This was not a wreck but could have been. Complete brake failure on my truck. Lines completely rusted out. Googled this and have seen many complaints on this. Chevy does not make the lines anymore and have redesigned the braking system on 2004 up trucks. $3100 to replace if you can find them. Now I'm stuck with a truck that is not safe to drive. No brakes whatsoever. Thank god it was early sunday morning. Brake pedal went clear to the floor. Had to slam it into 4wd and put trans in low then neutral and then ran off the road to avoid a collision.
2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 HD brakes complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 49, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I have a 2003 chevy silerado/k1500...in novemeber 2012 a brake line ruptured and I had to have the truck towed into the chevy dealer in paramus where I live...over the holiday it happened again to a different brake line...the dealer told me he was doidn a sinilar job on a car from that year of vehicles....it appears the brake lines can rupture leving the vehicle without brakesthe dealer is ordering me a stainless steel kit ...not from chevy or gm but this should solve the problem as he expects the rest of the brake lines will also fail soon.... Chevy needs to own up to these faulty brake linesbefore someone is hurt.
Pressed brake pedal going over a hill and pedal went all the way to the floor. Pumping pedal did not help to build any pressure. Pulled off the road brake fluid reservoir was empty and fluid was all under left rear of truck. Mechanic inspected rupture in factory steel line and all other lines rusted.
While stopped at an intersection at a red light, the vehicle started to creep forward toward people in the crosswalk. Depressing the brake pedal further resulted in it fading, ending in a fully depressed position with no more pedal travel available. The vehicle continued to roll forward into the crosswalk. Placing the transmission in neutral stopped vehicle movement. After stopping and inspecting under the hood and under the front end of vehicle showed leaking brake fluid from one of the metallic brake lines serving the right front brake. After taking the vehicle to my local gm dealer and placing it on the service rack, inspection showed that all the metallic brake lines are severely rusted over the majority of the line surface. The right front line disintegrated to the point where the line separated while checking the condition of the line. The other brakes lines are rusted to the point where failure is imminent. All the metallic brake lines from the master cylinder, down to the ABS control module and then out to each brake caliper must be replaced. The failure of the braking system created a serious situation that could have resulted in bodily injury to the pedestrians in the crosswalk. Without placing the transmission in neutral it would have eventually struck a pedestrian. In addition to the brake lines, the fuel lines show excessive rust as well. The dealer does not recommend replacement of the fuel lines at this time, but replacement will be required in the near future.
I was coming to the end of my driveway and the brake pedal went to the floor and wasn't providing any stopping power. The end of our driveway has an incline and I was able to use the emergency brake before traveling into oncoming traffic. I checked the brake reservoir tank and it was almost completely empty. I added more brake fluid and upon applying the brakes, fluid was coming out from underneath the truck. It was dripping from underneath the driver side door and also from some place further back on the truck. I couldn't verify whether the source near the back was a separate leak. All four of the brake lines have significant rust and need to be replaced. The truck is currently not drive-able because any new brake fluid is immediately leaking out and not providing any resistance to the brake pedal. I've checked the brake pads and rotors and they are still in almost new condition. This is a serious safety issue in my opinion and yet seems very common with this line of trucks if you check this forum and others available on the internet. Http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/274830/
Lost power to engine while driving down the interstate highway. Fault on dash showed (reduced engine power). Pulled to shoulder of highway and tried to restart engine to no avail. After sitting for about 5 minutes engine started and check engine light stayed on for a few days. Since that time I have replaced the throttle position sensor and have still been having the same problem for the past 2 years. It will sometimes drive for a few days without any problem, but some days it will occur 10 or more times in a day. I have been on several websites only to see several people are experiencing the same problem even on different models and year vehicle's. This could and may well have caused deathly auto accidents. I have looked for a recall on this problem and could not find one. My question is, "are there any plans to recall effected vehicles for the issue of "reduced engine power?" please check into this asap. Thank you for your time and concern.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500 hd. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH and approaching a traffic stop, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard upon engagement. There was also a delayed response in the brakes. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The failure was contributed to a ruptured brake line. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was unavailable.
On the listed date, while in traffic, I applied my brakes and warning sensors chimed notifying me my brakes are failing. I pulled over and inspected my brake fluid reservoir and found it empty. I inspected the lines and found brake fluid leaking behind my driver's side rear wheel. I filled the reservoir and brought the truck to my mechanic. Upon inspection, the line attached to the ABS was leaking and completely rusted. The other lines were inspected and my mechanic noted that the lines looked as though they were on a 30 year old vehicle. This is a huge safety concern which is going to cost me a great deal of money fix. Thankfully I was the one driving and not my wife or kids.
I loss all my brakes and almost hit someone. Looked under truck found fluid leaking from back drivers side wheel. After climbing under truck found all my brake lines are extremely corroded. I looked at cars that are way older and had a lot more miles in my area and they have no corrosion. I expect chevrolet to fix all my lines at their cost because this is not normal to see with a vehicle with 55000 miles and to fix one line will not fix all the lines on the truck.
