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1996 GMC Suburban brakes complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 61, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1996 GMC Suburban brakes problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 21, 2000 · Brakes, Visibility · TN

When we first test drove this vehicle we noticed that the brakes were "grabbing" very abnormally and we commented that the brakes had a bad problem to the salesman that was with us, also we had noticed that the windshield wiper did not work properly on the passenger's side. We were told that the brakes would be fixed and that the windshield wiper would be fixed. The dealer said that they had turned the rotors on both front and back brakes and had repaired the wiper. After we had purchased the vehicle the brakes were better but they were not fixed. When you would apply the brakes at any time it would shimmy, buck and jump. If you had to make a sudden stop it would jump many times before it would come to a complete stop. I don't mean that the foot pedal would jump, I mean that the vehicle itself would shimmy and jump. I have taken this vehicle to another gmc dealer - gwatney gmc- to have them work on the brakes and they at first thought that the rotors needed turning again. After they turned them the vehicle still responded in the same manner. They now say that the anti-lock sensor is bad on the right side, (a $500.00 component). I don't understand why the anti-lock brake indicator on the dash never gave me a warning that something was wrong. I would like to know if you have had any reports similar to this problem for the gmc braking system, malfunctioning of indicators on the dashboard or if there is a recall for this make and model for any of these problems. My daughter-in-law has told me that she thought that there is a recall for the anti-lock brakes on gmc light trucks for the years 1993 thru 1997. I know someone in a 1996 gmc jimmy that was in a serious accident where her airbags did not deploy and her brakes did not function properly in this accident. It's a miracle that she was able to keep her leg which was mangled, broken in several places and cut up from this accident.the windshield wipers work about 96% of the time.

Filed May 21, 2000 · Brakes · IL

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.

Filed Apr 28, 2000 · Brakes · CA

Vehicle failed to stop and brake pedal was completely to the floor on 3 occasions.

Filed Apr 5, 2000 · Brakes · IL · crash

A truck in front of me stopped when the traffic light turned yellow. I tried to stop and had plenty of time to stop. The brakes locked up (there was a slight noise of the brakes locking up) and I was surprised I was not going to be able to stop. I released the brakes to try braking again. I applied the brakes and they locked up again. To avoid rear ending the truck, I had to swerve between it and the car in the left turn lane. My passenger side rear view mirror made contact with the backside of the truck. My brakes finally caught when my suburban was ahead of his truck. The pavement was wet but it was not raining.

Filed Mar 13, 2000 · Brakes · NV

When the brakes were applied in a panic stop pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance.

Filed Dec 3, 1999 · Brakes · NJ · crash

Ea95026, poor brake performance: when applying the brakes in an emergency situation, pedal travels to the floorboard and the truck would not stop. This condition caused a rear end crash. This happens on any type of road surface and no inclement weather. Dealer was not able to duplicate this problem. Please provide any further information.

Filed Oct 12, 1999 · Brakes · MD

When slamming on brakes to avod hitting another vehicle, brakes locked up, and vehicle slid about 15 feet before stopping. Consumer stated that ground was not wet.

Filed Sep 29, 1999 · Brakes · OH

When applying the ABS brakes on dry pavement pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. Please give any further details.

Filed Sep 22, 1999 · Brakes · TX

When applying the ABS brakes pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stoppng distance. Please give any further details.

Filed Aug 30, 1999 · Acceleration, Brakes · CA

The ABS would fade when brakes were applied. Also, after brakes were applied, vehicle surged. Had applied pressure on brakes & vehicle failed to stop/ extended stoppping distance.

Filed Aug 9, 1999 · Brakes · CA

Brake pads had to be replaced on four occasions on front wheels within every 13,000 miles of wear. Notified dealer and informed consumer to contact manufacturer who, in turn advised consumer to contact the federal safety agency. Can the federal safety agency help or provide additional information on this matter.

Filed Jul 22, 1999 · Brakes · MS

Ea95026, while braking, the brake pedal seems "soft," and causes extended stopping distance, which may result in a crash. Please provide further information.

