Service Brakes Problems of Chevrolet Tahoe - part 1

On March 21, 2026, I rented a Chevrolet Tahoe (approx. 24,450 mileage driven). While operating the vehicle on a freeway at approximately 40–50 mph, the braking system and abs failed suddenly without any warning. Barely no brakes were able to apply to stop the vehicle. It also started to show that ecs service (electronic stability control) and service brake pad monitor. Many faults started to show.

See all problems of the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe 🔎.

I have a 2025 chevy Tahoe and the automatic braking system is way too sensitive. When I’m reversing, it constantly slams on the brakes even when I still have enough space and nothing is in my way. It also brakes when people are nearby but not actually in my path. One time I was stopped and about to move forward, and the car suddenly braked because a construction worker was a few feet away, not in front of me. It caught me off guard and didn’t feel safe. The braking is very sudden and aggressive, and it makes normal driving and parking difficult. It feels unreliable and could cause a dangerous situation.

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 19v645000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the failure occurred after the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact, who is an independent mechanic, diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,500.

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At 64000 miles my 2019 chevy Tahoe has to be replaced due to lifters failing. Gm/chevy wants to charge me $17000 to install a new 6. 2l - v8 engine. (same engine that had the lifter problem). That engine has been recalled on earlier and later models. What do I do to fight the cost of new motor ?.

See all problems of the 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe 🔎.

I was driving when I noticed my vehicle lagging and possibly misfiring, and then the "service four-wheel-drive" warning appeared. I was just down the road from my house, so I pulled into the driveway and put the car in park, but it wouldn’t turn off. I realized the parking brake was engaged and wouldn’t release either. I was stuck in two-wheel drive and couldn’t switch to four-wheel drive, and the emergency brake wouldn't disengage when I pressed the button, so the vehicle still wouldn't shut off. I had to put it in reverse physically step on the gas, which is the only way the parking brake finally disengaged and allowed the vehicle to shut off.

SUV states brake system failure, tell driver not to drive over 43 miles per hour, attempted to have repairs continue to have repeat service with same issues, notified gm customer service of concerns regarding safety of vehicle with no brakes or steering control however vehicle states owner can drive, this is not safe to general public nor myself and family, gm staff stated could have towed did not seemed concerned for safety of the alert given as there is no current recall on this VIN.

See all problems of the 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe 🔎.

To NHTSA, I am reporting a serious safety defect in my 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe purchased from criswell Chevrolet (gaithersburg, MD). Defects include a documented brake system failure while driving and repeated electrical/shift faults preventing shifting out of park. The issue is ongoing even after the dealer/manufacturer stated it was fixed. Key events: Feb 3, ~12:45 while traveling ~35–39 mph on a five?lane road, brakes failed. I slowed by coasting uphill and using maximum pedal force to ~5–7 mph before stopping. I have video of the incident and two other times this has happened with pictures as the car was in park. Three prior start-up incidents: all dash lights illuminated (including brake failure and forward collison system unavailable); vehicle stuck in park. First required towing; dealer could not replicate despite reported stored codes. Subsequent event stranded my family. I have notified Chevrolet and the dealer; their offer does not address safety or recurrence. Please record this complaint, assess broader risk, and advise on related recalls/investigations. If there is a path forward to ensure the safety of my family, please respond with that guidance. My phone number is [xxx] . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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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.

See all problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe 🔎.

I have a 2024 Tahoe that was purchased new from the dealer and has 13,700mi. The first service was completed as required in December with no issues identified. Less than 2 months later the front wheels started making a squeaking sound intermittently when accelerating, coasting or breaking. There were no warning messages. The dealership/mechanic looked over the car & said that the front brakes were measuring 2mm (completely worn out) but no other issues. Before drop off the car computer said above 75% or more for front and rear breaks (green). I have been driving the car in normal condition in southern CA. It seems that the break pads were defective and degraded at an alarming/unsafe rate or that a different component on the car caused them the continuously rub and wear down. The dealership blamed it on owner operation even though they supposedly checked them 2 months before and didn't see abnormal signs of wear. I am very concerned with the quality, reliability & safety of the front breaking system due to the fact that the breaks wore out so fast. I am worried that the problem has not been properly identified and that that breaks will continue to have this problem if it wasn't caused by faulty pads. I have never had a break wear problem like this before on any of the other 5 new cars that I have owned. This is the first american brand car I have owned and hopefully it's not a sign of things to come.

