2004 Chevrolet Avalanche: brake failure

Filed Nov 9, 2015 · Brakes · 67,869 miles · MD

My son had borrowed the truck and was returning it with his 4 and 5 year old sons in the vehicle. He was in a traffic circle and had to brake to avoid an accident. Immediately afterwards the brake failure warning came on and the truck had no brakes. Fortunately he was only going about 25 MPH and was able to park it on the shoulder and no one was injured. I was able to get it to a local dealer for repair to the tune of $1,952. They diagnosed the problem as a rusted brake line that ruptured and damaged the left caliper. We got no prior warning of the brake failure. In 2012 I also had a sudden brake failure while leaving a parking garage. There was no prior warning or indication that the brakes were not functioning. Again I took it to a local dealer and was told that there was a leak in the master cylinder and I had to have that replaced. No one mentioned anything at that time about rusting brake lines. Although the truck is 11 years old it only has 67,871 miles.

Filed May 16, 2015 · Brakes · 149,904 miles · VA

Catastrophic brake failure when attempting to stop vehicle at 45 miles per hour. Brake peddle went to floor almost causing a major crash. Gmc dealer stated brake lines totally rusted out and ruptured causing total brake failure. Dealer stated brake lines disintegrated in the technicians hands when the tech was removing old lines. I have read similar experiences from other gm owners on the internet. This is a major safety issue which if it has not thus far will result in injury and or death. I am one of the lucky ones who was able to avoid an accident. I am sure this wont be the same outcome for others. Dealer info: ultimate buick gmc 5150 jefferson davis highway fredericksburg va 22408 tel # 540‑898‑6200 service advisor ian doughty ro339073 thanks for any assistance in addressing this safety issue.

Filed May 14, 2015 · Body, Brakes · 91,000 miles · IL · crash

My husband, 3 year old, any myself were driving back from a doctor appointment when we had to make a sudden stop because of a driver 2 cars ahead of us that quickly applied brakes to make a quick right hand turn. The driver in front of us in turn had to apply his breaks on and when my husband applied the brakes on our 2004 chevrolet avalanche there were no brakes!! Our 3 year old was asleep in the backseat!! We hit him of course because we could not stop (going downhill on a busy highway) we ended up having to coast up the hill in the middle of the lane because there was nowhere safe for us to pull off . There were almost several other accidents due to it being a blind spot for drivers coming over the hill both ways and we were stuck there because we had no way to stop ourselves again. So after all that we ended up needing our truck towed and the brake lines are corroded and had busted!! So not only do we have a tow bill now we are responsbile for replacing them! The estimate is $800!!! Thanks gm! We will be selling this one soon! Gm won't do a recall on these after all the complaints and accidents about the brake lines on here? Seriously? We had no clue about any of this until today! The mechanic that is fixing ours today told us he has 2 more that have the exact same issue and have to be replaced on theirs too! I guess it takes people dying or getting seriously injured before the car manufactures have to take responsibility. And what makes it even worse is that the whole brake line replacement is available (for us to purchase) and it's only about $160!! Nice to know the safety of our family, friends, and other motorists aren't worth it to them. Just 2 miles earlier we drove though a school zone!!!!! As the kids were leaving for the day! Thank god they lasted that 2 extra miles and no one was seriously injured or killed.

Filed Aug 26, 2014 · Brakes · 199,000 miles · VA · crash

Driving in heavy traffic on I 95 south on the way to vacation, brakes failed when I attempted to slow down. I rear ended another vehicle. Had truck in shop for week and found several problems with lines and 2 leaks. I heard that there is a known metal defect with 2001-2004 brake lines. I can't find any recall information.

Filed Jul 28, 2013 · Brakes · 170,170 miles · MI

My son was going to the store and when he applied the brake the pedal went to the floor and he had no brakes. After he parked the truck he noticed a puddle of fluid under the drivers side in front of the rear wheel. When I returned home I filled the brake reservoir I had my wife push the brake peddle and I found the leak in the rusty brake line.

