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.
2001 Chevrolet Suburban brakes complaints
Page 2 of 7: complaints 11 to 40 of 178, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I was traveling around 40mph on a local road on my way from dropping the kids off at school. I tried to slow down to turn onto my street, and the suburban brakes did not respond at all. Thankfully, there was nobody ahead of me, and I slowed the truck gradually. I then idled back home, without any functionality in my brakes. Upon inspection, we discovered the brake lines had ruptured. All maintenance is and had been up to date.
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.
Brake line ruptured causing loss of braking ability resulting in car passing through red light.
Brakes failed while driving. Repair was brake lines rusted. Cost to replace brake system was $2500.
Lost total brakes. Service shop noted severe brake line rusting. Repaired ruptured brake line. Truck will be undergoing total brake line replacement due to rusting.
While driving through downtown bethesda, brake pedal lost pressure all the way to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance through an intersection. Pulled over and noted fluid leakage under front right side of car. Drove car to dealer at 5mph; identified extensive rust through brake lines. Car was not drivable. I was charged $430 for parts and $2351 for labor to 'completely rebuild brake lines manually' because gm stopped making the kit. Total $2808 and nine days out of service.
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.
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.
Driving down a hill on my street the brakes gave way. I pushed the pedal to the floor and the vehicle did not stop. I was able to pull over and stop the vehicle. Upon inspection, the service station indicated the rear brake lines failed due to rusting. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the two rear brake lines were replaced as well as a frozen caliper. Updated 08/27/14
This is the second time I had to make an emergency stop because of a rusted-thru brake line. This time, I was entering a high-speed merge from one four lane highway to another and traffic was backing up. I had to apply the brakes slightly hard to slow down in time. Pedal went completely to the floor with about 20% of the normal braking power available. Was not going to stop in time and was forced to drive off the road to avoid rear-ending another car and onto the road shoulder at speed. Barely had enough room between a major highway sign which was next to the shoulder and the cars in my lane. After repeatedly pumping the brakes (which you are taught not to do with antilock brakes), the SUV finally came to a stop. Without the shoulder, I would've caused a multi-car accident with injuries. I drove the car at slow speed directly to my shop who recommended replacing every brake line (every brake line was horribly rusted and brittle). Custom brake lines for this repair cost $1800!! I had spent $400 on the first repair. Trust me, every gm SUV from these years has this problem and are going to cause accidents and people will be killed!!! This vehicle weighs 5500 pounds.
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.
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
2001 suburban - when I applied my brakes coming to a stop sign the brake pedal went almost to the floor leaving me barely any braking power, but fortunately since I was driving at a slow speed (25 MPH) I was able to stop in time. I then drove to a garage which was very close to where I was and had them put it up on the rack to look at it. They informed me that all of my brakes lines were very rusty and the one rear line had broken, I left it there and had that line replaced but after replacing that line another 2 lines broke during their testing after the first repairs. I ended up having 3 rear lines and the 2 lines to and from the master cylinder replaced (3 that broke and 2 other ones that looked really bad) at a cost of about $800, I am now going to get the remaining 2 front brake lines replaced "before" they brake on me also. These 2 lines are the hardest to replace and I was given an estimate of about $700-$800 to replace them. The one mechanic told me that a couple of years earlier his brake lines also broke on his suburban coming up to a red light and he had to drive on the birm to avoid rear ending the car in front of him. He had to replace all of his suburbans brake lines.I live in western pa and have been driving here for almost 40 years with many different vehicles during that time but I have never had brake lines rust and break like this. From what I have been reading, this must be from faulty brake line material, none of my many other vehicles have ever had this happen so chevy cannot just blame it on living in a snow/road salt area. *** I plan on going with a different manufacturer when I get my next SUV.
While driving brake line ruptured due to excessive rust , vehicle towed all brake line rusted and replaced especially at secure points.
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.
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.
Brake pedal went to the floor when applied in a parking lot. Parked vehicle. Upon return large puddle of brake fluid under drivers side front and brake line had failed. All brake lines are very corroded on this 12 year old vehicle. In addition, fuel lines are also very corroded but have not yet failed.