Vehicle lost all braking capability while in motion. Vehicle rolled to a stop with no brakes with warnings for brake system failure, no front collision active. Upon restarting the vehicle the warnings didnt not go way for 1hr. 2 hours later the warnings cleared from the information system but codes remains. Vehicle was taken to uptown Chevrolet, slinger WI and was informed of a bad battery as the "cause" of the issue. A bad battery should not result in the loss of braking capability on any vehicle!.

My car has a problem this will be the 3rd visit to the chevy dealership and the 6th time in a garage. At this time, the original alternator that came with the Tahoe, was running high through December and replaced with a new alternator from parts geek. It was ok for a couple weeks and is running high again. You cannot test it from a cold start to get this reading. It must be ran for at least 20 min. After a certain amount of time the battery gauge will move to the highest point, the warning lights of abs, traction control, stabilitrak, trailer brake light, battery light (first time on 1/27/2026 for battery light), loss of drivers assist on 1/26/2026, tire pressure light, car dies coming to a stop sign. I can’t turn it back on for at least a min. I’m stuck inside with zero power, can’t unlock the doors to get out to direct traffic, open windows or put on 4 ways so I don’t get smacked in the middle of the road. After that minute I heard a click (no key in ignition, not trying to start) and then the dash lights started coming back on again and I started it. The battery did not restart the time on the radio screen so I’m assuming I didn’t die fully. The radio screen always goes black first, then the heat goes in and out, the warning lights come on and it dies. Takes a minute or so to be able to start it again and the lights aren’t on anymore but will continue to do the same shit after awhile of driving and now daily. I’m afraid to drive it anywhere since almost getting stuck inside and plowed at an interaction. I have reached out to chevy about this problem and was referred to take it back to the dealership again, and to reach back out as soon as it’s there to open a case on the issue. Ive had it, this has been ongoing for a year, and I have to keep paying for things that doesn’t fix the issue and it’s getting worse.

When I started my car at home, all of the dash warning lights came on, one after another. I put the car in reverse and started backing out of my driveway. I tried to stop but there were no brakes! I slowly pulled back into my driveway and turned the car off. I had to take off work that day because I didn't dare to drive the car. The next day I started the car up and the check engine light was on. Luckily, I had brakes and I could go to work. Now, a day later, my engine light is not on. I made an appointment at the dealership. They can't get me in until mid February so I'm stuck with this problem, not knowing if the brakes are going to fail while driving. Oddly enough, when talking to a CO-worker who has a 2023 Chevrolet suburban, she recently had the same exact problem with her car. She has an appointment scheduled as well. I also read a complaint on this website that had identical problems. This car only has 8500 miles on it. It's still new! someone is going to be killed or hurt very badly if this ever happens while driving. Please look into this.

The following notifications showed up on my dashboard as my breaks failed me! I was going down a hill and hit the breaks and they would not work, I could not stop the car! - service break pads - forward collision system unavailable - break system failure - service traction control - service esc - check engine light on this is the second time this has happened in 4 weeks. We just got it back from getting it “fixed” one month ago. One of the scariest experiences, losing breaks!.

Since 15,394 miles vehicle has experience multiple system failures upon vehicle startup. 2/24, 2/25, 12/25, 1/26. In all of these 4 instances the brakes become spongy/hard, steering wheel locks, and I am not able to control vehicle. Dash lights up; "brake system failure - 43mph top speed", "fwd collision system unavailable", "service traction control", "service esc", "service steering column lock", "service brake pad monitor". Dealership has replaced, telematic control module, electronic brake control module (ebcm), serial data gateway module, park assist module and most recently they replaced the battery and cleared the codes to "fix" the same intermittent but recurring condition. In 11/24 recall n242447990 was performed, reprogramming of brake system control module and serial data gateway module, the exact same issue happened before and after the recall.

Vehicle was around empty with 40miles remaining and would not start via keyless remote. Upon starting the vehicle all lights on the dashboard came on, this has happened previously and it fixed itself. When this happens, I have 0 brakes. Forward collision unavailable, service brake pads monitor, service traction control, service steering column, but most importantly brake system failure.

