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.
2003 Chevrolet Silverado - ABS activation during low speed breaking that led to increased stopping distances, intermittent at first but over 3 to 4 months increased to the point that it nearly resulted in an accident. Brought the vehicle to an authorized Chevrolet dealer for repair, diagnosed that the ABS sensors were corroded and after testing, found that the "lifting sensor causing different wave lengths at speeds below 5mph". the repair consisted of cleaning the rust build up under and around the sensors and replacement of both sensors. The repair cost $430. Told by the service advisor that this was a common problem in this model and year and advised to file a claim with GM for reimbursement of cost as this repair was not as a result of accident or negligence on the part of the owner. This repair is similar to the remedy mandated for the exact same condition under recall notice 05V379000 for Chevrolet Silverado, model years 1999-2002. The claim for reimbursement filed with GM/Chevrolet was summarily rejected with the stated reason that the vehicle is out of warranty period. Even when apprised that there is a recall in place for the same condition on vehicles one model year older, Chevrolet refused to negotiate this claim. I then filed a claim with the BBB as recommended in my vehicle's owners manual and though helpful could not assist stating that vehicle is out of manufacturer's warranty period. Looking for help in recouping repair cost for damage that was as a result of flawed design from a corporation that refuses to listen to consumers complaints and instead throws up a firewall to deny claims in the hopes of disheartening the claimant until they give up.
This claim is on a Chevy Silverado 3500 diesel truck that I bought new. Around 30,000 miles this vehicle was taken in for clutch problems 3 times, brakes going to the floor, the windshield coming loose, radio problems, steering problems and tire wear. General Motors, the better business bureau and the federal government was contacted an assured me this truck was not a lemon, I said it was. Now between 30,000 and 90,000 miles I have had numerous problems. I had the doors lock for no reason at all, lock by themselves. Both driver and passenger doors have hung at the fender causing massive dents where I had to force the doors open due to contact between the door and fender. The initial brake problem has come back. I had a water leak in the cab around the lights, that caused water damage to the seats. I rewired the rear lights, because the circuit board went out several times. Four sets of tires have been placed on this truck at 90,000 miles (tires cost around $1,000 a set). I have tried three brands of tires. They are generals (6 ply), Geo trac (10 ply), and toyo (10 ply). The dash system is going out (dash costs $1200). The truck is lacking power when pulling and today 7/28/2010 the clutch almost came out during normal driving at 90,232 miles (probably will cost between $2,000 and $3,000 if not more). The engine oil plus filter, the fuel filters, and greasing of the tie rod ends are all done per manufactures specifications. This truck has never been in a wreck, but looking at the door and fender problem, one would think it has. This truck has been a problem from day one. It is a lemon and a safety hazard. The lemon law was changed from three failures to four failures during the time this happened. Now the vehicle lemon law year is any vehicle 2004 or after. This truck is a 2003 model. It is time all parties involved come to the table and deal. The vehicle had an oil leak between the clutch and the engine that was never fixed. The engine was not running at full RPM. Updated IVOQ 10/01/10
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated while braking from 15 mph. The brake pedal fell to the floorboard and the brakes did not engage. The contact was able to stop the vehicle by using the emergency brake. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and had not been taken to the dealer for a diagnosis of the failure. The failure and current mileages were 35,000.
There was absolutely no warning that my brakes were going to fail! I had my two children with me and was approaching an insection. I went to apply my brakes and nothing happened. I was unable to stop. Luckily, I coasted through the intersection and was not involved in a collision. I tried to stop the truck by putting it into park, which was a mistake, this did not stop the truck so I immediately put the truck back in drive. I then stepped on the emergency brake which stopped the truck. At this time, I was stopped in the middle of the road so I decided to release the brake and coast over to a safe location to ensure the safety of my children. As the truck stayed on the side of the road, I again pushed the brake peddle to discover brake fluid shooting out from truck. When the truckwas lifted onto the tow truck I was able to see the brake line had a large hole, as if it had been blown out. This was then confirmed by my mechanic. All the brake lines need to be replaced because they are all extremely rusted and I run the risk of another brake failure. I have contacted the dealership, but they have told me this will be my own expense. The truck is only 7 years old.
