Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK | |||
| 10/21/2002 | |||
| While driving abs brake will engage without cause. the dealership indicated that their is a service bulletin for this problem but that would not fix the problem as a result of vehicle mileage. please provide more details.ts | |||
| 06/27/1997 | 06/27/1997 | ||
| Abs malfunction. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR | |||
| 03/06/2005 | 88000 | 1 | 05/05/2000 |
| Vehicle is a 1997 chevy k1500 pickup the problem is that the abs brakes sometimes activate at low speeds, which definately causes it to take a couple extra feet to stop, which could be a problem since it typically happens when in stop and go traffic and you're already close to the car in front. the dealer gave me a tsb which describes the problem and says it is due to corrosion of the wheel hub. my mechanic tried to fix the problem, but the sensor on the passenger side was siezed in the hub, which likely means the entire hub will need to be replaced to fix the problem. for the time being, the abs system has been disabled, and the brakes are now functioning normally (but obviously without the anti-lock function). based on news reports, this is a very common problem which gm appears to be downplaying. this has prompted me to file this report so that my vehicle could be counted in the statistics. note that this was not a single event, so the incident date is approximately when the abs system was disabled. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 05/17/2010 | 147000 | ||
| Abs engages at low speed resulting in extended stopping distance. or when stopped and brake pedal depressed vehicle will travel forward unless brake pedal is depressed further. | |||
| 09/01/2006 | 1 | ||
| An unnecessary activation of the abs, the same as described in nhtsa recall #05v379000, has occurred numerous times with my 1997 chevrolet k1500. i was unaware that this was a common problem, until recently. according to the majority of on-line, chevy owner forums i've read, this is not unusual in pre-1999 chevy trucks, yet recall #05v379000 doesn't cover them. in order to avoid a crash, i've disconnected the abs on my truck. this is clearly a safety issue that should be addressed. *tr | |||
| 05/20/2008 | 78262 | 1 | |
| I have a 1997 chevy truck that continues to have brake failure. i see the recall is from 1999-2003 but am horrified that the problem is identical. i have replaced every part of my braking system and it still has the same problem. i can't stop!! my brakes are going to fail and i hope no one gets killed in the process. gm needs to be held responsible for this problem. thousands of complaints are on the web from the 1997 year truck! *tr | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 07/04/2007 | 100 | 10/10/1997 | |
| 97 chevy k1500 abs false activation. dealers response was there is no known problem and is not a warranty issue. refused to investigate without payment. abs activates at slow speed and when brakes are not applied at all. caused minor collision which was not reported. *tr | |||
| 07/16/2007 | 80000 | 100 | 08/24/2000 |
| Front wheel speed sensor in 1997 chevy k1500 unwanted antilock brake system (abs) activation this can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash. *tr | |||
| 10/23/2006 | 89000 | 10 | 12/26/2003 |
| 1997 k1500 chevrolet silverado kelsey hayes abs activates on dry pavement (no wheel slip) between 5-10 mph when brakes applied hard or softly. this leads to increased stopping distance unless brakes released and reapplied quickly. this has caused several near miss collisions with parked vehicles (no collision has yet occurred.) one front wheel speed sensor replaced by dealer on 9/2005 (part not available) this temporarily fixed the problem, but ~4 months later the problem began recurring. a second dealer stated this was a known problem (nhtsa campaign #05v379000) due to rust accumulating around front wheel speed sensors but no recall has been issued for 1997 model year. vehicle has been owned and operated primarily in mn, sd, and ny. *nm | |||
| 09/21/2006 | 179000 | 1 | 07/02/2006 |
| Dt*: the contact stated while depressing the brake pedal at low speeds, the abs engaged resulting in extended braking distance. the dealer was notified. | |||
| 08/03/2005 | 50000 | 6 | 09/03/1997 |
| 1997 chevy silverado k1500 z71. the anti-lock brake was preventing me from stopping at low speeds. they have recalled all the newer models to fix the defect, but not the older models. the only way to disable the anti-lock brake is to cut the anti-lock speed sensor for it. anti-brake light comes on after. at least, i have brakes. i was involved in many accidents, fortunately, with no major injuries other than many bumper scratches and dents. to avoid hitting a car at stop, i had to run off the road intentionally many times. this truck could get people killed if they are not recalled. *jb | |||
| 11/08/2005 | 102900 | 50 | 06/01/2000 |
| While exiting a ramp in lexington, ky, the antilock braking system on my pick-up failed, resulting in my truck not being able to stop. this resulted in my truck entering on-coming traffic and caused an non-injury accident. my family was present in the vehicle, including my 3 year old son. the truck was able to make it home, and is preparing to be repaired. the braking system continues to mal-function without warning, reducing or eliminating the ability to stop the vehicle. the anti-lock system kicks in constantly, and when this happens, the truck will not immediately stop. *nm | |||
| 11/28/2005 | 175000 | 1 | |
| Anti-lock brakes on 1997 chevrolet k1500 activating at low speeds - just started. this is on a truck 2 years older than currently being recalled in other states. *jb | |||
| 12/06/2005 | 97000 | 1 | 03/01/2001 |
| The anti-lock brakes come on at 6 mph regardless of road conditions. this makes the truck harder to stop at low speeds because the brake pedal automatically pumps. *jb | |||
| 10/27/2005 | 78350 | 100 | 09/20/1993 |
| In the past year i have noticed a hard braking situation at low speeds in which it felt like the anti- lock was kicking in even though it would be uncalled for. today, i pulled up to a stop sign and i pushed on the pedal with all my might and still drifted into on coming traffic who luckily was able to maneuver around me since i ended up in their lane. my pads, fluid and rotors are all good. i will be taking it to a gm dealer tomorrow for this problem since it has been occurring regularly and now nearly caused an accident.*jb | |||
| 10/20/2005 | 95000 | 1 | 11/01/2001 |
| Anti-lock braking system failure. has been occurring continuously for over three years at very low speeds. abs activates un-wanted and can cause loss of braking control/distance. 2000 models and newer already have recall on same issue. *jb | |||
| 09/20/2005 | 40000 | 20 | 06/15/1997 |
| Anti-lock brakes activate at low speed making it difficult to stop as anticipated at signs, etc. one is forced to push the brake pedal very hard to override the abs. even when you do override the abs, the delay in stopping puts you past the crosswalk or parking space!. *jb | |||
| 07/01/2004 | 130000 | 100 | 07/01/1998 |
| Abs braking system comes on at all stops. this causes stops to be extremely long, and almost running into things. incident date is approximate, since issue began slow (~1 in 20 stops). number of failures is currently every stop. currently i have unplugged the abs drive motor to make it stop. mechanic says that this is common for my truck, and must remove the abs sensors and wipe the face clean of debris. *nm | |||
| 01/10/2004 | 75000 | 100 | 06/07/1999 |
| At low speed anti-lock brake sensor activates, causing the vehicle to go forward while approaching the vehicle ahead of it. *ak | |||
| 10/27/2003 | 80000 | 1 | 07/03/2000 |
| I have a 1997 4wd chevy pickup with 4 wheel abs. when coming to a stop, just before the vehicle actually comes to a complete stop, the abs activates, the brake pedal goes to the floor, and the truck surges forward another few feet. this happens on dry pavement! there is no reason for the abs to activate and this causes a dangerous situation with the unpredictable surge forward of the vehicle. i have researched this problem on the internet and found tons of others with the same problem. yahoo search: abs activates on dry pavement revealed thousands of hits of consumers with the same problem. because it is related to brakes, i believe there is a serious safety risk to consumers and gm should recall the defect. this happens everyday and is very noticeable. i leave extra space while braking until i am able to get this fixed. *la | |||
| 05/15/2001 | 1 | 07/01/2097 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 06/14/2001 | 2 | ||
| While driving could step on the brakes pedal then vehicle will start vibrating from front of vehicle.front brakes had been replaced twice already, and currently needed to be replaced for third time. please provide more information. *ak | |||
| 12/20/2000 | 1 | 06/01/1997 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| When roads are wet and upon depressing brakes vehicle would go into a skid. dealer has been contacted. please provide further information.*ak | |||
| 04/14/1999 | 1 | 06/01/1997 | |
| While driving at 50 mph steering wheel is very loose, causing erratic power steering or loss steering control. consumer feels this is very scary, and avoids driving vehicle. also, anti-lock brake system has poor braking performance. *ak | |||
| 11/14/1999 | |||
| Intermittently while driving under normal conditions braking system malfunctioned, causing the brake pedal to feel spongy and going 3/4 to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance and a crash. *ak | |||
| 03/01/1999 | 1 | 07/01/1997 | |
| Steering speed sensor replaced to fix oversteer problem; abs regularly fail to keep wheels from locking up during emergency braking; electronic 4wd transfer case continues to stick in 4high for several minutes after disengaged with button. *ak | |||
| 02/07/1998 | 5 | 10/01/1997 | |
| No summary listed for this vehicle. *ak | |||
| 07/01/1998 | |||
| When stepping on brakes the steering would shimmy, and extended stopping distance occurred. dealer repaired brakes. upon leaving the shop the brakes locked up, dealer cannot duplicate the problem. *ak | |||
| 07/08/1998 | |||
| Consumer expperiencing frozen calipers which cause brake pads to wear out and warp rotors within 6000 miles of wear. dealer notified. *ak | |||
