Chevrolet Silverado Complaints (2003)

2,092 consumer complaints on file.

#10509576April 25, 2013
STRUCTURE
THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED 3 YEARS AGO. AFTER THE FIRST MONTH OF PURCHASE I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE RETAILER WITH PEELING ON ALL FOUR SIDEWALLS. I CHOOSE TO HAVE THESE TIRES MOUNTED WITH THE WHITE LETTERING TO THE OUTSIDE AND THE PEELING WAS ON THE BLACK PART OF THE TIRES ALL OVER EVEN BETWEEN THE LETTERING. THE MANAGER INFORMED ME I HAD RAN AGAINST SOME CURBING-NOW HOW DOES ONE RUN UP AGAINST CURBING WITH ALL FOUR TIRES AT ONE TIME AND NOT EVEN SCAR UP THE TIRE OR THE LETTERING? IN MY ESTIMATION THIS COULD NOT HAPPEN. HE INFORMED ME IT WAS A COSMETIC DEFECT AND WOULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. THE SITUATION BECAME INCREASINGLY WORSE THROUGHOUT THE REMAINDER OF TIME WITH NUMEROUS FLATS, UNEVEN WEAR AND EXTREME VIBRATION. THIS IS A COMPANY VEHICLE AND DUE TO LIABILITY REASONS AND LACK OF SUPPORT FROM THE RETAILER, THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN ONLY 10,000 MILES PER YEAR ON THESE TIRES. MY EMPLOYEE CALLED AND INFORMED ME OF A FLAT ON THE VEHICLE AND THE OTHER 3 TIRES WERE AT THE POINT WHERE THE STEEL BELTS WERE SHOWING THROUGH. AT THIS POINT I CONTACTED THE MANAGER AT THE RETAILER ONLY TO BE TOLD I WOULD BE GIVEN CREDIT OF $49.00 PER TIRE EVEN THOUGH I HAD TROUBLE FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. I PERSONALLY FEEL LIKE THESE TIRES SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE RECALL LIST FROM THE VERY BEGINNING BUT NOW I WILL BE FORCED TO PAY FULL PRICE AT ANOTHER DISTRIBUTOR FOR ANOTHER SET OF TIRES. THE TIRES ON OUR VEHICLES ARE OUR LIVELIHOOD SINCE THIS IS A SALESMEN VEHICLE AND MANY MORE DOLLARS IN SALES COULD HAVE BEEN MADE HAD I NOT BEEN AFRAID FROM A LIABILITY STANDPOINT. RIGHT NOW I CAN'T AFFORD TO MAKE A DECISION ON THIS SINCE NEW TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN BUDGETED FOR THIS VEHICLE AND WE HAVE NO EXTRA ONES AT THIS TIME. FOR DISCOUNT TIRES SAKE I HOPE THERE ARE NO ACCIDENTS THAT TAKE PLACE IN THIS VEHICLE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10509607April 25, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
I ENTERED MY 2003 MODEL YEAR CHEVY SILVERADO 2500 HD TRUCK ON APRIL 19, 2013 AT MY RESIDENCE. I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND PRESSED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PUT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE. UPON PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT IMMEDIATELY WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOORBOARD AND NO BRAKE STOPPING ACTION WAS APPARENT. IT IS IMPERATIVE TO RECOGNIZE THAT I ROUTINELY APPLY THE MANUAL PARKING BRAKE WHEN I PARK THE TRUCK, SO IN THIS INSTANCE WHEN THE BRAKES SEVERELY MALFUNCTIONED THE TRUCK WAS PREVENTED FROM MOVING FORWARD AS THE VEHICLE WENT INTO DRIVE. I PLACED THE TRUCK BACK INTO PARK AND PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL NUMEROUS TIMES ATTEMPTING TO RECOVER MY VEHICLE BRAKES, TO NO AVAIL. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT I WAS PARKED FACING A DOWNWARD ANGLE WHEN I EXPERIENCED THIS TERRIBLE BRAKE FAILURE. AND HAD I NOT EMPLOYED THE PARKING BRAKE IN ADVANCE THERE SURELY WOULD HAVE BEEN A COLLISION RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. AFTER MY ATTEMPTS TO RECOVER MY TRUCK BRAKES PROVED FUTILE, I DISCOVERED A LARGE PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID ON THE GROUND DIRECTLY UNDER MY DRIVER'S SIDE COMPARTMENT. IT WAS DETERMINED ALL STEEL BRAKE LINES WERE SEVERELY RUSTED AND THE TWO (2) BRAKE LINES RUNNING FROM THE TRUCK'S MASTER CYLINDER TO THE ABS MODULE HAD A NUMBER OF RUST DETERIORATION HOLES IN THE STEEL LINES RENDERING THE TRUCK UNUSABLE AND UNSAFE. MY TRUCK HAS ONLY 36,095 MILES ON IT . I CAN NOT COMPREHEND HOW THIS "LATENT DEFECT" IN THE 2003 YEAR CHEVY SILVERADO TRUCKS BRAKE SYSTEMS COULD GO UNRECOGNIZED BY THE MANUFACTURER AND A RECALL NOT INITIATED AND CORRECTIVE ACTION NOT TAKEN. AN IMMEDIATE RECALL IS WARRANTED AND ADEQUATE REPAIR COMPENSATION TO ME IN PARTICULAR IS CERTAINLY JUSTIFIED, ALONG WITH ALL OTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME "LATENT DEFECT". THE MANUFACTURER MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION AND PROVIDE ME COMPENSATION. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10509263April 23, 2013
