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2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brakes complaints

Page 6 of 15: complaints 131 to 160 of 429, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brakes problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 13, 2014 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · MD

The brakes went out without warning all brake lines were rusted and had to be replaced.

Filed Aug 12, 2014 · Brakes · 81,000 miles · IN

My wife and daughter was with me and I was towing my brother in laws small tractor on my dad's tandem axle trailer. We had already drove about 20 miles and coming up to their house turn off. I turned into there driveway and started to turn so we could then back up the trailer to his barn to unload his tractor. The truck stopped perfectly but the brakes felt weird at that point so when completely stopped I put into park then we got out of the truck and unloaded the tractor and when we was unloading the tractor I went up to the cab of the truck and opened the door because I was going to step on the brake pedal so the front brakes would help hold my truck in place when the weight of the tractor hit the back of the trailer which in turn would make the rear of my truck really light. When I hit the pedal it went all the way to the floor absolutely no pedal at all. Then I noticed the smell of brake fluid then looked under the truck and sure enough brake fluid everywhere right underneath the driver side door. I crawled under the edge of the truck just a bit and notice all the brake lines right there in one area but the one had busted/split. So I kind of notice all the other ones all in that area were really rusted up some as well. It almost in that area only looked as if the truck had 200,000 miles on it but just on the brake lines nothing else. Needless to say I only have two vehicles and I worked in two days so I went to my local autoparts store and bought what I thought would be enough to fix the truck. Got home and started in on it. And realized I didn't have one fitting I needed so luckily for me my dad was already out and he picked up what he thought was the part. Needless to say when he got to my place the parts they gave him wasn't the correct parts.

Filed Aug 12, 2014 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the rear brake lines fractured. The contact discovered extensive rust on all six brake lines, calipers, and the undercarriage. An independent mechanic repaired all six brake lines and replaced the calipers. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2014 · Brakes · 38,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle, the brakes failed increasing the stopping distance of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that, the front and the rear brake lines was corroded and rusted. In addition, the mechanic discovered that the emergency brake actuator was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2014 · Brakes · 103,000 miles · NJ

Without warning, leaving my driveway, my husband was on his way to pick our 2 year old up from the babysitter and the brake pedal went to the floor. A warning alarm simultaneously alerted me of the brake failure. Thankfully, this happened in our driveway on the way to pick up our child! I can't imagine the potential tragedy had it happened on the road. Upon inspection of the brake lines, they were seriously rusted and practically crumbled in my husband's hands.

Filed Jul 28, 2014 · Brakes · 195,828 miles · MA

While approaching a left turn and applying the brakes to slow from 45 MPH the brake pedal depressed all the way to the floor with little force in the middle of the braking process. The vehicle was rolling at approximately 15 MPH when this occurred. The vehicle was able to slow down and stop using the emergency brake and shifting into park. After inspection of the underside of the vehicle there was a small hole in the rear drivers brake line approximately 3 inches ahead of the union joint joining the flexible brake line t to the steel brake line running from the ABS unit. The remaining portion of the line as well as the remaining brake lines appeared to be severely corroded and in need of replacement.

Filed Jul 25, 2014 · Brakes · 70,000 miles · WI

Driving truck out of parking area at house entering street and both brake lines supply to ABS broke. This left me with no brakes to front or back. Just enough brake fluid to slow down to make the turn back into parking area behind my house. Had to use parking brake to fully stop truck. Called for a flat bed truck to haul my truck to local auto shop to have brakes repaired. The whole brake system lines had to be replaced ,corrosion problem !. $1000 brake line repair. Could have been a very dangerous time if I was on the busy street one more block farther in my travel.second time brake line broke on this truck. ^ months ago replaced one line on back brake, same problem.now lines under drivers cab both broke under pedal stress. This should never happen on both lines. Had many other trucks and cars and never saw such poor quality brake lines. If this happened on highway I may not be able to tell about it.wife was in truck also and pulling a 14ft boat.any damages or bodily injury would be put on gm and their faulty product selection of brake lines. Should be a recall years ago. Thousands of gm truck owners have problems. Members of my family have had same brake line problems. Only 70,000 miles on truck.

Filed Jul 17, 2014 · Brakes · 124,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that he discovered that the brake lines were corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the brake lines were corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000. ..updated 08-28-14 *bf updated 09/16/2014

Filed Jul 16, 2014 · Brakes · 27,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the brake pedal sank into the floorboard. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the driver side rear brake line corroded and leaked brake fluid. The failure occurred twice before. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 27,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2014 · Brakes · 32,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that the emergency/parking brake failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the backing plate for the emergency brake was completely rusted. As a result, the backing plate, brake pads and rotors were replaced but the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake pedal abnormally traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who diagnosed that there was a loss of brake fluid and that the brake lines had rusted and fractured causing an extensive leak. As a result, the entire brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 04v045000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and the federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v161000 (parking brake). The approximate failure mileage was 32,000.

