My 2024 Chevy Silverado’s Brakes Failed Going 65 MPH in Rush Hour Traffic and It Was Traumatic, I Love Chevy, But I Was Not Happy That Day

I'm driving 65 miles per hour on the freeway, and my brakes would not work at all.

That's what happened to Mandy (@muahdp) as she was driving her new 2024 Chevrolet Silverado truck on the highway near Katy, Texas, west of Houston, going 65 miles per hour. You can imagine how scared she was. 

Mandy says, 

"It was traumatic. I was going 65 miles an hour and almost got into four accidents because I had to slow my truck down. Everyone is trying to dodge me, and I'm a hazard slowing down the middle of the highway."

Now, picture owning your Chevy Silverado truck for only three months, and this happened.  You're left in shock that your new truck broke down with only a few thousand miles on it. This scary scenario occurred on a Friday afternoon in rush hour traffic, making it even more terrifying. 

Traffic around the Houston beltway is terrible anytime, but right before the weekend, everyone is trying to get home, and you are right in the middle of it with a truck with brakes that fail. 

Here is Mandy's terrifying story.

"I bought a brand new Chevrolet Silverado, and I took it in because my radio was not working, and ok, there is some electrical issue going on. So I left it with the dealer for five days and went to go pick up my truck."

"They told me they have to replace my entire radio, and they don't even have it in the parts department, and it will take weeks. So, I take my truck home and drive down the freeway, and my brakes wouldn't work."

"I'm driving 60 to 65 miles per hour, and my brakes would not work at all. I had to coast my truck until I could find a place to comfortably slow the truck down without hitting anybody."

"So, I'm just sitting in my truck on the freeway and getting furious. I just bought this truck three months ago. So, I called the Chevy dealer and said, You guys sold me a truck that just lost its brakes on the highway." 

"I was going 65 miles an hour and almost got into four accidents because I had to slow my truck down. Everyone is trying to dodge me, and I'm a hazard slowing down the middle of the highway."

The Service Department Is Already Closed 

"They said, I'm sorry, our service department is closed. You'll have to call back on Monday. I was like, are you kidding me right now? The inconvenience was beyond frustrating." 

"So then I had to call Chevy roadside assistance, and it took 90 minutes for them to even get there. I am so mad right now it's not even funny. I think it's absolute b.s. that my new truck's brakes are broken." 

Mandy was able to get herself and her truck to safety, but it was traumatic and scary. 

"So, six days later, after it's towed to the Chevrolet dealer, they call me and say, your truck is ready to be picked up. I asked, is everything fixed now? They said, yeah, all we had to do was fix your radio.” 

"I said my radio controls my brakes and my emergency brake? They said we got it fixed."

"So, I'm just happy to get my truck back and to be able to drive it again. I'm happy for that. And you know what? I love Chevy. But I was not happy that day. We have not had any other issues. It's a brand new truck, and I was shocked that my brakes went out on the freeway. I'm happy my kids weren't in the truck with me." 

Mandy concludes, "So, thank you, Westside Chevrolet, in Katy, for helping me get my truck back into good shape. We'll see how long it lasts."

Is There a Brake Issue With Silverado Trucks?

According to recent reports, some owners of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado have experienced brake issues, including brake failure, with complaints centering around a "soft" or "spongy" brake pedal and concerns about intermittent trailer brake loss, particularly in the Silverado HD models. 

General Motors issued a recall for specific 2023-2024 Silverado models related to potential brake fluid warning issues that can lead to brake failure. 

449,671 GM Trucks and SUVs are Affected

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall includes some 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks and 2023 and 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, and Escalade ESV models. A total of 449,671 GM trucks and SUVs are affected. 

A report from Car and Driver says, "The recall documents show that the brake control module may fail to warn the driver of brake fluid loss before brake performance degrades. A mismatch between the brake control software and the brake control calibrations reportedly causes the failure."

What Should Silverado Owners Do?

The report says Chevrolet dealers will issue a software update to the affected vehicles to match the brake module software with the correct calibration. Silverado trucks capable of receiving over-the-air updates will be able to receive the fix from home, while owners of non-OTA-equipped vehicles will have to visit their dealership for the update.

Owners can also check the NHTSA website here to see if their vehicle's VIN is involved in the recall.

Final Thoughts and Questions for Silverado Owners

Mandy had a terrifying situation with her 2024 Silverado's brakes failing in rush hour traffic on the Houston freeway. Luckily, she was able to avoid a serious accident that could have been life-threatening.

She loves her new truck and still loves Chevy. I may not have been so understanding if it had happened to me.

How About You?

Do you own a Chevrolet Silverado? Have you ever experienced brake failure? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and tell us what happened to you.

Check out my unbelievable Chevrolet Silverado story titled; I Work At a GM Dealer, I Wanted A Toyota 4Runner, They Said I Had to Buy a Chevy Silverado Or Get Fired, Within 24 Hrs and Only 82 Miles It Broke Down

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl