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.
Limited recall limits my safety! I had a recent close call in my 1996 GMC Suburban. The brakes began to anti-lock on dry pavement when anti-lock assistance was not required, thus greatly increasing my stopping distance. The brakes were not pressed hard; the anti-lock should not have engaged. It was a close call between my truck and the vehicle in front of me. Currently my Suburban is not covered under GM's recent limited recall. However, attention needs to be given to this situation; my truck needs to be covered. My concern is not a trivial, my safety and the safety of others is at hand. GM should be more than happy to take care of a safety issue. I recently read an article in the detroit news about GM's recall of 1.4 million 99-02 full size trucks and SUV's in 20 states. The recall concerns the anti-lock brake wheel hub sensor getting inaccurate readings. The article brought the severity and critical importance of this recall and my problem to my attention. Proper recall procedures need to cover all vehicles affected, not limited by mileage, age, or location. Safety needs to be the main concern, not a political or financial agenda of automakers. Thank you for your prompt attention to my concerns...updated 07/01/14
1996 Chevrolet Suburban. A manufacturer's recall 05068 concerning ABS brakes on the 1999 through 2002 models. Was issued. This vehicle was not included in the recall although the consumer experienced the same problem as mentioned in the recall. The consumer had not taken vehicle to the dealer yet, but the consumer knew that there was no recall on this make an model, and year for the ABS. The ABS activated between 3-10 mph, causing extended stopping distance. This started happening about six months ago, not every time. Now, it happens every time while driving the vehicle under any road conditions. There have been no accidents because of this, but it is just a matter of time. Could not count the number of times the ABS failed.
Vehicle was exhibiting no problems. Upon approaching a red traffic light the brake pedal was depressed, and the pedal went to the floor, as if the ABS system was kicking in, but the vehicle did not slow down. I replaced the master cylinder and bled all brake lines, and the condition still exists. I performed diagnostics on the vehicle according to seveal service manuals and determined that the ABS modulator valve has failed in such a manner as to allow brake fluid to bleed into the ABS accumulator, without getting an ABS diagnostic failure light. I had to drive the vehicle home for over 20 miles with severely limited breaking power and was very fortunate to have avoided an accident. I would rather not have ABS breaks on the vehicle than have a break system that can fail in this manner. Pumping the brake pedal was ineffective in building brake pressure, as is normally the case when a master cylinder fails.
Brakes became very difficult to depress. Fortunately I was able to stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision with stopped traffic. Power assist was replaced and brakes are operating fine. Learned through auto parts supplier and dealership that this failure on the Suburban has been very common.
Truck pulls when braking. Tbs fix implemented with little to no improvement. Last time at dealer, dealer said GMC has problem with 3/4ton Suburban brakes but doesn't have fix. Nothing he can do. Truck has had combination valve replaced, rear shoes replaced, front pads replaced (5X total), calipers replaced, rotors replaced, tie rods replaced, idle arm replaced, steering box and pitman arm replaced, front brake hoses replaced, control arm bushings replaced, and aligned several times with no fix to the problem. Braking at highway speeds it is very dangerous. You don't know which way the vehicle will go and how hard it will try to get there. As an engine designer I find it amazing that GM has a handling/safety issue of this magnitude. This is a big truck to have such a controlability problem. Please help. A shaull
When applying ABS brakes pedal becomes extremely soft and nearly goes to floor, causing extended stopping distance. Also, brake pads and rotors have been replaced. But has not corrected the problem.
Repeated problems with brake failure following vehicle being parked in wet weather. Sometimes there is near total loss of braking capability, sometimes severe vehicle "bucking" while trying to stop. Symptoms diminish after several blocks of driving, re-appear after vehicle is parked for a few hours. Dealer examined shortly after we purchased vehicle (used) and found no problem. Have talked to other owners of Suburban and GMC/Chevy light trucks of similar vintage and have found similar complaints. Recent episode involved inability to stop and vehicle continued clear through intersection. I suspect rear brake linings/drums rust and tend to lock/release which seems to confuse the ABS system until linings wear clean again. Vehicle is a hazard to operate for first few blocks in wet weather.
A truck in front of me stopped when the traffic light turned yellow. I tried to stop and had plenty of time to stop. The brakes locked up (there was a slight noise of the brakes locking up) and I was surprised I was not going to be able to stop. I released the brakes to try braking again. I applied the brakes and they locked up again. To avoid rear ending the truck, I had to swerve between it and the car in the left turn lane. My passenger side rear view mirror made contact with the backside of the truck. My brakes finally caught when my Suburban was ahead of his truck. The pavement was wet but it was not raining.
EA95026, poor brake performance: When applying the brakes in an emergency situation, pedal travels to the floorboard and the truck would not stop. This condition caused a rear end crash. This happens on any type of road surface and no inclement weather. Dealer was not able to duplicate this problem.
When slamming on brakes to avod hitting another vehicle, brakes locked up, and vehicle slid about 15 feet before stopping. Consumer stated that ground was not wet.
The ABS would fade when brakes were applied. Also, after brakes were applied, vehicle surged. Had applied pressure on brakes & vehicle failed to stop/ extended stoppping distance.
Brake pads had to be replaced on four occasions on front wheels within every 13,000 miles of wear. Notified dealer and informed consumer to contact manufacturer who, in turn advised consumer to contact NHTSA. Can NHTSA help or provide additional information on this matter.
Noted car stopped at red light, started braking at around 300 feet, 35 mph, full ABS, wet road, impacted rear at perhaps 10 mph. Just traded a Ford van without ABS and am certain it would have stopped in that distance. Further note: The Suburban's tire pressure was 40 psi all four.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Redford, MI, USA