Brakes went to the floor, no (slow) stopping. This is the third occurrence of brake line failure. The brakes have never been quick on this vehicle, but this is the 3rd time I have had a failure due to brake line blow out. The vehicle is garaged and cleaned on a regular basis. These lines just seem to keep rusting out.
2003 Chevrolet Silverado brakes complaints
Page 6 of 10: complaints 131 to 160 of 257, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Backing boat trailer on boat ramp, summitt lake, tekamah, ne. Sudden brake failure (pedal went to floor) with no warning or warning light. Managed to get truck into drive, and pull out before I went in the water. The brakeline under the drivers side door had rusted through, and there were no brakes working. Had the truck taken to blair, ne, and repaired at private shop. Before repair, I contacted the service manager at dillon chevrolet in blair to ask if covered, was informed no warranty was available despite low miles, and cost of repair would be approx $1000 to $1500 depending on amount of corrosion present. The independent garage repaired for ~$800. There are thousands of complaints noted on various internet web sites, and I am aware of current investigation due to other catastrophic failures. Fortunately, there was no accident. Had I been on the highway when the brakes failed, I can only imagine that the outcome might have been different.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 2 MPH, she applied the brakes and the pedal depressed to the floorboard. The vehicle experienced an increase in stopping distance during the failure. The contact also stated that the failure occurred moments after taking the vehicle through a car wash. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that brake fluid was leaking from the brake lines. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the brake lines needed to be replaced due to severe corrosion. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000. Updated 8/6/12 *cn updated 08/15/2012
Was traveling at 45 MPH and had to make a hard brake application due to unanticipated vehicle stoppage ahead. When speed declined to about 25 MPH there was total brake failure and the brake pedal went to the floor. I thought the antilock system was engaging since the pavement was wet although the brake pedal seemed to go farther down than normal. At this time the multiple brake service warnings came on. Just as I was beginning to veer off the road to avoid rearending the car ahead, it started moving and I was able to avoid hitting it. I drove home about another mile and the brake lines were leaking onto the driveway. The truck was towed to the dealer who replaced all the brake lines and both front brake calipers due to corrosion.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. The contact was driving 55 MPH and applied the brakes when the brake pedal was abnormally depressed into the floorboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the brakes lines completely rusted and fractured. The dealer stated that the failure was most likely caused by the road salts used in the winter. The failure and the current mileages were 35,000. Updated 06/06/12 *bf updated 06/18/12
Lost brakes due to rusted out brake line. (car would not stop.)
A person ran into the street and I slammed on the brakes. The brakes failed. Upon inspection all brake lines were in extremely poor condition and the mainline broke open in two places. Service manager at the chevy dealer admitted that they made the tubing out of non-nickle plated tubing for a few years and they were rotting through. He mentioned to check my fuel line and sure enough, at both ends of the fuel filter the tubing is rotting apart. All of my lines need to be replaced. Gm has refused my claim for being defective.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that while driving down an incline, the brake pedal was applied but the pedal was depressed into the floor board abnormally. The service brake warning light illuminated on the instrument panel of the vehicle and the contact was able to coast the vehicle and park. The dealer diagnosed that the brake lines were rusted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repairs on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 57,100.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that the brakes did not respond when applied. The contact had to apply the emergency brake to bring the vehicle to a stop. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home where the contact inspected the vehicle and located the failure as the rear brake lines being corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and the current mileage was 98,000.
A vehicle stopped in front of me and as I attempted to stop, my brake pedal went straight to the floor, leaving me with no brakes even though I quickly pumped the pedal. Fortunately, I was able to get around the stopped vehicle and coast to a stop. My truck was towed to a garage where after taking down the gas tank found a rusted and deteriorated brake line. One week prior to this incident I was driving on a super highway and probably would have been killed had this happened at that time. I believe a recall on any vehicle is necessary if this situation has arisen before. I would like a response asap. Thank you; *tr updated ivoq 04/19/12 updated 05/02/12 *bf updated ivoq 05/30/12 updated ivoq 05/31/12
While slowing for a stop light, I applied extra pressure to the brake pedal to stop in time. The pedal traveled to the floor and the dash information screen noted a problem with the brakes. Since no one was in front of me, I traveled well into the intersection before coming to a stop. I was able to pull safely into a parking lot and was towed to the local dealer. The tech stated that my brake lines had rusted and ruptured in one location, and was going to rupture in several other locations. All brake lines need to be replaced. I was shocked at the amount of deterioration in those lines. I am very lucky there was no accident or injury with this type of failure. I purchased this truck new, and I am the only owner.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. While driving 5 MPH, the contact stated that he applied pressure to the brakes when the pedal went to the floor. He inspected the vehicle and noticed that the brake lines were rusted. The dealer had not been notified. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic who confirmed that the brake lines were rusted and needed to be replaced. The private mechanic performed the repairs. The current and the failure mileages were 69,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Front brake line failed drivers side on top of frame from rust and defective brake line as seen in the thousands of others who have the same problem, recall? Glad it was in my driveway. Others were not so lucky. I read there was/is a investigation. Results?
