Recall 20V603 covers 14,620 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and related trucks and SUVs for reduced brake assist. Repair is free at a franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet recall 20V603 covers 14,620 2018 Silverado 1500, Escalade, Tahoe, Sierra 1500, and Yukon vehicles because the mechanical vacuum pump can lose output over time, reducing power brake assist. That loss raises brake pedal effort and stopping distance, and Chevrolet dealers will perform the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The vacuum brake assist pump on these 2018 Silverado 1500, Escalade, Tahoe, Sierra 1500, and Yukon vehicles helps reduce the pedal effort needed to stop. It creates vacuum pressure for the power brake assist system, so normal braking takes less force from the driver. A secondary hydraulic brake assist system is also present when vacuum assist drops.
On affected vehicles, the pump receives engine oil through a filter screen. Debris such as oil sludge can build up on that screen and restrict oil flow into the pump. As the pump loses lubrication, its vacuum output drops, and the brake system has less vacuum assist available. The updated brake control module calibration improves how the hydraulic assist works when vacuum assist is depleted.
Drivers can feel vibration in the brake pedal or a change in how much pressure it takes to press the pedal. A ticking noise can come from the engine compartment, the hydraulic assist system can activate, and a "Service Brake Assist" message appears within two to five minutes after vacuum drops below 10 kPA.
Who's affected?
Covers five pickup and SUV nameplates in the 2018 model year, all using the same brake control module calibration.
| 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Cadillac Escalade | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 GMC Yukon | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 14,620 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced brake assist can make the pedal harder to press and increase stopping distance, which increases crash risk. Treat brake-pedal vibration, changed pedal pressure, ticking from the engine compartment, or a Service Brake Assist message as a reason to schedule service promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Chevrolet, Cadillac, or GMC vehicle is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer or the franchised dealer for your badge brand to schedule the free Electronic Brake Control Module software update.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V603 when you call.
- Drive with extra following distance until the repair is complete. Reduced brake assist can make the brake pedal harder to press and increase stopping distance.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician reprograms the Electronic Brake Control Module. The software update is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. GM provides reimbursement for eligible repairs under the plan it submitted on May 17, 2019. If you already paid for a related brake assist repair before the recall work, ask the service desk or GM customer service how to submit prior repair documentation under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 1, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 1, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| October 1, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 11, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 16, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 16, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V603?
Recall 20V603 covers 14,620 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Escalade, Tahoe, Sierra 1500, and Yukon vehicles with 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engines. The mechanical vacuum pump output can decrease over time, reducing power brake assist. Chevrolet dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Escalade, Tahoe, Sierra 1500, or Yukon is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V603. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the Electronic Brake Control Module reprogramming. Reference recall number 20V603 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Chevrolet dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for vehicles included in recall 20V603.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced brake assist. If the vacuum pump output drops, the brake pedal takes more effort and the vehicle needs more distance to stop, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V603000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-866-522-9559 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V603 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V603000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →