2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500 Service Brakes Problems
45 complaints about Service Brakes
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Service Brakes Complaints (45)
CAR CRASH AND BRAKS LOCKED AIR BAGS DIDNT DEPLOY, INJURIES LEFT UNPAID AND VEHICLE DAMAGES.
I went to stop my 2002 Chevy Avalanche 1500 and the pedal started to pulsate like my brake assist was gone as I nearly rear end a vehicle and had to swerve out of the way do to the brakes not wanting to stop the vehicle as there supposed to normally. The truck has a p0265 code which is a fault in the ECBM do to the solder joint on the relay in the board. I'm a mechanic for a living and i cant believe this recall still hasn't been addressed a long time ago! This needs to be looked into ASAP and its not just the 2002 avalanche. All these vehicle's listed have this issues but instead of recalling the EBCM for the solder issues they decide to recall it for corrosion on the wheel speed sensors big mistake that still to this day needs to be addressed. 2002-2006 Cadillac Escalade, EXT & ESV 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado 2000-2006 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe 2002-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche 2002-2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer & EXT 2003-2006 Chevolet SSR 1999-2007 GMC Sierra 2000-2006 GMC Yukon / Denali / XL 2002-2007 GMC Envoy / XL 2004-2005 GMC Envoy XUV
Stopping, from between 5 and 10 mph, after a small drive - like a few yards.. the anti-lock brake engaged, made a pulsing / ratcheting noise and the brake pedal vibrated -- but the truck did not stop. I could not press down on the pedal any harder, and the truck took SUBSTANTIAL distance to come to a stop. --Dry road. -- I also have an ABS light on the dash from time to time.
I LOST MY BRAKES TOTALLY NOT JUST HALF OF THEM PULLING A SMALL TRAILER WITH IRON GOING DOWN A LONG HILL IN MANKATO, MN. ON MADISON AVE. I REAR ENDED A PICK UP WHICH PULLED OVER AND I CONTINUED ROLLING DOWN THE HILL BUILDING SPEED SO I HAD TO DRIVE MY TRUCK INTO A WALL WITH MY DAUGHTER INSTEAD OF REACHING THE NEXT INTERSECTION. GM HAS NOW CHANGED THEIR BRAKE LINES IN TO STAINLESS STEAL SINCE 2003 BECAUSE THEY KNEW THEY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEIR BRAKE LINES. MY BRAKE LINES ARE ON TOP OF FRAME RUNNING BACK TO THE REAR AXLE WITH THE GAS TANK BLOCKING MOST OF THE LINES. THERE IS ONLY 1.5 INCHES BETWEEN THE FRAME AND BODY. ALONG SIDE IS THE WIRING HARNESS GOING BACK TO THE REAR, NO ROOM TO INSPECT OR SEE YOUR BRAKE LINES. THIS COULD OF BEEN SO WORSE BECAUSE OF ALL THE TRAFFIC AND OUR LIVES. DO SOMETHING PLS... POLICE REPORT 18-25773 MANKATO POLICE DEPT. BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED!
Mileage: 190,000
TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY, SLOWING DOWN, APPLYING BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, NO RESISTANCE, PARK BRAKE DIDN'T ,HELP ALMOST HIT MY GARAGE, STEERED TOWARD GARDEN LANDSCAPE TIES, THAT STOPPED ME, LOOKED UNDER TRUCK, LARGE PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID DRIPPING , BOTH BRAKE LINES FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE ABS WERE RUSTED BADLY AND DRIPPING.
Mileage: 195,000
EXCESSIVE RUSTING OF THE FRAME, BRAKE LINES, TRANSMISSION LINES, AND FUEL LINES. THE BRAKE, TRANSMISSION AND FUEL LINES RUSTED COMPLETELY OUT AND REQUIRED A FULL REPLACEMENT. THE FRAME HAS EXTENSIVE RUST AND HAS DETERIORATED WELL BEYOND THE FRAME OF MY 2003 CAMARO Z28 WHICH IS 9 YEARS OLDER! THE TRUCK HAS LESS THAN 80K AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED, SO THERE IS NO EXPLANATION FOR THE AMOUNT AND LEVEL OF RUST, EXCEPT THAT THERE WERE INFERIOR METALS AND MANUFACTURING MATERIALS USED IN ITS CONSTRUCTION.