ENGINE
I NOTICE A TICKING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS. I ASSUMED IT MAY BE AN EXHAUST LEAK AND I WAS CORRECT. THIS VEHICLE HAS A STAINLESS STEEL EXHAUST SYSTEM THAT SHOULD LAST A LIFETIME YET THERE SEEMS TO BE A REAL PROBLEM WITH EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BREAKING OFF, CAUSING EXHAUST LEAKS WHICH POLLUTE THE AIR AND RUIN OTHER VEHICLE COMPONENTS SUCH AS THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. I AM ALSO THINKING THAT THE MANIFOLDS ARE WARPING CAUSING THE BOLTS TO BREAK. THESE REPAIRS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE AND/OR TIME CONSUMING. STAINLESS STEEL BOLTS WOULD HAVE POSSIBLY PREVENTED THIS PROBLEM. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS 1999 TO 2007 VEHICLES AND I HEREBY REQUEST THAT A RECALL BE FORCED UPON THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN BUILDING CARS LONG ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER. THERE IS ALSO A VIDEO ON YOU - TUBE THAT EXPLAINS THIS CONDITION. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10508750April 19, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
(*AFFECTED PART - IT DOESN'T LET ME TO TYPE IPC - INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER) FUEL NEEDLE IS NOT OPERATING - COMPLETELY. BATTERY VOLTAGE NEEDLE - IS NOT OPERATING - COMPLETELY. SPEEDOMETER IS STICKING. LIGHTS AT DASHBOARD ARE DIM, TAKES COUPLE MINUTES TO GET BACK TO NORMAL. GM IS AWARE OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCT (IPC - INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER) THAT WAS INSTALLED ON ALL 2003 AND 2004 CHEVY SILVERADO, BUT IS REFUSING TO CORRECT A PROBLEM. THEY ISSUED ONLY SHORT TERM "SPECIAL COVERAGE", WHICH EXPIRED IN 04/2010, WITHOUT EVEN NOTIFYING ALL OF OWNERS ABOUT DEFECT, SO - GOD FORBID - THEY WON'T GO TO DEALERSHIP AND HAVE IT REPLACED AT THAT TIME. IT'S A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING IT. I AM DRIVING NOT KNOWING HOW MUCH GASOLINE IS IN MY TANK, IS MY BATTERY VOLTAGE OK OR REALLY HAS PROBLEM, WHAT IS MY SPEED AND IF IT COMPLIES WITH SPEED LIMIT, AND AT NIGHT I EVEN DON'T SEE DASHBOARD INFO. GM SAYS - "IT'S YOUR PROBLEM, NOT OUR. TAKE CARE OF IT ON YOUR OWN". I PURCHASED VEHICLE IN GOOD FAITH THAT ALL PARTS ARE IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. IN REALITY THAT WAS NOT A CASE. GM INSTALLED DEFECTIVE PARTS ON THEIR VEHICLE AND SHOULD CARRY FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPLACING THEM WITH GOOD ONES. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10508656April 18, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
APPROACHING A 3 WAY STOP INTERSECTION, UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP AT THE INTERSECTION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. NO WARNING LAMPS OF ANY SORT WERE ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE BRAKE PEDAL GOING TO THE FLOOR. PUMPING OF THE PEDAL DID NOT PRODUCE ANY RESISTANCE. AFTER COUPLE MINUTES THE "SERVICE BRAKES" WARNING CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE TRUCK TO A STOP BY SLOWING DOWN. HAD TO HAVE THE TRUCK TOWED TO A FIRESTONE SERVICE CENTER THE TECHNICIAN, THE SERVICE CONSULTANT, AND I ALL OBSERVED THE RUSTED BRAKE LINES, THEY WERE ALL BADLY CORRODED, ONE OF THE LINES HAD DEVELOPED A PIN HOLE LEAD RESULTING IN THE BRAKE FAILURE. I HAVE OWNED MANY VEHICLES FAR OLDER AND WITH FAR MORE MILEAGE AND HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE THE STEEL BRAKE LINES. I BELIEVE THE DESIGN IS FLAWED (THE ROUTING AND PLACEMENT OF LINES AND MODULE) OR THE BRAKE LINE MATERIAL (STEEL, INSTEAD OF STAINLESS STEEL) IS INSUFFICIENT. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10506004April 11, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE DRIVING ABOUT 60 TO 70 MPH WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY TRUCK SWITCHED TO FWD LOW ALL ON ITS OWN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ON THE SHOULDER . I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE VEHICLE BACK IN 2WD. LATER THE SERVICE 4WD LIGHT CAME ON. I ALSO HAVE OCCASIONS WHEN ALL OF THE DASH LIGHTS WILL COME ON AND ALL THE GAUGES DROP AND NOW MY ABS LIGHT FLASHES AND THE WARNING BELL RINGS AS I DRIVE DOWN THE ROAD. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10505435April 2, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING ON A MAIN CITY STREET WITH HEAVY TRAFFIC THE CARS AHEAD OF ME STARTED TO BRAKE. I STARTED TO APPLY MY BRAKES LIGHTLY WHEN THE PEDAL WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR, I WENT FOR THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE TRUCK. AFTER INSPECTION THE MAIN BRAKE LINE TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND RUPTURED ! ALL OF THE OTHER BRAKE LINES ON THE VEHICLE ARE IN JUST AS BAD SHAPE AND NEED TO BE REPLACED ALSO. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10505298April 1, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. MECHANIC LOOKED AT VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT ALL BRAKE LINES WERE ROTTED OUT AND LEAKED BRAKE FLUID. ALL LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10504793March 28, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO C1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE WENT ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,974. UPDATED 05/10/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED CAUSING BRAKE FLUIDS TO LEAK OUT. UPDATED 05/28/2013 *JS
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10504838March 28, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
I HAVE READ IN THE INTERNET THAT THIS PROBLEM IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEMS. IT IS SORT OF RIDICULOUS TO TAKE OFF A BATTERY TO CLEAN IT . PUT BACK ON AND NOTHING BUT HOT AIR ON PASSENGER. MY WIFE IS PRETTY UPSET ABOUT THIS, SHE WILL NOT EVEN DRIVE IN MY TRUCK ANYMORE. WHAT A CRYING SHAME! *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10504399March 25, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKE LINES HAVE FAILED ON THIS VEHICLE AND A REPORT ISSUED TO NHTSA. THIS TIME, MY SON WAS DRIVING AND APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP AT A STOP SIGN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. HE WENT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN, CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN THAT SLOWED HIM DOWN, AND ENDED UP ON TOP OF THE MEDIAN. THANK GOODNESS THE TRUCK WAS EMPTY AND NO ONE WAS USING THE RIGHT-OF-WAY AT THE INTERSECTION. INSPECTION SHOWED YET ANOTHER CORRODED BRAKE LINE. THIS BRAKE LINE WAS OEM. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED AFTER THE PREVIOUS INCIDENT LOOK FINE AND ARE NOT CORRODED. IT APPEARS THAT ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES NEED TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THIS SAFETY DEFECT. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED HE EXPERIENCED HYDRAULIC BRAKE FAILURE AT 51,848 MILES DUE TO CORRODED BRAKE LINES. THE LINES BURST IN AN AREA THAT WAS WEAKENED BY CORROSION AND FAILED UNDER NORMAL USAGE AND BRAKE LINE PRESSURE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT FAILURE WAS EMINENT. THE DEALER REPLACED THE RUSTED BRAKE LINES FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. UPDATED 04/03/13
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10504305March 24, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE LINES COMPLETELY ROTTED BEYOND REPAIR, SO BAD THAT THEY CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM THE ABS UNIT, WHICH SHOULD NOT BE UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK, SO VULNERABLE TO CORROSION FROM SALT. THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN STAINLESS LINES, OR ROUTED DIFFERENTLY. SAME WITH THE FUEL LINES. I WAS A DIE HARD CHEVY GUY, BUT THIS IS RIDICULOUS. SOOO MANY PEOPLE HAVE ISSUES WITH THIS, GM NEEDS TO STEP UP. I CAN'T WAIT TO SELL THIS TRUCK AND BUY AN ANTIQUE. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10504343March 24, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
HAD JUST DRIVEN 30 MILES ON BACKROADS TO MY PARENTS HOUSE TO PICKUP AN ENCLOSED RACE TRAILER (FULLY LOADED) AND WAS BACKING UP TO HOOKUP, HAD GOTTEN OUT TO CHECK LINEUP AND WHEN I GOT BACK IN TO BACKUP FURTHER THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND GOT A "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM" WARNING ON THE GAUGES. UPON INVESTIGATION I FOUND ONE OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINES THAT RUN ON TOP OF THE FRAME RAIL IN THE ENGINE BAY THAT RUNS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE NEXT TO THE ENGINE HAD BURST AND THE LINES WERE RUSTED. I WOULD HATE TO WONDER WHAT WOULD OF HAPPENED IF THIS HAPPENED WHILE I WAS PULLING TRAILER ON COUNTRY BACKROADS AS I WAS GETTING READY TO DO......GM REALLY NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10504245March 23, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
COASTING TO A STOP SIGN. PRESSED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. ENGAGED EMERGENCY BRAKE JUST BEFORE REAR END COLLISION WITH VEHICLE AT STOP. A PUDDLE OF BRAKE FLUID REMAINED AFTER A TOW HOME. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10503613March 19, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. ALL BRAKELINES WERE RUSTED AND HAD HOLES IN THEM. MECHANIC REPLACED ALL BRAKELINES, LINES WERE ALL IN VERY POOR SHAPE. (RUSTED) *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10503272March 16, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS DRIVING AROUND 45MPH AND WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I DID NOT HAVE TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES, HOWEVER, IF THIS WAS AN EMERGENCY BRAKING CONDITION, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP SAFELY. THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE LINE RUSTED AND FLUID CAME OUT. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS ENGINEERING FAILURE. BRAKE LINES SHOULD NOT BE MADE OUT OF MATERIAL THAT CAN RUST. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10503038March 14, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
MID AUGUST 2012 APPROXIMATELY 5 PM AVERAGE TEMPERATURE WAS 76 DEGREES AND ROADS WERE DRY. WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 83 SOUTHBOUND NEAR HARRISBURG PA AT APPROXIMATELY 5PM I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE (BRAKE) PEDAL TRAVELED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I IMMEDIATELY LOST SAFE BRAKING DISTANCE. I ATTEMPTED TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO UTILIZE WHAT BRAKE POWER I HAD LEFT WHILE DOWN SHIFTING TO USE THE ENGINE TO ASSIST IS SLOWING THE VEHICLE DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN APPROXIMATELY 2/10 OF A MILE. I THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUPTURED THUS RELEASING BRAKE FLUID AND CAUSING BRAKE LOSS. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES HAVE SIGNIFICANT CORROSION. A TEMPORARY REPAIR WAS MADE TO THE RUPTURED LINE HOWEVER IT HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED BY A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER THAT ALL THE LINES BE REPLACED. I WAS TOLD (BY THE SERVICE MANAGER) THE CAUSE OF THE EXCESSIVE CORROSION IS FROM THE TREATMENTS USED ON HIGHWAYS FOR WINTER DRIVING. HE ALSO TOLD ME HE IS REPLACING BRAKE LINES ON AT LEAST 3 TRUCKS A MONTH. I SPOKE TO OTHER GARAGES IN THE CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA AREA. THOSE GARAGES CONFIRMED THEY ARE SEEING AN INCREASE IN GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLE BRAKE LINE REPAIRS. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10503042March 14, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
