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2003 Chevrolet Silverado brakes complaints

Page 2 of 10: complaints 11 to 40 of 257, newest first, as owners wrote them.

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

Filed May 6, 2015 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. While driving approximately 55, the brake pedal was depressed and stuck to the floorboard. The contact was able to bring the vehicle to a stop by engaging the emergency brake. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake lines corroded, causing the brake fluid to leak. As a result, the brake line and the master cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Apr 30, 2015 · Brakes · 50,231 miles · MN

Brake line burst and brake pedal went to floor. At only 15 MPH I had some stopping power by pumping brake pedal and got the truck stopped. Thankfully, I have a very long driveway and was still on my property. I was pulling a heavy trailer and do not want to imagine what would have happened with traffic and at a greater speed. I inspected the brake lines and noticed they were all badly corroded. I am having all brake lines replaced tomorrow. I see no recall notice and have since read about others who have had the same problem. I am 66 years old and have had one brake line failure many years ago on a 1963 plymouth with very high mileage. This truck has just over 50 thousand miles. I was shocked at the condition of these brake lines. Without complete replacement of the lines I do not consider this vehicle safe to drive.

Filed Mar 26, 2015 · Brakes · 173,230 miles · UT

While starting the vehicle, the brake pedal suddenly dropped to floor and brakes failed. There was no warning light and all four brakes failed. Fortunately, the vehicle was stopped. Testing the brakes, I found there was a little braking capability, but very little. I have since found that the brake lines were rusted through and the brake fluid sprays out the line below the driver's door hinge. A quick internet search showed this is a well known problem, but I was never notified of the risk. Thank goodness it didn't happen on the freeway! This vehicle has spent most of its life in ohio.

Filed Feb 12, 2015 · Brakes · 48,000 miles · FL

My wife and I got into the vehicle to go somewhere and as we started to move I tried to stop and the brakes would not stop the vehicle. I applied the emergency brake in order to stop. I returned to my driveway using the emergency brake. I checked and found that I had no brake fluid. I got under my truck and found that my brake lines are corroded and one had a severe leak. I researched the internet and found that there have been multiple similar incidents where there have been crashes. I have talked with a chevrolet rep and I was told that they do not consider this a safety issue. Although they know of this problem they do not plan a recall. Someone evidently has to die before it becomes a safety issue.

Filed Jan 30, 2015 · Brakes · 70,000 miles · PA

On january 20, 2015, the brakes on my chevrolet silverado failed. When I applied the brakes to make a normal turn, on a residential street around the corner from my house, the brake pedal went all the way down to the floor. I was extremely fortunate that no cars were coming the other way & I was able to maneuver the truck out of harms way until I came to a safe stop. I noticed a trail of liquid on the ground & also dripping from under my truck. The liquid coming from the truck was brake fluid. A later check proved the bake fluid well was empty. Obviously the brake fluid that was in the reservoir was now on the ground causing the vehicle inoperable. Well it was operable, it was all good to go. Stopping the vehicle was another matter. Thank goodness I was driving in a residential area when this incident occurred. Imagine if this had happened on a busy interstate (like interstate 95) where some real damage could have occurred or perhaps worse death.

Filed Jan 16, 2015 · Brakes · 79,852 miles · MN

Brake pedal suddenly went to the floor with no braking. Dealer confirmed that the brake lines had rusted through and were replaced using a kit from chevrolet at a cost of $2330.00.

Filed Jan 10, 2015 · Brakes · 115,000 miles · OH

Was driving around 35mph and started to put the brakes on to make a right turn at the upcoming light and the brake peddle went all the way to the floor and the warning light came on and I went right through the intersection without slowing down and luckily the light was green. Limped down the street to a pep boys and they told me that both the front and rear main lines had rusted through and they couldn't fix it. Limped it a few miles using the emergency brake to stop to a chevy dealership and was charged ~$1500 to replace the rusted out lines from the front to the rear axle.

Filed Jan 10, 2015 · Brakes · 155,558 miles · DE · crash

While driving on route 95 my brake line broke. It is completely rusted out. I found thousands of other people online with the same problem. Gm needs to recall this. I had to swerve across traffic and drive on the grass shoulder to come to a stop. Very very scary.

Filed Jan 7, 2015 · Brakes · 116,000 miles · LA

While moving forward in line at a drive through my brake pedal suddenly when straight to the floor and would barely stop my truck. By the time I returned home I had to brake with the emergency brake. I then had it towed to 4 different mechanics who would not fix my brakes for under $4000 dollars due to liability reasons. Apparently the "stainless steel" hard lines from the master cylinder had all rusted out completely. If I had been on the road far away from home there could have been a serious accident.

