This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Due to the design of the brake rotors in which the metal is too soft, causes extended stopping distance which may result a crash. Brake rotors have been replaced 4 times.
When applying brakes entire front end will shimmy/shake, possibly causing loss of vehicle control. Also, brake pedal will go to floor, causing extended stopping distance. Dealer claimed it was not safety issue. But, brake rotors have been on back order, indictating a defect.
Entire vehicle shakes when brakes are pressed gently. Dealer has advised that both front and back rotors are to be replaced for remedy. Defect can probe consumer into an automobile accident for not being able to stop the vehicle in a timely manner.
- Tallapoosa, GA, USA
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At high speeds vehicle will experience a severe shimmy while driving due to warping of front rotors. At 42,000 miles rotors were machined or turned, and then at 46,000 miles defect reoccurred, and front rotors had to be replaced. At this rate every 4,000 miles rotors will warped.
Vehicle has been in for a front end noise 3 times so far..1st the front suspension arms were replaced...2nd the steering knuckles were replaced....3rd they still dont know....4th to replace front left strut....on 5/22/2000 the brakes locked and shimmied, was told the rotors were worn and needed turned.
At high speedsthe car shakes making it hard to steer. I took in to dealer they said rotors are out of round, they cut rotors. Happen again (twice) and they finally repalced rotors. A few thousand miles later same happened. Replaced with a "redesigned rotor" which now has only lastest 7000 miles. Now warreny is up and no wants to replace rotors. I have contacted dealer, Chevy, sales and service. I have received no help other then I'm out of luck. My car is not the only car with this problem. What do I dao to get Chevy to be responsible for the defective rotors or braking system?
Holes were too big around the rotors & lugs: Nuts came through. Upon applying brakes front end will shimmy. Also, conusmer had to grip steering wheel tightly to keep control of vehicle. When traveling 55mph or higher vehicle moved right to left. Dealer didn't seem to think it was a major concern.
While driving at a high rate of speed and putting on brakes, steering wheel vibrated a lot. Consumer talked to Chevrolet, andthey said it was caused some flaws in the rotors.
Vehicle purchased in May 1999, has been in the shop 16 times for repairs, including inoperable horn, warped rotors, turned once, resurfaced once and finally replaced, interior vinyl peeling, replaced once and is occuring again, windows stuck in down position, current work order to have windows checked, break pedal making a "creaking" noise when depressed, recently repaird with at least 4-5 visits to the dealer with no successful repair of problem, defective motor on the heater, making strange noise, air conditioning is now starting to "smell" vehicle rolls when put in park, notified factory and have current file number, factory informed me that if it's still under warranty and in need of repair to bring it in...there is nothing else we (the factory) can do...I believe too numerous repairs in an 11 month period..still have outstanding work orders for needed future repairs.
Took vehicle to mechanic due to brake problems. Was informed by mechanic brakes were too hot & were warping the rotors. While traveling at highway speed brakes would get worse. They would shake badly. Also, no brake lights. Cover for lights had melted. Vehicle repaired 3 times already. Brakes failed to stop vehicle.
I have researched this matter on the web and found others who have had the same problem with the warped brake rotors on GMC cars. This seems to be an issue with the Chevrolet Malibu and her sisters who share the same platform. I believe that GMC is aware that there is a design problem with these cars. No one at the dealership seemed surprised that the rotors were warped. I would like to know just how many brake rotors have been replaced on the Malibu's, Buick regal's, and cutlasses. I think you would find a pattern here if it was researched. Consumers are being misled by dealers as well. I was first told by one dealer that there was no problem with the brakes it was just the way the car stopped with ABS, but another dealer admitted to the warped rotors, but informed me that I would have to pay for them. The last straw was the customer service person at GM who told me its all part of normal wear and tear. I told him that I didn't think so on a car that had 13800 miles on it.
When applying brakes there is a shimmy in the steering wheel. Contacted dealer, and they replaced front brake rotors. Had to take back vehicle to dealer for the same problems on 3-Mar-2000 at 16800 miles, and dealer replaced rotors again.
Car shakes when brakes applied at normal driving speeds. Was told by love Chevrolet's service man that they were having problems with the brakes on these cars. It seems that will have to repair rotors every 8,000 miles or live with the problem.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Grover Beach, CA, USA