1997 Cadillac Deville: brake failure

Filed Apr 30, 2012 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · NJ

I was traveling on the highway at approx. 65-70 MPH when I went to brake due to traffic and there was severe brake fade. The car was able to slow down but could not come to a complete stop, the brake pedal went to the floor even after several pumps. I had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Luckily there was no accident. I still had to travel another 30 miles before reaching my destination and the brakes continued to fail. The brakes would only slow the vehicle down. This is the first brake problem I have had with this vehicle and only has 65000 miles on it. I have to contact a mechanic to resolve this problem.

Filed Jan 20, 2003 · Brakes · 89,500 miles · TX

This complaint is in regards to the failure of the brake system on a 1997 cadillac. Whe the system failed the vehicle was unable to perform an emergency stop. There was no backup system under this condition. At a little less than 90,000 miles the brakes failed. There was no backup. When the pedal was depressed it would bleed down until it bottomed out. It was during the 2002 holiday season and I was unable to get the car serviced. I investigated the problem and found it to be a brake line in the left rear wheel well had a hole rubbed in it. It was obvious that this problem was the result of poor design and due to the point of failure caused the entire brake system to fail. I repaired the line with a splice. I called the cadillac dealer in san antonio, tx and was told there was no service bulletin, however the service manager said that they had seen this problem in the past and referred me to customer service. Customer service said there were not any service bulletins related to this problem. I have photographs of the brake line area where the hole was created. If you are interested please let me know. The problem appears to have been the result of poor design in the routing of the rear brake line and I would suspect that the same problem would occur on like models. My interest in reporting this incident is to hopefully prevent accidents resulting from this failure occurring on another vehicle. Regards, david mason

Filed Feb 21, 2001 · Brakes · NY

The brake line rubbed against frame and the line wore through causing brake fluid to leaked out of the system resulting in brake failure, consumer believes the line was not installed properly. Nlm

Filed Nov 24, 1999 · Airbags, Brakes · NC · crash

Gm will be sending out an inspector to determine cause of brake failure.I do not know what brake component failed. Whether it was master cylinder, ABS, vacuum booster, etc. I only know there was failure. I was traveling at a speed of 15-20 MPH with plenty of space to stop in response to 2 separate accidents that happened just in front of me. I applied the brake and when I got no response I pressed the petal with extreme pressure and the pedal went to the floor. Later at the garage the pedal again went to the floor, but on another occasion it was able to stop. Air bags did not deploy. Actual damage in dollars is only estimate as adjuster has not determined cost as yet. Another car ( 1999 geo) was hit in rear and I do not know the amount of her damages. I have contacted cadillac and I am not happy that an impartial witness cannot be on site when they do their physical examination. Please be advised that milage is close estimate. The car is physically not at this location . I also do not know if it is a 2point 3 point or motor belt .

Filed May 27, 1999 · Body, Brakes · NY

Vehicle has experienced continued electronic brake and traction control module failure (recall 97v‑064), recall repair completed however vehicle continues to experience brake failure. Mjs

Filed May 3, 1999 · Brakes · NY

When brakes are applied the pedal goes to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Vehicle was repaired undeer recall # 97v064. Consumer indicated that brake system has been repaired by the dealer several times, but problem still exists.

Filed Feb 1, 1999 · Brakes · CA

Brakes failed, prior to recall notice (97v064000).

Filed Aug 12, 1998 · Brakes · MD

Brake failure caused crash. This vehicle was part of recall #97020 and the recall service was performed at 8,553 miles; this crash occured at approximately 16,000 miles.

Filed Mar 20, 1998 · Brakes · CA

Abs brakes failed.

Filed May 5, 1997 · Brakes, Transmission · FL

Abs brakes failed,causing vehicle to vibrate prior to recall. Also resurfaced front brake rotors. In addition, when driving traction control light came on. Vehicle has been in 4 times for brake repairs since february, 1997. (97v‑064).