Vehicle was exhibiting no problems. Upon approaching a red traffic light the brake pedal was depressed, and the pedal went to the floor, as if the ABS system was kicking in, but the vehicle did not slow down. I replaced the master cylinder and bled all brake lines, and the condition still exists. I performed diagnostics on the vehicle according to seveal service manuals and determined that the ABS modulator valve has failed in such a manner as to allow brake fluid to bleed into the ABS accumulator, without getting an ABS diagnostic failure light. I had to drive the vehicle home for over 20 miles with severely limited breaking power and was very fortunate to have avoided an accident. I would rather not have ABS breaks on the vehicle than have a break system that can fail in this manner. Pumping the brake pedal was ineffective in building brake pressure, as is normally the case when a master cylinder fails.
1996 GMC Suburban: brake failure
15 of the 171 complaints about the 1996 GMC Suburban describe brake failure.
- owner complaints
- 15
- of this car's complaints
- 9%
- recalls
- 0
Brake failure by model year
What owners say
Repeated problems with brake failure following vehicle being parked in wet weather. Sometimes there is near total loss of braking capability, sometimes severe vehicle "bucking" while trying to stop. Symptoms diminish after several blocks of driving, re-appear after vehicle is parked for a few hours. Dealer examined shortly after we purchased vehicle (used) and found no problem. Have talked to other owners of suburbans and gmc/chevy light trucks of similar vintage and have found similar complaints. Recent episode involved inability to stop and vehicle continued clear through intersection. I suspect rear brake linings/drums rust and tend to lock/release which seems to confuse the ABS system until linings wear clean again. Vehicle is a hazard to operate for first few blocks in wet weather.
When the brakes were applied in a panic stop pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance.
When applying the ABS brakes on dry pavement pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. Please give any further details.
When applying the ABS brakes pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stoppng distance. Please give any further details.
Front and back brake failures.
When applying the brakes the pedal goes to the floor and there is no braking ability. Has been serviced 3 times.
Abs brakes failed, resulting in extended stopping distance.
Abs brake failure causes whells to lock up under normal braking.
Upon appying the ABS brakes in low speeds, the brakes failed 3three times to stop the vehicle. Once resulting in a crash/injuries. Also, replaced oxygen sensor.
Was driving vehicle, went to apply ABS brakes, brake pedal went to the floor. Vehicle pulled to right & then to the left whenever braking; sometimes just before brakes would catch there is a hesitation.
Antilock brakes failed.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Brake lead/pull and front brake wear
- Some cab chassis, crew cab, and pickup models may exhibit a brake lead / pull and front brake wear
- Vehicles leading or pulling to either side while applying the brakes, and premature front brake wear,...
- Vehicle leading or pulling to either side while applying the brakes or front brake wear not meeting...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1996 GMC Suburban brake failure
Is brake failure a common problem on the 1996 GMC Suburban?
15 of 171 owner complaints about the 1996 GMC Suburban (9%) mention brake failure. The model year with the most reports is 1994.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 GMC Suburban?
There are 0 recalls and 4 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 GMC Suburban
ABS 23Wipers 22Tire blowout 13Fuel pump 6Stalling 6Pulling 5
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