I was driving along coasting at a lower than normal speed, (fortunately) because I saw the traffic light way ahead of me turn red....not towing anything...no load in the bed of the truck. When I applied the brakes,in a normal/not panicked manner, the pedal went straight to the floor. There never were any warnings/lights, even after the failure. Luckily I had enough time, and piece of mind, to manipulate the emergency brake, and come screeching to a stop (by just the rear brakes) with only a couple feet to spare. If I hadn't, (or if the e-brake hadn't worked) I would have plowed into several small cars that were stopped at the light., with my big crew cab truck. Certainly severely injuring many people! I discovered the rear brake line had failed...totally...it is a pile of rust...resulting in complete brake failure! I can send you a photo....I would like to send you a photo! All of the lines are going to have to be replaced in order to safely operate this vehicle again... I have also found (with a quick internet search) countless other identical instances of this occurring in similar model year gm trucks.. Many, years prior to it happening to me! Mine only has 50k miles on it, and is garage kept...and always kept spotless. I've always been under the assumption that if a brake line failed, the master cylinder was supposed to shift over to shunt/prevent the leaking line from bleeding pressure...so the rest of the brakes would work?? (not like in the movies) the gov't mandates 5 MPH bumpers and everything else under the sun, but not this type of redundant brake feature? What is going on here? They do a recall because the tailgate cables rust, and might damage the tailgate, but don't for rusting brake lines that could kill people!!?? This is unacceptable!!!! I'm very anxious to hear a reply to this..
I was on the interstate driving about 60 to 70 MPH when all of a sudden my truck switched to fwd low all on its own. I was able to pull off on the shoulder . I was able to put the vehicle back in 2wd. Later the service 4wd light came on. I also have occasions when all of the dash lights will come on and all the gauges drop and now my ABS light flashes and the warning bell rings as I drive down the road.
Brake line from master cylinder to ABS unit blewout causing spongey brake and brake fluid leak. Line rusted out. Rest are very rusty.
Brake line from master cylinder to ABS unit blewout almost causing me to rear end vehicle in front of me.
While driving I had to apply my brake to slow down and I realized the my brake pedal went nearly to the floor. I immediately pulled over and checked around the truck and noticed fluid dipping from just behind the front wheel. I opened the hood and realized that I had blown a brake line.when I looked around under the hood at the brake lines, it was obvious that they were rusted. My neighbor had the same complaint with his 2001 silverado, it's definitely an engineering problem.
Driving vehicle at 55 MPH on undivided highway. Applied brakes to avoid animal and pedal went to floor. Drove vehicle slowly back home and found the brake line from front leaking above rear end. Brake lines are all rusted badly. The only safe way to repair this vehicle is to replace all of the brake lines. I never expected this from a 9 year old vehicle.
Severe corrosion lead to a brake line failure and subsequent inability to stop. Brake lines are corroded way before they should have, and much more than the fuel and steering lines. The line leading from the master cylinder to the ABS unit was the one that failed, but all are showing severe corrosion.
Brake lines rusted out & causing brake failure x 3.
While waiting at a stop light with my wife and newborn, I noticed the brake pedal went "spongy" and had no more resistance to the pressure my foot applied to it. I pulled into the gas station at the same set of stop lights with my transmission being my only form of vehicle speed control. Thanks be to god for keeping my family and others on the road safe that day from the potential devastation that could have taken place with such a critical failure in the mechanics of this vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500 hd. The contact stated that the undercarriage was severely rusted and caused the brake lines to fail. The contact had a dealer inspect the vehicle and the dealer stated that the rear brake lines failed and the vehicle loss all braking function, including the emergency brake. The failure and current mileages were 110,000. Updated 04/27/12*lj updated 04/27/12
While stopped at a bank teller box I applied the the brakes only to find that the brake pedal hit the floor with no resistance. I exited the vehicle and discovered large amounts of brake fluid near the rear driver side tire. Was not able to drive vehicle because the emergency brake was not functional either.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500 hd. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and there were repeated attempts before the vehicle slowed down. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who detected the brake line was completely corroded, which required replacement. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the malfunction. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
While under hard braking the drivers rear brake failed just above axel. After the repair during the test drive 3 lines ruptured on the drivers side frame rail just below the drivers feet next to the ABS module. I see that there has been a the federal safety agency action number : ea11001 already started on this problem.
