How common are brake problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban?

NHTSA lists 82 brake complaints out of 220 total complaints for the 2016 Suburban, a 37% share, the largest of any problem area that year.

Is there a recall for 2016 Chevrolet Suburban brakes?

Yes. NHTSA recall 19V761000 covers EBCM reprogramming and 19V645000 addresses a vacuum pump issue affecting brake assist; both apply to the 2016 Suburban.

At what mileage do brake problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 62,000 miles.

Did the brake recalls fix the problem for owners?

Not always. At least one owner reported the stiff pedal and increased braking effort returned after both recall repairs were completed.

Have brake issues caused crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data tied to this component shows 6 crashes and 5 injuries among the 82 brake complaints for the 2016 Suburban.

2016 Chevrolet Suburban Brakes Problems

Brakes account for 82 of 220 complaints (37%) on the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban, the highest share of any component that year. Two related NHTSA recalls (19V761000, 19V645000) address EBCM reprogramming and vacuum pump issues, and owners report the failure mileage at a median of 62,000 miles, with 6 crashes and 5 injuries.

Brakes complaints: 82; 37% of 220
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 5
Median mileage: 62,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Brake pedal becomes stiff and hard to press, requiring extra force to slow or stop the vehicle.
Vehicle fails to stop or stop in time despite pedal pressure, leading to low-speed collisions with vehicles or fixed objects.
Owners describe a delayed or reduced braking response when shifting between reverse and forward or coasting to a stop.
Vacuum brake booster reported as failing, making brakes extremely hard to push.
Some owners report the failure recurring even after recall repairs (19V761000, 19V645000) were performed.
A few complaints describe brakes not responding combined with stalling or failure to accelerate at low speed.

When 2016 Chevrolet Suburban brake complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 13, 2017, latest Aug 5, 2026.

82 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2017 to Aug 2026; peak Aug 2019 (6).

Brakes recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban

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 Suburban model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20109 (5%)
201114 (6%)
20126 (6%)
201312 (10%)
20145 (8%)
2015170 (40%)
201682 (37%)
201746 (33%)
201814 (17%)
20195 (6%)
20205 (11%)
20219 (5%)
20223 (2%)
20237 (5%)
20245 (12%)
20251 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are brake problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Suburban?: NHTSA lists 82 brake complaints out of 220 total complaints for the 2016 Suburban, a 37% share, the largest of any problem area that year.
Is there a recall for 2016 Chevrolet Suburban brakes?: Yes. NHTSA recall 19V761000 covers EBCM reprogramming and 19V645000 addresses a vacuum pump issue affecting brake assist; both apply to the 2016 Suburban.
At what mileage do brake problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 62,000 miles.
Did the brake recalls fix the problem for owners?: Not always. At least one owner reported the stiff pedal and increased braking effort returned after both recall repairs were completed.
Have brake issues caused crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data tied to this component shows 6 crashes and 5 injuries among the 82 brake complaints for the 2016 Suburban.