Mileage: 78,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP, THE DRIVER FORCEFULLY DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. AS A RESULT, THE BRAKING DISTANCE WAS EXTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING DUE TO CORROSION IN MULTIPLE BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,258. *TT *TR
Mileage: 134,258
THE BRAKE LINE BROKE DUE TO RUST AND AS I HAVE SEEN THIS IS A ON GOING THING. GM SAYS IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE BUT IT VERY MUCH IS AS WHEN THE LINE BRAKES YOU LOSE PADDLE AND AT HIGH SPEED THIS COULD KILL PEOPLE. THE FACT THAT THEY DO NOT SEE THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE TELLS ME A LOT ABOUT GM AND HOW THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAT BUY FROM THEM. MY TRUCK WAS ON THE BOAT LAUNCH WHEN THE BRAKE FAILED I'M LUCKY I DID NOT LOSE MY TRUCK AND BOAT. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED AT NO COST
Mileage: 140,000
ABS PUMP OR SPEED SENSOR ARE DAMAGED AND NOT WORKING ON THIS TRUCK. WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF THE ABS PUMP KEPT RUNNING CAUSING ME TO PULL THE FUSE FOR THE ABS. CHEVROLET IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AS I HAVE BEEN CALLING THEM TRYING TO HAVE THEM INCLUDE MY TRUCK IN THE ABS/SPEED SENSOR RECALL WHICH IS ON OTHER TRUCKS LIKE MINE. CHEVROLET CONTINUES ONLY TO RECALL THESE TRUCKS WHICH WERE MANUFACTURED IN THE "SALT STATES" ONLY. AS STATED ON: HTTP://WWW.CHEVROLETPROBLEMS.COM/RECALLS/AVALANCHE/2002/ SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK RECALL FOR 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE RECALL ANNOUNCED AUGUST 29 2005 NHTSA REFERENCE #05V379000 NUMBER AFFECTED 1,353,718 SUMMARY: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE UNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION. THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN ENVIRONMENTALLY CORROSIVE AREAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ONLY. CONSEQUENCE: THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. FIX: DEALERS ARE TO REMOVE THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND THOROUGHLY CLEAN THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MOUNTING SURFACE ON THE BEARING, APPLY RUST INHIBITOR TO THE CLEANED SURFACE, GREASE THE MOUNTING SURFACE, REINSTALL THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, AND CHECK THE PEAK-TO-PEAK OUTPUT VOLTAGE TO ENSURE THE WHEEL SPEED SIGNAL IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463. FOR DETAILED INFORMATION & SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS, SEE THE OFFICIAL NHTSA PAGE CONCERNING RECALL #05V379000
Mileage: 120,000
THE BRAKES FAILED DUE TO RUSTED LINES ALMOST CAUSING ME TO WRECK
Mileage: 98,000
I STARTED TO PULL OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY AND PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR I GOT OUT AND CHECKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND THERE WAS BRAKE FLUID LEAKING OUT OF THE LINE AND I FOUND OUT THAT THE LINES HAD RUSTED INTO AND THIS SHOCKED ME BECAUSE I DON'T THINK A BRAKE LINE SHOULD RUST .ALL MY BRAKE LINES ARE REALLY RUSTY.
Mileage: 97,000
BRAKE LINES CORRODED
Mileage: 150,000
REPEATED PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURES. THE VEHICLE FAILS COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA SAFETY INSPECTIONS AT LEAST EVERY OTHER YEAR. REPAIRS END UP COSTING AROUND $800. THIS IS A COMMON FEATURE IN MOST CARS AND TRUCKS. THE INTERNET IS FILLED WITH COMPLAINS REGARDING THE CHEVY AVALANCHE. WHY WAS A RECALL NEVER ISSUED FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MODELS?
LOST ALL BRAKING POWER WHILE DRIVING. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. DROVE HOME SLOWLY, LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND THE FRONT BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED THROUGH. PUDDLES OF BRAKE FLUID.
Mileage: 268,000
ENGINE STALL WITH LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES WHEN TURNING FROM TOWER OAKS ST ONTO JONES ROAD, A BUSY 4 LANE ROAD. CAR STOPPED IN ONCOMING LANE ON JONES ROAD, JUST AVOIDING A HEAD ON COLLISION. CRANKSHAFT SENSOR FAILURE. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALER WHO INFOMED ME THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR OF THE CHEVROLETE AVALANCHE PAID DEALER $540. FOR CRANSSHAFT SENSOR REPLACEMENT. HAVE NOT HAD A STALLING PROBLEM SENCE REPLACING THE CRANSHAFT SENSOR. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND CAN CAUSE SEVERE ACCIDENTS AS THE LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKES IS CRITICAL.