Below is a list of history with repairs to my truck. In march 2004 I bought a brand new 2003 chevy silverado 1500hd .first 2 yrs front rotars turned covered under warranty. Then 1-21-09 front rotars and calipars replaced due to rot.1-30-09 transmission line replaced rotted.on 6-19-09 new starter. 8-29-09 rear calipers and hose rotted 35455 miles.on 9-2-09 ABS sensor and left front brake hose rotted. On 8-28-10 power stering pump replaced. On 8-24-11 brake lines to ABS rotted 46763 miles. 10-27-11 left rear brake line rotted 47943 miles. My windsheild washer fluid reservoir needs to be replaced leaking insrument panel shows empty. I'm having my left rear brake line replaced next week...its the only one left and I dont want to take the chance of an accident. Mt mechanic states he has never seen this much rust on a fairly new vehicle. Unfortunately I didnt keep records in the early years of ownership but I cant believe transmission lines,brake lines ,calipers can rot that fast. I have never had this experience with past trucks I have owned. I believe there must be some sort of factory defect that is causing this.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500 hd. The contact was driving 25 MPH when he applied the brakes and the brake line ruptured, causing all of the braking fluid to leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 140,000.
My brake lines ruptured under the drivers seat by the ABS box. I inspected all of the brake and transmission lines and they are all rusted badly and need replaced immediately. I was pulling my seadoo's when this happened and had to use the emergency brake to stop the truck. I have read a ton of the same complaints on the internet today. When is anyone going to make chevy replace all of the brake and transmission lines? This truck is only a 2003 and looks like a 1903 underneath. The whole frame and undercarriage is rusting badly. Please help. Thank you
Brake line failed on 2003 chevy silverado 1500 hd with 25,000 miles. Truck was serviced by gm dealer at recommended intervals since purchase. After dealer closed, truck had been serviced once by highly recommended independent mechanic specializing in trucks. Less than 500 miles after the last service, the brakes felt a little spongy; we drove the truck a few miles and parked. After an hour, we returned to the truck and discovered a puddle of brake fluid under the axle. We drove to the nearest brake repair shop; during this 5 minute drive, the brake warning light came on. When we arrived at the shop, they put the truck on the lift; by this time, it had no brake fluid left in the system. The entire line was corroded, and had to be replaced.
I drive a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500hd. I have had the truck to the dealer where I purchased it for regular oil changes and maintenance reviews. When trying to leave the grocery store parking lot recently I noticed that my brake pedal went all the way to the floor when I attempted to stop after pulling out of my parking space. After pumping the brakes repeatedly, some pressure was present but after pumping more, it was apparent that the brakes were completely out. Looking under the truck, I saw a huge puddle of brake fluid. Putting more brake fluid in the truck does not fix the problem , as it is only forced out upon pumping the brakes - the failure is permanent and critical - the truck is not road worthy at this point! Upon close inspection in the engine compartment and under the driver's side of the chassis, the entire length of brake lines to all four wheels is rusted and one of the lines is completely broken (with a hole expelling brake fluid) under normal driving conditions. The instrument cluster reads "service brake system" and a bell rings repeatedly to warn of the problem. I have not been able to correct the failure yet as I do not have the money to have the dealership replace these rusted brake lines. I have never seen brake lines on any vehicle rusted like this before and I have to believe this is a serious parts problem. I intend to contact my dealership with this issue.
2003 chevy silverado extended cab pickup. Brake line corrosion. Brake line burst. Pennsylvania. Brake line burst on drivers side. Brake line burst when brakes applied. Loss of braking ability was the result. Incident occurred on residential street- thankfully there was not an accident. Had vehicle towed to dealer to resolve problem. Apparently there are numerous complaints about the defect of chevrolet's brake-line assembly for the 2003 chevy silverado. Have proof of repair. Is chevy going to recall the inferior materials used in these brake lines?
My brakes failed without warning causing me to go through a stop sign. There was a mini van with 5 occupants that swerved off the road to keep from hitting me. There was no warning at all that my brakes were not working. Upon inspection of the car on 12/28 at a gm dealer I was told my brake system was rusted out and corroded causing my brakes to fail. I have investigated myself this problem and find out it is very common on this year and gm will not do anything about it. Everyone that has this truck is at risk of crashing and doesn't even know it. I was one of them until a few weeks ago.I have been trying to get gm to acknowledge the problem and only been getting the run around from their customer service department in the philippines. The will not supply me with a contact number for a zone rep or anyone else. Please do something about these faulty brake lines before innocent people are killed if it hasn't happened already.
My nightmare started when I pulled onto a from my drive way and drove about a half block to the stop sign in my 2003 silverado and noticed a mini van going south. When the brakes were applied the pedal went all the way to the floor and I couldn't stop. No warning on the dash nothing. The van had to swerve off the road to avoid me and almost tipped over containing 5 people. I saw him coming but couldn't do anything to stop in such a short period of time. The last thing on my mind was no brakes. I have been driving for 39 years and never experienced brake failure in my life. Yesterday I called gm customer service and got the usual run around. They told me I had to take it to a gm dealer to have it inspected they were very clear that my car even though only has 65,000 miles on it and is kept in a garage is out of warranty and there are no recalls for the brake lines. The best part was they will replace the lines with standard gm parts the same ones that are on the vehicle now. Doing that will have the same results and a accident waiting to happen. Even if they acknowledge the problem please don't let them do the repairs with the same inferior brake lines that we all have now !!!!
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