2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500: brake failure

Filed May 15, 2018 · Brakes · 195,000 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Aug 8, 2017 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · IL

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

Filed Apr 17, 2017 · Brakes · 98,000 miles · OH

The brakes failed due to rusted lines almost causing me to wreck

Filed Sep 7, 2016 · Brakes · 268,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Jun 20, 2016 · Brakes · 50,400 miles · FL

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

Filed Nov 3, 2014 · Brakes · 112,000 miles · MI

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.

Filed Sep 17, 2014 · Brakes · 118,947 miles · MD

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.

Filed Sep 9, 2013 · Brakes · 88,000 miles · MD

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.

Filed Sep 9, 2013 · Brakes · 95,000 miles · OH

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.

Filed May 31, 2013 · Brakes · 37,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Jul 26, 2012 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed May 19, 2012 · Brakes · 103,000 miles · MA

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.