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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
4 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
127,750 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2002 Chevrolet Suburban brakes problems

brakes problem

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2002 Chevrolet Suburban Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #38

Nov 072013

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 85,800 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving my 2002 1500 Suburban the brake line let loose, got the truck to the shop on the lift found all brake lines corroded and two leaking fluid. Upon inspection found all fuel lines rotted out as well. Replaced all lines in the truck brake and fuel including front rubber lines and calipers. Truck has never had a great brake pedal still does not. Also found rocker panels rotting out along with quarters truck is beautiful in and out except the cheap metal GM used.

- West Nyack, NY, USA

problem #37

Apr 042013

Suburban

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to properly respond to deceleration attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the anti-lock braking system was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #36

Feb 172014

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 140,987 miles
While driving 25 mph and coming to a light changing to yellow during a heavy snowfall I had attempted to stop. The ABS pulsated a few times because of the snow and the brake pedal went to the floor and the Suburban did not stop and I could only hold on hope and pray myself and my 2 and 3 year olds get through the snowy and slippery intersection without hitting anyone or getting hit by someone else, luckily the snow on the ground actually helped slow the vehicle, the master cylinder showed minimal fluid loss, I was told by the dealer cold weather and age caused the failure and an estimate of about 1500 to repair. This happened within 7 months of a dealer multi-point inspection which showed no leaks and full brake inspection by the dealer which included the brake lines and a requested system bleed to try to get the brakes to work properly.the truck also has a long soft pedal travel which goes below the gas pedal height of which the dealer has informed me is normal and like all older 2002 Suburban. And the final bill for the brakelines was $1730.26 after adding an oil change while it was there for service... got it home and fluid was leaking profusely on the driveway (where I had no leaks up until this point) the dealer denied overfilling the oil would cause the leak and suggested that the cold weather caused the front seal leak so I had agreed to replace the front seal which was another $374.44 and the notes now show multiple oil leaks.and a repeat brake inspection shows no failures, but the brakes continue to not work properly and the dealer said if it continues they can manual bleed the brake system to see if that helps the issue.

- East Dundee, IL, USA

problem #35

May 182012

Suburban

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have been dealing with this problem with the ABS system for over 2 years and have replaced all the sensors brakes and hubs on my Suburban, I have been reading all the customer complaints and Chevy is well aware of this issue.my ABS system runs when it wants prevents my car from properly stopping and when I reported the issue they told me to pull the fuse so the pump would shut off, so I am driving around with no ABS system and we just had the sensors replaced again as well as the hub and the same thing is happening with the pulsating of the break peddle and the running pump I would think Chevy would do a recall with all the complaints..

- Elwood, IL, USA

problem #34

Jun 172013

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 162,282 miles
While driving the vehicle, the brake lines along the frame rail under the driver's side of the vehicle failed. The lines burst and a loss of fluid caused the brake pedal to go to the floor. Due to the brake failure it took a considerable distance to get the truck stopped probably due to a loss of brake pressure. I was driving in a residential area and luckily was able to get the vehicle stopped before being involved in a crash or hitting a pedestrian. The vehicle was repaired at a local GM dealership at a cost of approximately $4000. That's right four thousand dollars.

- Mount Airy, MD, USA

problem #33

Aug 192013

Suburban

  • 236,000 miles
Backing to hook up to trailer, brakes failed no prior warning (light). All brake lines need replaced as well as fuel lines beginning to leak and will soon need replaced.

- Batesville , IN, USA

problem #32

Dec 072013

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 145,790 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was approaching a 4-way stop sign in philadelphia when I noticed the brake pedal sinking to the floor. I had been using this vehicle daily and had recently used it for a trip to the store. There was no warning light or problem with braking or pedal feel before this occurred. I pumped the brake pedal to try to come to a stop. I did not come to a complete stop until I was into the intersection by using the parking brake and putting the transmission in neutral. I was able to get the car to safety where I noticed brake fluid pouring out from an extremely rusted brake line behind the left rear tire when the brake pedal was pushed. Fortunately, there was no cross traffic or pedestrians or children crossing the street at the time. This happened in a school zone where children are always present.

- Cherry Hill, NJ, USA

problem #31

Oct 162013

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 87,200 miles
Vehicle does not want to stop when traveling at low speeds. Parking is so hard to do, that I park at least 4 spaces from other vehicles whenever possible. It feels like the ABS is kicking in when it shouldn't be. No ABS light comes on when this occurs. When I am traveling slowly downhill, pulling into parking spaces, stopping at red lights/stop signs, etc. The brakes will not engage properly, it feels like the pedal is pushing back at me, the brakes make a strange growling sound, and the vehicle refuses to stop. I have to pump the brakes repeatedly, and sometimes it still will not stop, sometimes it will brake very suddenly. When picking up/dropping off my kids at school, I have had several incidents that were mere inches from becoming tragedies. I have no other vehicle to carry my 4 children in, or I would stop using the vehicle. I do not feel safe in it. There is a recall for this exact issue, however my VIN is not part of it (per Chevy customer service 1-800-222-1020). I have had the brake fluid checked often, I have had brake pads replaced as well, it made no difference. It has now become a regular occurrence. I am going to see if any shop nearby has dealt with this before. Please help.

