1996 Chevrolet Suburban: brake failure

Filed Sep 20, 2013 · Brakes · 185,000 miles · MI

November 2010, I went to stop, the brake pedal went to the floor. I was able to stop using the parking brake, but was very close to rear-ending a carload of people. I had the truck towed to a repair shop. The mechanic told me that the front brake line had rusted out because it was mounted at the factory to the front axle on this 4-wheel drive truck causing it to vibrate and collect debris on it leading to a premature failure due to rust. In december 2012, again when I went to stop from about 55 MPH on the freeway, the brake pedal again went almost completely to the floor, but again I was able to stop before hitting another vehicle by using the parking brake and running up on the shoulder of the freeway. The mechanic told me that this time the rear brake line had rusted out at the "t - intersection" where the brake line runs from the front master cylinder to the rear axle and splits into 2 lines at the t intersection. The mechanic told me that this was a very common problem on these trucks as it was a bad design, because the t lays in a recessed holder attached to the rear axle, allowing dirt, salt and wetness to accumulate in this area and cause premature rust and failure of the brake lines. Third, last week, while driving, I noticed a raw gas smell and stopped the vehicle. Again I had to have it towed as gas was pouring out of the fuel line by the gas filter on the driver's side rear wheel. This was towed to a different mechanic's repair shop who again showed me that the metal fuel line had rusted out due to its being mounted to the frame rail, causing salt, dirt and debris to accumulate there also. He warned me that these trucks frequently catch fire when these high pressure fuel injection lines rust out. He said he had seen 5 of these trucks burned in just the last 2 years at his small shop.please help. These trucks are inherently dangerously designed to fail.

Filed Sep 11, 2011 · Brakes · 174,231 miles · PA

While driving through the neighborhood at 35 MPH, the posted speed, we lost brake control of the vehicle when the service brake was applied approaching an intersection with a stop sign. We were unable to stop the vehicle which entered the intersection and passed all of the way through it. The brake pedal was to the floor and not working properly. Fortunately for all there were no other vehicles ( or pedestrians) in this intersection as we would have certainly hit them. It appears the brake line(s) on the k2500 suburban have rusted through in an area that is difficult to see where they go through the frame and blew out at this critical moment. The dealer is unwilling to take any responsibility for the repair as the vehicle is out of factory warranty. When we purchased the vehicle they did not tell us the brakes could only be relied upon for the time the truck is under warranty. This could have been a serious, possibly deadly outcome since we tow a trailer with the truck on the highway. I understand this is actually a common occurrence with these chevrolet and gmc trucks. Why is there no recall given the potential deadly possibilities? Toyota was in the news about their unexpected acceleration issue but we have heard nothing about this unexpected loss of braking issue? Why is that? Is not being able to stop not a problem for the federal safety agency?

Filed Dec 28, 2001 · Brakes · AZ

While driving brakes failed, which LED to an accident. Pushed pedal completely to the floor, and vehicle would not stop. Please provide any further information.

Filed May 15, 2000 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

Front and rear brakes failed. Yh

Filed Jan 27, 2000 · Electrical · FL

Battery lekaed acid onto the brakes, resulting in brake failure. Vehicle has been repaired. Dealer was notified.

Filed Aug 10, 1999 · Brakes · TX

When the brakes were applied under normal stopping conditions the pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. Dealer and manufacturer have been notified.

Filed Mar 10, 1999 · Brakes · GA · crash

Consumer was sitting at a light when another vehicle hit consumer's vehicle from the back, pushing consumer's vehicle 100 feet, and the brakes failed to stop vehicle.

Filed Dec 2, 1998 · Brakes · TX · crash

Consumner was driving approximately 10-15mph when he atempted to make a sudden stop, the brake pedal went to the floor and vehicle never stopped. Consumer rear ended another vehicle .

Filed Nov 12, 1998 · Brakes · TX · crash

When applying the brakes the pedal goes to the floor and vehicle does not stop. Vehicle rear ended another vehicle. Dealer can't find the problem.

Filed Oct 13, 1998 · Airbags, Brakes · MS

Abs brakes failed, vehicle lost control, resulting in a collision. No deployment of driver's air bag upon impact.

Filed Jul 1, 1998 · Brakes · CA

Anti-lock brakes failed almost resulting in a vehicle collision.

Filed Jan 27, 1998 · Brakes · CA

Brakes: july 22, on freeway 66mph traffic stopping, applied brakes vehicle came to stop barely on some one's bumper. October 29, at mcdonald's pulled up to window , brakes didn't work, scraped side of wall with front grill guard. Stopped put in park, put parking brakes on, got home/called dealer. Took vehicle in, and they tested it and said rear drums were broken.