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.
Vehicle looses power and brakes go out then dies, doesn't matter speed. If slowing down and press the brakes, the locks, lights, and security goes crazy. This is dangerous as it is in intersections and caution for collision. The vehicle has to be off for a time frame and restarts fine and can go. Happened when coming from ramp and in middle of road with semi truck coming down by us.
Third brake line failure due to corrosion. Areas of failure are hidden from view above other components. Upon brake line failure, backup braking was inoperative in all cases. Vehicle was on a city street in motion attempting to stop. Brakes failed suddenly in all cases. Brakes were very noticibly inoperative before any indication on dash board. Pumping the pedal did nothing- the pedal went to the floor. Was told manufacturer no longer supplies brake lines for this vehicle.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. While driving approximately 45 mph and making a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic brake pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V043000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 250,000.
The ABS system engages at low speeds when stopping on dry pavement. Generally the condition is limited to speeds under 10 mph when parking or stopping at stop signs. This condition disengaged the breaks and caused the vehicle to move beyond the traffic control signal at a four way intersection, nearly resulting in a serious side impact collision.
- Independence, MN, USA
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The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. While driving approximately 30 mph, the brakes failed and the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There were no warning indicators illuminated. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The dealer was later contacted (gordon Chevrolet in philadelphia, pa) and the contact was informed that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was damaged and towed to an auto body shop. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
ABS brake went out about 8 years ago being told by some mechanics no point in repairing it same thing will happen again seems that is a problem with this vechile when it went out I had 50 000 miles and the 36000 mile and 3 year warranity has already passed I heard a few weeks ago that you all had a recall but I was never notified the vechile had been parked at a mall when I started to leave their the light and warning alarm came
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. While attempting to stop at a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed and failed to immediately stop the vehicle. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact noticed that a brake line was severely corroded, which caused a fracture in the brake line. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not repaired. The contact stated that several brake lines were previously repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned off, fuel leaked from the fuel lines and a fuel odor emitted into the vehicle without warning. In addition, the contact stated that the brake pedal became extremely difficult to depress as the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact also mentioned that the seat belts failed to secure and retract properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump modular assembly, module kit and fuel tank needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline), 05V163000 (seat belts), 05V043000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
Brake line failure. I was approaching a stop sign and applied the brakes. The pedal went to the floor and the ABS activated and I was not slowing. There was no cross traffic so I luckily avoided an accident. The brake line failed due to rust. Braking ability with only the rear brakes active was virtually nonexistent and there was no warnings on the display. I do not understand how the previous investigation into GM brake lines was dismissed.
My son had borrowed the truck and was returning it with his 4 and 5 year old sons in the vehicle. He was in a traffic circle and had to brake to avoid an accident. Immediately afterwards the brake failure warning came on and the truck had no brakes. Fortunately he was only going about 25 mph and was able to park it on the shoulder and no one was injured. I was able to get it to a local dealer for repair to the tune of $1,952. They diagnosed the problem as a rusted brake line that ruptured and damaged the left caliper. We got no prior warning of the brake failure. In 2012 I also had a sudden brake failure while leaving a parking garage. There was no prior warning or indication that the brakes were not functioning. Again I took it to a local dealer and was told that there was a leak in the master cylinder and I had to have that replaced. No one mentioned anything at that time about rusting brake lines. Although the truck is 11 years old it only has 67,871 miles.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. While driving approximately 7 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and traveled to the floorboard. The ABS warning indicator illuminated. The emergency brake was engaged and the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake lines were rusted and the vehicle had multiple brake leaks. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that the brake system failed when the brake pedal was depressed and the brake system failed to engage. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power booster and the ABS system were severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche. While reversing at a low speed, the brake pedal was depressed but it took a longer distance to stop the vehicle. The brake warning light illuminated and service brake system was displayed across the message board. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact discovered that one of the brake lines had fractured. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,000.
My family and I was traveling on a busy road at 45 mph, when we had to come to a stop and our brakes did not work. We almost slammed in the back of the car that was infront of us. My husband had to push the brake pedal all the way down to the floor and turn toward the grass shoulder. Thank god no one was hurt. My husband checked under the vehicle and saw that there was break fluid running out of the brake line. There were no warning lights or warning sounds that our vehicle made until after he started the vehicle again and then the vehicle gave a warning sound and a warning light. We are contacting our mechanic tomorrow because this happened after 6pm. I have been reading the other complaints on the Avalanche's break lines and my husband said that I should also file one.
Yesterday, July 4th 2015 my 2004 Avalanche; with only 70K miles, the brakes failed. It was due to a rusted blown out brake line. I had no brakes driving on a mountainous road. I thought I was alone in this failure but after internet searching I find this is common problem with this vintage and model. I take very good care of my vehicles; underbody washing during inclement winter conditions, I was appalled at the underbody rust. Having other vehicles of similiar age and mileage with no rust, I felt GM has used inferior materials. GM should stand up and admit their use of substandard materials and offer remedy. They should know that as a consumer if they don't I'll never buy another GM product.
The brake line burst as I was shifting into drive could not stop vehicle, shifted it into park and was able to stop before hitting someone. Why are these lines not made of stainless steel" better yet why is this Agency not doing anything about this" they jump all over a key switch that may cause a problem but do nothing for something as important as be able to safely stop our vehicles.
When braking the pedal was sinking all the way to the floor. I pumped brakes and was able to stop. Had a leak of brake fluid so filled brake fluid and attempted to drive home/closer to my mechanic. I was at a complete stop at a traffic light when my brake pedal sunk to the floor and my vehicle started to roll forward towards cross traffic. I pumped brake pedal but no effect. I shifted into neutral and was able to stop long enough to put vehicle in park. Called a tow to mechanic. Was told my brake line had rusted out. He fixed 2 lines. With in a week (5/8/15) I had another leak of brake fluid. Another tow to mechanic. He fixed another brake line. On 5/24/15 another brake line broke. Another tow. Mechanic is replacing the remaining 5 lines. All in all cost is over $1000 to fix.
Catastrophic brake failure when attempting to stop vehicle at 45 miles per hour. Brake peddle went to floor almost causing a major crash. GMC dealer stated brake lines totally rusted out and ruptured causing total brake failure. Dealer stated brake lines disintegrated in the technicians hands when the tech was removing old lines. I have read similar experiences from other GM owners on the internet. This is a major safety issue which if it has not thus far will result in injury and or death. I am one of the lucky ones who was able to avoid an accident. I am sure this wont be the same outcome for others. Dealer info: Ultimate Buick GMC 5150 jefferson davis highway fredericksburg va 22408 tel # 540-898-6200 service advisor ian doughty RO339073 thanks for any assistance in addressing this safety issue.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Warsaw, MO, USA