Filed Jul 15, 2014 · Brakes · 109,428 miles · PA

Traveling north on 95 just outside of wilmington delaware in middle travel lanes when stopping for traffic and brake pedal went completely to floor. Had to veer to the left and travel onto medium to avoid accident. I checked under truck and observed brake line leaking fluid under drivers side.

Filed Jul 15, 2014 · Brakes · 114,000 miles · IL

Had to make quick stop and required me to step on brakes fairly hard. Blew a brake line and lost all brakes. Was able to serve to avoid accident, and then use emergency brake to stop myself. Had truck taken to shop, all brake lines were extremely rusted and required replacing. $1000+ job.

Filed Jul 15, 2014 · Brakes, Fuel system · 114,171 miles · GA

During commute to work on 22 april 2014, as I was approaching a stoplight and pressed the brakes to slow down, the main console chimed, showed a message to check brakes, and I was able to press the brake lever to the floor. I was still able to stop prior to reaching the stoplight. I slowly returned home (about a mile) and was able to stop the truck nearby, though the brakes were no longer able to stop the vehicle while in drive. When placed on the flatbed tow truck, the driver noticed that the brake fluid was leaking onto the bed. At the dealership, the mechanics stated the brake lines were corroded and the entire system needed to be replaced behind the master cylinder. Additionally, I had asked them to inspect why I sometimes had difficulty starting the vehicle which was diagnosed as a faulty fuel pump. This could not be removed from the fuel tank (due to corrosion), and I was forced to replace the entire tank system to replace the pump.

Filed Jul 13, 2014 · Brakes · 84,859 miles · MA

Girlfriend was driving vehicle with a 700 lb load in the back on rt. 44. She was slowing down to make a left turn when the brake pedal went to the floor. She pumped the brake several times and was able to turn off rt. 44 onto a side street. While proceeding down street there were limited brakes. When she came upon our street she used the emergency brake to slow down to make a right turn. She again applied this method to take a right turn into our driveway. Once in the driveway she told me there are no brakes in the truck. I got in the truck and applied the brakes and heard a spraying sound coming from the left front. I got out and saw brake fluid around the wheel well and dripping on the ground from the brake line.

Filed Jul 10, 2014 · Brakes · 109,450 miles · IL

On wed, june 25th approximately 11:30 pm I had to stop quickly due a stop light changing on me and I felt my brake pedal get "squishy" when trying to stop. I verified this when I tried stopping at the next light and the pedal sunk even further and it took even longer to stop. By the time I got home my brakes were about useless for any speed over an idle as the pedal went all the way to the floorboards when pressed. Luckily it was late at night and there were very few cars on the road, so I did not need to stop quickly. I then looked under my truck and found both of the brake lines heavily corroded/rusted in a spot just behind my front driver's side wheel. I had my wife press on the brake pedal while I was watching the lines and at least one of them had blown open and was squirting fluid. I subsequently had to get my truck towed to my mechanic as it was not drive-able. And to top it all off, the required parts had to be ordered directly from the dealer increasing my repair bill. And after talking with my mechanic, he stated that when he called the dealer for the parts, they knew exactly what was needed as they have had to do these same repairs numerous times. Luckily this did not happen while my daughter was using my truck to haul her horses around as I do not think she would have been able to stop at all with that extra weight behind her trailer brakes or not.

Filed Jul 10, 2014 · Brakes · 76,535 miles · MN

I experienced loss of braking and parked vehicle and noticed fluid under left rear axle area. Brake line was leaking. I do not think a ten year old truck should have this problem.

Filed Jul 9, 2014 · Brakes · 122,268 miles · MO

While driving home from work brake pedal went to the floor after left rear brake line failed. Brake line fail do to rust. Truck's stopping distance had increased significantly and I was lucky wasn't in traffic. No accident occur, timing was a factor for that. Outcome would have been different if I was towing my boat and in traffic. Note: I have been driving chevrolet trucks for over 39 years, and never had brake line fail, especially for rusting. Truck's left rear brake line was replaced by goodyear barry road tire & service, cost of $181.20.

Filed Jul 8, 2014 · Brakes · WV

This is the 2nd time I have lost my brakes. Thank god both times were at low speeds. This 2nd time occurred in a drive thru restaurant. As I applied my brakes the car in front of me had just left with there order otherwise I would have rear ended them. I then drove very short distance using my emergency brake. Please recall an fix this problem. ..its the right thing for gm to do.

