Why is My Curt Echo Brake Controller Making My Brakes Stick on My Different Trailers?

Updated 09/29/2025 | Published 04/16/2025

Question:

I have had my curt wireless on two brand new trailers and two different pickups since I bought it a couple years ago. The problem I have is at times the phone shows my brakes sticking on after application from time to time. If I tap the button wheels the brakes release. I thought it was a trailer brake problem but it does the same thing with different trucks and two different brand new travel trailer. Any suggestions?

asked by: Rick H

Expert Reply:

Hey Rick,

It sounds like you’ve been dealing with a pretty annoying issue with your Curt Echo Wireless brake controller # C51180. Since you’ve tried it on different trucks and brand-new trailers, and the problem still pops up, where the brakes seem to stick on until you tap the manual override button, it’s pretty clear the controller itself might be the culprit. That sticking behavior you’re seeing could actually be caused by a glitch in the app or a hiccup in the Bluetooth connection between your phone and the Echo. Sometimes these units can also have firmware issues or even a relay inside that doesn’t fully release like it should.

First thing I’d suggest is making sure the Curt app is fully updated, or even try deleting and reinstalling it. Also, if you can, try pairing the Echo with a different phone to see if the behavior changes, sometimes the phone itself (or the Bluetooth connection) can be a factor. Another thing to check is your brake gain and sensitivity settings. If they’re cranked up too high, that could cause the brakes to feel like they’re dragging or holding longer than they should.

If you check those things and it is still doing it, then that tells us that it is something internal on the controller itself. Luckily Curt has a Limited Lifetime Warranty, if you bought it through etrailer we can get it all squared away for you just let me know what email you placed the order under, or the order number itself. If you got it somewhere else you will need to reach out to that company or to Curt themselves.

Let me know what you find out after your done troubleshooting.

expert reply by: Kate F

Kate F.

9/26/2025

Hey Rick, did updating the Curt app or trying a different phone help with the brake sticking issue? I'm curious to know if those steps made a difference, as it could help others facing similar problems.

Rick H.

9/26/2025

@KateF. It never did get better. We have a truck now with built in brake control and went on a 4000 mile trip to the Rocky Mountains and back with no issues pulling the same trailer. We haven’t used the curt since and just carry it for emergency.

Kate F.

9/29/2025

@RickH Always a good idea to have that backup. Congrats on the new truck! I am sure you saw some pretty incredible views on that 4,000 mile trip. Thanks for the reply Rick =)