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

While driving on I-90 in montana on a clear, sunny day at the posted speed limit of 80 miles per hour for one hour, the vehicle began making knocking noises then, all of a sudden lost power. Upon inspection at the nearest gm dealership service department in butte, mt, I was told something within the engine broke. I have attached an emailed repair bid from the gm service department and have copied and pasted the highlights here: -engine, lines, radiator, water pump, and tune up ($14,400. 00) -cam, lifters, lines, radiator, water pump, and tune up ($11,400. 00) -master cylinder/ebcm ($3,310. 00) previous to the incident, all recommended and routine maintenance was performed at intervals recommended by gm and by gm dealership service departments and/or the valvoline oil change location in missoula, montana. The odometer reading was between 95,000 and 96,000 miles at the time of incident.

See all problems of the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe 🔎.

The car was parked totally normal, went into a store, then came out to start it and when it was put in drive every light on the dash came on and gave a warning for “brake system failure top speed 43 mph” “service traction control” “service esc” “service steering column lock” “service brake pad monitor” “trailer brakes disabled service required”. Shut the vehicle off and restarted with same results. Brakes were inoperable and almost hit the car parked in front of me. Let the car shut down for a couple hours came back and started it and now everything acts normal except there is a check engine light. Haven’t read the codes yet but am making an appointment at the dealer for warranty work.

Service break assist light came on 2 days after getting the brand new vehicle. They ended up needing to replace the break master cylinder.

On 12/3/2025, I moved my car in the driveway at 11:15am est without any issue. At 6pm est, myself and 2 young daughters got into the car to head out an hour away. As I went to drive away, I stepped on the brake and the car did not immediately stop…the brakes failed and came to a rolling stop. At that moment all types of warning and lights lit up the dashboard. I placed the car in park exactly where it was in the driveway and left it. I also tried to select the ebrake and it would not engage. I called the dealer first thing the next morning as that had been closed at the time it happened. I was told to bring it in and not to drive it so nobody in my car or else would be at risk. The car was towed at my expense to the dealer. When I got in touch with the dealer that afternoon to get a status. They advised the believe the bcm needed to be updated because it seem to not be communicating properly but wanted to keep it over night to retest it before they sent me home with it. Going to point out several things…thankfully I had not left my house, as I live on a mountain and should that have happened while descending it could have been catastrophic. No warning or anything that the brakes would fail! according to records it shows the did a recall update back in Feb 2025 regarding the bcm- however, how are we sure it truly was fixed or was defective. Gm/chevy needs to take accountability for this defect and safety hazard that could result in death. In reading forums, I am not the only one this has happened to.

Vehicle suddenly lost breaking power while driving . The vehicle system shows antilock braking system issues. Losing break power while driving has serious consequences.

At first it started with my brakes. I was at dq and all of a sudden the brake peddle was hard and would barely go down. I then put my car in park. Now I have all new brakes, rotors, etc. Then now the car after 139,000 miles and only owning it for 3 years has this hesitation to go. It stumbles and once would go at all. I had to park right where I was, and restart the car. I have 5 kids, one at which is always with me whom is only 3 years old. This vehicle is not safe. Why it it that so many of us are having the same issue, but no recall has been done? I go this weekend to take the car in. Praying for some sort of miracle. And no other warning signs. Just starting acting crazy. Lights just came on this week.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe 🔎.

2025 chevy Tahoe: while approaching a traffic stop I hit the brake pedal and this would not work nor stopped the car. The pedal went all the way to the floor and would not work anymore. I believe the emergency brake activated and managed to stop the car. I was driving at the check engine warning light was immediately activated along with the following warnings: *service brake assist *check trailer brake lamps *service steering column lock *service traction control *service esc *service brake pad monitor *trailer brake disabled service required.

While I was driving, my vehicle suddenly lost all power I encountered a misfire with the engine light flashing, and diagnostic codes p0353 and p0300 indicated a misfire on cylinder three. The coil pack and spark plugs for that cylinder were replaced, yet issues persist and problems continue. There is a strange popping and cracking noise coming from my dash. My brakes are also making it loud sound randomly when pressing on breaks yet brake pads are fine.

