2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 111 brake complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 21% of all complaints for that year, with a median mileage at failure of 48,700. Three related GM recalls cover the Electronic Brake Control Module and vacuum pump output.
- Brakes complaints
- 111
- 21% of 520
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 48,700 mi
- Related recalls
- 3
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners describe the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard or going hard and unresponsive, sometimes while backing a trailer or coasting at low speed.
- Several report sudden loss of braking force paired with a stiff steering wheel, in at least one case leading to a collision at highway speed.
- Some describe a pulsating brake pedal with an audible noise during hill descent, followed by brakes suddenly disengaging as speed increased.
- Multiple complaints mention loss of power steering assist and inability to shift into gear while the truck was stationary, alongside brake or traction control warnings.
- One owner reported wheel lockup while driving that caused the vehicle to veer off the road, with the ABS and Stability Control warning lights on beforehand.
When 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brake complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 18, 2018, latest Aug 14, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
- NHTSA 20V603000Oct 1, 2020Brakes14,620 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon vehicles equipped with either a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. The output of the mechanical vacuum pump can decrease over time, decreasing the amount of vacuum/power brake assist.
Risk: A decrease in brake assist can increase the brake pedal effort and distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2020. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-522-9559, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438. GM's number for this recall is N202300860.
- NHTSA 19V761000Oct 24, 2019Brakes652,967 vehicles
Service brakes
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
- NHTSA 19V645000Sep 6, 2019Brakes3,456,719 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Brakes complaints by Silverado 1500 model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 111 brake-related complaints for the 2018 Silverado 1500, which is 21% of the 520 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
- Yes. GM issued three recalls covering brakes: campaign 20V603000 and 19V645000 for reduced vacuum pump output affecting the power brake booster, and 19V761000 for the Electronic Brake Control Module. All three call for a free EBCM reprogram.
- At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2018 Silverado 1500?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints on this model year is 48,700 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower mileage.
- Have brake issues on the 2018 Silverado 1500 caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to this component shows 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the reported brake complaints for the 2018 Silverado 1500.