1996 Chevrolet Van brakes problems

Filed Aug 21, 2001 · Brakes, Engine · PA

Prior to complete brake failure on july 29, 2001, there is minimum of nine documented service reports with the dealer for brake problems beginning in may of 1997. To date, this problem still exists. There is severe pulling to the right and wheel vibration upon quick or heavy appliance of brakes. The rear brakes do not work and have not worked properly from the beginning; thus, the front brakes must handle the load. The front brake lining must be replace every six months. The back brake lining has been replaced only once. The dealer indicated the recent brake failure was a result of the rotars rusting and splitting in half (a first they say). This occurred only three months after having this vehicle into the dealer to check the brakes again! The rear drive shaft was replaced in nov. Of 1997, the catalytic converter had to be replaced in feb. 2000, the idler arms (which caused premature wear of tires) had to be replaced in april of 2000 and control arm bushings were replaced in feb. 2001 (again affecting tire wear, alignment, etc), tortion bars had to be replaced in feb. 2001, engine leak had to be addressed in feb. 2001. Harsh shifting and jerking of vehicle let to faulty tcc solenoid & harness assy and pinion seal replacement in april 2001. This vehicle is a hazard on the highway and to the occupants. The dealer personally called chevrolet in an attempt to discuss a buy back or credit. They were not successful. Apparently, someone has to die first. Retail on this vehicle is $12,800. The dealer is offering $8,000 because he is afraid to sell it off his lot but would have to take it to auction. I am supposed to pay for chevrolet's engineering and defect problems either monetarily or with my life or the lives of others. Help!

Filed Apr 16, 2001 · Brakes · MA

I have a previous report on this vehicle back in april of 2000. This van would not stop when I was going down a hill and I went into a house. They found nothing wrong, which I never could believe. Ever since this incident the brakes never felt the same. I have returned this van to dealership several times and they could never find anything wrong. I transport my daughter in this who is in a wheel chair. Two weeks ago I brought this van in again to be serviced and they said something to do with the sensor, claimed they fixed it but my v an again did not stop on my 1st attempt of applying my brake. The anti-locke light keeps going on and off. I have noticed when light is on the brakes work o.k., when light is off the brakes malfunction. I do not feel safe for myself but most of all my family. It is in the dealership today again 4/15/01.

Filed Mar 23, 2001 · Brakes · FL

This is just for your records this veichle has a stopping problem above 40 MPH the harder you press brakes the stopping does not increase I am famllar with anti lock breaks this is not that system causeing this non stopping other van owners like my self have notice this problem its almost like there is not enough break to stop anti break works fine when forced to floor but normal stopping is very weak .

Filed Oct 24, 2000 · Brakes · PA

This van has two braking problems . It appears to have too much front brakes combined with an over sensitive ABS . It has worn out 4 sets of front disc pads and yet the rear shoes show little wear . When applying the brakes even on dry pavement the ABS activates tuning off the front disc brakes and leaves you with no brakes because the rear brakes do not work and the ABS continues to turn off the front brakes . In a sudden stop the van will leap foward with no brakes like all four wheels are on ice before the ABS shuts off. This braking problem has been like this since the van was new . It is a deadly braking problem. I have driven over 1,000,000 miles in chevyvans and pickup trucks . I am familiar with ABS my last two new trucks had it without any problems.

Filed Aug 13, 1999 · Brakes · MA · fire

Fuses keep blowing out with ABS, resulting in two electrical fires. Dealer contacted and stated short in wiring. Repairwork done. Provide further information.

Filed Aug 6, 1999 · Brakes · PA · crash

While driving at 40 MPH applied brakes and the did'nt slow down. Rear ended another vehicle.

Filed Mar 30, 1998 · Brakes · NC · crash

Abs brake problems; when pushing on the brake pedal, the pedal would go to the floor and there would be no braking ability. The dealer could not find a problem with the brake system. This happened on dry road conditions. This incident caused a crash on 4/17/97. The vehicle was repaired by a ford dealership because chevrolet wanted consumer to sign a letter that he would not sue anyone over this wreck.

Filed Dec 5, 1997 · Brakes, Steering · MI

Abs brake failure; also, power steering failure.

Filed Nov 12, 1997 · Brakes · NY

When brakes are applied in an emergency stop, the pedal goes down to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance . The dealer said that the rear brakes were not self adjusting, and the front brakes were replaced.

Filed Mar 26, 1997 · Brakes · CA

Loss of anti lock brakes after driving over bumpy road surfaces. (vehicle #2 from document 502638)