10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 21 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 12 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 109,453 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
I had complete brake failure with no warning, brake line is rusted. And had to use emergency brake to stop.was a nightmare.
- Pasadena, MD, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The vehicle was taken for state inspection when the contact was informed that all of the brake lines were corroded and would have to be replaced. There was an investigation under NHTSA action number: EA11001 (service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings) that could have been related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.
- Biddeford, ME, USA
The vehicles brakes failed while approaching a stop sign (I was lucky there was no accident or injury). The vehicle was towed and the mechanic reported catastropic failure of the brake lines (rusted through causing complete loss of fluid).
- Landenberg, PA, USA
Thank goodness I just got off a major roadway in town. My 16 year old son was driving the vehicle. We got home and I had to run back out. I was driving at the time. Pulled out of my cul-de-sac and went to apply the brakes at the stop sign and the pedal went to the floor. Lucky no cars or children were in my path. All lines are rusted out. Had two sections (front) with major rot that were leaking. No indicator lights or signs prior to malfunction. Bought new lines from local auto parts store and have been replacing a little at a time. Entire underside of truck looks like its 50 years old!!!! will see what rots out next.
- Lanoka Harbor, NJ, USA
I was driving 60mph when construction cones brought traffic to one lane. As I began to apply my brakes, I could feel my foot going to the floor and I was not slowing at all. I tried the emergncy brake, and also no braking occured. I managed to drive onto the medium, and luckily was able to avoid all the "construction junk" that littered that area. After a very long time, I was able to safely maneuver to a safe stop. When I spoke with the mechanic, he told me there were no brake lines.
- Wolcott, NY, USA
While driving, the vehicle operator experienced complete brake failure--vehicle was towed to nearest Chevrolet dealer and is now awaiting "new " brake line installation. I have been told that the entire braking system has corroded and will need to be replaced.
- Ostervlle, MA, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the anti-lock braking system would activate erroneously while driving 10-15 mph, increasing the braking distance of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The test results showed a faulty anti-lock braking sensor. The vehicle was repaired but the failure would recur while driving at low speeds. The contact stated the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign I.D. number 05V379000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock) but the repair did not remedy the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.
- Mt. Airy, MD, USA
I was driving and tried to apply the brakes. The brake pedal went completely to the floor and I had no brakes. I applied the emergency brake to get the vehicle stopped. I found the main brake line going to the rear axle had blown. After further investigation, I found every one of the brake lines coming off of the ABS block to be completely deteriorated/rusted. Every brake line on the vehicle will need to be replaced. It was also noted that the fuel lines are not rusted. There is obviously a difference in the metal used at the time. Also should be noted, that there was no indication or warning from the vehicle when this happened. I brake reservoir was not completely drained when the line blew.
- Moundsville, WV, USA
I am the original owner of this 2002 Chevy Silverado. I was driving about 15 mph and as I started braking the pedal went to the floor. Once the pedal went to the floor the truck started to brake. I was able to slowly make it home as I was only a half mile away. When I got home I inspected the under side of the vehicle and found the main rear brake line had rusted and was spilling brake fluid near the driver rear shock. After inspecting all the steel tube brake lines they all will need replacing as all are rusted very badly.
- Glen Burnie, MD, USA
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the brake pedal was depressed with no immediate response. The contact shifted into a lower gear and applied the emergency brake in order to stop the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed brake fluid leaking. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who replaced the rusted brake lines and a brake hose. The failure recurred on two different occasions and the vehicle was repaired by an independent mechanic each time. The brake hose and brake lines were replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 07/13/12 updated 07/1912
- Slatington, PA, USA
While turning left into a parking space, the brake peddle was hard and would not go down. After pumping the brakes, the peddle went down and the truck stopped. This has happened several times. Each time, while turning left and going slower than 10 mph. I have found that this is a common problem with this vehicle and there is a recall for "salt belt" states. Tennessee is not considered one, even though the roads are salted several times per winter season.
- Shelbyville, TN, USA
- Hamlin, NY, USA