Mileage: 92,894
MY 02 AVALANCHE HAS HAD ALL THE FUEL, EM BRAKE, WHEEL HUB WHILE HUSBAND WAS STOPPING AT LIGHT WHEN THE TOP CALIPER BOLT CAME OUT WEDGING THE CALIPER BETWEEN THE WHEEL AND BOLT THIS STOPPED THE TRUCK SOUNDED LIKE GUN FIRE AND THE REST END WENT 8 FT INTO THE AIR. AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYED. COST DAYS PAYS AND $ NEW BOLT TO GET BACK ON ROAD, NO INJURY. PLUS DRVR FR AXLE PASS TOO. 2ND TRANNY ONLY 4YRS APART HAS FAILED AGAIN WITH MY 6 GRKIDS ON MY 56TH B.D. IN TX 105 * HEAT INDEX. IT TOOK 4 HOURS TO GET HOME HAVING TO STOP EVERY 10 MIN FOR 20 MIN BECAUSE IT WAS OVERHEATING. MY GRKIDS WERE HEAT EXHAUSTED AS WAS I. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SHORT COLUMN IN MY STEERING AND I HAVE BEEN JIGGLING THE KEY TO START IT FOR APPX 8 YEARS NOW. 2 FUEL PUMPS IN LESS THAN A YEAR THE LAST ONE WAS STUCK FOR 3 HOURS AT GAS STATION W/3 GRKIDS WHILE MY D-N-LAW WAS WAITING TO MEET ME 2 HOURS FROM HER HOME. I THINK THAT COVERS MOST OF THE INVESTIGATIONS AND COMPLAINTS AND NOT ONE DID CHEVY PAY FOR. I DIDN'T BOTHER ASKING MY HUSBAND HAS 2500 SCHOOL HOURS IN AUTO MECHANIC REPAIR. MY TRIM IS FADED AND HAVE TO OIL IT TO KEEP IT FROM CRACKING. THE TRUCK STILL DRIVES EXCELLENT BUT YOU PEOPLE ARE WHO I'M GOING TO SUE IF SOMETHING CATASTROPHIC HAPPENS IN THAT TRUCK FOR YOUR LACKADAISICAL ATTITUDE IN ENFORCING THE SAFETY LAWS. HOW MUCH KICK BACK DO YOU RECEIVE FROM THE CAR COMPANIES TO NOT RECALL THEIR CARS AND TRUCKS? DON'T BE SHOCKED IT IS OBVIOUS BIG MONEY DICTATES WHAT GETS RECALLED. PEOPLE DIE FOR THE GREED OF OTHERS AND THAT IS PATHETIC. IF YOU ENFORCED THE SAFETY LAWS STRICTER THERE WOULD NOT BE PEOPLE DYING OR BADLY MFT'D VEHICLES CAUSING WRECKS SCARING PEOPLE CAUSING PTSS. I THINK THIS AGENCY IS ALL ABOUT MAKING PEOPLE THINK YOU DO SOMETHING WHEN YOU DON'T, AT LEAST NOT UNTIL 600MILLION CARS HAVE TO BE RECALLED. 2 SHOULD BE ENOUGH. 1 A REPAIR 2 NOT A COINCIDENCE. THANK YOU, [XXX] ALL WHILE DRIVING INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mileage: 260,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,400. UPDATED 08/04/16*LJ
Mileage: 50,400
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COLLIDED HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT, A LICENSED MECHANIC, DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 136,000.
Mileage: 136,000
I AM AN OWNER OF A 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. LATELY I HAVE HAD CONTINUED AND CONSISTENT UNWANTED ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION WHEN TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS AND APPROACHING STOP SIGNS, STOP LIGHTS, AND YIELD SIGNS AT OR NEAR INTERSECTIONS. THE UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION APPEARS IDENTICAL AND CONSISTENT WITH GM PRODUCT RECALL 05068 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 05V-379 IN WHICH 804,000 GMC AND CHEVROLET VEHICLES WERE RECALLED FOR UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION. THE PRIMARY GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS AFFECTED APPEARS TO BE THE SALT BELT STATES. THE PROBLEM APPEARED TO BE ABS WHEEL SENSORS NOT PROPERLY PREPARED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION CAUSING RUST AND/OR CORROSION TO AFFECT THE WHEEL SENSORS. ALTHOUGH A CHECK OF MY VIN DOES NOT YIELD ANY SAFETY RECALLS ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE, I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE SAME FRONT WHEEL SENSOR CORROSION ISSUE AS THOSE VEHICLES LISTED IN THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE AVALANCHE WHICH IS ONE OF THE VEHICLES AFFECTED. I ALSO RESIDE IN ILLINOIS WHICH IS ONE OF THE STATES AFFECTED. I AM CONCERNED THIS MAY CAUSE AND ACCIDENT. I ALSO BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THEREFOR THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR ANY DEFECT THAT MAY JEOPARDIZE CONSUMER SAFETY. I WOULD LIKE MY WHEEL SENSORS CLEANED AND/OR REPLACED PER GM RECALL AND AT NO COST TO ME.
