RoadVitals

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe 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.
198
Latest May 13, 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.
30%
of 657 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.
16
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
6

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 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 198 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

The 25 most recent of 198, in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed May 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the brake pedal would harden upon depression of the brake pedal as the "Service Brake System" warning light would appear on the instrument panel. As the failure persisted, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic the entire brake system was replaced. The vehicle was taken to other independent mechanic who informed him that the brake vacuum assist pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the recall was closed and was no longer covered. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11737536
Incident
Aug 1, 2025
Mileage
150,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 17, 2026

The park assist enabled flashed and when I brake it studders or I have to slam on my brakes because my car won’t stop. I see this is a recall on other tahoes but not mine!

NHTSA ID
11731763
Incident
Nov 21, 2025
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Apr 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the braking system's failure message was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle had stopped independently. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and continued driving, but stated that the warning light was illuminated while driving downhill. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V761000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Service Brakes, Electronic Stability Control (ESC). The contact was advised by the dealer that the recall repair had been completed in June 2020. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,916.

NHTSA ID
11729416
Incident
Mar 23, 2026
Mileage
134,916 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while reversing, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was difficult to depress. The vehicle eventually stopped. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with brake vacuum assist pump failure. The contact was informed that the brake vacuum assist pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was informed that the recall was closed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ID
11726635
Incident
Sep 16, 2025
Mileage
85,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to slow down or stop as intended. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with vacuum pump and brake booster failure. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with brake booster failure. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 135,436.

NHTSA ID
11715782
Incident
Feb 3, 2026
Mileage
135,436 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 15, 2026

The brakes have stopped working properly. I have to use my entire force and press the brakes so hard to stop.

NHTSA ID
11711070
Incident
Jan 9, 2026
Brakes
Filed Nov 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the message “Service Trailer Brake System” was displayed on the instrument panel while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ID
11698570
Incident
Sep 10, 2025
Mileage
71,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jun 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, there was a delayed response, causing the braking distance to be significantly extended. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.

NHTSA ID
11669629
Incident
Jun 13, 2025
Mileage
169,000 mi
BrakesSteering
Filed Feb 12, 2025

My truck Keeps Shutting off and steering locks up

NHTSA ID
11642161
Incident
Feb 10, 2025
Brakes
Filed Jan 22, 2025

Vacuum pump and vacuum pump belt replacement. Experiencing increased brake pedal effort, hard brake pedal, and increased stopping distance. Confirmed by an auto shop and mechanic that this is the issue. There was special coverage given by General Motors to this vehicle to address this issue that expired in November (but I did not know that this existed). The vehicle has not yet hit 150,000 miles. Request to have my Tahoe special coverage warranty extended to address this issue.

NHTSA ID
11637559
Incident
Jan 22, 2025
Brakes
Filed Jan 4, 2025

Service Trailer Brake system message is appearing.

NHTSA ID
11634016
Incident
Jan 2, 2025
BrakesEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 13, 2024
1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving from a complete stop and while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made an abnormal whining sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the transmission was replaced. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle from the dealer while driving 10-15 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but was significantly firm and failed to respond. The contact drove into a curb and struck a parking sign pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the failure exacerbated pre-existing injuries. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact to restart the vehicle and depress the brake pedal to verify whether the brake pedal was operable. The contact followed the dealer's instructions, and the brake pedal responded as needed; however, the vehicle was towed to the residence because the contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the vacuum pump; however, the failure recurred while driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the lifters had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Midway Chevrolet Plainwell Auto Dealer (381 12th St, Plainwell, MI 49080), where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump wires, the transfer case oil and seal, the engine oil coolant hose, the valve cover gasket, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. Additionally, the dealer determined that the ball joints needed to be replaced, and an alignment needed to be performed. The dealer also determined that the air ride compressor was noisy. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a third dealer, Heritage Chevrolet, Inc. (350 W Dickman Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49037), where it was diagnosed with an oil leak.

NHTSA ID
11630563
Incident
May 21, 2021
Mileage
5,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 6, 2024

While driving at low speeds, I am experiencing difficulty with braking. The brake becomes very hard to press down and it takes me longer to stop. I researched this and came across a recall for a vacuum pump issue. I believe this is exactly what is wrong with my vehicle. However, when I input my VIN into the recall website, it says my vehicle is not included in the recall. How can I get this issue covered without having to pay out of pocket (we were quoted over $700). I fear that I may cause an accident if I am unable to stop.

NHTSA ID
11629323
Incident
Nov 7, 2024
Brakes
Filed Nov 18, 2024

The vacuum pump has failed once again and it was repaired via a recall in 2019.

NHTSA ID
11625922
Incident
Nov 9, 2024
Brakes
Filed Aug 22, 2024

Brakes shutter in reverse. Sometimes don’t work when backing out. Almost as if brakes go limp or no connection

NHTSA ID
11610194
Incident
Jun 12, 2024
Brakes
Filed Jun 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving or while parked, and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal was very stiff and difficult to depress. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated the vehicle was previously repaired under the recall several years ago. However, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA ID
11593473
Incident
Jan 4, 2024
Mileage
49,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Jun 7, 2024

Keeps saying service trailer brake system and does not stop ringing in the dashboard it’s very distracting while driving .

