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.
ABS coming on at low speeds (under 10 mph) in dry conditions. This started in Jan. 2005 when I bought the truck and continued until approx. Late March. This did not cause any accidents but there were several close calls. I didn't take to the Chevy dealer to get it looked at, but I did notice after I would wash the truck that the problem would be much better for a time then start up again.
This concerns the brake problem on GM trucks. My 2002 Silverado's braking never was great, when hard braking is applied, the pedal will bottom out and you have to pump pedal to stop. Now the ABS system has failed and the pedal has locked up on me at least four times, nearly causing accidents. I had to pull ABS fuse just to be able to drive it and be able to stop. The pedal would lock up so hard that I had to stomped it to break it free.
Unwanted ABS brake activation almost caused 4 accidents with my 2002 Chevy Silverado. After the dealer told me I couldn't replace just the sensor and that I had to replace a part that was fine just to replace the sensor because it was built into that part and it was going to cost almost $600 I just pulled the fuse on the ABS. Now I have no ABS and have to look at two warning lights on the dash all the time. The truck only had around 39000 miles on it when this happend. Also the parking brake didn't work and after adjusting, it still bairly works.
The ABS activated while attempting to stop the vehile. The dealer repalced the R and L sensor, the brakes, the calipers and still the ABS system kicks in.
- Taylor, MI, USA
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I own a 2002 Chevy Silverado. I read in the newspaper about an investigation into GM pickup truck antilock brakes. It described exactly what I have been experiencing since Jan of 2005. At low speeds, usually in parking lots, my antilock brakes engage even though the road conditions are completely dry. The result is that my vehicle requires 2-5 feet more distance to come to a complete stop. I took my brakes apart to inspect them and clean them. I found nothing wrong and there was plenty of brake pad left. The rotors looked fine also. Cleaning the brakes did not solve the problem. It has happened 100+ times since January. It is always at low speeds and the road conditions are just fine. None of the dashboard lights come on indicating a problem. A few months back I discussed the problem with a few coworkers and found that 2 of them were experiencing the same problem. One guy has a 1999 Chevy pickup and the other guy has a Chevy pickup but I am unsure of the model year of his. Hope this helps.
While driving under 5 mph anti lock brakes kick in and brakes fail in all weather conditions, only at low speeds. This causes extended stopping distance. No warning prior to failure. Occurs under normal braking conditions. 4 wheel anti lock. Brake failure is progressive. Vehicle is regularly serviced, and diagnostic test was conducted 12/01/04.
ABS initates on dry pavement as I decelerate from about 6 mph to about 3mph. This happens approximately 50% of every stop. I have not had any incidents, as I am the only driver, and allow extra distance. After talking with 4 co-workers who have/had the same problem, I pulled the ABS fuse and have not completed a repair yet. My extended warranty provider claims it is a service claim, which is not covered under warranty. Dealership says it's a common problem with this model, not covered under the extended warranty. Says it's rust build up under the speed sensor, and needs to be cleaned & reseated. I read about this investigation on my company website, and decided to register my problem to help the research.
The consumer was driving about 5 mph, it was very little snow on the ground and the ABS light came on. When the consumer hit the brakes, the vehicle skidded through a gate. There was no warning prior to the failure. The consumer took the vehicle in for a regular inspection and the repair shop noticed a very unusual wear pattern for the rear brakes. An insurance claim was filed.
Contact stated: Took truck to dealer yesterday. Rear brake system had totally rusted and fell apart. The emergency brake was gone. Rotors fell apart/rusted. Had no rear brakes. 1 year ago he had the car inspected and nothing was wrong then.
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1/2 ton pickup...... anti-lock brakes malfunction.... had at least 6 instances where it seems that the brakes do not work as I attempt to slow down or come to a complete stop..... I am now in the habit of beginning to stop at least 100 feet shorter than what I should normally expect to.... most times it happens, it seems that the anti-lock feature takes over, when there should be absolutely no reason to do so (dry pavement and less than 15 mph)...needless to say, it is not a positive feeling to "hope" that the brakes are indeed going to work..... what I find aggravating is that I contacted 2 separate GM dealerships with this issue, one dealership said that the computer "knows the necessary stopping distance" (I asked if the computer can see the car in front of me which I am about to rear-end)......the other dealership said "sorry, they all do that from time to time"..... it is only after realizing that NHTSA is looking into complaints with braking on these vehicles that I want to make known that it is indeed more of a safety issue than what GM's corporate position is taking.... I feel that it is only a matter of time before my vehicle is one of those involved in a fender bender, or god forbid, I run over a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Contact states: Having problems with the braking system on a GM pickup truck. ABS system keeps acting up. Dealer is not helpful at all. When he presses on brakes ABS sensors kick in, and takes away all of the power from the brakes, and vehicle accelerates throughout the intersections.
2002 Chevrolet Silverado experiencing problems with the anti-lock braking system. The vehicle started to vibrate and chatter in the braking system which was felt throughout the pedal. When the failure occurred, the consumer ran into a fence. The problem was diagnosed as a failure of the ABS system likely due to corrosion.
While going forward in a parking lot my brakes failed, it was dry pavement but the ABS system activated and I almost hit a building. This was the second incident. My speed was under 10 mph at the time.
While making a left turn steering column failed to turn properly. Driver turned the steering wheel and it was hard to turn. Also, driver complained about a brake problem. When brakes were applied the pedal went to the floor. Driver took the vehicle to dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem.......also, steering hard to turn when applying brakes.
Upon braking to a stop when 5 mph is reached the ABS system falsely activates and prevents the truck from coming to a complete stop. This problem has resulted in one low speed collision (<5 mph) and numerous times I have hit parking barriers. I am told the solution to the problem is to have the front wheel speed sensors removed from the hub/bearing assembly and cleaned. Also, GM has a tsb out on this problem and transportation Canada has issued a safety recall for this problem.
The brake pedal tends to fall to the floor, causing the brakes to work intermittently at various speeds, resulting in extended stopping distance while on the road. Manufacturer was notified by owner.
1/2) low speed manuevering in parking lot or pulling up to a stop sign or red light situatiuons on various road conditions; first became an issue after snow/freezing weather conditions with no earlier warning signs, but continued to occur occasionally even on dry pavement; brake failure / inadvertant ABS activation upon extemely low speed causing vehicle to coast further and overall increased stopping distance when this failure would occur 3) dealer replaced left front hub and wheel speed sensor assembly as they had found the sensor was providing erratic readings (in warranty service--no charge).
The brake pedal would continuously and intermittently harden when applied at various speed of 0-70 mph. This resulted in extended stopping distance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ABS caliper, but the problem recurred.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Washington, IL, USA