This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Brakes went all the way to the floor and was getting no braking at all unless emergency brake was applied...luckily was at a stop in a parking lot when this happened and not trying to stop on at am intersection or on the highway...was able to limp home using emergency brake to stop...aren't these supposed to have a split system so you cannot lose all brakes at once...pads are not worn low...and fluid is spraying from brake line directly under drivers side door...
I was driving on I95 traveling at a speed of 60 mph when I tried to apply the brakes and the brake pedal went completely to the floor. I had absolutely no brakes. Lights on the dash board stated service brakes. Luckily there were not any cars directly in front of me. I was able to drift onto the side of the highway and waited for my vehicle to come to a stop. After coming to a stop, I noticed a large puddle of fluid under the driver side door. My brake line had ruptured. Evidently this is known problem with GM trucks and is a great safety hazard. I was very fortunate that my entire family was not in the car like the previous weekend. I took my vehicle to my mechanic and he informed me that all 4 brake lines were corroded. This should never happen on a part that is essential to stopping your vehicle. GM claims that you still have brakes when this happens. That is totally not true. I had absolutely no brakes. GM needs to take responsibility for this problem.
While driving my truck in a curve I notice the vehicle was not responsive as I applied the brakes. The brake pedal went straight to the floor. I regained control of my vehicle I place the vehicle in the N drive attempting to let the vehicle coast to a stop. I did a maintenance check for low brake fluid, I found that the level was good. That's when I was informed that my brake line had broken. When the brake pedal was applied brake fluid was shooting out from the brake line. This was the third time that this has happen to me that my life and others has been endangered. The first incidence was a few years ago I went through a red light because I could not stop the vehicle, the second time was November 2013 and now this time. Although I purchased the vehicle used in 2006 with only 47,000 miles on it for this to occur three times is to often. I now have 150000 miles on my vehicle and cannot afford a new car or new car payment. Please look into to so that I and other lives will not be further endangered. Recall and do something about these brake lines breaking so that we are safe.
Brakes suddenly gave out. Pedal fell to floor and when I took it to be repaired I was told all the brake lines rotted out. I don't understand this because by vehicle was garage kept. My total bill was $875.
Ruptured rear brake line under driver side door due to extreme rust of lines. Inspection reveals all the brake lines are showing signs of extreme rust, which should not happen for an 11 year old truck. By the grace of god, I was in my driveway when the brake pedal went to the floor and not driving on the roads at any speed. Why the risk of using substandard materials for brake lines" why not use stainless steel brake lines"
- Arden, NC, USA
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While driving home at roughly 35 mph I attempted to stop and when I pressed on the brake pedal the pedal went to the floor and the on board computer system came on and set check brake system. I was able to pump the brake and get some pressure but I could here a hissing sound anytime I pressed the pedal. I was within two miles of the house and was able to get home. My husband looked at the brake system and there was a hole from a rusty section of the brake line over the top of the chassis in the drivers side rear area. Every time you step on the pedal it would spray a steady stream of brake fluid.
Corroded steel brake line developed a hole and leak of brake fluid. This led to inability to brake adequately to stop. All 4 brake lines need replaced due to severe corrosion. There appears to be a large number of complaints about these and similar GM vehicles experiencing brake line failures.
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. The contact stated that the brake pedal became stuck to the floorboard while attempting to reverse. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic, who found that the brake lines were corroded and leaking brake fluid. The brake lines were replaced. The failure and current mileage was 59,353.
I was driving down the road with my wife and granddaughter when all the brakes, I mean all the brakes went, and a service brake lights came on at the same time.I managed to drift to a stop, otherwise we would have hurt someone or been killed. No warning. I had to pay 1900 for the repair which we cannot afford since I am on disability. It still scares us.
Brakes failed due to a rusted brake pipe while driving home from work. Luckily I was on my street and traveling just under 25 mph. After inspection of the under side of vehicle I discovered not one but, two leaks. I do expect some issues with a vehicle my age and mileage but, not a total brake failure. I did contact the dealer for replacement parts just to learn that the parts have been discontinue.