Filed Dec 31, 2014 · Brakes · 93,185 miles · MN

There was a complete brake failure coming to a stop sign. Fortunately was able to get the vehicle stopped using emergency brake. There was also no other vehicles at stop sign or at cross street. Went through the intersection. There was little or no brake pressure and the brake pedal went straight to the floor. At the shop it was noted there was a complete brake line failure at the ABS module near the driver door of all 6 rear brake lines. The brake lines all rusted through. The shop noted this was a common defect of the chevy silverados. This appears to be an issue especially in cold climates where salt and snow accumulates. This needs to be a safety recall to fix this defect. All 6 brake lines were replaced.

Filed Dec 18, 2014 · Brakes · IL

2003 chevrolet silverado rusted brake lines *cn when the dealer tested the brakes, the brake pedal went to the floor and five brake lines burst under the driver seat area.

Filed Dec 8, 2014 · Brakes · KY

Lost brakes while underway - was able to nurse vehicle back home using emergency brake and gearing down. Examination of brake lines revealed a small hole had rusted thru one of the metal brake lines !! Having truck towed to dealer for repair . I hope gm will foot most of the bill. Thanks , [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Nov 16, 2014 · Brakes · 96,000 miles · OH · crash · 1 injury

I was approaching a traffic light in town and when the brakes were applied the brake line broke and there were no brakes. I swerved to miss the car infront of me but hit her passenger side rear. She in turn hit the car in front of her.

Filed Oct 30, 2014 · Brakes · 84,900 miles · MI

I depressed brake pedal to shift the truck from park, and the brake pedal went to the floor! Pumping the brakes did no good. I looked underneath, and brake fluid was running down from under the driver's seat area. Upon closer inspection, one of the brake lines coming out of the ABS modules had sprung a leak at the point where it bends over the top of the frame rail. If this had occurred while driving, an accident is likely, as there was no brake, despite the dual master cylinder! All of the brake lines are severely corroded, especially where the oem factory formed bends are. The brake lines are actually at the point of crumbling in places. To counter any claims about severe corrosion environment causing the problem, contrast the brake lines to the fuel lines on this vehicle which have no to very minimal corrosion. I also own another 2003 gm vehicle with far more miles, and it also has very little brake line corrosion. I have owned both these vehicles from new, and the silverado has less miles, and less winter salt exposure than the other vehicle. I have also owned other vehicles for many more years and miles than this silverado, and have never experienced anything like the horrible crumbling of this obviously defective brake line material used on the silverado. Please the federal safety agency, take some action on this obviously serious safety situation caused by defective manufacturer materials!

Filed Oct 15, 2014 · Brakes · 71,000 miles · MI

Brake line failed due to corrosion causing brakes to fail.

Filed Oct 14, 2014 · Brakes · 62,300 miles · NY

I was coming to a stop to turn right and brake pedal went to the floor . I had very little brakes only if I went completely to the floor. I had to swerve to miss the car in front of me. I brought truck to brake shop and the driver side rear steel brake line was spraying brake fluid all over my tire .

Filed Oct 14, 2014 · Brakes · 77,051 miles · IL

After having my truck serviced at the dealership, the service tech tested my brakes & the brake lines burst. After inspection, rusted brake lines, under drivers seat, all burst. Causing an expensive cost to replace all brake lines.

Filed Oct 5, 2014 · Brakes · 110,000 miles · NJ · crash

My wife was driving our 2003 silverado when she was approaching a bend in the road. She went to apply the brakes, and the pedal went right to the floor. To avoid hitting other vehicles, she ended up going off on the side of the road where she put the shifter into park and applied the ebrake. A tow service was called and had the car towed to a local service shop. The shop had determined that the cause of the brake failure was due to rusted brake lines. I find it amazing that on a truck with no rust, that the brake lines are the first thing to rust out.

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Brakes · 265,890 miles · OH · crash

Driving my 2003 chevy silverado in the left lane of the city freeway approximately 50 MPH in heavy traffic. Pushed brake to stop for vehicles changing lanes ahead. Brake pedal initially had pressure but after about 2 seconds went to the floor with nearly no pressure and no braking effect at all. There was no prior indication of a problem and no warning light signaling an issue. Swerved into the left berm to avoid hitting cars ahead. Traveled 20 plus car lengths while dropping automatic transmission into lowest gear and pumping brake pedal to no affect. Forced truck against barrier wall to avoid hitting other vehicles. Brake warning light came on as truck stopped. A large puddle of brake fluid was dumped below rt rear wheel and leaked when the brake pedal was pressed. There had been no previous issues with the brakes and brake pads were replaced 20,000 miles ago. The dual circuit system provided no partial braking effect at all. I had the vehicle towed home and discovered a steel brake line burst from corrosion and all brake lines significantly degraded. This truck has been meticulously maintained, is driven everyday and has been garage kept since it was purchased new in dec 2002.

