2000 Chevrolet Tahoe: brake failure

Filed Aug 8, 2015 · Brakes · 155,073 miles · CA · crash

Went to stop at stop sign at approximately 4mph and no brakes. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor without any resistance or hesitation. As a result of the brake malfunction I rear ended an elderly couple in a lexus. Resulting in damage to their rear bumper plastic cover and more damage was done to my front end of the defective 200 chevrolet tahoe z71 I was driving

Filed Jul 30, 2015 · Brakes · 256,345 miles · WI · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 chevrolet tahoe. While approaching a stop sign, the brakes failed. The contact had to apply excessive force in order to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed the vehicle into a pole. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 256,345.

Filed Apr 7, 2015 · Brakes · 123,000 miles · RI

Tried to stop and brakes failed due to rusted thru rear left steel brake line. Now have 2 others rusted thru. Car is at mechanic shop now mechanic is replacing all brake lines because he would not touch it other wise .hesaid I can expect at least a $1200.00 dollar bill or more.

Filed Aug 17, 2014 · Brakes · 160,000 miles · PA

Tried to stop and brakes failed due to rusted thru rear left steel brake line. Now have 2 others rusted thru.

Filed Jan 12, 2014 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · TX

This is the second brake incident I have had with our tahoe within the past year. In october 2012, I was driving the tahoe to an auto shop for the yearly inspection. Upon arrival, one of the brake lines blew. At that time, we had all of the soft brake lines replaced due to corrosion. We were living in the northeast at that time. That repair was $800. On january 6, 2014, I went to do some errands. As I arrived home and pulled into my garage, the brake pedal went to the floor and the car made a hissing sound from the back. I turned the car off and there was fluid leaking from behind the driver's rear tire. Unbelievable! We had the tahoe towed the next day to an auto shop and were told that the "hard" line in the braking system is rusted and corroded. We were quoted between $1500-2000. We also called the dealer for an estimate and were quoted $3000+. This is ridiculous! I've had more than one mechanic tell me that this is a known problem with the tahoes and the rust. Both of these incidents we were very lucky not to have had an accident. Why they are not doing on a recall on this is beyond me. How many cars does it take to have this failure before they do??? Or god forbid, they are waiting for a certain number of injuries or deaths before that sparks a recall. I am tired of shelling out money for this matter over and over. We haven't decided on whether it's worth repairing but if we decide to buy, it won't be chevy. They obviously don't care.

Filed Sep 22, 2013 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · NY

In 2011 at a traffic light intersection brakes failed on my 2000 chevy tahoe (60k miles). Brake pedal fully depressed slowed the vehicle enough to swerve and avoid a collision. Repair revealed extensive corrosion on brake line that caused it to rupture. The repair is extremely costly since these lines are difficult to access, and they must be custom bent and fitted. To replace all lines would have cost $1500-$2000 to repair. As a result, like many people affected by this defect, we opted to only repair the damaged lines. In hindsight this wasn't the best choice, but the vehicle was undriveable and we didn't have the money to repair it fully. Predictably this failure happened again about a year later in a similar situation. Luckily again it was on a residential street and we were able to avoid yet another collision. I can only imagine if it was on the highway, on a mountain road or while trailering a boat etc. Subsequent to the latest failure we sold this vehicle. Gm has been negligent in addressing this issue. The dealership offered nothing, stating that we live in the "salt belt, and this can happen". This statement is only a half truth since millions of other vehicles also in the salt belt don't have their brake lines fail during their useful life. Gm is hoping that by delaying this they will avoid the enormous expense of recalling and repairing these vehicles. This is shameful because this type of safety issue is very dangerous and sneaky. It can come up at any time, anywhere.

Filed Sep 3, 2013 · Brakes · 79,221 miles · VA

I on 8/30/2013 noticed a very soft brake pedal and drove home carefully. I did not drive the car the next day out of concern for the brakes. I tested the brakes on sunday and found I had no brakes. The truck was towed to a repair facility on 9/2/2013. Inspection of the system shows all brake lines need replacement. Three have failed and the others when moved to allow replacement of the bad lines will fail. The bleeder valve is rusted and new calipers may be needed. Estimated total cost approx. $2000.00 plus. I have owned many cars and never encountered this problem before. I suspect inferior materials are being used for brake lines. I am told this is a very common occurrence. I am lucky that there was no accident caused by my brake failure. I am sure many others are not so lucky. The problem seems very common among cars built by the big three and less so among european auto makers. I suspect bean counters are saving a few dollars per car and to hell with safety!

Filed Jul 23, 2013 · Brakes · 132,050 miles · NJ

While driving on the nj garden state parkway vehicle was cutoff by another when brakes were applied a loud hissing was heard brake pedal went to the floor could not stop SUV. Brake light came on and check engine light. Had to swerve out of the way of another car. Upon inspection of brakes the steel line to the back brakes right above the gas tank where you could not see it was rusted out and burst all of the brake fluid emptied out of it covering the bottom of tahoe. All metal brake lines were heavily rusted and corroded.

Filed Dec 7, 2010 · Brakes · 150,000 miles · OH

Driving in the fast lane on the freeway, had a sudden stop in traffic, my brakes went to the floor, and skipped to a stop. Brakes went to the floor thereafter having to coast to a stop. Brake line had rust corrosion and cracked. The same thing happened again october 2010. My son was driving us to his driver's education class and the brakes went completely to the floor having to coast to a stop. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Another line had rust corrosion and split in two.

Filed Sep 26, 2010 · Brakes · 179,729 miles · TX

Driving home from church 20 mile trip, about midway pressed on brakes and pedal went all the way to the floor with total loss of braking. Managed to make it through two red lights with horn and hazard lights before coming to a stop with use of parking brake. Immediately I popped the hood to check for brake fluid and reservoir was still half full. Had the wife cycle the brakes so see if there were any problems with the master cylinder or booster. All looked good, walking around the car I found a large puddle of brake fluid inside drivers side rear wheel. Limped car home, and noticed the rear brake line which sits above the frame rail was completely rusted through. I can not replace this line myself so I will be returning vehicle for service to chevrolet dealer.

Filed Oct 9, 2006 · Brakes · MI

No brakes at low speed on my tahoe. The truck was recalled in 2006 for anti-lock brake issues.

Filed Sep 8, 2006 · Brakes · VA

2000 chevrolet tahoe brakes failed to stop the vehicle. Upon inspection mechanic determined rear brake shield was rusted all the way out. *kb the consumer discovered a recall on internet, however he was told his vehicle was not included in the recall.