Mileage: 130,000
AT SLOW SPEEDS, THE ABS COMES ON WITHOUT WARNING ON DRY PAVEMENT, SO THIS IS NOT A RESULT OF A SLIPPERY ROAD SURFACE. I HAVE ALMOST HIT SEVERAL THINGS/CARS. THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE (050068A), BUT THE DEALER SAYS THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS ALREADY DONE AND THEY WILL NOT PERFORM THE REPAIR AGAIN. I CAN UNDERSTAND THE DEALER'S POSITION IF THIS WERE NOT THE RESULT OF A RECALL, BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE. THE RECALL REPAIR WORK WAS COMPLETED IN 2006, AND NOW IN 2015, I AM SURE IT HAS RUSTED AGAIN TO THE POINT THAT THE SAME PROBELM IS OCCURRING. RUST IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, AS THE BRAKE LINES HAVE RUSTED OUT AND FAILED TWICE ALREADY.
Mileage: 119,000
I PURCHASED A USED 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500 IN NOVEMBER 2014. I HAVE HAD CONTINUED AND CONSISTENT UNWANTED ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION WHEN TRAVELING AT LOW SPEEDS AND APPROACHING STOP SIGNS, STOP LIGHTS, AND YIELD SIGNS AT OR NEAR INTERSECTIONS. THE UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION HAS NEARLY CAUSED SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. THE UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION APPEARS IDENTICAL AND CONSISTENT WITH GM PRODUCT RECALL 05068 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 05V-379 IN WHICH 804,000 GMC AND CHEVROLET VEHICLES WERE RECALLED FOR UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION. THE PRIMARY GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS AFFECTED APPEARS TO BE THE SALT BELT STATES. THE PROBLEM APPEARED TO BE ABS WHEEL SENSORS NOT PROPERLY PREPARED PRIOR TO INSTALLATION CAUSING RUST AND/OR CORROSION TO AFFECT THE WHEEL SENSORS. ALTHOUGH A CHECK OF MY VIN DOES NOT YIELD ANY SAFETY RECALLS ON MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE, I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE IS AFFECTED BY THE SAME FRONT WHEEL SENSOR CORROSION ISSUE AS THOSE VEHICLES LISTED IN THE RECALL. MY VEHICLE IS A 2002 AVALANCHE WHICH IS ONE OF THE VEHICLES AFFECTED. I ALSO RESIDE IN MINNESOTA WHICH IS ONE OF THE STATES AFFECTED. I AM CONCERNED THIS MAY CAUSE AND ACCIDENT. I ALSO BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THEREFOR THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR ANY DEFECT THAT MAY JEOPARDIZE CONSUMER SAFETY. I WOULD LIKE MY WHEEL SENSORS CLEANED AND/OR REPLACED PER GM RECALL AND AT NO COST TO ME.
Mileage: 89,000
MY BRAKES FELT SPONGY DURING A DRIVE, AFTER ARRIVING AT HOME AND VISUALLY INSPECTING MY BRAKES I PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL TWICE AND THE BRAKE LINE RUPTURED WHICH RUNS DIRECTLY UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT. THERE IS SIGNIFICANT RUST ON ALL BRAKE LINES, I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE MY RUPTURE IS RECORDED AFTER READING EA11-001.
