At 95,000 miles, transmission exploded, replaced. 1 year later, brake line exploded, lost all brake fluid, all 4 brake lines replaced as they were not made of stainless steel and had rusted. 6 months later, differential bearings all worn, affecting steering, differential and related parts all replaced. All explosions took place while driving on local roads, not on the highway, thank god! Mechanic (friend of mine) says he never saw any car with as many bad parts as my avalanche! I also thank god I bought it used. American engineered cars have such bad engineering design that I never buy them new.
2002 Chevrolet Avalanche brakes complaints
Page 3 of 8: complaints 41 to 70 of 200, newest first, as owners wrote them.
It's common knowledge that gm light trucks emergency brakes do not hold, even on brand-new vehicles, encompassing many year and model numbers. Do a google search. Gm has issued several bulletins but no recalls. What gives and how many injuries/deaths have to occur for your department to act????
My brake line rusted and leaked. I now looked online a saw all of the gm vehicles that is affected by this. I am glad I wasn't driving, but somebody is going to be killed. I had no warning and no brake light, the line just started leaking, it is severely rusted.
While coming to a stop the brake pedal went to the floor and no brakes were available. Luckily I was towing atrailer with brakes at the time which stopped the truck preventing a crash. A brief look to determine the cause revealed a failed brake line.
I had an accident on the hwy in georgia, the steering was hard to control/lock, the tire sled, was rust and corrode on structure, brake area, wheel area, frame, tire broke off, almost flipped and was hit from the back, and twice in the front after slamming into a cement divider and the air bags didn't deploy at all, I injured my left side, neck, back, and hip. Blessed that my pregnant daughter in her 8th month wasn't in the truck with me. I had done multiple repairs on the fuel tank, tire rod, knock sensor, ABS brakes, running board,brakes,rotors, etc, and was told that the rust on the frame won't effect the trucks performance and it was safe to drive because everything is attached to the frame good. I almost lost my life and two of us got injured. If these trucks are having and been having these issues- why do they just pull all of them and give people other options.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the contact attempted to decelerate but the brake pedal went to the floor. The contact downshifted and applied the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact was a certified mechanic and upon inspection, it was noticed that the brake line that leads to the master cylinder had rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 61,000. The VIN was not available.
Pulling out of driveway and brakes completely went out. Luckily I was only going around 5 MPH. Was able to use emergency brake to slow truck down next to the curb.
Brake lines severely rusted, causing a burst. Emergency brake failed to engage as it was too badly rusted to work.
I've noticed a need for increased stopping distance for several weeks then my brake light came on. I checked the brake fluid level and it was low so I filled it up. Two weeks later it came on again. Brought it to the dealer and they informed me that the brake line from the brake pump to the rear brakes was blown out and needed to be replaced. After the repair I visually inspected the other brake lines and they appear to be fairly well rusted and I would not be surprised if they are the next to fail. After reading reports of accidents as a result of brake line failures, my wife and I are growing extremely concerned for the safety and well being of our family, especially our two young children, as this vehicle is our primary means of transportation.
This is second failure of brake line. No indication other than severe rust under vehicle. Loss of stiffness in pedal when attempt to brake down hill in snow/ice. Brake light came on , needed to use transmission to control speed. Vehicle did sustain damage when unable to control speed enough it crashed into a structure. This also caused damage to structure. No injuries because most people in vehicle were able to get out. This vehicle has had both wheel sensors fail and entire hub assembly fail. The brake line has failed at about 40,000 miles but was covered by warranty by manufacture. No injuries at that time because of experienced driver behind the wheel as well as this incident as reported.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH and depressing the brakes, the brakes failed and the pedal abnormally traveled to the floorboard. The contact coasted through an intersection before applying the emergency brakes to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they advised him that the brake lines were rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the brake lines. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The current mileage was approximately 143,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Approaching a traffic light and going about 35 MPH, I was planning on stopping so I was coasting at a slow speed, however as I pushed on the brake pedal to begin braking the brake pedal went right to the floor and applied very little braking. I did stop in time however if there were a car in front on me I am certain that I would have rear ended that vehicle. Upon inspection it was determined that the left rear brake line broke and depleted the system. The break was caused by corrosion to the brake line. All the brake lines had considerable corrosion. The repair cost $1400 because all the brake lines had to be replaced. I feel that I am very lucky that this failure occurred where it did. I also feel that gm has a very serious problem on their hands and should be doing more to prevent this failure. I did call chevrolet customer service and received no help what so ever. I have to hope that there is a recall to get any reimbursement. This problem has the potential to hurt or even kill people. I hope the federal safety agency is paying close attention and can somehow take action sooner than latter. I am more concerned about preventing injuries than getting my $1400 back.