Brake pedal went almost to floor when approaching a stop sign. Stopping ability was very poor. We were close to home, so we returned home. Upon inspection brake fluid was dripping down frame rail under drivers seat, where about five brake lines enter the ABS valve unit. The brake lines were all severely rusted to the point one failed. Very bad location for the ABS valve, as the brake lines follow the frame rail from the front left wheel to the ABS unit and are prone to collecting road salt spray. Service access is limited and awkward. This same failure occurred on my 2001 silverado pickup in august 2010.
I was driving along and without warning when I went to apply my brakes the pedal went to the floor. Luckily I was just going to slow down for an exit and nobody was directly in-front of me. This could have been a more serious incident under other circumstances I got the vehicle home I investigated and found the brake lines were all rusted and one of them had burst a hole. This has the potential to be a very serious problem for someone that might be in a different driving scenario than I was.please look heavily into this problem. Thank you
While braking at a stop light the ABS started making a buzzing sound; it failed. The anti-lock braking system no longer be used safely.
Brake failure. Metal brake line between master cylinder and caliper developed a leak due to corrosion of the metal brake line. Mechanic said all metal brake lines were rusted and corroded and needed to be replaced. I understand there is an investigation underway on these faulty lines. The replacement of these lines was very expensive and was definitely a premature failure in my opinion. Luckily my 20 year old son noticed the brake pedal was going to the floor while on the interstate and was able to safely exit the highway. If the line would have failed a few minutes earlier, he would have been in a crash.
Was driving vehicle on a 2 lane public road at approximately 35 MPH when pedal suddenly became soft and required many actuation to stop. Vehicle was unable to stop in the anticipated distance and a collision with cross-traffic nearly occurred. On investigation, the master cylinder reservoir was empty and there was leaking from multiple brake lines from corrosion.
Abs system activated and prevented the car from slowing down. Lifted my foot off the brake and tried again, it seemed to work. This has happened multiple times and ABS system activates incorrectly at about 5 miles per hour.
Brake warning indicator light illuminated. Noticed fluid low. Checked and found leak in brake line due to corroded/rusted line.
Pulling up to a stop sign I attempted to brake, but the brake pedal dropped to the floor and only offered a minuscule amount of stopping power, I limped 1.5 miles home using downshifting. Brake lines are completely rusted out and apparently burst, brake fluid container under hood was completely empty. I cant even think what would have happened if I had been on the highway and they failed.
I was taking my suburban in for it's annual safety inspection and was notified by my mechanic that one of the vehicle's brake lines (exiting the ABS pump) was leaking and that all five of the primary brake lines are externally rusted and near breaking. All five lines need to be replaced resulting in very costly repairs. I have six children and we regularly travel as a family. This potential failure has jeopardized my children's lives and gm should be held accountable for selling an inferior product. The vehicle has 88,000 miles and is regularly maintained.
Abs system was serviced as part of 2006 recall campaign. Sensors were cleaned and returned to service. Please note that in 2006 when issue first surfaced, one week prior to recall, chevrolet dealer quoted a price over $800.00 to replace hubs. Then when recall was announced, they said the hubs could be cleaned. In november 2011 sensors failed again and hubs (housing sensors) were replaced. The recall campaign was not effective.
Vehicle was serviced per recall below on 1/26/2006. Abs sensor was inspected and cleaned, but not replaced. Defect covered in recall is now being displayed by vehicle (braking distance is extended at low speed - caused by ABS sensor malfunction). Vehicle is currently not driveable. Apparently the solution in the recall was not sufficient to address the problem. Dealer and chevrolet refuse to address this problem. Recommend that the effectiveness of the recall solution be re-evaluated. The federal safety agency action number: 05v379000 the federal safety agency recall campaign number: pe05020 make: chevrolet model: suburban manufacturer : general motors llc model year : 2001 component(s) : service brakes, hydraulic:antilock:control unit/module.
This concern has been occurring for over a year now. The ABS light comes on and when you apply the brakes there is a loud noise and the vehicle does not stop right away but continues to move. On several occasions I almost hit the car in front of me. Took it to the dealer and was told the ABS module is going and the price to fix it was absorbent. To me this is a safety concern that should be addressed by chevrolet and the federal safety agency.
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