Mileage: 164,000
MY 2002 AVALANCHE HAD MULTIPLE BRAKE LINES FAIL THIS MORNING WHEN I TRIED TO STOP WHEN A DUMP TRUCK PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME THIS MORNING. I COULD NOT STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR AND I ENDED UP IN A FIELD. THE SERVICE SHOP SHOWED ME THE HEAVILY RUSTED AND PITTED BRAKE LINES. THEY FAILED IN AREAS AT THE BEND THAT WERE SUBJECT TO SALT EXPOSURE. THE SHOP SAID THE METAL BRAKE LINES ALL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Mileage: 100,000
AT LOW SPEEDS THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES ENGAGE ON DRY PAVEMENT.. THIS GREATLY INCREASES STOPPING DISTANCE. *JS
Mileage: 173,567
SEE ABOVE, BRAKE LINE BROKE DURING A SUDDEN STOP AND I FOUND OUT ALL THE LINES WERE BAD. *TR
Mileage: 100,300
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING AT A LOW SPEEDS, THE ABS SENSOR ILLUMINATED AND WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS REQUIRED INTO ORDER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V379000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Mileage: 88,000
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK THE BRAKE MUST BE APPLIED. THE BRAKE PEDAL SANK TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKE TELLTALE ILLUMINATED. INVESTIGATION IDENTIFIED A LEAK IN THE BRAKE LINE JUST FORWARD OF THE ABS MODULE. ADDITIONAL INSPECTION HIGHLIGHTED SIGNIFICANT BRAKE LINE CORROSION IN THE REMAINDER OF THE SYSTEM. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT SHOULD BE DONE. *TR
Mileage: 112,000
I WAS DRIVING IN THE GRASS GROUP CARRYING CHAIRS TO A CAMPFIRE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIELD WITH BOYS RIDING IN THE BED OF MY TRUCK WHEN I HIT MY BRAKES AND THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR. IT SCARED ME BECAUSE THERE WERE BOYS WALKING IN FRONT OF ME. THE TRUCK DID STOP BUT NOT AS QUICKLY AS I WANTED IT TO. I AM VERY GLAD NO ONE WAS HURT. THE NEXT MORNING I LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND THE LONG BRAKE LINE THAT RUNS FROM THE FRONT TO THE REAR OF THE TRUCK HAD RUSTED AND RUPTURED LEAKING OUT ALL OF THE FLUID. *TR
Mileage: 133,000
WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY ANOTHER VEHICLE CUT IN FRONT OF MINE FORCING ME TO STOMP ON THE BRAKES TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, BUT I DID NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVE HOME WAS LESS THAN 1 MILE AND BRAKE PEDAL HAD NO RESISTANCE. ONCE IN MY DRIVEWAY, I NOTICED A SMALL PUDDLE. HAD MY WIFE PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE I LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND BRAKE FLUID SHOT OUT OF ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES. WILL BE FORCED TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. *TR
Mileage: 118,947
AFTER MAKING THE 23.7 MILE COMMUTE TO WORK DRIVING ON A PARKWAY WITH A SPEED LIMIT OF 55 MILES PER HOUR THAT INCLUDES HILLS, I WAS ENTERING INTO THE PARKING LOT AT MY WORKPLACE AT APPROXIMATELY FIVE MILES PER HOUR AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT STOP THE TRUCK. I THEN QUICKLY APPLIED THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE AND IT STOPPED THE TRUCK. APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES LATER I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID NEXT TO MY LEFT FRONT TIRE AND A LARGE PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID NEXT TO MY LEFT REAR TIRE. THAT IS WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE BRAKE LINE HAD RUSTED APART. *TR
Mileage: 216,354
VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT STOP SIGN. SUDDENLY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND VEHICLE STARTED DRIFTING INTO INTERSECTION WITH TRACTOR TRAILER APPROACHING. NO LIGHTS EVER CAME ON. MY WIFE PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP VEHICLE. FOUND METAL BRAKE LINE RUPTURED AT FUEL TANK. *TR
Mileage: 152,952
