Corrosion (rust through/failure) of front/right metal brake line in 1999 Buick Century (9 yr old car, 96K miles). The brake pedal became very mushy and went to the floor and there was an obvious leak of brake fluid onto the ground. The repair shop says it was caused by corrosion/rust through. The brake line ruptured at some time during my maneuver to avoid a collision, but I didn't notice it until after the incident, so I don't believe that it contributed to the very minor contact caused by the other vehicle entering my lane without warning, but I will check the "crash" box below because brake line failure happened some time during a very minor crash (touching of two cars). In the search for my next car, I noticed that the 2008 Toyota Camry and corolla as well as Honda Accord appear to use "coated" brake and gas lines to prevent corrosion failures (could see a black coating and not just bare steel). From now on, I will never buy a vehicle that does not have coated lines (or stainless steel). Coating these lines (or using stainless steel) is such an easy safety precaution. Most muffler pipes are now stainless steel, so why is the NHTSA not making it mandatory for manufacturers to coat or use S.S. for brake lines and gas lines?

- Depew, NY, USA

Driving to work, my brake pedal began to get soft but I made it to work safely. At work, I popped the hood a found the brake reservoir was empty. I had not noticed any leaks on my driveway before so I was confused at this leakage. I was able to refill the reservior and tested my brakes at lunch and they seemed better. But before driving home I noticed there was a puddle under the car. I drove home, with my brakes getting softer at each brake application. Once home the leaking continued. The source of the leaks is the brake lines rusting. Upon further investigation, the fuel vapor lines are also rusting through and leaking. Rusting brake and fuel lines should not happen. I think there is a manufactured part defect in these lines that is allowing them to rust.

- Okeana, OH, USA

: the contact stated upon inspection of the vehicle, it was noticed the pipe coming from the fuel tank was coming apart due to corrosion. The dealer and manufacturer has not been alerted. Updated 08/15/06.

- Hendersonville, NC, USA

The consumer owns a 1999 Buick Century. He states that six months after he purchased the vehicle he took the vehicle in for a recall on the headlights. While the vehicle was there they maintenance the vehicle and found that the gas filler pipe had deteriorated and the cooling system intake was leaking coolant. This vehicle only has about 50,000 miles. Both front lower control arm bushings had blown out and they had to be replaced also. Wyoming valley motors po box 1308 kingston, pa 18704-0308. He has spoken with GM they told him they would get back with him in a couple of days and they did not contact him back. He is not available until after 4:30. They told him the gas filler pipe was normal for the vehicle. He seen a article that said they had been having this problem with year for the cooling system. They also said the bushings was normal wear on a car also. He did go onto carfax and it did not indicate any time of problems with the vehicle.

- Shaverton, PA, USA