2000 Buick Lesabre: brake failure

Filed Dec 4, 2011 · Brakes · 39,000 miles · NY

Brakes failed because brake line corrosion. No warning at first, then the brake warning came on. Almost did not stop and almost hit a car in front.

Filed Nov 4, 2010 · Brakes · 88,071 miles · OH

My wife was driving our 2000 buick lesabre ltd home from work and her brakes went to the floor when she tried to stop at a traffic light. She was able to stop, but the brakes were barely there. She was able to get the car home without incident, and I checked it out when she got home. I found that there was almost no brake fluid left in the reservoir. I took my other vehicle to the store and bought some brake fluid and refilled the reservoir and checked under the vehicle for leaks. I found that the brake lines had rotted out in the center of the vehicle between the rear wheels, directly behind the compressor motor for the load leveling shocks that are on this vehicle. I took it to the local buick dealership the next day, and they confirmed what I had found, that the rear brake lines were rusted and rotted out. I asked about a safety recall or service bulletin on this issue but they said there was none. I found it very odd that there was no signs of corrosion anywhere else on the underside of the vehicle or on the brake lines other than directly behind the compressor motor for the shocks. They replaced both rear brake lines at a cost to me of $568.31.

Filed Oct 18, 2007 · Brakes · 61,462 miles · OH

Brake failure..avoided crash by quick maneuver..ended up in field. Brake line rusted out old part is available brake lines should be rust proof.

Filed Jul 7, 2005 · Fuel system · 77,210 miles · NY

1. Transverse brake line to left rear brake (ABS) rusted through; all brake fluid lost. No other visible rust under car. Luckily, was parked when discovered. 2. No brakes. 3. At dealer replacing line.

Filed Oct 7, 2004 · Airbags, Brakes · NY · crash · 1 injury

While driving consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer was unable to maintain control of the vehicle, and hit a tree and mailbox. Upon impact, both frontal air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained head and back injuries, and was transported by ambulance to a hospital. Vehicle was towed to the dealer.

Filed Jan 9, 2003 · Brakes · 39,987 miles · CO · 1 injury

While backing out of driveway, the brakes failed. The dealer was notified. *nlm the brake pedal rod retainer had loosened.

Filed Jun 16, 2000 · Brakes · KY

Intermittently on wet pavements when the brakes are applied there is a loss of brake power, resulting in extended stopping distance. The dealer has been notified.

Filed May 24, 2000 · Brakes · AZ

Brake pedal went all the way to the floor due to missing brake shaft retainer clip, which caused loss of pressure. Yh

Filed Sep 16, 1999 · Brakes · MI

Owner noted unusual sound when applying brake pedal in a hard, but not panic, stop. Investigation revealed that the power brake booster was extending out 1 inch from firewall when hard brake pedal pressure was applied. Brakes functioned normally. Further investigation revealed that the four studs which secure the brake booster to the firewall were not tightened properly. The four nuts which secure the four booster studs to the firewall were only engaged the length of the nut, leaving about 1 inch of the stud thread exposed. Owner fastened three of the four nuts, since the fourth stud was obscured by the steering column. The fourth nut will be referred to the dealer for repair during the next scheduled maintenance. Brakes now function ok without noise or booster movement, but this failure to properly assemble the booster to the firewall could have caused loss of brakes if the four nuts had totally disengaged from the booster studs.

Filed Aug 10, 1999 · Engine · VA

Vehicle stalls with no indications, results in no brakes / power steering. Car taken to dealer, but they were unable to correct the problem.