I WAS LEAVING WORK AND TRAVELING AROUND 20 MPH. I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE FOR A STOP SIGN AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT NEARLY ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND BRAKING WAS SEVERELY COMPROMISED, TAKING MUCH LONGER THAN USUAL TO STOP. IT WAS TAKEN TO A GM SERVICE SHOP (HALLMAN'S CHEVROLET) WHERE THEY INDICATED THAT MY BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED, ONE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID, AND ALL LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD PASSED THE STATE INSPECTION 2-3 WEEKS PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. AT THAT TIME, I HAD TOLD THEM THAT MY BRAKES WERE ACTING ABNORMALLY. THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THEY DO NOT CHECK BRAKE LINES DURING AN INSPECTION. COST TO FIX THE ISSUE WAS QUOTED AT AROUND $1700.00. *TR
Mileage: 88,000
EMERGENCY/PARKING BRAKE PARTS WORN OUT PREMATURELY. PARK BRAKE HARDLY EVER USED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED STATE INSPECTION DUE TO INABILITY TO STOP VEHICLE. I WAS TOLD BY SEVERAL MECHANICS AND OWNER'S OF SIMILAR VEHICLES THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO RECALL. *TR
WHILE DRIVING THRU A PARKING LOT AFTER PICKING UP MY LUNCH, THE FOOD BEGAN TO FALL WHICH I TOOK MY EYES OFF DRIVING TO CATCH IT. WHEN I LOOKED UP I SAW LIGHT POLE IN FRONT OF ME AND WHEN I PUSHED MY BRAKES, IT FELT LIKE THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR. ITS LIKE I PUSHED SO HARD I OVERPOWERED THE SYSTEM. WHEN I BACKED AWAY FROM THE POLE THE BRAKES FELT FINE. I HIT THE POLE WHICH IN TURN CAUSED COSMETIC DAMAGE ALONG WITH BREAKING THE STEERING BOX BECAUSE THE TIRE HIT THE CEMENT BASE. ALSO WE FOUND THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL SENSOR HAD BROKEN AT THE FLUID RESERVOIR. *TR
Mileage: 180,549
I WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY, WHEN I RELEASED MY PARKING BRAKES AND BEGAN TO TAKE OFF. WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKE PEDAL, I HEARD A SMALL BURSTING SOUND AND MY PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR BOARD OF THE TRUCK. LUCKILY I WASN'T DRIVING AT A FASTER SPEED. I PULLED THE TRUCK OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I LOOKED BACK ONTO THE PAVEMENT. I SAW A PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID. I IMMEDIATELY ENTERED THE TRUCK AND TRIED TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT HIT THE FLOOR, WHICH MEANT I HAD NO BRAKES TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. IT WAS A SCARY TO THINK I COULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH MY WIFE AND KIDS IN THE TRUCK. I LIFTED MY TRUCK ON THE REAR AND PERFORM AN INSPECTION. I NOTICED THE BLACK RUBBER HOSE HAD A SPLIT IN IT AND THE OTHER BRAKE LINES WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. I BOUGHT A NEW RUBBER AND INSTALLED IT (BANJO UNION-IN THE CENTER REAR) AND THEN BEGAN TO TRY PRESSING THE BRAKES AGAIN TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVE. NEXT, I SAW MORE FLUID DRIPPING OUT OF DRIVER SIDE METAL BRAKE LINE. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT!! I STILL COULD NOT DRIVE MY TRUCK BECAUSE THE RUSTED DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LINE HAD A HOLE. I WISH THE DEALERSHIP TECH WOULD HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO MY ATTENTION WHEN I HAD MY BRAKES AND ROTORS INSTALLED. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION!! AFTER READING MULTIPLE POST ON VARIOUS WEBSITES ABOUT GM POSITION REGARDING THE RUSTED LINES, I AM NOT GOING TO BUY ANOTHER GM VEHICLE IF I DECIDE TO TRADE THIS ONE. *TR
Mileage: 88,000
AFTER REPLACING THE REAR CALIPERS, ATTEMPTED TO BLEED THE BRAKES TO REMOVE AIR FROM THE SYSTEM. WHILE PUMPING UP THE SYSTEM PRESSURE, HEARD A LOUD "POP" AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. DISCOVERED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING UNDER THE FRAME RAIL UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S DOOR. BRAKE LINES ARE COMPLETELY RUSTED. THOUGH I CURRENTLY RESIDE IN A SALT BELT STATE, THE FIRST 6 YEARS OF THIS VEHICLE'S LIFE WAS IN AZ. GM NEEDS TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS HURT OR KILLED. *TR
Mileage: 95,000