- Church Hill, TN, USA

problem #30

Oct 042013

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 123,500 miles
Pedal went to the floor without vehicle stopping. Had to use emergency brake.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #29

Aug 222013

Suburban

  • 123,675 miles
The metal brake lines apparently have rusted to the point of total failure. One metal line blew out as we drove down an incline I had to use the parking brake to stop. Then to a repair shop as we were out of town. The shop replaced the line that blew out and pointed out that all of the other metal lines were about to have the same rust fatigue failure. This vehicle has been registered in Virginia all of its history. On line I have been able to purchace stainless steel brake metal lines pre bent. It would seem to any one that if you can not stop a vehicle due to a common systom failure that could an accident or death it must be a safety recall.

- Herndon, VA, USA

problem #28

Aug 152013

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • 179,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Driving at 40 mph, went to stop and the pedal went to the floor. Brake line under the truck blew out. All brake lines were very rusty.

- Mahwah, NJ, USA

problem #27

Sep 122013

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
When braking at less then 10mph the antilocking braking system kicks in and causes the care to go much further to stop. This has almost caused an injury by going over a curb. No antilocking should occur less then 10mph - this is very unsafe due to the fact that braking at under 10mph frequently involves barriers in front of the car where every inch of stopping distance is extremely important. ABS is for when tires break static friction on the road, and, I assure you that no friction is being broken - this is a serious flaw!

- Richardson, TX, USA

problem #26

Sep 122013

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
When braking at less then 10mph the antilocking braking system kicks in and causes the car to go much further to stop. This has almost caused an injury by my going over a curb. No antilocking should occur less then 10mph - this is very unsafe due to the fact that braking at under 10mph frequently involves barriers in front of the car where every inch of stopping distance is extremely important. ABS braking is for when tires break static friction on the road, and, I assure you that no friction is being broken - this is a serious flaw!

- Richardson, TX, USA

problem #25

Aug 012012

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • 92,000 miles
Launching boat at the ramp when brake line ruptured and I lost all pedal. Under drivers side door in the same spot as my 2005 2500 hd Chevy.

- Ashton, MD, USA

problem #24

Jul 282013

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 145,000 miles
While backing out of our driveway, applied brake pedal, which went down slightly and then went all the way to the floor with vehicle not stopping. Drove it into the cul-de-sac across the street, applied brakes at the stop sign, didn't stop, went into driveway and parked it. Husband went underneath and notice large amount of leaking fluid. At no time did any indicator light come on. Took it to Goodyear (Chevy dealer too far to safely drive) and they said massive corrosion on the brake line and catastrophic failure. I was incredibly lucky no neighbor kids were walking on the sidewalk as I was backing up. It is going to be a horrendous repair bill.

- Ellicott City, MD, USA

problem #23

Jul 112013

Suburban

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the driver depressed the brakes and the pedal traveled completely down to the floor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the brake lines were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 115,000.

- Fair Haven, MI, USA

problem #22

Jul 062013

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 181,000 miles
I was towing my boat and had to stop for a yellow, then red light. Pedal went to the floor and I could not stop, ran through the light. I made it through before traffic entered the intersection, so no accident. I drove slowly to a repair facility with safety flashers on. Mechanic says all the brake lines need to be replaced as they are badly rusted! repair cost is expected to be 800 dollars! we could have been seriously injured, had just come off the interstate at 70mph!

- Wake Forest, NC, USA

problem #21

Jun 132013

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • 242,000 miles
While waiting stationary at drive-thru hard brake line ruptured resulting in greatly reduced braking effectiveness and large loss of fluid. Brake lines were severely corroded.

- Kintnersville , PA, USA

problem #20

May 152013

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 146,000 miles
A was exiting rt 50 onto route 8, West bound ramp...in queenannes county Maryland, the light changed suddenly from green to yellow and I realized I could not make the light. I hit the brakes hard and vehicle started to stop, and then the brake pedal just let go and went to the floor. Found I had no power brakes, just the mechanical portion. I had parks tire and auto, in gransonville check it out today, Thursday, May 16, 2013 the mechanic matt hrisko said the brake lines were all corroded and the right front line sprung a leak due the corrosion. Moreover, he said all the lines were corroded and in danger of springing holes too. He also found a couple of the bleeder valves were corroded and/or leaking too. The ase mechanics there, eddie and matt, said they have been doing so many of these replacements that they went out and bought their own flaring kits...it is a big job...the fenders have to be removed and all, about 7 to 8 hours labor. Just the line replacements would be upwards of $800. The calipers will have to be replaced then too, as the fittings to adjust/bleed the brakes are corroded, some are frozen shut and others leaking. That would add upwards of another $1200 to $1500. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). ## VIN passed ##

- Stevensville, MD, USA

problem #19

Feb 282013

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 131,589 miles
Have 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4WD 5.3 engine A/T. was driving 45 mph when vehicle suddenly stalled out & lost all steering/brakes. 131,589 miles on odometer at time. Managed to coast vehicle onto shoulder, waited 2 minutes, started vehicle again, pulled out into busy traffic just to make it 2 blocks before stall out again. Repeated this process several more times before I found a gas station. Suspecting water in gas, added 1 bottle of gas line anti-freeze. Drove rest of way home without incident. Replaced fuel filter, PCV valve, air filter, spark plugs, and cleaned throttle body just to have stall out the very next day. No codes are displayed in message center in dash board. Stalls out randomly without a pattern. Wait 1-2 minutes then will start again.

- Saginaw, MI, USA

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