RoadVitals

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Brakes Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the brake system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Brakes reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
12
Latest Apr 1, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
14%
of 84 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 12 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming brake

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Brakes
Filed Apr 1, 2026

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The parking brakes were engaged and would not release / yes, it is available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was in traffic stopped at a train track and could not move. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, the rear actuator for the brakes was faulty and had to be replaced. The warranty work was completed by the dealership Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Unknown Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - Not prior to the problem My concern is that my parking brakes "were nonexistent" per the dealership when they were diagnosing the warning light. So, I am afraid that the truck was driving while these were engaged.

NHTSA ID
11728599
Incident
Mar 28, 2026
Brakes
Filed Feb 7, 2026

On 01/16/2026, Quirk Chevrolet completed product safety recall N242482680 for the Brake Pressure Switch Connector Fire on my vehicle. Shortly after, my vehicle would come to an abrupt stop on its own while driving. This happened twice on my way home and then the third time at home at which point, it would no longer move forward or backward. The vehicle needed to be towed to the dealership that did the recall. After researching online, I discovered this is a known issue after the recall because the recall component is faulty. One source reports the cause is an improperly manufactured jumper harness which is missing protective tape or a faulty internal C-clip in the cylinder. Another source states the post-service emergency brake issues often stem from a software update meant to enhance safety or an incomplete repair of the brake pressure switch wiring harness. The update automatically engages the parking brake. I absolutely know that the catastrophic failure of my vehicle's braking system was a direct result of the recall work; however, the dealership made me pay for the repairs out of pocket until such time as GM or Chevy makes an "official" recall on the faulty recall. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk by way of my vehicle stopping abruptly on its own. The problem has been reproduced by many sources online - just do an online search "2021 Chevy 5500 emergency brake issue after brake recall completed" and see all the results that come up corroborating my personal experience. Quirks Chevrolet in Manchester, NH inspected the vehicle. No warning lamps or messages appeared on the dash. Please contact me if you want any additional information or copies of receipts, etc. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID
11716406
Incident
Feb 2, 2026
Brakes
Filed Nov 15, 2025

Took truck to dealer with concern of higher than normal braking force needed. Couldn’t verify concern. Looked today under the steering column and the brake booster is leaking fluid inside the cabin of the truck when the brake pedal goes through the firewall. There was Almost no brake fluid inside the reservoir causing the brakes to fail with no warning. Looked at similar trucks and all have brake fluid leaking from the same location. With as little as 10,000 miles. Mine has 22,000 miles and it’s failed requiring complet replacement of the brake booster. Taking to the dealership to replace the complete brake booster assembly when part is available. This is a 21 Chevy 2500 truck that pulls up to 18,000 pounds. higher than normal braking application needed, can be deadly or lead to complete brake failure whether loaded towing a trailer at a weigh of 25,000lbs or even the 7,000 pounds empty the truck weighs would reasonably result in the loss of someone’s life. Only thing that drew me to this concern was a harder application of the brake pedal and noticing brake fluid under the dashboard. Would gladly allow anyone to inspect my truck.

NHTSA ID
11699620
Incident
Nov 15, 2025
Brakes
Filed Mar 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal squeaking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The dealer was not notified of the failure and informed the contact that the brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with brake pulsation, and a rear brake bolt was loosened. The mechanic tightened the bolt. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

NHTSA ID
11511007
Incident
Mar 9, 2022
Mileage
15,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Jan 19, 2023

The “Service Trailer Brake System” warning will not stop popping up and beeping

NHTSA ID
11502612
Incident
Jan 19, 2023
Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 2022

The brakes have squealed since the day we purchased it new. The noise is usually at low speed, under 10 MPH. The dealer has told me that they could replace the pads but I would have to cover the cost.

NHTSA ID
11483474
Incident
Mar 12, 2021
Brakes
Filed Aug 16, 2022

The trucks brakes squeal very badly and won’t go away there are complaints all over the internet for this and when I contacted Chevy they said there isn’t anything they can do.

NHTSA ID
11479693
Incident
May 18, 2022
Brakes
Filed Jul 16, 2022

Very bad brake squeal while applying brakes at 10pm or less, coming to a stop. This started to happen when the vehicle had approximately 5,500 miles.

NHTSA ID
11474257
Incident
May 10, 2022
Brakes
Filed Nov 20, 2021

Non stopbbreak noise. No matter what you do, what is or isn't added, how clean they are, they constantly squeak and loud! Dealers won't help. Tell you to get on the brakes hard. That helps for a few minutes! Over 50k fix the brakes!!!

NHTSA ID
11441163
Incident
Nov 20, 2021
Brakes
Filed Oct 14, 2021

My fiance started the truck. Drove about 2 miles from my mothers house, the check engine light came on. The traction control light came on and then she informed me that it felt like all braking power was lost. Truck is being towed to dealership. Could have killed or badly injured someone.

NHTSA ID
11436857
Incident
Oct 14, 2021
Brakes
Filed Aug 27, 2021
Crash reported

While in a McDonalds drive through Truck lost all braking ability. Pedal went right to the floor. Truck had to be put in park to stop and shut down. After re starting engine brakes started functioning again. Very scary incident.

NHTSA ID
11430756
Incident
Aug 27, 2021
BrakesSteering
Filed Aug 8, 2021

Brakes: the brakes do not stop the vehicle without excessive pressure to the pedal. Especially carrying a trailer with the exhaust brake & trailer brakes in effect. Takes excessive distance for vehicle to stop. Pedal must be pressed 3/4 to the floor for it to start to apply brakes. It is extremely difficult to stop this vehicle at any speed over 45mph. Have not taken to dealer, was expecting a recall but none until now. Steering: when I turn the steering wheel at low speeds such as backing into a parking spot, there’s a loud squealing noise coming from the engine bay.

NHTSA ID
11428269
Incident
Aug 8, 2021

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Other components reported on this vehicle

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .