Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||||
| 98865020A | 09/01/1998 | 86-50-20 | 602774 | Vehicles leading or pulling to either side while applying the brakes, and premature front brake wear, especially vehicles that have been used to tow a heavy load. *yc | 01/13/1999 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||||
| 990524001A | 09/01/1999 | 990524001 | 608388 | Brake lead/pull and front brake wear. *mjs | 11/26/1999 |
| 990524001 | 06/01/1999 | 865020A | 606765 | Some cab chassis, crew cab, and pickup models may exhibit a brake lead / pull and front brake wear. *tt | 09/02/1999 |
| 98865020 | 04/01/1998 | 601128 | Vehicle leading or pulling to either side while applying the brakes or front brake wear not meeting expectations. *yc | 07/01/1998 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | ||||||
| EA95026 | GENERAL MOTORS CORP. | 09/20/1995 | 09/20/2001 | POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE | 01I006000 | |
| Poor performance of abs brakes | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK | |||
| 02/20/2000 | 02/01/2000 | ||
| When we first test drove this vehicle we noticed that the brakes were grabbing very abnormally and we commented that the brakes had a bad problem to the salesman that was with us, also we had noticed that the windshield wiper did not work properly on the passenger's side. we were told that the brakes would be fixed and that the windshield wiper would be fixed. the dealer said that they had turned the rotors on both front and back brakes and had repaired the wiper. after we had purchased the vehicle the brakes were better but they were not fixed. when you would apply the brakes at any time it would shimmy, buck and jump. if you had to make a sudden stop it would jump many times before it would come to a complete stop. i don't mean that the foot pedal would jump, i mean that the vehicle itself would shimmy and jump. i have taken this vehicle to another gmc dealer - gwatney gmc- to have them work on the brakes and they at first thought that the rotors needed turning again. after they turned them the vehicle still responded in the same manner. they now say that the anti-lock sensor is bad on the right side, (a $500.00 component). i don't understand why the anti-lock brake indicator on the dash never gave me a warning that something was wrong. i would like to know if you have had any reports similar to this problem for the gmc braking system, malfunctioning of indicators on the dashboard or if there is a recall for this make and model for any of these problems. my daughter-in-law has told me that she thought that there is a recall for the anti-lock brakes on gmc light trucks for the years 1993 thru 1997. i know someone in a 1996 gmc jimmy that was in a serious accident where her airbags did not deploy and her brakes did not function properly in this accident. it's a miracle that she was able to keep her leg which was mangled, broken in several places and cut up from this accident.the windshield wipers work about 96% of the time. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | |||
| 12/19/1997 | 1 | 01/01/1997 | |
| Traveling at approx. 20 mph, driver tried to stop and brake pedal went completely and smoothly to the floor. driver kept foot and pedal, pushing harder and the abs kicked in and stopped vehicle. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK | |||
| 09/10/2005 | 74000 | 1 | 05/26/1998 |
| Dt: 1996 chevrolet suburban. a manufacturer's recall 05068 concerning abs brakes on the 1999 through 2002 models. was issued. this vehicle was not included in the recall although the consumer experienced the same problem as mentioned in the recall. the consumer had not taken vehicle to the dealer yet, but the consumer knew that there was no recall on this make an model, and year for the abs. the abs activated between 3-10 mph, causing extended stopping distance. this started happening about six months ago, not every time. now, it happens every time while driving the vehicle under any road conditions. there have been no accidents because of this, but it is just a matter of time. could not count the number of times the abs failed.*ak *jb | |||
| 11/20/2004 | 114346 | 1 | 08/14/1996 |
| Vehicle was exhibiting no problems. upon approaching a red traffic light the brake pedal was depressed, and the pedal went to the floor, as if the abs system was kicking in, but the vehicle did not slow down. i replaced the master cylinder and bled all brake lines, and the condition still exists. i performed diagnostics on the vehicle according to seveal service manuals and determined that the abs modulator valve has failed in such a manner as to allow brake fluid to bleed into the abs accumulator, without getting an abs diagnostic failure light. i had to drive the vehicle home for over 20 miles with severely limited breaking power and was very fortunate to have avoided an accident. i would rather not have abs breaks on the vehicle than have a break system that can fail in this manner. pumping the brake pedal was ineffective in building brake pressure, as is normally the case when a master cylinder fails.*ak | |||
| 12/01/1998 | |||
| This vehical has intermittent left and right pulling, reduced braking performance,premature pad wear and replacment,and expensive system upgrades.*ak | |||
| 08/10/2001 | |||
| Brake pedal is spongy, and there is extended braking distance. dealer has replaced front pads and front discs. but, did not remedy problem.*ak | |||
| 07/14/2001 | 1 | 09/01/1996 | |
| Brakes became very difficult to depress. fortunately i was able to stop the vehicle in time to avoid a collision with stopped traffic. power assist was replaced and brakes are operating fine. learned through auto parts supplier and dealership that this failure on the suburban has been very common.*ak | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 3 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Truck pulls when braking. tbs fix implemented with little to no improvement. last time at dealer, dealer said gmc has problem with 3/4ton suburban brakes but doesn't have fix. nothing he can do. truck has had combination valve replaced, rear shoes replaced, front pads replaced (5x total), calipers replaced, rotors replaced, tie rods replaced, idle arm replaced, steering box and pitman arm replaced, front brake hoses replaced, control arm bushings replaced, and aligned several times with no fix to the problem. braking at highway speeds it is very dangerous. you don't know which way the vehicle will go and how hard it will try to get there. as an engine designer i find it amazing that gm has a handling/safety issue of this magnitude. this is a big truck to have such a controlability problem. please help. a shaull | |||
| When applying abs brakes pedal becomes extremely soft and nearly goes to floor, causing extended stopping distance. also, brake pads and rotors have been replaced. but has not corrected the problem. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 05/18/2000 | 100 | 05/01/1998 | |
| Repeated problems with brake failure following vehicle being parked in wet weather. sometimes there is near total loss of braking capability, sometimes severe vehicle bucking while trying to stop. symptoms diminish after several blocks of driving, re-appear after vehicle is parked for a few hours. dealer examined shortly after we purchased vehicle (used) and found no problem. have talked to other owners of suburbans and gmc/chevy light trucks of similar vintage and have found similar complaints. recent episode involved inability to stop and vehicle continued clear through intersection. i suspect rear brake linings/drums rust and tend to lock/release which seems to confuse the abs system until linings wear clean again. vehicle is a hazard to operate for first few blocks in wet weather. *ak | |||
| 04/10/2000 | 3 | 09/01/1999 | |
| Vehicle failed to stop and brake pedal was completely to the floor on 3 occasions. *ak | |||
| 03/24/2000 | 06/01/1996 | ||
| A truck in front of me stopped when the traffic light turned yellow. i tried to stop and had plenty of time to stop. the brakes locked up (there was a slight noise of the brakes locking up) and i was surprised i was not going to be able to stop. i released the brakes to try braking again. i applied the brakes and they locked up again. to avoid rear ending the truck, i had to swerve between it and the car in the left turn lane. my passenger side rear view mirror made contact with the backside of the truck. my brakes finally caught when my suburban was ahead of his truck. the pavement was wet but it was not raining. *ak | |||
| 03/09/2000 | |||
| When the brakes were applied in a panic stop pedal went to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. *ak | |||
| 10/11/1999 | |||
| Ea95026, poor brake performance: when applying the brakes in an emergency situation, pedal travels to the floorboard and the truck would not stop. this condition caused a rear end crash. this happens on any type of road surface and no inclement weather. dealer was not able to duplicate this problem. please provide any further information. *ak | |||
| 10/12/1998 | 0 | ||
| When slamming on brakes to avod hitting another vehicle, brakes locked up, and vehicle slid about 15 feet before stopping. consumer stated that ground was not wet. *ak | |||
| When applying the abs brakes on dry pavement pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| When applying the abs brakes pedal goes to the floor, causing extended stoppng distance. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 10/31/1996 | |||
| The abs would fade when brakes were applied. also, after brakes were applied, vehicle surged. had applied pressure on brakes & vehicle failed to stop/ extended stoppping distance. *ak | |||
| 08/15/1996 | 4 | ||
| Brake pads had to be replaced on four occasions on front wheels within every 13,000 miles of wear. notified dealer and informed consumer to contact manufacturer who, in turn advised consumer to contact nhtsa. can nhtsa help or provide additional information on this matter. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1996 | |||
| I have been having ongoing problems with the brake system ranging from mild to severe vibration felt on braking. the discs and rotors and drums have been replaced 3 times in under 40000 miles. a number of other trips to the dealership have been unsucessful in correcting the problem. *ak | |||
| 06/20/1999 | 1 | 01/01/1999 | |
| Noted car stopped at red light, started braking at around 300 feet, 35 mph, full abs, wet road,impacted rear at perhaps 10 mph. just traded a ford van without abs and am certain it would have stopped in that distance. further note: the suburban's tire pressure was 40 psi all four. *ak | |||
| 04/10/1999 | 100 | 03/01/1999 | |
| No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 03/01/1999 | |||
| Ea95026, while braking, the brake pedal seems soft, and causes extended stopping distance, which may result in a crash. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1996 | |||
| I purchased my vehicle brand new. within the first 18 months of ownership, my brakes were replaced three times with numerous other parts changed. the vehicle was pulling to the right when brakes were applied. although i have not had any trouble within the last year, the truck still does not stop like it should under normal braking conditions. gm gave me an extended warranty to cover the cost of any extra repairs, should the need arise. i would like to know the results of the brake evaluations on the gmc trucks. thank you. *ak | |||
| 07/09/1999 | 07/01/1999 | ||
| Brakes deployed at will...fail at will....sometimes fail to release, causing vehicle to become immobilized....strong burning odor...scary noises and thumping | |||
| 07/09/1999 | 07/01/1999 | ||
| No summary listed for abov evehicle. | |||
| 08/01/1996 | 500 | 08/01/1996 | |
| No summary listed for this vehicle. *ak | |||
| 06/02/1998 | 04/01/1997 | ||
| Hydraulic booster failed, together with constant poor braking performance for 3 yrs. replacement part is almost impossible to find and over $800! gm contacted but would offer no assistance, even though they have had several complaints. *ak | |||
| 04/21/1999 | |||
| Consumer has noticed leaking of bearings and all 8 seals. also when driving of gravel surfaces and applying brakes, the vehicle exceeds the normal stopping distance. *ak | |||
| 09/02/1998 | 0 | ||
| Brakes would go all the way to floor before stopping. *ak | |||
| 05/01/1998 | |||
| While braking vehicle will pull to the left severely which may cause loss of vehicle control. dealer replaced rear brakes and front brake pads, but the problem is still occurring. gm says that there is nothing they can do. *ak *ml | |||
| 12/03/1996 | 20 | 04/19/1996 | |
| When appyling the abs brakes extended stopping distance occurs, especially under freezing temperatures and on rainy days.*ak.et. | |||
| 04/15/1997 | |||
| The abs on this vehicle produces poor stopping distances particularly on wet or loose (gravel or dirt) surfaces. this has resulted in several near misses and one accident involving 3 vehicles. the brakes were replaced at 42000 mi. this produced no improvement. there seems to be a large delay before the brakes actually produce any deceleration. | |||
| 02/11/1998 | |||
| When the brakes are applied the vehicle experiences extended stopping distance. the dealer has replaced the brake pads and the rotors on the vehicle. *ak | |||
| 03/29/1997 | 5 | 03/09/1996 | |
| Vehicle lost all abs braking power on (5) occasions, dealership could not duplicate or find problem. | |||
| 01/01/1998 | 3 | ||
| When applying the brakes the pedal goes to the floor and there is no braking ability. has been serviced 3 times. *ak | |||
| 05/12/1997 | 3 | ||
| Lock up/braking failure during panic stop, vehicle pulls quickly to the left. | |||
| 1 | 12/10/1995 | ||
| Anti-lock brakes lock up. | |||
| 2 | |||
| After 9000 miles had to replace front brakes,10000 miles afterwards had to replace them again. this defect seems to occur every 10000 mile. ,dealer said it is gm design fault. *ak | |||
| 09/12/1997 | 1 | ||
| Abs brakes failed, resulting in extended stopping distance. | |||
| 04/19/1997 | |||
| The defective abs braking system malfunctioned, causing the spongey feeling brake pedal and having the vehicle to pull to left, and causing extending stopping distance. replaced the brake master cylinder. dealer cannot determine problem. *ak | |||
| When applying the brakes go almost to the floor. vehicle did not stop, and hit another vehicle. dealer said brakes needed to be replaced. *ak | |||
| When applying the abs brakes the pedal traveled to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 02/18/1997 | 7 | 08/16/1996 | |
| Abs brake failure causes whells to lock up under normal braking. *ak | |||
| 1 | 07/01/1996 | ||
| When applying the brakes in any type of weather or speed, the vehicle pulls from right to left. cause unknown. *ak | |||
| 04/07/1997 | 06/14/1996 | ||
| Upon appying the abs brakes in low speeds, the brakes failed 3three times to stop the vehicle. once resulting in a crash/injuries. also, replaced oxygen sensor. *ak | |||
| 02/10/1996 | 4 | 08/01/1996 | |
| Was driving vehicle, went to apply abs brakes, brake pedal went to the floor. vehicle pulled to right & then to the left whenever braking; sometimes just before brakes would catch there is a hesitation. *ak | |||
| When applying the abs brakes, the vehicle pulls to the right. cause unknown. please provide details. *ak | |||
| 10/01/1996 | 1 | 02/02/1996 | |
| Antilock brakes failed. | |||
| 03/11/1996 | |||
| Brakes on vehicle require excessive force to stop. cause unknown. *ak | |||
| 03/01/1997 | |||
| Poor abs brake performance during panic stops or at any speed. the pedal sinks to the floor and extended stopping distance is experienced. *ak | |||
| 02/24/1997 | 10 | 02/14/1996 | |
| On normal road conditions the abs brakes lock up intermittently and when they release after they lock up, the vehicle moves forward. once vehicle was pushed out into an intersection and once vehicle almost hit another vehicle. *ak | |||
| 02/15/1996 | 1 | ||
| Poor abs brake performance, during normal stopping, on wet pavement, the brakes lock up and will not release quickly. *ak *slc | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | |||
| 07/20/2000 | 3 | 07/01/1998 | |
| Had faulty trailer outlet repaced in norwich,ny,while enroute to nj. while traveling down route 206 in nj my brakes for the treailer would not work.this was on a steep downhill. was able to stop by pulling into an elks club parking lot.my trailer plug came out of the socket and was shredded do to dragging.an erlk member let me borrow his cable. the borrowed cable also came out twice. the replacement cable also would not stay in the outlet unless i tapped it. i repoted the problem to the dealer, olivers campers, norwich ny. the response that i recived was i did not know what i was doing.that i should tie the plug in with wire. i was not asking for anything other than to have the outlet looked into. i feel that this is a real safety road hazzard. it may be the only defective one but if not how many deffective outlets are there? i do have other trailers and they seem to lock okay. it may be that it is only certain plugs.but i feel that it needs to be addressed. | |||
| 05/01/1997 | 3 | 06/15/1996 | |
| Front and back brake failures. | |||
| 6 | 11/14/1996 | ||
| Per the decision of the better business bureau auto line, an independent technician has found the anti lock braking system defective and the car unsafe to drive. we have rejected the bbb auto line option of having the manufacturer repair this defect as they have failed completely to repair the vehicle in 6 previous visits, therefore we are not comfortable signing away all legal rights to have them try to repair the brakes when gmc has not been able to repair the vehicle in the past. | |||
| 1 | 12/10/1995 | ||
| Hydraulic pump failed causing loss of power steering and brakes. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC | |||
| 12/01/1998 | |||
| This vehical has intermittent left and right pulling, reduced braking performance,premature pad wear and replacment,and expensive system upgrades.*ak | |||
| 08/10/2001 | |||
| Brake pedal is spongy, and there is extended braking distance. dealer has replaced front pads and front discs. but, did not remedy problem.*ak | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 3 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Truck pulls when braking. tbs fix implemented with little to no improvement. last time at dealer, dealer said gmc has problem with 3/4ton suburban brakes but doesn't have fix. nothing he can do. truck has had combination valve replaced, rear shoes replaced, front pads replaced (5x total), calipers replaced, rotors replaced, tie rods replaced, idle arm replaced, steering box and pitman arm replaced, front brake hoses replaced, control arm bushings replaced, and aligned several times with no fix to the problem. braking at highway speeds it is very dangerous. you don't know which way the vehicle will go and how hard it will try to get there. as an engine designer i find it amazing that gm has a handling/safety issue of this magnitude. this is a big truck to have such a controlability problem. please help. a shaull | |||
| When applying abs brakes pedal becomes extremely soft and nearly goes to floor, causing extended stopping distance. also, brake pads and rotors have been replaced. but has not corrected the problem. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 05/18/2000 | 100 | 05/01/1998 | |
| Repeated problems with brake failure following vehicle being parked in wet weather. sometimes there is near total loss of braking capability, sometimes severe vehicle bucking while trying to stop. symptoms diminish after several blocks of driving, re-appear after vehicle is parked for a few hours. dealer examined shortly after we purchased vehicle (used) and found no problem. have talked to other owners of suburbans and gmc/chevy light trucks of similar vintage and have found similar complaints. recent episode involved inability to stop and vehicle continued clear through intersection. i suspect rear brake linings/drums rust and tend to lock/release which seems to confuse the abs system until linings wear clean again. vehicle is a hazard to operate for first few blocks in wet weather. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1996 | |||
| I have been having ongoing problems with the brake system ranging from mild to severe vibration felt on braking. the discs and rotors and drums have been replaced 3 times in under 40000 miles. a number of other trips to the dealership have been unsucessful in correcting the problem. *ak | |||
| 02/11/1998 | |||
| When the brakes are applied the vehicle experiences extended stopping distance. the dealer has replaced the brake pads and the rotors on the vehicle. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS | |||
| 08/15/1996 | 4 | ||
| Brake pads had to be replaced on four occasions on front wheels within every 13,000 miles of wear. notified dealer and informed consumer to contact manufacturer who, in turn advised consumer to contact nhtsa. can nhtsa help or provide additional information on this matter. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR | |||
| 04/01/2000 | |||
| Rotors warped, need to be turned every 5,000 - 7,000 miles. *ak | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 3 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Truck pulls when braking. tbs fix implemented with little to no improvement. last time at dealer, dealer said gmc has problem with 3/4ton suburban brakes but doesn't have fix. nothing he can do. truck has had combination valve replaced, rear shoes replaced, front pads replaced (5x total), calipers replaced, rotors replaced, tie rods replaced, idle arm replaced, steering box and pitman arm replaced, front brake hoses replaced, control arm bushings replaced, and aligned several times with no fix to the problem. braking at highway speeds it is very dangerous. you don't know which way the vehicle will go and how hard it will try to get there. as an engine designer i find it amazing that gm has a handling/safety issue of this magnitude. this is a big truck to have such a controlability problem. please help. a shaull | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 3 | 08/01/1998 | |
| Truck pulls when braking. tbs fix implemented with little to no improvement. last time at dealer, dealer said gmc has problem with 3/4ton suburban brakes but doesn't have fix. nothing he can do. truck has had combination valve replaced, rear shoes replaced, front pads replaced (5x total), calipers replaced, rotors replaced, tie rods replaced, idle arm replaced, steering box and pitman arm replaced, front brake hoses replaced, control arm bushings replaced, and aligned several times with no fix to the problem. braking at highway speeds it is very dangerous. you don't know which way the vehicle will go and how hard it will try to get there. as an engine designer i find it amazing that gm has a handling/safety issue of this magnitude. this is a big truck to have such a controlability problem. please help. a shaull | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER | |||
| 1 | |||
| Master cylinder failed resulting in brake loss. | |||
| 04/19/1997 | |||
| The defective abs braking system malfunctioned, causing the spongey feeling brake pedal and having the vehicle to pull to left, and causing extending stopping distance. replaced the brake master cylinder. dealer cannot determine problem. *ak | |||
| 02/08/1997 | 03/01/1996 | ||
| Master cylinder broke, resulting in loss of brakes. *ak | |||
| 02/08/1997 | 1 | 03/01/1996 | |
| The brake's master cylinder cracked away from the power booster causing loss of braking power. vehicle was stopped with the use of the emergency brake. | |||
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - POWER ASSIST - VACUUM | |||
| 06/02/1998 | 04/01/1997 | ||
| Hydraulic booster failed, together with constant poor braking performance for 3 yrs. replacement part is almost impossible to find and over $800! gm contacted but would offer no assistance, even though they have had several complaints. *ak | |||