Filed Jul 22, 1999 · Brakes · FL · crash

Noted car stopped at red light, started braking at around 300 feet, 35 MPH, full ABS, wet road,impacted rear at perhaps 10 MPH. Just traded a ford van without ABS and am certain it would have stopped in that distance. Further note: the suburban's tire pressure was 40 psi all four.

Filed Jul 22, 1999 · Brakes · NY

I have been having ongoing problems with the brake system ranging from mild to severe vibration felt on braking. The discs and rotors and drums have been replaced 3 times in under 40000 miles. A number of other trips to the dealership have been unsucessful in correcting the problem.

Filed Jul 22, 1999 · Brakes · MS

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Jul 21, 1999 · Brakes · MD

No summary listed for abov evehicle.

Filed Jul 21, 1999 · Brakes · MD

Brakes deployed at will...fail at will....sometimes fail to release, causing vehicle to become immobilized....strong burning odor...scary noises and thumping

Filed Jul 21, 1999 · Brakes · LA

I purchased my vehicle brand new. Within the first 18 months of ownership, my brakes were replaced three times with numerous other parts changed. The vehicle was pulling to the right when brakes were applied. Although I have not had any trouble within the last year, the truck still does not stop like it should under normal braking conditions. Gm gave me an extended warranty to cover the cost of any extra repairs, should the need arise. I would like to know the results of the brake evaluations on the gmc trucks. Thank you.

Filed Jun 30, 1999 · Brakes · NV

No summary listed for this vehicle.

Filed Jun 10, 1999 · Brakes · MI

Hydraulic booster failed, together with constant poor braking performance for 3 yrs. Replacement part is almost impossible to find and over $800! Gm contacted but would offer no assistance, even though they have had several complaints.

Filed Apr 22, 1999 · Brakes, Transmission · MN

Consumer has noticed leaking of bearings and all 8 seals. Also when driving of gravel surfaces and applying brakes, the vehicle exceeds the normal stopping distance.

Filed Feb 5, 1999 · Brakes · CT

While braking vehicle will pull to the left severely which may cause loss of vehicle control. Dealer replaced rear brakes and front brake pads, but the problem is still occurring. Gm says that there is nothing they can do. *ak

Filed Dec 14, 1998 · Brakes · WA

When appyling the ABS brakes extended stopping distance occurs, especially under freezing temperatures and on rainy days.*ak.et.

Filed Sep 2, 1998 · Brakes · NC

Brakes would go all the way to floor before stopping.

Filed Jun 21, 1998 · Brakes · KS

The ABS on this vehicle produces poor stopping distances particularly on wet or loose (gravel or dirt) surfaces. This has resulted in several near misses and one accident involving 3 vehicles. The brakes were replaced at 42000 mi. This produced no improvement. There seems to be a large delay before the brakes actually produce any deceleration.

Filed May 27, 1998 · Brakes · GA

Front and back brake failures.

Filed May 22, 1998 · Brakes · CO

Per the decision of the better business bureau auto line, an independent technician has found the anti lock braking system defective and the car unsafe to drive. We have rejected the bbb auto line option of having the manufacturer repair this defect as they have failed completely to repair the vehicle in 6 previous visits, therefore we are not comfortable signing away all legal rights to have them try to repair the brakes when gmc has not been able to repair the vehicle in the past.

Filed Feb 11, 1998 · Brakes · OH

When the brakes are applied the vehicle experiences extended stopping distance. The dealer has replaced the brake pads and the rotors on the vehicle.

Filed Jan 27, 1998 · Brakes · MA

When applying the brakes the pedal goes to the floor and there is no braking ability. Has been serviced 3 times.

Filed Jan 16, 1998 · Brakes · CO

Traveling at approx. 20 MPH, driver tried to stop and brake pedal went completely and smoothly to the floor. Driver kept foot and pedal, pushing harder and the ABS kicked in and stopped vehicle.

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