1996 Chevrolet Silverado Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 17%of 186 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 78,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Chevrolet Silverado, 17% of the 186 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 78,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The brakes on our 1996 chevy Silverado 4x4 pick up fail to work properly. There is a delay between applying pressure on the brake & the truck actually braking. This problem seems to happen more often when braking & turning. I first noticed it when pulling into a parking space. The truck makes the same sound & vibration that happens when the anti lock brakes kick in if you're sliding on a slippery surface. This makes it impossible for us to trust that the vehicle will stop completely when needed. Caution is required to operate this vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10137362, filed 2005-09, 105,500 miles“Since purchase of vehicle continual costs to keep vehicle running has almost exceed the value of the vehicle. Repair costs from $3,200.00-$3,900.00 and continue to increase. Any future repairs will now exceed the purchase value of the vehicle. Due to the incapacity of the truck my lost wages have exceeded or will exceed $10,000.00. Being a single parent of two young children and having lost my job due to the vehicles incapacitate has caused insurmountable pain and suffering to the necessary day to day functions to my family. My once fair credit report has been ruined. …”
NHTSA complaint #10121196, filed 2005-05, 18,000 miles“Metal hydraulic brake fluid line rusts, degrading to the leaking of fluid and total loss of braking ability. Metal line to be replaced with stainless-steel. Fuel line is in same condition, though not leaking fuel. Fuel line to be replaced with stainless steel.”
NHTSA complaint #10146990, filed 2006-01, 10,300 miles“Vehicle experienced loss of brakes while towing a trailer. Consumer inspected the vehicle, and replaced two front brake hoses that erupted. Also, vehicle stalled while in motion. Vehicle had been to dealer on two occasions, and they were unable to duplicate or resolve the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10080225, filed 2004-06, 73,262 miles“1996 chevy 4x4 truck (Silverado) ABS engaging at low speeds on dry pavement. Very difficult stopping the vehicle when approaching a 4-way stop. Kids in the truck caused a very unnerving experience.”
NHTSA complaint #10140014, filed 2005-10, 108,400 milesBrakes: 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 1996 Chevrolet Silverado
74 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsSeats
15 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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