While driving toward intersection, light changed to red. Applied pressure to brake pedal and pedal became extremely difficult to press. Vehicle was not slowing as expected with pedal pressure becoming very hard to press to slow vehicle. Warning on dash "brake assist" and Chevrolet app displays "antilock braking system" and text that states schedule service now. If my wife would have been driving, this would have caused an accident. This is extremely dangerous condition that must be addressed with a corrective action taken by the manufacturer.

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe 🔎.

Brake system failure. Brakes were all but gone as I couldn't safely stop my car at an intersection and had to quickly cut in front of on coming traffic to go into a gas station to avoid running a red light.

After my vehicle experienced a brake system failure 3 weeks ago and I got my vehicle back from the dealership. I noticed that my vehicle has no emergency brake so in the event of this failure and/or future brake system failures there was no way to stop my vehicle. Their emergency brake is technically a parking brake that can only be applied when the vehicle is completely stopped. I'm not sure how a vehicle this unsafe would be even legally sold or allowed to operate on the roads.

Brakes just gave out almost hit the car infront and swurved to avoid it the car almost his the wall and another car while trying to correct my truck in a proper lane. Brake pedal went straight down to the bottom and let the truck coast to a stop. Scared to death thank ngod I didn't hit or crash !!!!.

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.

Driving along the highway in cruise control at about 70mph without any trailer being pulled. Suddenly I got brake errors. Abs, esc, trailer brake error failures all popped on the dash warnings. Brakes were unresponsive only applying hard pressure to the brake pedal was effective. There was zero feedback from the brake pedal to myself on it engaging and braking effectively. If this happened in a situation requiring more immediate braking, I would not have been able to figure out the braking capability of my vehicle in time. There were no issues with my vehicle at the time. I see that similar issues have been reported on facebook "chevy Tahoe owners group". Unknown whether it's a sensors glitch or a sw issue. After a few hours of being parked the car brake system started to work properly again. Made an appointment to check out they system at the dealership.

While driving my Tahoe on the highway at normal speeds approximately 65mph. I tried to exit freeway and my brakes were unresponsive. At this moment I began to allow the vehicle tto slow down on its own. I was able to safely exit the highway and the dealer ship was right off the exit. At low sppeeds I could push the brake pedal all the way down and acchieve some braking capability.

I was driving down [xxx] in lapuente and every light on my dash lit up and I attempted to exit freeway and my brakes would not work so I waited for car to slow down and luckily I was near by the puente hills Chevrolet dealer. Also my steering wheel was very lose and it felt that I couldn’t steer well. I pulled into dealership and had to push my brakes all the way to the floor board just for Tahoe to stop. Dealer said that there was various communication codes which they said vehicle would have to stay due to safety issues. My vehicle has been at dealer for 3 days so far information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

• what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the steering column lock system malfunctioned, triggering a “service steering column lock” alert. This failure caused a sudden loss of steering control. The vehicle and components remain available for inspection upon request. In addition, the incident appears to have caused damage to the trailer harness wiring. • how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the malfunction placed my safety and the safety of others at significant risk. When the alert appeared, I lost steering control of the vehicle and nearly collided, which could have resulted in a serious accident. • has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? the problem has not yet been reproduced or formally confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. • has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, I am prepared to make it available for immediate inspection. • were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? yes. A “service steering column lock” message appeared at the time of the incident, immediately prior to the sudden loss of steering control and the resulting issue with the trailer harness wiring.

There was a recall in 2019 (NHTSA recall no. 19v645000) on certain gm vehicles for vacuum pump failure, which could affect braking and engine performance. The fix usually involved reprogramming the ecm to improve how the brake assist system operates - not necessarily replacing the vacuum pump unless it had already failed. My local dealership did the reprogramming but in 2025 the vacuum pump totally failed and left my vehicle stranded on the interstate. I had to have towed to a mechanic shop and the inside of the pump had broken into 3 pieces. So I had to have the vacuum pump replaced. During this time my car did not have brakes and put me and surrounding vehicles in a very dangerous situation. The mechanic gave me the broken part to show the dealership. The dealership said there isn’t anything they can do for assistance as I am out of warranty. There was a message that came up that said to service the braking system right before they stopped working.

It has happened several times when going slow the breaks get really hard to stop the vehicle. Otherwise breaks are new work well. One time I hit my garage as I tried to move it slightly forward. Another time I was slowly moving forward & tried to stop at a driveway as person was walking by. I pressed breaks down as far as the could go.