2001 Chevrolet Suburban: brake failure

Filed Mar 31, 2016 · Brakes · 176,000 miles · VA

Three times I had complete brake failure. Driving two times and had just arrived at my destination third time, which was today -- surprise!!!! Had to slowly drive home, yet again, with no brakes!!!!!

Filed Aug 20, 2015 · Brakes · CA

I was applying the brakes on my 2001 chevrolet suburban, model 2500, as I turned into my driveway. The brakes failed to engage. This resulted in the vehicle running into the front of the garage. The brakes now appear to be working fine. The brakes have failed on previous occasions, but never to the point of allowing the vehicle to hit anything. According to the gm dealer, they can't fix the problem without a failure code in the computer. An independent service garage said the same.

Filed Aug 10, 2015 · Brakes · 125,000 miles · VA

The ABS activate without reason when I slow to a stop. The problem began infrequently and I attributed it to possible slippery surface conditions. Over the past year the problem has gotten much worse and happens frequently now. Research indicates that this is a known problem and the subject of a recall for "snow" states - like dc and maryland which are just across the potomac river from where I live and use my suburban. This is the second serious brake issue with this vehicle. All three brake lines have been replaced over an approximate 18 month period two years ago as a result of sudden brake failure caused by corroded brake lines. This is also a well known problem (though not one I was aware of when my brakes failed and were repaired). My research indicates that many owners have suffered from these problems. The federal safety agency should further investigate these problems and expand/initiate recalls for these problems.

Filed Nov 26, 2014 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · IL

While driving in traffic loss of braking due to ruptured brake line. Upon inspection all line had severe corrosion resulting in replacement of all brake lines.

Filed Nov 20, 2014 · Brakes · 214,000 miles · KS

Brake line ruptured causing loss of braking ability resulting in car passing through red light.

Filed Oct 31, 2014 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · MD

Brakes failed while driving. Repair was brake lines rusted. Cost to replace brake system was $2500.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · MD

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet suburban. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the brakes failed. The failure occurred multiple times. A local mechanic stated that the brake lines were rusted. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2014 · Brakes · 161,000 miles · ME

Brakes failed on a rural road but I was able to stop. Tried to push the brakes like normal, but they went all the way to the floor. I was able to stop, but with much difficulty. Took it to the shop and even though I just had new brake pads, rotors and calipers put on, I need to but new brake lines in which is over $1000. Sudden brake failure is the most dangerous thing that can happen in a car. I was lucky to be on a rural stretch of road where I was able to stop without hurting myself or other people.

Filed Apr 4, 2014 · Brakes · 148,000 miles · DC

Tight turn in driveway ABS brakes locked up and there were no brakes, vehicle kept rolling almost running into garage door. If had been at intersection I would have hit car on front of me! Car towed to chevrolet dealership in arlington tx

Filed Apr 4, 2014 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns 2001 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that while parking in a residential driveway, the brakes failed to respond. The contact stated that the ABS and the brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 140,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2013 · Brakes · 165,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that the rear brake failed to engage while driving 40 MPH. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by using the front brake. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where the contact was advised that the rear brake lines were corroded and leaking brake fluid. The rear brake lines were replaced. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 165,000.

Filed Sep 2, 2013 · Brakes · 67,125 miles · OH

I had just accelerated from a traffic light and two cars pulled out in front of me. They were forced to stop immediately due to a vehicle in front of them making a left turn. This forced me to make an emergency stop. I jammed on the brakes, the antilock system activated, the tires started to squeal and the brake pedal went to the floorboard. Fortunately, the turning car was able to make his turn and the two cars that pull out in front of me were able to get moving and out of the way as I slowly came to a stop. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they checked the brakes out. The brake line ruptured due to rust. They had to replace all the brake line due to extreme rust. They were rustier than rusty, they were trash. Upon inspection of the brake lines I noticed that only the brakes lines were extremely rusty. Rest of underside was not to rusty at all. As a retired quality supervisor with over 30 years experience in the metal stamping industry I am fully convinced that something is definitly not right here. The brake system is a safety related item the lines should not rust out as these lines did. I believe the wrong material was used for these lines or a step in the rust prevention process was not performed that LED to this premature rusting. Brake lines should not rust out like these lines did.