Filed Jul 20, 2013 · Brakes · 49,500 miles · CT

When backing out my driveway I stepped on the brake and pedal went to the floor leaving brake fluid all over driveway. Group of brake lines along side of frame were totally rusted into a glob of rust.

Filed Mar 15, 2013 · Brakes · 76,912 miles · MA

Started my chevrolet, started backing up down an incline of my driveway, "service brakes" indicator illuminated. Brake pedal sank to the floor. No brakes. Opened hood and the front left wheel brake line (cheap steel) was shooting brake fluid everywhere and all over the engine. It's going to a chevrolet dealership tomorrow for repairs.

Filed Nov 24, 2012 · Brakes · 30,307 miles · DE

Brake lines corroded to the point of failure causing a loss of braking at 35 miles per hour. Dealer will replace entire trucks brake lines extensive repair. Personally know a friend with a 2002 chevrolet that had the same problem. The repair center he repaired his truck at informed him that they replaced four other chevrolet trucks brake lines in the last six months. I have been driving for forty years and never replaced brake lines on a car some with over 150,000 miles on them.

Filed Oct 24, 2012 · Brakes, Fuel system · 52,500 miles · NY

Rear hydraulic brake lines rotted and leaked fluid causing loss of braking. Last year I had to have the rear brake calipers replaced due to excessive rust and rot. The mechanic performing current repairs stats that the front hydraulic lines are rusting and will have to be replaced soon. The front calipers have rotted out bleeder valves. The front calipers will have to be replaced as a result when the front hydraulic lines are replaced. Check engine light was diagnosed to an evaporative emissions system leak. The leak was traced to a damaged plastic fitting connected to the fuel pump at the top of the fuel tank. The fuel pump metal was rotted causing the joint to expand damaging the fitting and causing the leak. I do not trailer a boat and the truck has never been immersed in salt water. I have been driving for over 40 years and have never had this amount of undercarriage rust and metal damage on any vehicle I have owned with many more miles and years of service.

Filed Sep 21, 2012 · Brakes · 75,000 miles · MD

Put on brakes to avoid car slowing in front of me. Brake pedal went to the floor and had almost no brakes. Had to swerve drastically to avoid hitting the other car. Mechanic checked the truck the next day and found corroded brake lines had failed.

Filed Jul 22, 2012 · Brakes · 78,803 miles · OH

Turning the corner without any notice, the brake line apparently broke and the brake pedal went to the floor. Brake fluid went everywhere- was able to pull over and use the emergency brake to stop, but god forbid if I was on a freeway or was pulling my boat! Could have been catastrophic! Upon further investigations, all of the brakelines showing under the driverside wheel well are corroded badly and will need replaced. I have owned alot of cars/trucks and never had to replace a brake line. The costs I have been quoted are upward of 1500.00 to repair due to the poor design and that the parts have to be ordered specifically for this vehicle. This should not be happening on a 2004 vehicle with the low miles it has.

Filed Sep 5, 2011 · Brakes · 46,442 miles · PA

Rear metal brake line burst while maneuvering in parking lot, losing rear service brakes. Brake fluid was gushing from burst line onto ground. A quick examination revealed burst brake line is completely rusted. Vehicle passed state inspection and 27 point safety inspection performed by gm dealer this past july. During the first week of august, I towed my son's disabled vehicle back from central pa.(140 miles). With the tow dolly and his car - I was pulling close to 4000 pounds. Can you imagine if this line burst on interstate 80 at 55 MPH? When does this horror end? This vehicle has previously encountered sudden and unexpected brake failure due to metal brake lines rusting to the point of sudden failure. See the federal safety agency odi number: 10268917. Additional detail and pictures regarding rusting brake lines on my vehicles can be seen at: http://sites.google.com/site/gmbadbrakes/.