2001 Chevrolet S10: brake failure

Filed Jul 23, 2013 · Brakes · 55,600 miles · KY

As I was driving I was approaching a four way stop and applied the brakes any the brake pedal went to the floor. The brakes worked fine for the stop before this one. I tried to pump the brakes and the pedal still went to the floor and the vehicle finally started to slow down, I had to down shift to stop in time. I was able to get the vehicle to a firestone service station down the street. They found one of the main brake line shad corrosion and had rusted through and the brake fluid leaked out as I applied the brakes. I was lucky. I had my 2 year old son in the car at the time. I think my years of driving experience allowed me to avoid a serious collision. There was no warning about the failure of the brake lines. Also the mechanic noticed serious rusting of the rear disc backing plates, these will also need replacing. So far the cost is about $500. For just the brake lines.the truck has under 60,000 miles. I hardly drive it.

Filed Feb 21, 2009 · Brakes · 85,000 miles · CO

2001 chevrolet s10 pickup with manual transmission parking brake failure foot activated parking / emergency brake fails to stay engaged leading to dangerous condition and potential injury or death. Foot activated parking brake assembly is defective, needs replacement.

Filed Sep 9, 2005 · Brakes · 40,000 miles · OH · crash · 3 injuries

As our son was driving our 2001 s-10 ext cab pickup home, he came into a curve and the truck had no braking power. He said he heard a grinding noise in the vehicle and had no brakes. He went off the curve and hit a tree. The truck was totaled. My son as well as his two friends were taken to area hospitals luckily, no one was seriously injured as they had their seat belts on and were going the speed limit. I would hate to say what would have happened if they would have been traveling at a faster rate of speed. After seeing similar complaints filed by other 2001 s-10 owners, I'm wondering if someone will have to be killed before they rectify this brake problem.

Filed Nov 20, 2004 · Brakes · 35,000 miles · NV

Brake pedal goes to the floor 60% of driving. I have had my pickup in two different chevrolet dealership garages numerous times, but my brakes still go to the floor!

Filed Aug 16, 2004 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · CT · crash

While making a left turn, the brake hose pinched between the wheels and the frame of the vehicle. As a result brake fluid began to leak and the brakes failed. The vehicle collided head on into a parked vehicle. Please provide additional information.

Filed Apr 19, 2004 · Brakes · FL

While driving 70 MPH consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it home. Consumer contacted the dealer, and service manager told consumer to bring vehicle in for inspection in two business days.

Filed Jan 23, 2004 · Brakes · 6,200 miles · TN

When the vehicle was turned off, the brake vacuum leaked causing brake failure when starting the vehicle. The mechanic replaced the check valve but the problem still exists. *ak the engine died while driving,thee was not enough vacuum on the brake system to stop the vehicle. Gm stated that they had a lot of problems with the check valve and booster. *sc

Filed Nov 5, 2003 · Brakes · 18,000 miles · FL

The brakes failed at 18000 miles. An independent shop replaced the pads and drums. *ak *scc

Filed Nov 5, 2002 · Acceleration · 30,365 miles · VA

While merging onto the highway, driver applied gas to the accelerator pedal. The gas pedal went all the way to the floor. Resulting in vehicle accelerated at a very high speed. *ts this caused a strain on the engine and transmission. The vehicle was placed in neutral or third while hard braking. The dealer failed to respond after ensuring they would provide service. The vehicle was still under warranty as of 05/02-no response.

Filed Jul 26, 2002 · Brakes · MI

While driving at 35mph brakes went out, and it was hard to stop vehicle. Dealer notified.

Filed May 22, 2002 · Brakes · MD

Brakes failed to stop my truck on exit ramp in stop and go traffic. Had to pump brakes to stop truck .didnt think much about it until truck started pulsating during normal braking; 13000 miles on truck . Only when antifreeze was leaking from engine could I leave it with a dealer. I told them the brakes failed once and they ;brakes are not working properly . This truck has 5 year 100,000 mile exstended waranty that I payed for. Iam not a mech, but I have worked on cars for twenty years . The dealer said under normal wear the truck needs a brake job on front 250 dollars ,15000miles highway driving. I dont care about the brakes ,because I can repair them my self .iam only concerned about brakes failing again .

Filed Dec 20, 2001 · Brakes, Locks · CA

I own two 2001 chevrolet s10 ls 2 wheel drive extended cabs. Both have the same or similar problems. A. The molding along the bottom of the windows on the doors is loose and comes off easily. One of the trucks has already the moldings replaced. This appears to have fixed the problem on that truck. B. The rear end clunks/clanks when shifting into reverse. No solution has been found yet. C. The tailgate on both trucks will not latch completely on the driver's side. One truck has been looked at by the dealer. The dealer said the truck would need to be repaired in a body shop. The frame and body components of the box would need to be straightened in order for the tailgate to latch properly. The repair has not been done on either truck yet. D. The most disturbing problem is the strange behavior of the brakes. Both trucks have experienced loss of braking ability. When applying the brake in a quick stop or emergency situation, the brake pedal is firm yet no braking power is felt and the truck surges forward without slowing. Both trucks have had the rear brakes lock up (the ABS failed to engage). One truck had all the pads and rotors replaced at 500 miles. This corrected the loud rumbling sounds and vibrations from the brakes but did not improve the ABS. The other truck now with 22,000 miles shakes violently at speeds over 40 MPH when the brakes are applied. It feels like the wheels are seriously unbalanced or the rotors are badly warped. However, the rotors were checked and found to be in spec and the wheels were balanced. Still the problem continues and is intensifying daily. The shop which checked problem called gm and was told a "pulse" is normal in all vehicles with 4 wheel ABS systems. I drive over 1000 miles a week. I think I know the difference between ABS brakes engaging and wheels about to fly off. I have spoke with several other 2001 gm truck owners at the dealership who are all experiencing problems with their brakes.