1998 Chevrolet Lumina: brake failure

Filed Jun 12, 2008 · Brakes, Engine · 129,897 miles · CT

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet lumina. In march of 2008, the vehicle was purchased with a cracked windshield. The dealer repaired the windshield. The following day, while driving 20 MPH, the brakes failed and nearly caused a crash. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they kept it for three days. A few days later, the vehicle shut off completely. The vehicle was repaired once more, but it shut off again. The dealer refused to make any more repairs. The current mileage is 140,000 and failure mileage was 129,897. Updated 7/3/08 *cn the consumer stated the vehicle stalled at least 10 times. The consumer was informed the engine was bad. Updated 07/03/08

Filed Jan 4, 2001 · Brakes · GA

When driving under wet conditions there is a loss of brakes when pedal is applied . Dealer has been contacted.

Filed Aug 2, 2000 · Brakes · VA

When applying brakes pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance, cause unknown. Please give any further details.

Filed Jul 21, 2000 · Brakes · NC · crash

Consumer was involved in an accident while making a normal stop due to brake failure. 2 weeks prior to the accident, consumer took vehicle to dealer . But, dealer did not check brakes.

Filed Jun 26, 2000 · Brakes · PA

Brakes failed. Towed to chevrolet dealer and was told fluid looked contaminated. Dealer replaced master cylinder and flushed brake fluid.

Filed Jan 8, 2000 · Brakes · MO

This problem was addressed properly by the dealership, but the problem still exists. I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss the problem in depth with a the federal safety agency representative due to the problem dating back to a 1993 lumina, a 1995 lumina and now the 1998 lumina. I have had a lot of experience with brake systems and feel that I can possibility help to answer some of the complaints of drivers stating that their brake pedal went to the floor board. When I had my car serviced, the serviceman stated that he had compared my vehicle brakes and found them to be almost the same as on the new vehicles. I do agree that some of the new vehicles have the same bleed down problem as my vehicle and that is my concern. The service manager agreed that he was concerned about the operation of my brakes and decided to replace the master cylinder and arranged for me to have a car to keep me from driving the car home . Although the problem was only an unusually fast pedal bleed down the manager stated that he too, has a concern about the brake problem and had ordered a brake master cylinder. The new clylinder did reduce the required braking effort but there is still excessive brake pedal bleed down under light pedal force. I think I can help to determine the problem and suggest a correction. I will discuss this with the leader service manager. I owned a 1993 lumina and experienced the brake pedal "going to the floor board" which very nearly caused me to have two major accidents. The dealership kept assuring me that my car brakes worked as good as all the new cars. With the help of the st. Louis better business bureau and a brake test off of oil change ramps, the bbb report convinced gm to buy back my 1993 lumina. I feel that the only way to communicate with the federal safety agency is by reviewing the mechanics of the brake system, brake fluid flow and test procedures. Please contact me for further information. How many owners have had similiar problems.

Filed Aug 30, 1999 · Brakes · DC

While driving 20 to 30mph went to apply brakes and there were no brakes. Vehicle went straight through an intersection.also, when backing out brakes locked up.

Filed Jun 24, 1999 · Brakes · IN

My brakes pulsate when applying. I'm having brake failure much to soon for my driving and past experience with new cars. The dealer is saying that the rotors are warped and that it's not covered under warranty. However, I brake very little, since most of my 86 mi. Daily commute is intersate; I am extremely easy on a brake when braking; I've never slammed the brake; past experience with many new cars has never resulted in warped brakes, in fact, my 1992 lumina euro had 60k before front pads were needed and 90k before rear pads... Rotors were (and are) still okay. Lastly, I checked the investigations database and found that the '98 monte carlo has a "degraded braking performance". I wondered if the lumina brakes were the same as the monte?