- Salt Point, NY, USA
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On 4-6-10, the brakes of my 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck with 55,031 miles failed without warning. The truck was stopped at the time with the brake pedal depressed. The truck was in drive gear. The brake pedal suddenly went to the floorboard and braking ability was gone. The truck began to roll, but did stop on the level terrain. No injuries resulted. On 4-7-10, the repairing mechanic reported all brake lines were excessively corroded and rusted, and one of the lines had broken open. All lines were replaced. I will attempt to retrieve the replaced brake lines from the repair garage for your use. Please advise me accordingly. My repair bill was $475, paid on 4-8-10, by personal check. The speedometer of this vehicle operates erratically and has ceased to operate.
After perusing excessive rust to under-carriage of 2003 Silverado, researched other complaints and found numerous from all over the country. This led me to believe that complete brake failure was related to rust problems. Entire left brake line had to be replaced due to rust-through. Actual rust-through of brake line was not reported to GM as at the time I saw no correlation to what later became a rust through problem of bumpers and cargo body. This was experienced after rust-through warranty had expired. My concern is with the rusting of brake lines and possible injury and even death when complete brake failure is experienced. If this has no relevance to other rust problems with the Chevy Silverado from 2002 until 2009 then disregard this complaint.
2003 Chevrolet Silverado with brake problems. Consumer states that the vehicle is on its second set of rotors and third set of pads. He believes that the 2003 and 2004 Chevy Silverado should be included in the recall. The rotors were rusting and falling apart. The consumer also stated there was a constant noise coming from the steering column.
: the contact stated while depressing the brake pedal there is an increased braking effort required to stop the vehicle. The pedal almost goes to the floor before stopping the vehicle. New brake pads were placed on the vehicle on 6-11-06 but the problem still persists. There is an NHTSA recall, # 04V045000, regarding the service brakes, hydraulic. The VIN was not included in the recall.
Brakes are soft with long stopping distance. Involved in minor mvc. Afterwards found rear brake rotors and brake assembly rusted and components corroded. Rear brake contact <50%. less than 25K miles.
Premature rear disc brake failure--2003 Chevrolet Silverado, 31750 miles-rear disc rotors rusted, pitted, flaking. Dealer replaced rotors and discs at my cost. Even though rotors are obviously suffering from weather and salt, dealer insists that the calipers still work, therefore it is not a warranty issue. I contend that the literal disintegration of the rotors caused the rapid wear of the brake pads. When inspected in August of 2005, I was told the pads were at 75% thickness. The truck still has 6 months left on the manuf. Warranty.
Brake peddal goes to floor when steady pressure applied. This has occured since the truck had about1000 miles on it.dealer says this is normal. If this is normal there is a lot of trucks that are not able to stop very fast.
Transmission clunking in 2-3 up shift or 3-2 downshift, mush louder when towing my trailer it sounds like its going to exployed brakes: Brake pedal is on the floor very very weak cannot stop truck on a quick brake 2003 Chevy Silverado 4X4 xcab.
At any speed when pressing the brakes pedal would go to the floor and feel spongy. Also, when pressing the brakes vehicle will take an extremely long time to stop. Dealer had the vehicle four times concerning this problem. The dealer informed the consumer that the brakes were designed that way.
While applying the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. The driver pumped the brake pedal and the brakes released power. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for analysis.
I own a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado K1500 purchases in July 2003. When towing a travel trailer (approx 4,000 lbs) I have noticed what feels like a "spongy" brake pedal. Recently, I discovered that if steady, moderately heavy pressure in maintained on the brake pedal, it will slowly go down completely to the floor. Dealer service manager has similar truck with identical situation. They have no answer. Question was directed by dealer to district service rep who stated something to the effect that this is a design situation and there is no fix!!!! I suspect GM is avoiding a costly recall. However, they should know that one accident could well cost more than the recall, particularly if there is loss of life. How is one expected to remain stopped on a grade for any period of time when the brake pedal goes to the floor?
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Mount Morris, MI, USA