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.
When applying the brakes hard going downhill at above 50 mph the steering wheels shimmies from side to side violently. Easing off the brakes reduces the shimmying. This has been a continuous problem and it requires constant awareness when approaching a downhill roadway. Also it occurs whenever a panic stop from greater then 55 mph is attempted. Vehicle is a 2009 roadtrek model 190 popular and weighs close to 9600 lbs. Suspect the disc brakes may be warping under the heat or the ABS system is at fault.
Cruise control worked intermittently. Had to replace the brake switch on the brake pedal. This switch does not activate on "light" brake pedal pressure. It is designed to work on firm brake pedal pressure, which can be hazardous when using electric trailer brakes.
Though my anti-lock brakes may be working just as they were designed, they seem to increase stopping distance significantly over what would be attained with just the wheels locking up and sliding or skidding. On dry pavement, stopping power of this truck is fantastic up to the point when the anti-lock brakes activate, then its as if the brakes almost completely release the wheel then reactivate the brake to the point it starts to skid then releases it completely and so on and so on. This action of course happens very quickly, but seems completely different than any other anti lock vehicle I've ever owned. Because of this cycle of completely releasing the brakes then hitting them so hard they instantly lock up then releasing them again, the stopping distance seems greatly exaggerated. On a reduced traction situation such as snow, ice, or dirt, its as if the brakes don't work at all. As I stated in the opening statement, this truck has wonderful brakes up to and until the point of the anti-lock brakes, so when this occurs it is quite shocking. As for my braking technique, I've been told and have followed the advice that once that anti-lock brakes activate, you keep firm steady pressure on the brake pedal. I've taken advantage of the recent ice and snow in our area to test and confirm that I am using proper technique in using the brakes and I'm more convinced that this system is causing more problems than it solves. I would rather have standard brakes than this. I believe it would be in the public interest if this system were checked by someone with the ability to confirm that these brakes meet the safety standard expected by safety regulators over seeing the automotive industry. I don't believe that taking this vehicle to my local service department is going to solve anything, in that I expect they are going to tell me that they are working fine.
Backed truck out of garage had no power brakes nor power steering. As tow truck driver loaded vehicle on his flatbed truck to take it to the garage (under warranty) he put vehicle in reverse, had a slight brake application then he felt a clunk (vehicle jerked). Power steering & brakes started working normally. Garage could find nothing wrong.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado. While depressing the brake pedal, the brake light illuminated. The brake light would go out if the contact slightly removed his foot from the brake pedal. The manufacturer and dealer both stated that this was a normal occurrence when the brake pedal is slightly released. The dealer and manufacturer could not assist with the repairs. There were no recalls available. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 3,000 and current mileage was less than 7,000. Updated 07/01/09 while towing a trailer, the vehicle would lurch forward when braking. The electric trailer brakes seemed to function off of the vehicle brake lights, which causes the trailer brakes to disengage even while applying brake pressure. The vehicles brake lights also flicker on and off while braking. Updated 07/02/09.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Campbell, CA, USA