ON 8/15/13 IN THE EVENING HOURS I WAS TRAVELING IN MY 2002 CHEVY AVALANCHE WITH MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER TO A FRIENDS HOUSE WHEN I WENT TO STOP FOR A TURN. AS I APPLIED THE BRAKE I FELT A LITTLE PRESSURE THEN HEARD POP NOISE AND THE PEDDLE WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO WARNING AND THE TRUCK WOULD NOT STOP THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO ONE STOPPED TO MAKE THE SAME TURN. I WAS ABLE TO GET SLOWED ENOUGH FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD AT A TURN AROUND AND GOT STOPPED. I GOT OUT TO LOOK AT WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDER THE TRUCK ON THE DRIVER SIDE UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I FOUND THE METAL BRAKE LINES RUNNING FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE ABS MODULE ON THE FRAME RAIL CORRODED SEVERELY, ABOUT HALF WAY DOWN THE LINE I FOUND A LARGE PIN HOLE BLEW OUT THE SIDE AND WAS LEAKING, AT THE TIME IT HAPPENED I GOT NO WARNING LIGHTS JUST BRAKE TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE HAS 150000 MILES ON IT AND FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS HAS MAINLY BEEN GARAGE KEPT AVERAGING UNDER 1000 MILES A YEAR THE LAST 5 YEARS. I HAVE OWNED IT SINCE 2002. I KEEP THIS VEHICLE VERY CLEAN, I AM IN A SALT BELT STATE AND IF I DRIVE IT IN THE WINTER I ALWAYS WASH UNDER IT FREQUENTLY. I FEEL THIS IS A DIRECT MANUFACTURED PROBLEM I ALSO OWN A OLD 77 PICK UP AND IT HAS THE ORIGINAL BRAKE LINES IN IT AND HAVE HARDLY ANY CORROSION ON THEM. IN RESEARCHING FOR NEW BRAKE LINES I NOTICED ALOT OF COMPLAINTS WITH THIS ISSUE AND FINALLY GOT HERE SEEING A CASE OPENED WAY BACK IN 2011. THIS PROBLEM IS NOT GOING TO GO AWAY AND GM NEEDS TO ADDRESS IT BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. AFTER TALKING TO MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER THERE IS NOT EVEN A PREBENT BRAKE LINE OPTION TO PURCHASE.YEARS AGO CHEVY ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE TAILGATE CABLES IN A QUICK FASHION NOT SURE WHY A BRAKE PROBLEM THAT IS MORE SERIOUS IS TAKING SO LONG TO CORRECT. *TR
Mileage: 150,365
I WAS VISITING FAMILY AND I WAS GETTING READY TO DRIVE BACK HOME (3 HOUR DRIVE) AND I WAS IN THE VEHICLE AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO START THE VEHICLE AND MY FOOT ALL OF A SUDDEN WENT TO THE FLOOR. I GOT OUT AND SAW OIL COMING FROM MY LEFT REAR WHEEL AND DETERMINED THAT IT WAS BRAKE FLUID. I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE MECHANIC SHOP AND FOUND OUT THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED THROUGH AND JUST STARTED SPITTING OUT BRAKE FLUID. THIS APPEARS TO BE SOMETHING THAT IS COMMON DUE TO THE MATERIAL THAT IS USED TO MAKE THE BRAKE LINES. THIS COULD HAVE EASILY HAPPENED IN TRAFFIC CAUSING INJURY TO MY FAMILY AND OTHERS. THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
Mileage: 204,000
I WAS TRAVELING AT 55 MPH WHEN I CAME TO A STOP LIGHT AND WHILE SLOWING DOWN FOR THE LIGHT MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND ENDED UP GOING THROUGH THE LIGHT. IT WAS A GOOD THING NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME OR I WOULD HAVE COLLIDED WITH THEIR REAR END OF THEIR CAR AT 55 MPH AFTER LOOKING INTO WHAT HAPPENED I NOTICED MY BRAKE LIKE HAS CORRODED ENOUGH TO CAUSE A LEAK WHICH UPON INSPECTION ALL 4 BRAKE LINES RUNNING FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER TO THE BRAKE MANAGEMENT/ EQUALIZATION SYSTEM WAS RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR. *TR
Mileage: 37,000
TODAY WHILE I WAS AT A STOP WITH MY TRUCK IN GEAR AND THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED WITH MINIMAL PRESSURE, I HEARD AIR RELEASE AND MY BRAKE PEDAL FULLY DEPRESSED TO THE FLOOR. MY BRAKE LINES HAD RUPTURED CAUSING BRAKE FLUID TO SPILL OUT AND MY BRAKES BARELY WORKED AT ALL. I HAD TO PUSH THE BRAKE PEDAL INTO THE FLOOR WITH EXCESSIVE EFFORT JUST TO SLOWLY ROLL TO A STOP AT LOW SPEEDS. LUCKILY I WAS JUST A MILE OR SO AWAY FROM HOME AND I WAS ABLE TO MAKE THE REST OF THE TRIP WITHOUT INCIDENT. HOWEVER, JUST MINUTES BEFORE THE FAILURE I WAS TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MILES PER HOUR DURING RUSH HOUR. AT THOSE SPEEDS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP QUICKLY, OR AT ALL, IF NEEDED HAD THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUPTURED THEN. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A MULTIPLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITH POTENTIAL INJURIES OR FATALITIES. I MAY NOT HAVE MADE IT HOME ALIVE IF THAT WERE THE CASE WHICH IS A VERY SCARY THOUGHT. THIS ISSUE REALLY SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Mileage: 129,000