Filed Jul 8, 2014 · Brakes · 192,000 miles · OH

Driving on i271 northbound, heading to 77n, left lane of highway. The weather was clear, the road was dry. I was doing 70 -72 MPH. Speed limit on 271 is 70. Driver in right lane suddenly decided to switch to left lane, cutting immediately in front of car in front of me. Driver in front of me slammed on her brakes very hard. I also had to hit brakes, but not quite as hard, as I had some space. As I hit the brakes, they immediately went to the floor. The only choice I had to avoid slamming into her, was swerve left into the median, all the while pumping the brakes hoping for something. But there was nothing. I managed to keep the truck from fishtailing in the grass, straightened out, passed the woman who I almost rear ended, and thankfully was able to get back on the highway, but still no brakes. I eventually got to the side of the road, and coasted to a stop.I was very lucky---there was road construction coming up with signs in the median,and traffic barrels in the road, and this all happened within a mile of that area. Had my truck towed to firestone, and they told me both brake lines going to the ABS unit blew out. If gm wants to save money by using cheap material, it should be on non safety related parts, not something as serious as brake components. As the average age of most vehicles on the road today is 10 yrs., car manufacturers should be forced to manufacture or use parts, esp., parts as brakes, that will last a lot longer than that.

Filed Jul 7, 2014 · Brakes · 214,523 miles · OH

I was backing out of a parking space when I found I had absolutely no brakes. Repair mechanic said both front and rear brakes are rusted out. I had to be towed to a repair shop.

Filed Jun 29, 2014 · Brakes · 98,000 miles · NY

Driving up to red light. Began to brake. Pedal went all the way to the floor. Ended up going through the red light. Luckily oncoming traffic saw me and stopped. Under further inspection the brake lines were rusted through and brake fluid was leaking out. Same thing happened to my fathers 2003 silverado 3 weeks earlier.

Filed Jun 27, 2014 · Brakes · 101,000 miles · TX

Made a semi-hard stop, due to a car pulling in front, brake line failed. There were no brakes at all the rest of the way home. My 15 year old son was driving, this could have very easily been a horrible accident.

Filed Jun 14, 2014 · Body, Brakes · 82,950 miles · ME

Hit brakes and a line blew almost hit car infront of me. Like all gm trucks in snow country my brake lines rusted thru along with my rear backing plates rusting off. Gm dealers all know about this but nothing is ever done. I don't know how many people have to be killed from blown brake lines for them to do anything. I guess alot since they held off ten years on there current problem. I can't understand why when acouple of people get hurt or die and you know you have a problem it isn't delt with. Maybe because all of you are in bed together and it will cost some one some money. Thank you [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Jun 13, 2014 · Brakes · 76,053 miles · NY

Applied the brakes to stop at signal light. Brake line to right front brake broke with partial loss of braking ability.

Filed Jun 10, 2014 · Brakes · 78,000 miles · IN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated while attempting to stop, the brake pedal sank to the floorboard and the brakes failed to engage. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the brake and fuel lines were severely rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage and current mileage was 78,000. Updated 10/07/14*lj the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified on 6/23/2014. Updated 3/16/15

Filed Jun 8, 2014 · Brakes · 86,250 miles · IL

Came out of store ,started vehicle brake warning lite and chimes came on .brake pedal was all the way to the floor with very little stopping power. Drove vehicle to the repair shop (a short distance) was told the steel brake lines had rusted through contaminating the system the complete brake system was replaced. The total repair bill was $1823.86.

Filed Jun 7, 2014 · Body, Brakes · 100,000 miles · MA

Excessive corrosion all brake lines rotted out and replaced, rocker panels totally rotted, and excessive rust on frame very common with this year g m frame ,g m says they only cover for one year. So I am filing a complaint to see if this can rectified before some one is injured due to brake failure. Please help.

Filed Jun 7, 2014 · Brakes · 87,700 miles · MI

When attempting to stop on dry pavement at slow speeds, five miles per hour or below the anti lock braking system activates which prevents the vehicle from stopping correctly. This is a safety issue which can lead to rear end collision. They have recalled many other vehicles for this same exact problem (speed sensors and bearing assembly failures) and it is obvious my vehicle has the same exact problem and should be recalled for correction for safety reasons.

Filed Jun 6, 2014 · Brakes · 107,143 miles · PA

Stepped hard on brakes to avoid deer and then lost all brakes accept emergency found out chevy silverados have line problems.

Filed May 25, 2014 · Brakes · 57,910 miles · WV

Was leaving store near my home and brake pedal went completely to floor no brakes what so ever drove home using emergency brake on inspection found leaking brake line in rear of truck then inspected all other lines and found them very rusted as well they need to be replaced before they leak.

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