Filed Sep 21, 2014 · Brakes · 67,567 miles · PA

I have a 2003 chevrolet silverado the brake lines rusted and when I apply my brake they went to the floor scaring me have to death.thank god ihad just started up a hill and was able to get it stop by using the emergency brake.

Filed Sep 15, 2014 · Brakes · 110,000 miles · MI

While driving and approaching a read light, I depressed my brakes and the pedal went to the floor causing me not to stop and running a read light. I was fortunate not to have hit or be hit by another car. I managed to pull to the side and later when the truck was in the shop I came to find out that my break lines rusted through nearly causing a serious accident. This kind of defect is completely unacceptable. I was fortunate not to have been killed. What more can I say?

Filed Sep 12, 2014 · Brakes · 79,713 miles · IA

Lost brake fluid, brake line under drivers side blew out lost all brakes. Was able to stop using emergency brake or it would have been a crash into my garage! Brake lines are all rusted very badly. This is a spare vehicle and is usually only used in the summer or for quick trips to town. All brake lines are suspect in many places.

Filed Sep 11, 2014 · Brakes · 139,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the brakes failed and the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard. The contact observed brake fluid leaking onto the ground. The contact replaced the rear brake line and noticed that the front brake line also failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.

Filed Sep 9, 2014 · Brakes · 151,000 miles · IN

Brake lines are rusted out. I was driving down the highway, coming to a stop light and the line let go as I applied the brakes.

Filed Aug 19, 2014 · Brakes · 92,000 miles · WI

I was backing my boat down the boat ramp when the brakes went to the floor. Parked the truck and seen a puddle under driver side rear tire area. Drove home slowly on back roads and pulled it into my garage to see where the leak was coming from. Found the brake line rusted above the frame just before it turns to come down to the block that connects to the rubber line. I spliced in a new section of brake line, bled the brakes and ok again. Welcome to wi

Filed Aug 4, 2014 · Brakes · 95,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that while attempting to stop at a stop sign, excessive force was applied to the brake pedal in order to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake line was fractured. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2014 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · DE

Brakes gave out , could not hardly stop the vehicle , come to find out after doing a google search the years between 1999 and 2003 the ( the federal safety agency ) is investigating and had other complaints about these problems. I called to see if gm had a recall on the the vehicle and I was told they had not. The gm customer assist department gave a case number. Reason corrosion on some of the brake lines.

Filed Jul 25, 2014 · Brakes · 111,000 miles · TN

I was driving home in my 2003 silverado from work and had to apply brakes for a car that had came to a sudden halt. When I applied the brakes, briefly they caught as normal, but then suddenly the brake pedal went to the floor. Was too late for any warning as it happened with a car in front of me. Thankfully I was able to avoid a crash although narrowly. There had been no signs of brake fluid leakage or anything else before the incident. Took to a mechanic who informed me the brake lines had given way. This type of incident should never occur. Brake lines shouldn't simply rust and give way. The lines should be inspected by gm and an immediate recall made. My case is not the only case that has happened as there have been several news reports and message boards filled with similar experiences. I am a very loyal gm customer, but gm owes it to their customers to ensure their safety. This is extremely dangerous and very well could lead to death and/or serious injury if happening at the wrong time and place.

Filed Jul 21, 2014 · Brakes · 95,000 miles · NY

On july 18, 2014 while driving at approximately 45 MPH I went to press the brakes and the peddle went to the floor. I pulled over and looked under my truck. I notice that the four brake line under the drivers door were all rusted and one broke. I searched the internet and see that this is a common problem with this truck. This is a safety concern and could get someone hurt or killed.

Filed Jul 17, 2014 · Brakes · 84,997 miles · IN

While vehicle was pulling a trailer loaded with a race car, the truck started grinding down with a knocking noise..unattached trailer from truck and brought home...rear-end cover had rusted and leaked out all the fluid...while changing that noticed that the break line underneath the plastic cover under passenger side door had rusted in two( the brake line on each side of this cover looked good it was only underneath the cover) but upon further examination all brake lines are starting to corrode... There are 3 silverado in my family two 2003 and a 2002. In 2 different states( one of them travels through the highest mountain in kentucky (black mountain). When told the other owners of this problem they inspected there vehicles and sure enough all of them have corroded and breaking brake lines...had it not been for god warning us with the grinding noises...what would have happened to not only all my family members driving but whomever was riding with them!!!!!!!!

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