Approaching stop light, hit brakes, and pedal went all the way to the floor, there was no brake at all. No one was in front of me at light, so I turned right and coasted into parking lot. Had truck towed home, found rusted and split brake line under drivers door, the other 3 lines in the bundle were almost gone too, just moving another one caused it to break open, so.as of today, I replaced the front4 lines.and plan on doing the rear this week... the entire under- carriage is rusty, way more than normal, I restore ars and have a 1951 Chevy, that's original frame and looks new.. I compare trucks every time I get a chance, ,,and this Chevy is baddd. Love the truck, just hate replacing, brakes, rotors, lines all the time...rear backing plates have been. Rusted away, since 2005.
Experienced loss of braking power due to a leak in one of the front metal brake lines. Took vehicle to a repair shop who informed me all the metal brake lines were highly corroded and needed to be replaced. I contacted jim mckay dealership and was informed these brake lines are on back order with no indication of when parts would be available. Repair shop has to custom make all brake lines with an estimate of $1,500 - $1,600. Brake lines should not corrode, this is defective material. Lines should be stainless steel, if not, coated at a minimum.
Vehicle was moving at approximately 50 miles per hour and brakes were applied to prepare for a right turn. At first the brakes were beginning to be effective, but sudden loss of hydrological pressure resulted in brake pedal traveling all the way to the floor and little to no braking power was available. Indicator lights and bells illuminated indicating that the braking system needed serviced. Vehicle coasted to a stop and was placed into park. Brake fluid was visible on the passenger side front wheel well.
Brakes went out while pulling a trailer. Went through an intersection. Thank god it was early on a Sunday morning. Brake line had a completed rusted and burst. When looking to repair, the entire brake line was rusted and blistered. All other lines were about to burst. Had to replace all brake lines on this vehicle. I have owned many vehicles and much older and higher mileage vehicles and never had to replace brake lines. This is ridiculous how bad the lines were. I am the original owner of this vehicle and I know it was well taken care of.
The contact 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. While driving 35 mph, the brakes failed. The contact stated the vehicle coasted until it eventually stopped. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic who confirmed that the brake lines were covered with rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 76000.
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed as corrosion of the brake line. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the incident and he was advised to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Lost brakes. Line from front of truck to back brakes ruptured. Had to use emergency brake to stop. All brake lines are in rusted condition and need replacement.
Update to complaint 10538262 after reviewing other complaints with similar issues I forgot to put in key data. I had a brake line failure on the drivers side left front and forgot to list that in my original complaint and also lines up with the current open item: NHTSA action number EA11001 all the brakes lines need to replaced since they are rusty, falling apart and very brittle. Lucky this issue to not occur when I using the truck earlier in the day when my daughter was in the truck. While attempting to move an unloaded trailer in my yard, I began to backup to the trailer applying the brakes since I was lined up to the trailer, applied the brakes to stop and the brakes went to the floor and the message flashed stating brake issue and lots of bells going off. Incident occurred 8/23/13, had truck towed to garage since it took 10X the distance to try to stop the truck and was not safe to drive. Since the truck is at the garage waiting on parts I do not have actual mileage but has approximately 91K miles. I did not have any other warnings and had new brake pads and rotors installed in the last two months.
While attempting to move an unloaded trailer in my yard, I began to backup to the trailer applying the brakes since I was lined up to the trailer, applied the brakes to stop and the brakes went to the floor and the message flashed stating brake issue and lots of bells going off. Incident occurred 8/23/13, had truck towed to garage since it took 10X the distance to try to stop the truck and was not safe to drive. Since the truck is at the garage waiting on parts I do not have actual mileage but has approximately 91K miles. I did not have any other warnings and had new brake pads and rotors installed in the last two months.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Louisville, KY, USA