Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
98865020A09/01/199886-50-20602774Vehicles 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. *yc01/13/1999
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
990524001A09/01/1999990524001608388Brake lead/pull and front brake wear. *mjs11/26/1999
99052400106/01/1999865020A606765Some cab chassis, crew cab, and pickup models may exhibit a brake lead / pull and front brake wear. *tt09/02/1999
9886502004/01/1998601128Vehicle leading or pulling to either side while applying the brakes or front brake wear not meeting expectations. *yc07/01/1998

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
EA95026GENERAL MOTORS CORP.09/20/199509/20/2001POOR BRAKE PERFORMANCE01I006000
 Poor performance of abs brakes

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK
03/01/1997
 Twice the vehicle has responded to emergency braking by the pedal going all the way to the floor and not stopping until crashing into something. both occurances were at slow speed (25mph or less) and in both cases the anti lock pulsations in the pedal wer
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
04/03/1998105/16/1997
 Left rear brake self-adjuster inoperable from the factory. inadequate rear braking caused premature brake system wear and failure including abnormal tire wear.
04/03/1998105/16/1997
 Left rear brake self-adjuster inoperable from the factory. inadequate rear braking caused premature brake system wear and failure including front disc pads, warped front disc rotor, worn rear brake drums and shoes, and abnormal tire wear. dealer and manufacturer have refused to honor warranty service or safety related defect.
11/29/1997
 When braking vehicle pulls to one side (since purchase.)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
01/01/20079900010012/04/2006
 When braking at slow speeds, the abs kicks in and increases the stopping distance needed. after 3 trips to dealer (and over $500 in repairs) for brake problems, they told me that the wheel speed sensors were malfunctioning. they checked the recall, but my vehicle was not listed. i have since seen that this is a huge problem with all of their vehicles and that hundreds of others have complained that the regional recall didn't cover them. it seems obvious to me that there is an inherent problem with this braking system and the wheel speed sensors and gm should be held responsible for repairing this before someone else gets hurt (or worse). *jb
02/24/1997160001801/01/1997
 Abs brakes do not and have not worked properly since this vehicle was first purchased (still original owner). speed sensitive steering does not and has not worked properly as well. thousands of dollars $$$ have been spent at the original dealership and at qualified automobile service repair centers continually replacing parts and sometimes the same parts of the years, this continues to this day even though the suburban is in excellent condition and well taken care of. this includes master cylinder, brake pads, cylinders, etc. this braking defect seems to be experienced by many owners of the 1997 gmc suburban c1500. why hasn't something been done by gm engineers to locate and fix this problem? *nm
02/23/200632500112/01/1997
 Dt*: the contact stated at speeds below 5 mph, the braking distance was three times as far as it should be. the vehicle has been to dealership and the abs sensors were repaired. the problem returned 6 years later. there is a nhtsa recall, # 05v379000, regarding the antilock brakes. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the vin. updated 03/09/06. *jb
08/27/200125300206/01/1997
 Dt: the contact state there is an nhtsa recall, campaign 05v379000 regarding the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the model year. the vehicle was repaired by a local repair shop.*ak the brake line was leaking due to rust. updated 02/07/06. *jb
12/20/200560000102/10/1998
 I have owned a 1997 gmc suburban 4x4 since new. the last 2 years the abs braking system malfunctions at slow speed increasing stopping distance. i have recently disconnected the power to the system as it has worsened. i know that this is widespread on this truck and should be addressed. *jb
09/01/2005120000108/01/2002
 Dt: the contact stated when stopping at low speeds the abs will activate. the dealership said it happened because the abs sensor rusted. the repairs have not been made. the problem was the same as mentioned in nhtsa recall 05v379000 in the 1999-2002 models. *ak
05/01/200576000108/01/2002
 Dt: the contact owns a 1997 gmc suburban. the contact was calling in reference to nhtsa campaign recall 05v379000 concerning abs brakes. the contact stated that she was receiving a false reading with abs brakes, and her state and model year was not included in the recall. the contact has been having this problem since early summer of this year around may or june. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic, and they needed to replace the front hub. the contact disconnected the abs system from both of the front tires and was no longer having this problem, but it will need to be repaired before winter. *ak the abs would activate while braking at slow speed which resulted in extended stopping distance. *nm
08/26/20051001/18/2000
 Abs engaging when slowing down or parking suburban. slow speed bumping into other vehicles because abs goes to floor. *nm
03/26/2002101/01/1999
 Anti-lock brakes suddenly engaged, without notice or ap plication, while driving at 55 to 60 mph. this action caused the vehicle to swerve violently, to skid @ 150 feet across driving lanes, spin 180 degrees and hit the opposite road easement. the vehicle then rolled over twice. the insurance company has deemed the vehicle a total loss.*ak
 While driving in rainy weather and when applying brakes vehicle will not stop. it will coast couple feet over the requested stopping distance. has been in a collision as a result of brake failure.*ak
12/27/2001
 When applying pressure to the brake pedal pedal will unexpectedly fall to floorboard, and brake system will fail to stop vehicle. brake pads and shoes/ rotors, and lines have been replaced, which has failed to effectively remedy the problem. dealership has not examined vehicle for this problem. please provide any additional information / documentation.*ak
11/05/200103/01/1997
 1997 suburban,is experiencing brake failure,when tr ying to come to a stop.the brake pedal pulsates,whenchecked with the dealership they found 2 cracked front wheel hubs, they called gmc engeriners to report problem, iam the origernal owner ,no accidents and all maintence and service done by gmc, this vechicle has less than 60000 miles, and has been properly maintained i feel this is a defect that has yet to be recalled for safty reasons
09/01/1999
 We have had the brakes serviced four times in the 2 years we owned it, 50,000 miles. the steering is erratic at high speeds.