| 07/29/1998 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle is wearing out brake pads too soon for normal wear at 28000 miles. dealer informed consumer that they are aware of problem but nothing could be done at this time. consumer was charged for repair and service. *ak consumer states there is noise in the rear axle area while traveling over bumps, dealer unable to locate rattle. *slc | |||
| 02/24/1998 | 1 | 04/01/1997 | |
| Anti-lock brakes failed causing a vehicle collision. | |||
| While driving tried to make a sudden stop by depressing the brake pedal to the floorboard and the vehical continued to still travel. consumer pressed the brakes again and the vehicle stopped. dealer has been contacted. *ak | |||
| 5 | 09/01/1996 | ||
| Brake problems. | |||
| When applying the abs brakes in any type of weather or speed, the pedal goes to the floor and the brakes fail to stop the vehicle. ak | |||
| 12/16/1996 | |||
| Abs brakes, when brakes where applied, pedal went nearly to the floor, abs grabbed for a second, vehicle continued to roll, pumped brakes, impact 12:00 position speed , 5mph. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 08/30/1999 | 1 | ||
| The consumer believes the vehicle has a faulty brake system, the vehicle experiences extended stopping distance especially when driving in damp, foggy, snowy and rainy weather, the brakes grab and feel spongy, the dealer has repalced the rotors, pads and brake booster. nlm | |||
| 1 | 05/01/1997 | ||
| Brakes experience extended stopping distances. | |||
| When applying the brakes the pedal goes to the floor and vehicle will not stop. dealer has serviced before, but problem still exists. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 06/14/2001 | 2 | ||
| While driving could step on the brakes pedal then vehicle will start vibrating from front of vehicle.front brakes had been replaced twice already, and currently needed to be replaced for third time. please provide more information. *ak | |||
| 12/01/1997 | |||
| This vehicle with a heavy duty towing package came equipped with special brakes for the rear brakes, but not for the front brakes which causes the rear brakes to lock up, and almost resulted in an accident. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER | |||
| 07/08/1998 | |||
| Consumer expperiencing frozen calipers which cause brake pads to wear out and warp rotors within 6000 miles of wear. dealer notified. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||
| 07/29/1998 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle is wearing out brake pads too soon for normal wear at 28000 miles. dealer informed consumer that they are aware of problem but nothing could be done at this time. consumer was charged for repair and service. *ak consumer states there is noise in the rear axle area while traveling over bumps, dealer unable to locate rattle. *slc | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | |||
| 09/26/2003 | 59040 | 0 | 05/13/1997 |
| 1997 chevrolet silverado k1500. rear brake line near wheel well ruptured causing loss of braking power. cause of line rupture was due to excessive rust/corrosion of the line itself. i have digital pictures of the the defective line. contact me via email and i will be happy to send. (someone at gm really should review these!) the entire line from front to rear exhibits signs of excessive/premature corrosion. the truck itself shows no other signs of rust damage. the dealer repaired only the portion of the line that failed. when questioned about the remaining corrosion, the service manager shrugged it off and acvised me it wasn't a problem. total cost of repair including tow in was $349.93. i have filed a complait with gm customer service...so far i have gotten no where. i feel this is a valid safety concern and other owners of this model truck should be notified of this potential problem. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER | |||
| 07/01/1999 | 1 | 10/01/1997 | |
| I have had numerous problems with my chevrolet truck. at 31,000, miles the rear leaf springs went bad. at 41,000 miles the brake master cylender and pittman arm and idler arm assemblies needed to be replaced. being that it was over the warranty period, i did not take it to a cheverolet dealer incurring the cost myself. at 49,000 miles the rear u joint needed repair. at this point, i started to believe that there was more to this problem with the truck as these parts do not usually need repair at such low milage. to top it off, at 51,000 the transmission has failed. | |||
| 09/21/1999 | 1 | 11/01/1996 | |
| The master cylinders on 1997 chevrolet pickups leak brake fluid continuously at the top seal. the dealership called this sweating. sweating is what humans do. master cylinders leak. every 1997 chevy truck i've looked at has this problem. gm needs to issue a recall notice to replace the defective seal or replace the entire master cylinder. how many people must die from brake failure before gm issues a recall notice? *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - VACUUM | |||
| 12/15/2001 | 2 | 06/01/1999 | |
| Power brake booster failed all at once all most caused a rear end collision | |||