MID AUGUST 2012 APPROXIMATELY 5 PM AVERAGE TEMPERATURE WAS 76 DEGREES AND ROADS WERE DRY. WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 83 SOUTHBOUND NEAR HARRISBURG PA AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE (BRAKE) PEDAL TRAVELED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I IMMEDIATELY LOST SAFE BRAKING DISTANCE. I ATTEMPTED TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO UTILIZE WHAT BRAKE POWER I HAD LEFT WHILE DOWN SHIFTING TO USE THE ENGINE TO ASSIST IS SLOWING THE VEHICLE DOWN. WHILE USING THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP IN APPROXIMATELY 2/10 OF A MILE. I THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. UPON INSPECTION, I FOUND ONE OF THE BRAKE LINES HAD RUPTURED THUS RELEASING BRAKE FLUID AND CAUSING BRAKE LOSS. AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION I FOUND ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES HAVE SIGNIFICANT CORROSION. A TEMPORARY REPAIR WAS MADE TO THE RUPTURED LINE HOWEVER IT HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED BY A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER THAT ALL THE LINES BE REPLACED. I WAS TOLD (BY THE SERVICE MANAGER) THE CAUSE OF THE EXCESSIVE CORROSION IS FROM THE TREATMENTS USED ON HIGHWAYS FOR WINTER DRIVING. HE ALSO TOLD ME HE IS REPLACING BRAKE LINES ON AT LEAST 3 TRUCKS A MONTH. I SPOKE TO OTHER GARAGES IN THE CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA AREA. THOSE GARAGES CONFIRMED THEY ARE SEEING AN INCREASE IN GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLE BRAKE LINE REPAIRS. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10502339March 11, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DECELERATING AND DESCENDING A HILL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND STOPPING DISTANCE WAS INCREASED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE MECHANIC STATED ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10502007March 7, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES
2003 CHEVY SILVERADO, PURCHASED NEW WITH 92K MILES ON THE CLOCK NOW. WHILE STARTING OUT FROM MY DRIVEWAY, I STOPPED FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO PRESSURE RESISTANCE. I RETURNED TO THE GARAGE AND SAW BRAKE FLUID DRIPPING FROM THE LEFT FRONT. A QUICK EXAMINATION SHOWED THAT A STEEL BRAKE LINE BURST OBVIOUSLY DUE TO MASSIVE RUST. THIS IS A SERIOUS, UNEXPECTED AND A CRITICAL DESIGN FAILURE. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER SEEN SNOW/SALT AND THE STEEL BRAKE LINES ALONG THE UNDERBODY ARE LIKE-NEW (EVEN THOUGH THIS WOULD BE THE AREA THAT CORROSION WOULD BE EXPECTED!). I AM NO LONGER YOUNG AND HAVE DRIVEN MANY VEHICLES WITH OVER A HUNDRED THOUSAND MILES ON MOST OF THEM. I HAVE NEVER HAD A STEEL BRAKE LINE BURST. TO SEE HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS JUST ON THIS DATABASE IS CLEAR EVIDENCE OF A SAFETY ISSUE THAT HAS --- TO DATE --- BEEN IGNORED. IF NOT A RECALL, AT LEAST PROVIDE NOTICE TO OWNERS THAT THERE EXISTS A POTENTIALLY FATAL FLAW IN THE MATERIALS USED IN THE BRAKE SYSTEMS OF THESE VEHICLES. SINCE I'M STILL ON THE ORIGINAL FRONT BRAKE PADS, I THINK IT'S SAFE TO SAY I AM A GENTLE DRIVER AND HAVE NOT ABUSED THE BRAKES. THANKS. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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