Brake line corrosion.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated 90 days ago the rear brake lines failed and were replaced. After the rear brake lines were replaced, the right front brakes lines failed. The indicator light illuminated during the failure, but not before it occurred. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who stated that all of the brakes lines were corroded. The current mileage was 91,000. Updated 11/29/11 *cn updated 12/07/11
My 2003 chevy silverado goes into gear with out pressing on the brake, also the truck will go into gear with out the keys in the ignition. The e-brake is also defective, the e-brake does not hold the truck. My 2 yrs old son was sitting in the truck on 9/20/2011 when the truck went into gear. I live on a incline my truck rolled down the hill while I was chasing the truck on foot, the truck finally came to a stop when it hit a 98 toyota tacoma which was parked in the drive way across the street. The e-brake was set , the keys were not in the truck, the truck was not running! My son could have killed himself or someone else due to the fact the truck is not safe!
Complete brake failure due to corroded brake line. Fortunately, it occurred in a parking lot as I backed out of the spot. My investigation revealed thousands of others with the same problem. Hoping someone realizes that someone is going to die if this does not get resolved.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. In july 2008, the contact noticed that the rear rotors were covered with rust causing the brakes to fail. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the rear rotors and brake pads were replaced. In september 2011, the contact heard a loud grinding noise in the vehicle and drove it to a private mechanic to be serviced. The contact was informed that the inside of the rotors were rusted and needed to be replaced. The private mechanic replaced the front brake pads and rotors. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The current mileage was 44,451. The approximate failure mileage was 27,120. Updated 10/21/11 *bf the consumer stated the inner brake pads were destroyed by rust, but the outer pads were still like new. Updated 01/03/12
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado 2500. The contact stated that they experienced a brake failure while driving. The vehicle had not been inspected but the contact crawled under the vehicle and could see that the brake lines were rusted and corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 63,000. Updated 10/18/11*lj updated 3/30/12
On september 4, 2011, I experienced a sudden brake failure while attempting to stop at an intersection. Also, I was accompanied in the vehicle by 10 month old daughter. I had to steer my vehicle away from oncoming traffic as I was unable to stop at the intersection due to the lack of effective brake assistance. There was no prior warning or dash illumination to indicate that there was a brake issue. Thankfully, a tragic accident involving injury or death was avoided. On september 6, 2011, I contacted chevrolet customer service dept in regards to this matter. I informed customer service of the brake line issue. At this time I was assigned a case number (71984021797) and was advised to have a diagnostic service conducted by a local chevrolet service garage. On september 7, 2011, a local chevrolet dealership performed the diagnostic check on my truck and the results of the inspection were relayed to chevrolet customer service dept. Later that day, I spoke with customer service and I was informed that the inspection revealed that all brake lines were rotted and corroded. She further stated the truck was in good condition with low mileage and that would make it an excellent case for repair assistance. She forwarded this information to a higher dept. And that I would be contacted the following day. On september 8, 2011, I was contacted by customer service . They informed that chevrolet determined that the truck was out of warranty and no action will be taken. She further stated that brake lines are a wear item. I reminded her that brake lines are not a wear item and they dont fall within the category of tires, rotors, and brake pads. I than asked to speak with a supervisor so I could better understand the basis of the decision to not provide repair assistance. At this point, customer service laughed at me and said they would tell me the same thing.
Similar to the federal safety agency campaign id ea11001, brake lines rusted through on frame behind driver side front wheel. Frame/underside of vehicle is very rusted for vehicle's age/mileage. Chevrolet dealer estimating $2,700 to replace with stainless steel lines. Luckily, no cars/people were in front of truck when brake lines burst and greatly reduced braking power/increased stopping distance.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH in rainy conditions, he applied the brakes, but the pedal depressed to the floor. The vehicle continued to move forward until the emergency brake was engaged. The vehicle was then towed home, where the contact examined it. The contact stated that the brake reservoir was completely empty. While adding brake fluid to the reservoir, the contact noticed that the brake fluid was leaking out of the brake lines, which were fractured. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,000.
Brake failure on my 2003 silverado with 66000 miles due too rusted brake lines. Chevy dealer doesn't have parts(pre-bent brake lines) and gave me a price of 2500 bucks cause they have to bend each line by hand. I baby this truck. It still smells like a new car and was dealer serviced all its life. I don't know what I'm gonna do. This ain't rite. Looked under my friends 2002 and his looks just as bad. If I didn't slam on the emergence brake when I did it could have bin bad. I have it parked, don't know what to do.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. The contact stated that the brake line tubing ruptured while driving 40 MPH as a result of excessive rust. Approximately two months later, a second brake line ruptured. The dealer informed the contact that there were no related recalls to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure yet the vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 140,000. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
Brakes failed on my 2003 chevy truck. Rusted lines were the problem. Gm wants $1650. To fix problem.
Brake line failure. Brake line is corroded and rusty . I registered a complaint about the rear lines in the past and had it repaired. The front lines have failed this time. Fortunately no injuries or property damage occurred either time.
Brakes failed due to ruptured brake lines on my 2003 chevrolet silverado while driving. Chevrolet dealer informs metal brake tubing has corroded and ruptured causing loss of brake fluid. Truck has 32,000 miles. No injuries were sustained when brakes failed. Cost to replace brake lines, $ 1633.00.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet silverado. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact noticed that the brake pedal extended to the floorboard when she depressed it. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by using the parking brake. The parking light then illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where it was being repaired. The current and failure mileages were unknown. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 01/14/11
2003 chevrolet silverado brake line corrosion and failure.
Steel brake line rusted through on my 2003 chevy silverado pu causing complete brake failure. Good fortune had it that I was at a low speed and no crash occurred. Truck has been garaged and never been in contact with sea water. No other significant rust exists on vehicle except on the other brake lines. Research show this is a common and serious problem on these trucks.
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