1990 Chevrolet Silverado Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 40%of 25 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the brakes of the 1990 Chevrolet Silverado, 40% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,300 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1990 Chevrolet Silverado pickup. He stated since purchase, the vehicle had poor brake stopping ability at various speeds from 5 MPH and up. The vehicle was taken to his independent mechanic where it was found the rear brake line pinched under a hot rivet causing a decrease in brake stopping distance. This also caused a failure in the brake fluid reaching the rear brakes. The rear brake line and two rear brake cylinders were replaced at the owner's expense. Since the repairs, brake stopping distance improved. The failure mileage was 7300 and the current was 156,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10310887, filed 2010-02, 7,300 miles“While driving on the highway another vehicle pulled out in front of consumer's vehicle. Consumer applyied brakes, and it seemed like there was no brake pressure. This has happened several times. Haven't contacted dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #852979, filed 1999-11“Vehicle was on highway at approx. 45-50 MPH. Approaching railroad tracks, applied brakes to slow down. While slowing down, the rear wheel locked up, causing vehicle to slide into a train.”
NHTSA complaint #842951, filed 1999-07“Rear brake drum's go out of shape due to the undersize for vehicle. Had to replace three sets of brakes, and two sets of wheel cylinders. Dealer can't determine the cause of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #851244, filed 1999-10“The brake system eats drums and shoes <constantly fall apart> for breakfast as well as rotors cracking. This truck is highly inadequate for stopping at higher speeds and the brakes havce always felt spongy. This brake system is an economical and safety nightmare!! Please help!!! The oil lines to the radiator oil cooler rubbed on the steering box and drained the engine of oil at 65 miles an hour on the freeway! Thank god for prolong! The very same thing happened to my son's truck gmc 1990 a few days earlier. Both were without warning!!! What gives??? Shame on GM!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #728635, filed 2000-08Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 33 | 26% |
| 2015 | 8 | 11% |
| 2014 | 9 | 7% |
| 2013 | 2 | 3% |
| 2012 | 9 | 13% |
| 2011 | 9 | 12% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 7 | 9% |
| 2008 | 10 | 6% |
| 2007 | 34 | 19% |
| 2006 | 101 | 55% |
| 2005 | 87 | 28% |
| 2004 | 211 | 34% |
| 2003 | 257 | 37% |
| 2002 | 350 | 49% |
| 2001 | 418 | 48% |
| 2000 | 607 | 47% |
| 1999 | 1,003 | 60% |
| 1998 | 89 | 32% |
| 1997 | 62 | 23% |
| 1996 | 31 | 17% |
| 1995 | 29 | 11% |
| 1994 | 17 | 8% |
| 1993 | 6 | 9% |
| 1992 | 5 | 13% |
| 1991 | 6 | 35% |
| 1990 | 10 | 40% |
| 1989 | 5 | 23% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1990 Chevrolet Silverado
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1990 Chevrolet Silverado
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology