Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK
020525006A12/01/200202052500610000749Antilock brake (abs) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy. *tt03/28/2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
04052300809/01/200410011051Revised rear rotor minimum allowable thickness after refinish specification. also includes 2005 chevrolet blazer and gmc jimmy and the 2001 isuzu ascender (4wd only). *tt12/27/2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
02052500601/01/2006020525006B10000062Antilock brake (abs) activation at low speeds. *tt02/10/2003
28090009/28/2000619062Information reminding technicians to follow service manual procedure when clearing anti-lock brake system codes on vehicles that use the kelsey hayes 325 antilock brake system. *tt05/11/2001
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
27090109/27/2001626507Subject regarding necessary resurfacing of the park brake drum. *jg12/14/2001

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES
07/01/2004300001
 Abs brake system continuously becomes inoperable and the light comes on with the red brake light. the dealer says it trash in the system and doesn't think it needs to be replaced. now the lights stay on all the time and inspection is due. due to this manufacturer defect, the part cost $900.00 and then labor, job will be $1300.00. i have a 2000 ford windstar van with the same problem. is there something that can make the manufacturer pay for the repair? this is a closed system that has never been touched or serviced. *js
07/01/200430000
 Abs brake system contiuously becomes inoperable and the light comes on with the red brake light. the dealer says it trash in the system and doesn't think it needs to be replaced. now the lights stay on all the time and inspection is due. due to this manufacturer defect, the part cost $900.00 and then labor, job will be $1300.00. i have a 2000 ford windstar van with the same problem. is there something that can make the manufacturer pay for the repair? this is a closed system that has never been touched or serviced.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
12/20/2010108000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet s-10 pickup. after taking the vehicle for a state inspection they found the front brake rotors rusted very badly and had fallen apart. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the rotors and brake pads at a cost to him. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance for the repairs. the vin was unavailable. the failure mileage was 108,000....mw
05/23/20081
 Brake light and abs light come on and stay on for a while and then go off. after braking and rolling over a small bump in road at stop sign pedal loses pressure and stopping becomes hard. i rolled past stop sign and was lightly struck on passenger side door. i have investigated this problem and i am not the only one to have experienced this problem. *tr
01/22/200750000
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet s10. while coming to a stop, the vehicle drove over a small bump in the road, and the brake pedal extended to the floor. the brakes had to be pumped in order to stop the vehicle. the failure occurred on four separate occasions. the engine and abs lights illuminated intermittently on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic and no failures were found. the vin was unknown. the failure mileage was 50,000.
08/30/200571500611/24/2000
 On july 22, 2005, i paid the dealer $615.74 to replace a shorted air pump. i brought it in since the light gauges were turning on. the check engine lighted on and off. one week later, the a/c stopped working. the dealer charged me $105.19 for the diagnosis. on aug. 10, i paid another shop $852.08 to replace the a/c compressor. on aug. 30, my s-10 stalled and hasn't worked since then. a mechanic said the engine has to be replaced (another $3000 +) due to overheating of the radiator. there was no prior indication that the radiator was leaking or heating except when the light gauges were turning on in july. i bought this truck brand new in 2000 and have spent over $7000 in repairs and regular maintenance since then. the battery acid has leaked. brake pads keep wearing out. several air injection malfunctions and pumps have been replaced. i've purchased at least 2 sets of tires. it has less than 72,000 miles. *jb
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
09/01/200770000605/01/2005
 During rountine operation, after applying the brakes. the emer and abs warning lights illuminated indicating a failure of the abs brake system. after checking with my local dealership, i eas informed this is a common failure of the abs control module and to repair the system it would cost appx 1,200.00. the very next day the lights went off and remained off for several weeks. brakes operate normal, its impossible for the consumer to determine the exact extent of the failure and to what system. also consider this to be a systemic problem with gm s series vehicles according to the local gm dealership. *tr
09/02/200540000107/25/2001
 As our son was driving our 2001 s-10 ext cab pickup home, he came into a curve and the truck had no braking power. he said he heard a grinding noise in the vehicle and had no brakes. he went off the curve and hit a tree. the truck was totaled. my son as well as his two friends were taken to area hospitals luckily, no one was seriously injured as they had their seat belts on and were going the speed limit. i would hate to say what would have happened if they would have been traveling at a faster rate of speed. after seeing similar complaints filed by other 2001 s-10 owners, i'm wondering if someone will have to be killed before they rectify this brake problem. *jb
04/01/2005301/01/2001
 Contact states: last month husband couldn't go any faster then 35 mph in a 55 mph zone . it was like something was stopping the wheel back from moving, and it started smoking from the wheel. took vehicle to auto zone, and they said the brake was pressing up against the wheel. they had the brake pads and calipers changed. but that did not fix the problem. they took the car to the dealer. they put on loaded brake pads, and redid the hoses and the calipers . however, the problem was not solved, and they claimed that contaminated brake fluid was in the hoses. there was no contaminated fluid put in the car. insurance adjusters stated they did not see any signs of contaminated brake fluid and that it was something mechanical.*ak
03/02/2005112/03/2003
 Horrible problem with the shifting of transmission. transmission was rebuilt 6 months ago due to the burn out of the 2nd and 3rd gear. shifting has not changed since the rebuild. vehicle easily slips out of gear and increasingly loses speed...no matter if the gas pedal is to the floor or not. truck will go 65 mph in 2nd gear with pedal to the floor and lose speed rapidly still. second, brakes lock up going over small bumps, and then seem to not want to work properly on occasion. lastly, tailgate cables have snapped after i sat on the tailgate (i'm 5'0 and 100lbs!!). *ak
08/01/2004350001006/13/2004
 Brake pedal goes to the floor 60% of driving. i have had my pickup in two different chevrolet dealership garages numerous times, but my brakes still go to the floor! *ak
11/03/20041002/01/2001
 With a hard application of brakes, especially over any rough surface, it appears that the antilock/skid feature fails and all braking ceases. *ak
04/19/20041
 While driving 70 mph consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it home. consumer contacted the dealer, and service manager told consumer to bring vehicle in for inspection in two business days. *ak
10/07/200210000105/03/2001
 Anti-lock brakes work sporadically, one side will lock and pull the car to that side, sometimes i press on the brake and the truck keeps going and then stops slowly, has caused me to almost get into crashes many times. *la
09/24/20031
 While driving at 30 mph brakes lost power, resulting in pedal fading and hard braking. also, extended stopping. dealer notified. *ak
08/08/200308/15/2001
 I have a 2001 s10 extended cab pickup. i have had several incidents of my brake pedal going to floor after hitting a bump. the latest event happened on 8/8/03 with my handicapped daughter in the vehicle. what could be causing this? my pickup has about 12,300 miles on it. also how many problems like this has been noted. *nlm
1
 The anti-lock brake system did not work effectively, when the consumer made a panic stop, the vehicle continued to move, also the front of the vehicle vibrated severely, the manufacturer/ dealer stated it was normal. ph *jb
 Consumer called complaining about having problems with the vehicle abs system, when applying the brakes fronts brake work properly but the rear brake always lock, due to a faulty design. dealer has been notified. please provide further information. ts
02/10/20024100010/12/2001
 I owna 2001 chevy s-10 and have always noticed that the brakes, when applied going over a small bump or dip, will make a grinding noise and not engage at all. they will engage after a few seconds of applied pressure but by then i am already through the intersection and have nearly been hit/have hit another car due to this. also, i was involved in an auto accident where i had to brake hard, but when i did the truck pulled left and rear-ended the vehicle in front of me. at the time i didn't question the brakes but now i have had constant noises and clicks from the front brakes and can push the pedal to the floor, and when i do there is a loud click. i have read 11 similar complaints and wonder if there is a major problem the public should know about. if the brakes were a cause of my accident i would like to know.
 When applying brakes consumer heard a loud noise. dealer has been contacted, can't duplicate problem. please provide further information.*ak
06/24/2002
 While driving at 35mph brakes went out, and it was hard to stop vehicle. dealer notified. *ak
06/15/2002503/01/2001
 During normal driving conditions brakes routinely fail when applying brakes while going over any kind of bumps. brakes eventually come back on as long as i continue to apply pressure to the pedal. initially thought my foot had slipped off of the pedal slightly and deployed anti-lock brakes, however, after 5 times this does not seem to be the case. i have read the consumer complaints section of this site and this appears to be a common problem on s-10 trucks.*ak
12/23/20011
 Consumer states that when brakes are applyed they do not hold, had abs senor replaced problem reoccured.*jb
 When applying brakes vehicle will not stop. also, vehicle makes a grinding noise, and pedal goes to floor. dealer contacted. *ak
01/15/2002110/01/2001
 Brakes failed to stop my truck on exit ramp in stop and go traffic. had to pump brakes to stop truck .didnt think much about it until truck started pulsating during normal braking; 13000 miles on truck . only when antifreeze was leaking from engine could i leave it with a dealer. i told them the brakes failed once and they ;brakes are not working properly . this truck has 5 year 100,000 mile exstended waranty that i payed for. iam not a mech, but i have worked on cars for twenty years . the dealer said under normal wear the truck needs a brake job on front 250 dollars ,15000miles highway driving. i dont care about the brakes ,because i can repair them my self .iam only concerned about brakes failing again .*ak
406/01/2001
 I noticed many other complaints similar to what i have experienced. without warning, over a couple of small bumps or area of rough road, all braking is lost. it is a scary feeling especially if there is traffic or a traffic control device in front of you. i did notice that this happens less with weight in the pickup box. *ak
12/20/20011208/01/2001
 See odi 755882. i own 2 2001 chev s10 ls 2 wheel drive extended cabs. both have the same or similar problems. a. the molding along the bottom of the windows on the doors is loose and comes off easily. one of the trucks has already the moldings replaced. the windows sometimes go out of alignment and tilt out. b. the rear end clunks/clanks when shifting into reverse. no solution has been found yet. c. the tailgate on both trucks will not latch completely on the driver's side. one truck has been looked at by the dealer. the dealer said the truck would need to be repaired in a body shop. the frame and body components of the box would need to be straightened in order for the tailgate to latch properly. the repair has not been done on either truck yet. d. the most disturbing problem is the strange behavior of the brakes. both trucks have experienced loss of braking ability. when applying the brake in a quick stop or emergency situation, the brake pedal is firm yet no braking power is felt and the truck surges forward without slowing. both trucks have had the rear brakes lock up (the abs failed to engage). one truck had all the pads and rotors replaced at 500 miles. this corrected the loud rumbling sounds and vibrations from the brakes but did not improve the abs. the other truck now with 22,000 miles shakes violently at speeds over 40 mph when the brakes are applied. it feels like the wheels are seriously unbalanced or the rotors are badly warped. however, the rotors were checked and found to be in spec and the wheels were balanced. still the problem continues and is intensifying daily. the shop which checked problem called gm and was told a pulse is normal in all vehicles with 4 wheel abs systems. i drive over 1000 miles a week. i think i know the difference between abs brakes engaging and wheels about to fly off. i have spoke with several other 2001 gm truck owners at the dealership who are all experiencing problems with their brakes.
12/20/200106/01/2001
 I own two 2001 chevrolet s10 ls 2 wheel drive extended cabs. both have the same or similar problems. a. the molding along the bottom of the windows on the doors is loose and comes off easily. one of the trucks has already the moldings replaced. this appears to have fixed the problem on that truck. b. the rear end clunks/clanks when shifting into reverse. no solution has been found yet. c. the tailgate on both trucks will not latch completely on the driver's side. one truck has been looked at by the dealer. the dealer said the truck would need to be repaired in a body shop. the frame and body components of the box would need to be straightened in order for the tailgate to latch properly. the repair has not been done on either truck yet. d. the most disturbing problem is the strange behavior of the brakes. both trucks have experienced loss of braking ability. when applying the brake in a quick stop or emergency situation, the brake pedal is firm yet no braking power is felt and the truck surges forward without slowing. both trucks have had the rear brakes lock up (the abs failed to engage). one truck had all the pads and rotors replaced at 500 miles. this corrected the loud rumbling sounds and vibrations from the brakes but did not improve the abs. the other truck now with 22,000 miles shakes violently at speeds over 40 mph when the brakes are applied. it feels like the wheels are seriously unbalanced or the rotors are badly warped. however, the rotors were checked and found to be in spec and the wheels were balanced. still the problem continues and is intensifying daily. the shop which checked problem called gm and was told a pulse is normal in all vehicles with 4 wheel abs systems. i drive over 1000 miles a week. i think i know the difference between abs brakes engaging and wheels about to fly off. i have spoke with several other 2001 gm truck owners at the dealership who are all experiencing problems with their brakes.
02/14/20012502/01/2001
 I have taken this to the dealer three or 4 times. when they drive it around the parking lot it doesn't do it. the pedal would go to the floor. it doesn't do it all the time. the brakes have gotton better on regular driving now. when you go over a few little bumps that the pedel disappears. i went right through a stop sign after hitting a few bumps. if a another car had been coming i would have hit it. the car stops , but not when it should . my son drove the car and said it did the same for him also. i told them at the dealer to go over some bumps and see what it does, but they did not. this is the dealer frank beck in hillsdale mi. and the dealer royal chevrolet in coldwater , mi. both dealers said they couldn't find anything wrong. didn't put on hoist . i can't believe my truck is the only one with this problem. i am afraid i will have a bad accident , maybe kill someone with this brake problem, or get killed myself. i don't know what else to do about this or who else to go to for help. i will be expecting to hear from some one soon . sincerely yours, marjorie williams.*ak
08/01/2001103/01/2001
 Transmission was replaced but problem was not fixed. brakes were replaced but problem was not fixed.*ak
01/29/2001
 When driving at speeds above 30 mph abs light will illuminate on dashboard, and brakes will kick in without manually applying brakes. consumer has contacted dealer, dealer is checking vehicle.*ak
10/06/20004
 When applying abs brakes vehicle intermittently pulls to right or left, cause unknown. *ak dealer first replaced brake hoses, however problem occurred again, dealer then filed calipers and aligned front end, this helped some but still did not correct problem, consumer removed abs fuse and vehicle did not pull when braking anymore, consumer told dealer about this, dealer replaced abs module and valve, replaced calipers, and problem still exists. inside mirror replaced, it would not adjust. 3 uniroyal tires were out of round and were replaced, size p205/75r158, tires caused vibration and shaking. *slc
 When stopped on hill brake pedal will slowly go down after holding it tight. dealer has put vehicle on computer, but claimed there was no defect.*ak
 Driver's side seat belt will not retract from housing mechanism. also, when vehicle was stopped with foot depressed on brake pedal, pedal went all way down to floor . consumer has contacted dealer. please provide any further details.*ak
09/23/2000209/01/2000
 Second incident: 10/18/2000 going 15 mph with mileage of 986.
09/15/200008/01/2000
 Anti lock brakes engage over small bumps. also only one side engages making truck vere towards the side thats not engaged.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
09/01/200770000605/01/2005
 During rountine operation, after applying the brakes. the emer and abs warning lights illuminated indicating a failure of the abs brake system. after checking with my local dealership, i eas informed this is a common failure of the abs control module and to repair the system it would cost appx 1,200.00. the very next day the lights went off and remained off for several weeks. brakes operate normal, its impossible for the consumer to determine the exact extent of the failure and to what system. also consider this to be a systemic problem with gm s series vehicles according to the local gm dealership. *tr
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
05/23/2002
 When brakes are applied they don't hold, vehicle doesn't stop.*ak
05/20/20010
 While traveling at 60 mph brakes felt funny. consumer heard beeping noise, consumer stopped, then hit gas again and beeping stopped. also, smelled gassometimes when stopping. but, no dashboard lights came on. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
06/02/2001
 When trying to move from a complete stop there is a very bad vibration coming from back end of vehicle. contacted dealer, and the dealer stated that brake pads were getting stuck to rotor.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
04/01/2005301/01/2001
 Contact states: last month husband couldn't go any faster then 35 mph in a 55 mph zone . it was like something was stopping the wheel back from moving, and it started smoking from the wheel. took vehicle to auto zone, and they said the brake was pressing up against the wheel. they had the brake pads and calipers changed. but that did not fix the problem. they took the car to the dealer. they put on loaded brake pads, and redid the hoses and the calipers . however, the problem was not solved, and they claimed that contaminated brake fluid was in the hoses. there was no contaminated fluid put in the car. insurance adjusters stated they did not see any signs of contaminated brake fluid and that it was something mechanical.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
04/01/2005301/01/2001
 Contact states: last month husband couldn't go any faster then 35 mph in a 55 mph zone . it was like something was stopping the wheel back from moving, and it started smoking from the wheel. took vehicle to auto zone, and they said the brake was pressing up against the wheel. they had the brake pads and calipers changed. but that did not fix the problem. they took the car to the dealer. they put on loaded brake pads, and redid the hoses and the calipers . however, the problem was not solved, and they claimed that contaminated brake fluid was in the hoses. there was no contaminated fluid put in the car. insurance adjusters stated they did not see any signs of contaminated brake fluid and that it was something mechanical.*ak
03/24/2005706/04/2002
 Front brake rotors get hot spots and wear out pads. i have had this truck three years and have had to have the front brakes done seven times due to these hot spots. i have taken it to three dealers here in town and they say there is nothing wrong, but we can do your front brakes for $300, i have done this three times. with in a couple months it's back to the same way it was, now if i have the brakes done again, i need to replace the rotor because they have been turned so many times.
