1997 Chevrolet Silverado: brake failure

Filed Oct 23, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 89,000 miles · SD

Engine is a 6.5 turbo diesel. I bought this vehicle used so have no previous history whether it happened before I owned it. Vehicle engine started to die while driving, occasionally at first. It would restart immediately sometimes and sometimes it had to sit for a while. This problem started in years previous to 2010 intermittently but became more frequent in 2010- 2011. Didn't matter what speed I was traveling, it would quit on the interstate going 75 MPH or in driveway going 5 MPH. Shut off without warning and immediately like someone turned the key off. All power steering and power brakes failed but fortunately I was able to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and stop it when it happened, only because I knew how to steer with out power steering and had the strength to do it. With others this could easily cause serious accidents. Multiple attempts were made over the years with a mechanic to find the problem with no luck. Finally someone suggested replacing the pmd module which I did in 2011 and it solved the problem for 3 more years. It is now happening again. I was told the pmd module needs to be located outside of the engine compartment because it gets too hot and causes this failure. I believe this constitutes a poor design and a defect that needs to be rectified. Since this happened to my vehicle I have talked with several other people just in my area who own the same type of engine and have had the same problem and others in other areas.

Filed Sep 8, 2005 · Brakes · 55,263 miles · NJ

The rear brake line (steel) on my 1997 chevrolet silverado fractured while driving on the roadway resulting in loss of brake fluid and diminished braking ability. The brake line, which was located on the driver's side frame rail alongside the fuel tank, was replaced at a chevrolet dealership and is now in my possession. I was informed that there were two (2) instances recently at the same dealer where the same brake line on 1997 chevrolet pickups failed due to rust. I noted that my failed brake line appeared to have been rusted in the area of the failure.

Filed May 6, 2005 · Fuel system · 130,671 miles · FL

This incident has happened more than once and has not been resolved. While driving vehicle stalled. Driver tried was unable to restart vehicle. Driver noticed that steering wheel and the brakes failed, and would not work when applied. The driver had the truck towed to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. *ak this is the third pump installed in the vehicle since it was purchased. When the pump failed the engine shut down without warning and there was no power steering or brakes, the vehicle just rolled to a stop. *bf

Filed Jan 14, 2005 · Body, Brakes · 156,800 miles · TX

Consumer stated tailgate cables corroded. Consumer was very concerned that they will fail. *ak the consumer stated that both tailgate cables failed. The vehicle has experienced brake failure and windshield wiper motor failure.

Filed Sep 18, 2002 · Brakes · GA

While at a traffic light vehicle was creeping foward, consumer pressed brake a little harder and pedal went to the floor. Consumer could hear vacuum hissing when pressing brake. Please provide any further information.

Filed Aug 16, 2002 · Brakes · CA

While the consumer was applying brakes, the brake pedal goes to the floor. Took the vehicle to the dealer three times, and the dealer stated the brakes were performing as designed.

Filed Aug 3, 2001 · Brakes · NM

There is intermittent brake failure, pedal will go to floor. Consumer feels problem is rear ABS brakes. Vehicle taken to dealer 3 times, cannot duplicate problem, cannot remedy. *ak consumer states he can not haul his trailer or haul any large loads because of faulty rear brakes, the front shoes have been replaced with lifetime brake pads twice and the rear ones look brand new.

Filed Sep 11, 2000 · Brakes · TX

Consumer as a problem with anti-lock brake system. When he applies brakes pedal goes all the way to the floor. Pedal is soft. He will contact the dealership.

Filed Jul 5, 2000 · Brakes · MI

Both frontal ABS brake sensors have gone bad which causes brake failure. Upon depressing the brake pedal to make a stop, the pedal travels to the floorboard, causing brake failure. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Complete hub and sensor system has to be replaced. *ak

Filed Mar 30, 2000 · Brakes · SC · crash

Vehicle was involved in two collisions due to brake failure. While applying brakes pedal would start to pulsate and harden. Vehicle would continue on without stopping. Manufacturer notified.

Filed Sep 22, 1999 · Brakes · AR · crash · 1 injury

While driving applied brakes, but brakes failed and hit another vehicle.

Filed Jan 11, 1999 · Airbags, Brakes · CA · crash

Abs brake failure; when applying the brakes truck slowed down a little, but did not come to a complete stop, causing driver to rearend another vehicle. This happened on dry pavement, no inclement weather. Driver had plenty of braking distance. The air bags did not deploy when this happened. The truck was towed to the dealer with major bumper damage.