, shaking of wheel when applying brakes, changed rotors last year thought that was problem had a little brakes pedal shake.

NHTSA ID

11612095

Incident

Aug 2, 2024

Unknown. There is times when parking my truck. I press on the brake paddle and it sound and feels like my truck jerks at first before it brakes. This has been going on for almost the 8 years I’ve own the truck. Also I have only owned the truck for 8 years and my paint is already peeling off. It doesn’t have anything to do with the brakes. I just had my truck serviced the brakes and drums. It still does it.

NHTSA ID

11603660

Incident

Jul 21, 2019

I have found that when pressing my brake pedal, it gets very very hard and the truck doesn’t want to stop unless I’m practically standing on the brake pedal. My mechanic has been through the entire system and believes the issue stems from a faulty Vacuum pump. This is apparently a standing recall for my 2016 Silverado but when I supply my vin number it says that I have no unrepaired recalls. At no point has Chevrolet ever notified me that this recall needed to be completed. But my problem is exactly the same as the problems noted on the recall

NHTSA ID

11591872

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

When turning at low speeds the steering locks up, stabilitrack warning lights come on, entire dash and information center starts blinking then vehicle chutes down causing total loss of control.

NHTSA ID

11584648

Incident

Apr 22, 2024

Brake pedal hard to push down. Almost drove through shop door, going slow. Heavy equipment and cdl class A driver over 40 years. Fluid is full, brake pads and related items are correct. Shut engine off waited few minutes, seemed ok. It did it again immediately, hard two other drivers try with similar results. Odd noise coming from under hood when pedal is applied. No leaks observed or detected. Pedal is solid near top no fade at all.

NHTSA ID

11571389

Incident

Feb 12, 2024

The failing system is the hydraulic brake system. The brakes are failing in my vehicle causing it hard to stop, and having to press extremely hard on the brake for extended periods of time in order to properly stop. As I first push on the brakes I hear a squeak. Yes my vehicle is available for inspection any time. My safety as well as my four daughters safety has been at risk of a crash due to the hardness of trying to break or the vehicle not coming to a stop in time. Yes the problem has been confirmed by a local mechanic. There have no been any inspections in regards to manufacture, police officers, etc. My warning light and another light have previously came on and will later go off, it does not stay on continuously.

NHTSA ID

11568686

Incident

Jan 30, 2024

While driving my truck I was in line picking up my kids from school when pulling up close to the car infront of me my brakes got extremely hard and the truck kept slowly moving forward so I pressed harder to make sure I wouldn't accidentally hit the car. I just now saw a recall on the vacuum pump which in assuming is my issue with the harding of the brakes. I have not took it any where to be investigated yet

NHTSA ID

11566387

Incident

Jan 17, 2024

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Response: Slowing down to make a left turn, Steering locked up, Electrical devices flashing, Service Stabilitrak Indicator, Chimming, Engine shut off then turned back on 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Response: YES truck shut off when turning across traffic 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Response: Has the problem been reproduced -Yes Response: confirmed by a dealer or independent service center -No 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Response: No 5: Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Response: Yes, chimming, then Service Stabilitrak indicator, then steering wheel lock up, engine cut out

NHTSA ID

11562757

Incident

Aug 1, 2023