1993 Chevrolet Suburban: ABS light or ABS activating

Filed Oct 17, 2007 · Brakes, Engine · 82,000 miles · WA · crash

During all kinds of weather conditions the ABS braking system has failed to stop the vehicle, twice causing a rear end accident. During a hard braking situation when on dry pavement, or any braking condition on wet pavement the brakes have been applied and they grab and then release causing the vehicle to continue moving forward without completely stopping. The vehicle has been taken to many chevrolet dealerships and independent shops for repair and been inspected or repaired with complete brake rebuilds with absolutely no improvement in stopping abilities. This model vehicle should absolutely have been recalled shortly after manufacture. There is so much documentation that these vehicles have this problem that this agency should be ashamed of not forcing a recall for repairs or complete redesign of the braking systems. The minor recall and"fix" of the brake-booster output rod were a joke and never should have been allowed as a fix. The excuse chevrolet uses that it is a "brake pedal feel" that is the problem is inexcusable and irresponsible. I have been a professional truck driver (class "a" cdl with all endorsements) and mechanic and have driven several other makes of large heavy passenger trucks and SUV's with ABS braking and never encountered this problem with any type of vehicle.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 120,000 miles · TX

My suburban has developed a peculiar problem that has left even the dealerships completely clueless!!! The engine heats up to about 180 f (still less than the mid point on the guage) after a couple of hours of driving -- this is quite normal. If we stop and turn the engine off, the vehicle will not start! We have to wait a couple of hours while the engine cools off to about 160 f, and it starts up just fine. We only noticed this since we were on a long cross country drive. The problem is entirely predictable, and we had to plan on two hour stops during our trip. We even drove straight to a dealership in raleigh after straight 6 hour drives so that they could see and diagnose the problem -- but they were completely stumped. I would like chevrolet to help diagnose and fix this problem. The ABS module failed without any prior warning. One moment the breaks were fine, the next we were flooring the break pedal and the ABS light was on. The mechanics had to go through several attempts at replacing the unit ($1200 for the unit itself). This problem sounds exactly like the issue investigated in 1992-1995 suburbans. I am surprised that the recall was limited to the lighter suvs only -- a decision based on cost (most probably). It stands to reason that the problem would be more critical in heavier vehicles.

Filed Jun 9, 2003 · Brakes · CO

Abs fails on uneven surfaces, such as washboard roads and when hitting bumps during braking. Abs perform poorly in most conditions, including dry pavement. They do provide some benefit on snow/ice. However, my ABS has now failed and overall braking performance is better. This system, and the logic in the controller, need significant changes.

Filed Nov 27, 2002 · Brakes · 14,400 miles · IL · crash

When consumer attempted to slam on the brakes, the ABS activated which caused the vehicle to lunge foward and hit the rear end of another motorist.ts

Filed May 14, 2001 · Brakes · MD

Abs system can be triggered by any small bump in road. *ak

Filed Feb 13, 2001 · Brakes · NY

While making a sudden stop by depressing brakes ABS system did not kick in, causing vehicle to run off road.*ak consumer states this has happened on six other occassions since 1994.

Filed Feb 9, 2001 · Brakes · CA

Abs system has failed on several occasions at various speeds. Open ivestigation ea95026.

Filed Feb 2, 2001 · Brakes · CA

Consumer had a new ABS system installed. Then, before getting on highway state trooper stopped consumer, and informed them that they need to put chains on tires due to snow. Soon after, when trying to slow down while going down a hill ABS went out. Dealer was contacted, they noted that ABS won't work with chains on tires.

Filed Jan 10, 2001 · Brakes · CA

Abs system kicks in without warning or need.

Filed Oct 3, 2000 · Brakes · TX · crash · 1 injury

This is my second submission of a complaint. The first one was odi id 522933. I resubmit because I am intensly frustrated with the apparent lack of action on the part of gm regarding my year vehicle. On 7/21/99, a large gmc recall was announced pertaining to ABS problems. My year suburban was excluded pending further investigation. Gm stated they were working to address customer satisfaction issues with my year vehicle. They have done nothing with me along these lines. My vehicle continues to experience many of the same symptoms that are described in your current complaint submissions for 1993 suburbans. What is being done?? This is a very serious situation. Is gm just waiting until the 92 thru 94s just rot away and are no longer a problem. My vehicle is in excellent shape for 187,000 and I intended to drive it for several more years but the anxiety is getting the best of me. Who else can I write or call? This is serious. Please contact me on my day number - 512 868 0374.

Filed Oct 3, 2000 · Brakes · WA · crash · 1 injury

These brakes will not stop the vehicle and the ABS caused my wife to slide into anothere vehicle in the rain in stop & go traffic.

Filed Sep 15, 2000 · Brakes · CO

Consumer was traveling about 25mph on highway and she was approaching a intersection, went to apply the brakes, and brakes didn't respond. Vehicle didn't stop at all. Abs braking system didn't kick in for three minutes, and the braking system didn't respond with a low speed.