NHTSA ID
11593124
Incident
May 27, 2024
Brakes
Filed May 8, 2024

When trying to brake the Tahoe seems to not want to stop. The Tahoe comes to a rolling stop or like it is in sand trying to stop. It eventually stops but not when you want it to. Happens more at low speeds then high speeds.. no lights have indicated a problem. And doesn’t do it all the time but you as a driver can’t trust the brakes! I have had my mechanic look at it he can’t find a problem because when he drives it the Tahoe won’t do it for him. Hasn’t been in an accident yet

NHTSA ID
11587703
Incident
Apr 23, 2024
Brakes
Filed Feb 21, 2024

When I am going slow backing up, it feels like I have no breaks. Also, if I am pulling into a parking place real slow, it feels like I have no breaks and the truck continues to roll.

NHTSA ID
11573220
Incident
Feb 21, 2024
BrakesDriver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 21, 2024

Went to start my vehicle 10min prior to me taking off. Five min into my drive I felt my Tahoe start to lose power stop shifting. Once i was able to pull over to a safe location put the car into park and put the car back into drive and the car will not move.

NHTSA ID
11566845
Incident
Jan 19, 2024
BrakesElectrical
Filed Nov 19, 2023

On Wednesday, 11/15/23, I was sitting in my vehicle while it was parked and running for several minutes. After a few minutes, the alert chime went off and the message "Service Trailer Brake System" was displayed on the dash notifications. This alert persisted for several minutes. Since this initial incident, the same alert has displayed 3 or 4 more times, but while driving. It repeats persistently, causing a major distraction, blocking my speedometer, and disabling bluetooth features. I nearly wrecked because of the distraction and have not been able to tow my trailer because of the risk of of the trailer brakes not working. I have an appointment scheduled with my mechanic on 11/28/23 to get this repaired, but have recently learned of several incidents of this same alert from other GM vehicle owners. This seems to be a defective wire harness and needs to be recalled as it is unsafe and renders the vehicle useless for many intended purposes.

NHTSA ID
11555866
Incident
Nov 15, 2023
Brakes
Filed Oct 27, 2023

While driving the breaks failed to work. Then when I started pumping the brakes again it took longer than normal to respond and I had to press really hard. I was only going a few miles per hour in a parking lot. Now 5 days later it's happening all the time. It's also making a click noise when I press the pedal.

NHTSA ID
11552347
Incident
Oct 25, 2023
BrakesElectrical
Filed Aug 3, 2023

While driving I periodically receive a notification on the dash to "Service Trailer Brake System". The message just randomly comes up with an abrupt warning noise which is a distraction and startles you until it goes away. I don't tow anything with the vehicle. The notification happens about once a month when driving and eventually goes away after a few minutes. I do mostly interstate driving and when the warning comes up, it startles you and you feel the need to pull over immediately. The notification noise is loud and a distraction. I will be taking it to a Chevrolet dealership. I have an appointment late August. This has been going on periodically for months.

NHTSA ID
11536234
Incident
Aug 3, 2023
BrakesEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 2, 2023

In approximately December of 2015, we purchased a 2015 Chevy Tahoe LT from CARR Chevrolet. We chose GM for the reputation, under the belief if we took care of our vehicle and had it maintained by the dealer, it would last 12-15 years. This was NOT our experience.Three years after we purchased the vehicle, the engine died. We were assured this was an anomaly and GM replaced at "no cost", as it was a "manufacturing error". CARR service convinced me it was “great”, as now my vehicle would last even longer. I did not question and blindly trusted those I viewed as trained, skilled professionals. Fast forward to present time, my vehicle is 7 years old (90,000 mi) and never missed a single service. Out of the blue, the transmission dies. I was initially told this is “normal" and “happens” to a tune of $8400 plus maintenance and other wear and tear for a total of $10,000+. This did not sit well with me and I questioned the validity. I requested that CARR give me a quote to buy back the car and they initially refused to give decent price. I contacted GM to complain. After many more days, I was contacted and offered that GM and CARR would carry 70% of the cost of the transmission. I agreed with intent to sell/trade on my own. After many weeks, I picked up my Tahoe and paid $3,400 and headed back to Lake Oswego. As I entered downtown Lake Oswego on a slight hill, coming to a 4 way stop, my brakes completely failed…. I barely missed careening into the back of a car, as they naturally moved forward. I contacted CARR service supervisor, sobbing and shaking after the events and he immediately arranged for a tow. I then contacted the investigator. After many days, the GM investigator response, “it’s fixed free of charge”. I was told it was “known” that these cars “could” have a problem with the brakes, which is why there was an unlimited warranty should it occur. I expressed that I had zero trust in GM, CARR or the vehicle and expected to be compensated. The contact stated her understanding was that the GM re

NHTSA ID
11536098
Incident
Jun 30, 2023
Brakes
Filed May 2, 2023

There’s a recall for this exact issue, but my vin doesn’t fall under it. But the issue is the brakes suddenly felt different while they maneuvering into a parking spot or slowing for a pedestrian. Happens a lot at very low speeds.

NHTSA ID
11520148
Incident
May 2, 2023

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.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

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