02/21/2005920001202/15/2004
 2004 tail gate ass failed replaced after market parts 2004 back up lights in/op;004 interrior light will not turn off/ over ride botton used to save battery2005 left front hub ass replaced. 004 right front hub ass replaced;005 front end replaced/pittman/tie rods;2004 oil filter leak / tightened 2004 rear emergency brakes in/op 5 left emergency brake drum replaced;005 right emergency brake drum replaced 2005 gas sending unit replaced eradic behavior 2004 left brake shoe replaced ;004 right brake shoe replaced;005 left brake shoe replaced front;005 right brake shoe replaced front 2005 left brake shoe replaced rear;005 right brake shoe replaced rear;005 u joints replaced;04 battery replaced 2005 transmission showing signs of wear;005 rear end {3.42} locker clangs between 1st and revved. 004 4 tires 005 4 tires 2004 door hinges freeze up lube;005 tail gate hinges show wear 2005 parts 4 ea tie rods/o/ring type brake shoesand drums/u joints. i have for inspection.*ak
10/08/200318000110/12/2002
 The brakes failed at 18000 miles. an independent shop replaced the pads and drums. *ak *scc *jb
07/10/200320000206/03/2001
 I have a leased chevrolet s-10 extreme, i have had many incidents where the front anti-lock brakes engage if i hit a small bump, sometimes only one side engages causing me to swerve to one side or the other, i also had my front disc brake pad wearout at 10,000 miles, then again at 20,000 miles, i was told it was normal wear and not covered under warantee, not wanting to pay the dealer fee to change the brakes i had them changed elsewhere covering the cost myself.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
03/01/200580001
 Dt: the contact stated when the brakes were applied the vehicle jerked. when it was explained to the dealer what the vehicle was doing they stated the rotors were warped. a diagnostic test has not been performed to specifically determine the cause of the problem. *ak updated 11/16/2005 - *nm
03/24/2005706/04/2002
 Front brake rotors get hot spots and wear out pads. i have had this truck three years and have had to have the front brakes done seven times due to these hot spots. i have taken it to three dealers here in town and they say there is nothing wrong, but we can do your front brakes for $300, i have done this three times. with in a couple months it's back to the same way it was, now if i have the brakes done again, i need to replace the rotor because they have been turned so many times.
02/19/2004420002
 While braking vehicle vibrated. dealership mechanic determined that the problem pertained to front rotors that wore out prematurely. dealership repaired the problem before, but the problem recurred. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
10/08/200318000110/12/2002
 The brakes failed at 18000 miles. an independent shop replaced the pads and drums. *ak *scc *jb
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
08/12/2004600001
 While making a left turn, the brake hose pinched between the wheels and the frame of the vehicle. as a result brake fluid began to leak and the brakes failed. the vehicle collided head on into a parked vehicle. please provide additional information. *jb
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
03/24/2005706/04/2002
 Front brake rotors get hot spots and wear out pads. i have had this truck three years and have had to have the front brakes done seven times due to these hot spots. i have taken it to three dealers here in town and they say there is nothing wrong, but we can do your front brakes for $300, i have done this three times. with in a couple months it's back to the same way it was, now if i have the brakes done again, i need to replace the rotor because they have been turned so many times.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - VACUUM
6200107/02/2001
 When the vehicle was turned off, the brake vacuum leaked causing brake failure when starting the vehicle. the mechanic replaced the check valve but the problem still exists. *ak the engine died while driving,thee was not enough vacuum on the brake system to stop the vehicle. gm stated that they had a lot of problems with the check valve and booster. *sc *jb
8643102/27/2001
 The brake pedal was hard to press due to the loss of vacuum assist after the vehicle sat over night. *jb ph *jb
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - SWITCHES - BRAKE LIGHT
12/18/200139268212/30/2000
 Brake light failure. the brake light switch is broken. the is the second failure, the first was repaired by a chevrolet dealership. *ak