Was going to dinner and when we were coming up to the entrance, I hit the brakes and they went to the floor. Luckily I was able to get stopped in time and no one was in the way. The 2nd time was coming back from the outer banks. I haven't seen a truck rust out so bad before in my life.
Complete brake failure due to brake line rupture near rear left tire.
While backing out of driveway, I hit brakes, pedal went to the floor and I hit my dumpster. Found that a rusted brake line burst.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light with the brakes applied, the vehicle continued to move forward. The contact inspected the vehicle and discovered that the brake fluid reservoir was completely empty. The contact added more brake fluid to the vehicle and noticed later that there was an abnormal increase in stopping distance and time after the adding the brake fluid. The contact later discovered that the brake lines were rusted. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic to have the brake line replaced. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Rear brake line had completely rusted and caused brake line to rupture. Causing no brakes and had to put truck in ditch to stop vehicle. Rusted line was above frame rail just above left rear tire. Found other area where line was rusted severely.
Attempted to stop at a stop sign. The brakes were working until I had slowed to about 5 MPH. Then the brake pedal went to the floor. The car in front of me had already started moving forward so no accident occurred.
Brake pedal suddenly went to the floor. Resulted in crashing into car stopped ahead.
All brake hard-lines on my 2002 chevy avalanche 1500 4wd are extremely corroded and have begun to fail. This was discovered after having one of the brake lines blow-out during an emergency stop, while driving at highway speeds. An empty truck in front of me had braked suddenly due to a missed exit, requiring that I apply full braking instantly. I would have collided with the truck after my brake lines blew, except that I was able to swerve into another lane to avoid the vehicle. Had there been another vehicle next to me, I would have crashed into the decelerating vehicle. All of my brake tubing is corroded, as well as portions of the frame, brake calipers and rear brake rotors and dust shields. This excessive corrosion appears to be the result of substandard components with inadequate corrosion protection. I am currently replacing all corroded brake system components (quoted $3,100).
As I was slowing to down to park at a bank, brake peddle went right to the floor with almost a complete lose of braking. Proceeded directly to a repair shop. I was informed that due to severe rust on underside of vehicle, all brake lines needed to be replaced as one had blown.
Steel brake line failure due to corrosion (rust). Upon inspection, all steel brake lines severely corroded (rusted).
Without warning, while driving last spring, 2011 the brake line broke and I lost brakes suddenly while stopping for traffic. The dealer replaced steel brake line on left side of rear axle at my expense. Today, while stopping hard in traffic, the peddle suddenly went to the floor and I lost all brakes. The steel brake line along the frame, from the front of the truck to the rear is leaking fluid from a burst in the steel line. Again, no brakes. I purchased this truck in 2002 and its has always been to the dealership for regular service.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated that the brake lines were completely corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who verified the failure and stated that all of the brake lines needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was no longer under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.
First time brake line under drivers door rusted out, leaked brake fluid and had to steer to avoid another vehicle stopped for a red light. Had truck towed to a shop for repairs. Mechanic told me this was common problem with gm trucks. Second time luckily I was on my property moving 1000 lb trailer around and notice brakes not working properly. Got out and looked under truck and saw a stream of liquid from around area of front axle. Took truck to nearest mechanic. I stopped by the next day and the mechanic had truck up on lift and came over to me and said "you need a new truck" he said the lines are rusted (brake, fuel and transmission). I also have 2002 jeep wrangler with 180k miles and have not had to replace brake lines like I've had to do with my 2002 chevy avalanche. I am the original owner of both them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated that when the vehicle was driven between 25-30 MPH, there was an increase in stopping distance and time when the brakes were applied. The contact stated that the front and rear brake pads, rotors and the master cylinder were replaced but the failure persisted. The contact spoke with the manufacturer and was told to take the vehicle to the dealer to be inspected. The dealer suggested that the brake pads, rotors and master cylinder be replaced a second time. The failure mileage was 100,000 and the current is 118,000. ....updated 12/03/12 *bf updated 01/10/12
Brake line rusted through and lost braking at 50 MPH.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated while driving, the ABS lamp illuminated. When he tried to engage the brakes the vehicle did not stop in time, as a result he rear ended another vehicle. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the ABS module was defective and needed to be replaced. He took the vehicle to a dealer who confirmed the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v379000 ( service brakes, hydraulic:anti lock). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 90,000 and the current mileage was 114,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed the brakes engaged, unexpectedly, and she began to hear a loud humming noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where the contact was informed that the anti lock braking system was engaging involuntarily. An authorized dealer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 155,000.
2002 chevy avalanche brake failure due to corrosion of brake lines and loss of fluid.
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