GETTING READY TO LEAVE HOME AND NOTICED A LEAK NEAR THE LEFT REAR TIRE. I CRAWLED UNDER THE TRUCK AND NOTICED A DRIP FROM THE BRAKE LINE. AT THIS TIME, MY WIFE WAS GOING TO MOVE THE VEHICLE FROM OUT IN FRONT OF THE GARAGE AND I ADVISED HER NOT TO HIT THE BRAKES TO HARD AS THERE WAS A LEAK. WHEN SHE HIT THE BRAKES TO START THE VEHICLE THE PETAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND FLUID SPRAYED EVERYWHERE. I FEEL FORTUNATE IT HAPPENED WHEN IT DID VERSUS OUT ON THE ROAD. *TR
Mileage: 168,613
IM GETTING READY FOR A TRIP, FROM TEXAS TO OHIO IN SEPT. PULLING ANOTHER VEHICLE. I DECIDED TO GET THE TRUCK READY BEFORE SUCH A LONG TRIP. IT STARTED FINE, NO SIGNS OF PROBLEMS, I PUSHED ON THE BRAKE BEFORE CHANGING GEARS, AND MY PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I COULD HEAR SQUIRTING AND AIR. I KNEW I HAD A LEAK. I INVESTIGATED THE ISSUE AND FOUND HYDRAULIC FLUID UNDER THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT. I FOUND ONE OF THE LINES HAD SPLIT ABOVE THE EHCU UNIT, SPITTING FLUID ALL OVER THE UNDER BODY. THIS LINE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE OTHER LINES HAVE SOME SURFACE RUST BUT NOTHING LIKE THIS LINE. IT IS NO LONGER TUBULAR LOOKING AND LOOKS MORE LIKE A WET STICK WITH A LOT OF MISSING BRANCHES, AND IS MUCH LARGER LOOKING THAN THE OTHERS. ALSO, I FOUND A LEAK ON A LINE THAT RUNS TO THE REAR AXLE, ON THE DRIVER SIDE FRAME THAT WAS SEVERELY RUSTED LIKE THE ONE DESCRIBED ABOVE. IM PRETTY SURE THIS IS THE LINE THAT IS SPLIT, BUT ITS HARD TO TELL, I CANT FIND A DIAGRAM TO HELP TRACE THE LINES. AFTER INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE, I RECHECKED MY DASH LIGHTS TO SEE IF AN ABS OR A BRAKE LIGHT, NONE ARE ON. I HAVE CONTACTED DEALERS AND BRAKE MECHANICS FOR REPAIR, AND HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED AS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH PRESSURE IN THE LINE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED IN OHIO. I WOULD HAVE IMAGINED THAT THEY WOULD BE COATED OR STAINLESS SINCE IT IS A SALT BELT STATE, AND IM NOT SURE WHY ONLY ONE LINE DEGRADED LIKE IT DID.. THIS IS A 2002 AVALANCHE 1500 4WD WITH Z71 OFF ROAD PACKAGE, IT IS EXPECTED TO GET DIRTY AND WET. I BELIEVE BETTER STANDARDS ARE IN ORDER TO IMPROVE SAFETY, AND THAT THERE SHOULD, WITH THIS MANY PEOPLE AFFECTED, DEFINITELY BE A RECALL ON THE LINES. HAD IT DECIDED TO HOLD UP UNTIL MY TRIP, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DISASTROUS. *TR
Mileage: 140,000
I WAS TRAVELING AT 45 MPH WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME SLOWED DOWN TO TURN. I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND THE PEDAL FELT SOFT THEN WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR. I BEGAN PUMPING THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. I WAS ONLY ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AFTER MANUALLY SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION INTO 1ST GEAR AND PRESSING ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. WHEN I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, THE REAR WHEEL AND UNDERCARRIAGE WERE COVERED IN BRAKE FLUID FROM A CORRODED STEEL BRAKE LINE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES IN THE VEHICLE THAT WERE INSTALLED IN LOCATIONS UNABLE TO BE ROUTINELY CLEANED WERE SEVERELY RUSTED. *TR
Mileage: 149,100
I NOTICED THAT BY BRAKES FELT LIKE I WAS LOSING BRAKING POWER. I SUDDENLY WAS ABLE TO PUSH MY BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND MY BRAKING WAS REDUCED. I GOT HOME AN NOTICED THAT MY MAIN BRAKE LINE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND FLUID WAS SQUIRTING OUT OF A PINHOLE OF MY BRAKE LINE. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AMONG CHEVROLET TRUCK OWNERS. *TR
Mileage: 98,000
I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN A CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SHORT AND I WAS FORCED TO APPLY HEAVY BRAKE PRESSURE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALMOST ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR I WAS FORCED TO STEER OFF THE ROAD IN ORDER NOT TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME, THE AVALANCHE HAD ALMOST TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINE HAD BURST DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION AND THE BRAKE FLUID WAS POURING OUT OF THE VEHICLE RIGHT ABOVE THE REAR AXLE. *TR
Mileage: 103,000