1994 Chevrolet Astro brakes problems

Filed Nov 23, 2011 · Brakes · 162,000 miles · KY · crash · 1 injury

On november 21st, 2011, I was driving my astro van on a straight road. The vehicle in front of me applied their brakes. I also applied my brakes, but my foot slipped off the brake pedal. I attempted 4 times in a panicked state to try and re-apply my brakes with no success. I struck the vehicle in front of me. After considering what had happened that day and looking at the brake pedal size in the vehicle it is no wonder I couldn't readilly re-apply the brake. I measured the brake pedal surface area. It is approximately 4 sq. Inches. I have since been looking at other vehicles and the size of their brake pedal surface area. I have yet to date found such a small brake pedal in any other vehicle. I have driven this van thousands of miles and know without much consideration the pedals location without looking, but in a paniced state I found you loose that reference and it simply comes down to an increased or decreased chance of hitting that pedal given surface area.

Filed Nov 1, 2005 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · IN

Dt: the consumer stated that while driving at 30 MPH the metal brake line had burst on the left front driver's side of the van without any prior incident. The line broke as the brake pressure was applied. The consumer avoided a collision and was able to pull over. The brake pedal was pushed all the way to the floor. The consumer's husband drove the vehicle home with the emergency brake applied. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who confirmed the problem with the brake lines. The mechanic replaced the entire brake line. Since the repair, there have been no further problems. *ak (11/29/05)

Filed Aug 12, 2004 · Brakes · CA

While applying the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. The consumer was able to stop by pumping the brakes more than once. The consumer was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the problem could not be duplicated. Please fill in additional information.

Filed Jul 13, 2004 · Brakes · 11,320 miles · WA

While driving or starting up vehicle ABS warning light illuminated. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed May 27, 2004 · Brakes, Fuel system · 141,700 miles · KY

I was going around a sharp curve heading toward oncoming traffic when the steering would not correct. I went at no fault of mine up behind a mailbox headed straight toward a huge tree at which time god almighty had a hand on me no doubt, and veered barely to the left of tree, mailbox I damaged with mirror went up an embankment crossed ladies driveway, went upon another embankment and back down into ditch. The tie rod came completely off.

Filed Jul 24, 2003 · Brakes · UT

Consumer states when the road is wet or any amount of snow and brake applied brake pedal goes all the way down. Dealer notified.

Filed Jul 2, 2002 · Brakes · OH

Brakes locked up, and consumer was unable to stop. Could hadve caused an accident. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.

Filed Mar 25, 2002 · Brakes · WA

Brakes pull when applied sometimes pulls right,other times pulls left. Brakes were significantly rebuilt by previous owner. Now having same problem. Is gm aware of this defect and what is remedy? Wife was also involved in major accident august of 2001 in a 1993 chevrolet astro with similar problem, yet dealerships report no bullitens or recalls. I have found one on your site and another bulliten through anohter source. Is this another "ford/firestone" style cover up????

Filed Oct 25, 2001 · Brakes · CA

Abs braking system fails to stop vehicle in a timely manner when applied. Motor is catching and then it is releasing. Have not been to a dealer to let mechanic check brakes out.

Filed Feb 20, 2001 · Brakes · CA · crash

Was pulling out of driveway and making a left hand turn heard a loud noise. Vehicle pulled to right, could not pull to left. Had applied brakes, vehicle hit a lamp post, and then a house due to a lack of braking power. Abs brakes had failed. Would not stop vehicle. Vehicle was totaled.