2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · symptom sheet
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early
- 44owner reports
- 39,495median miles
- 3involved a crash
Newest report Sep 2, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
44 of the 828 complaints on this car describe brake wear.
Tick what matches of 44 reports
Brake wear on other Silverado 1500 years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Brake reports cover a wide spread of symptoms. Grinding or squealing is common, and so is a pulsing pedal or a shake through the car when stopping. Others describe pads and rotors worn out long before they expected, a brake warning light, or a pedal that goes soft or sinks toward the floor. The most serious ones say the car didn't stop in time.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the ABS module (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the brakes covers the 2021 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the brakes on the Silverado 1500
Brake vacuum pump failure. Closed apr 10, 2022, led to recall 19V-645.
Brake line corrosion failure. Closed apr 8, 2015.
Brake line corrosion failure. Closed jan 5, 2011.
Unwanted low-speed abs activation. Closed sep 13, 2005, led to recall 05V-379.
Hydraulic pump failres. Closed feb 28, 2005, led to recall 05V-005.
None of these investigations covers the 2021 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 10,000 and 94,000 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 8 service bulletins or notices for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
This Preliminary information communicates an issue with premature brake pad life and engineering is working on release new pad lining material.
This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic trailer brake system causing a voltage spike into the trucks electrical system which is causing DTC C1114 to set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicle that may have a "Check Trailer Wiring" or "Service Trailer Brake System” message on the Driver Information Center when a trailer is ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about fluid leaking from the brake caliper piston area found during a service of the vehicle.
4 more on the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 page.
What owners wrote
“Loud ticking noise and power loss. Transmission shift slips from 2nd to 3rd . Called factory and dealership for check up. Said no problem⦠Told to Change oil. Did this, NO CHANGE.”
Filed Jun 10, 2026
“First my engine light came on and as I was in my way to the dealership I lost my brakes. It stayed at the shop for a week before I was contacted only for them to tell me that there was metal shaving in my engine oil and they recommend full replacement, meanwhile havenât even made it to my brakes. GM offered me 3K toward replacing the 13K+ engine. Thatâs so unacceptable!”
Filed Jun 5, 2025
“Mechanics said that they see this on all new chevy trucks that the bracket causes the rubber brake line to rub on the bracket holding it in place also causing it to stretch and tear. Resulting in a over 500 dollar fix. The brakes failed on the interstate causing them to lock up. Almost killing me and my daughter but was able to gain control of the vehicle and save it.”
Filed Dec 2, 2024
“While leaving work I started the truck like normal and the dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Saying service ESC, service power steering,and service brake system. The ESC light was on as well as the check engine light. There was no forewarning about this.”
Filed Oct 4, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 3 of 44 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 176 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 168 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 121 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 95 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 30 reports
- Engine rattles or ticks 30 reports
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 28 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 26 reports
- Tailgate or liftgate will not open or close 26 reports