Two problems related to brakes failed have been reported for the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 based on all problems reported for the 2008 Silverado 1500.
We purchased two 2008 Chevrolet pick up trucks on the same date and are experiencing a consistent problem with brake rotor warping. I had to have the rotors turned after 3,000 miles and again at 11,300 miles. It has had to have the rotors turned at 8,000 miles. On April 14, 2009 vehicle #2 was being driven down a steep hill and the brakes barely stopped the truck due to the rotors being warped and overheating. Both vehicles were taken into the dealership today and a complaint #71-716924191 was filed with Chevrolet customer assistance national line. Vehicle #1 was being driven down a hill last Thursday and that vehicle barely stopped due to bad rotors. We expressed to Chevrolet that this is a safety hazard and they said they will continue to follow the guidelines of their warranty and turned down the rotors as necessary as long as there is still serviceable life left in them. They will not install any better rotors nor would they offer any other solution. The dealer service adviser told us that they have problems with all pick up truck rotors on vehicles that frequently travel on hills and have had problems with cars as well. These two pick-up trucks do not normally tow anything, only have one person in the vehicle, and usually have a four wheel atv on the back which weighs about 360 pounds which is less than two of three people occupying a cab. The vehicles are driven on some farm lanes and get some mud on the wheels infrequently but they said this contributes to the rotors overheating. Pickup trucks are supposed to be designed for heavier use "chevy tough is their advertising slogan" and these pickups, do not see much heavy use. We feel this is a considerable safety hazard of brake failure and looks like it will be an ongoing problem well after the warranty period expires. We live in a hilly area with many steep roads and were never advised that the trucks could not withstand these conditions.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving 15 mph, the brakes failed. The contact drove through a red light and was finally stopped when the emergency brake was engaged. A crash occurred and the vehicle sustained scratches down the side and a dent in the rear. The contact was injured and stated that he would call his doctor for an exam. The dealer has not yet been notified. The current and failure mileages were 486.