401/01/1998
 The brakes lock up at the slightest pressure. seems to be worse when first starting out with vehicle cold or when the roads are wet, but occurs at anytime while trying to brake. when the brake is applied it pulls to the right and also the brakes lock up, the tires skid, and you hear a humming noise coming from something. (obviously in the braking component somewhere) i have taken it to a gmc dealership 3 times but they have failed to solve the problem. they say they can't duplicate the problem and can't find any problem with the brakes. i asked them specifically to drive the vehicle, especially one day while it was in their care and it was raining since it locks up more when wet. but i question whether they even drove it. i took it to an independent brake/tire center and they replaced the front brake pads checked the rear brakes and said i had a real axle seal leaking which was leaking on the rear brake shoes and probably causing the locking problem. so the next day i returned the vehicle to the dealership again who repaired the rear axle seal leak but denied again there was any problem with the brakes locking up. but they continue to do so, very dangerously i might add. the problem seems to be getting worse.today 5/2/01 the brakes locked and i almost slid right through a stop sign. what can i do now?*ak
02/01/1997
 Both the sensors for the brakes need to be replaced including the hubs. the suburban doesn't feel like it is going to stop in time. i know someone who has the same year suburban as i do who just had to have this done. it was also done at the same place where mine is in for service. he was told that there is a manufactures defect in the sensors. when i required about this i was informed the other vehicle may have been assembled at a different plant. he has apporximately the same mileage as i do. i feel that this is a defect. no one can explain to me why both sensors would need to be replaced at the same time.
10/11/2000
 While traveling 75mph with speed control set driver attempted to deactivate speed contol by hitting switch and vehicle continued to roll. driver applied brakes to stop, and the vehicle continued to roll. vehicle had to be turned off to stop. manufacturer has been notified.*ak
 While applying brakes in an emergency pedal went to floor, causing extended stopping distance, and resulting in a collision. please give any further details. *ak
 When applying abs brakes on dry pavement pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. please give any further details.*ak
03/27/1997103/01/1997
 Vehicle has been owned since new. shortly after purchase took vehicle to dealer with complaint the vehicle had excessive stopping distances and it appeared abs was malfunctioning. the dealer advised the brake performance was normal. having owned 30 vehicles of all types i do not believe same. also took vehicle to dealer with a complaint the steering was extremely vague and would feel like it had a time delay. again was advised steering was normal. dealer treated complainant like the proverbial village idiot. now, three years later i have discovered i am not the only village idiot that owns a gmc suburban. i found numerous other complaints from owners with the exact same complaints i had. i just want to verify what they have reported. recently the vehicle's cooling system has had numerous and sequential leaks. the delaer shrugs his shoulders when queried about the condition.*ak
10/10/2000102/01/1998
 When applying brakes, pedal seems to pulsate as if anti-lock is kicking in, at any speed, and difficult to stop vehicle.
06/15/1998710/01/1997
 These problems did not occur from an accident, but rather the workmanship of the vehicle. we have tried every avenue to get gmc to stand behind their automobiles and products, but were told it was not their problem. we just want someone in authority to help us with a car that is a lemon and was a danger to drive because of all the mechanical difficulties. including: steering wheel sensor went out on a curve at 45mph, brakes went out after only 6 months of ownership, 2 altenators and a battery that would have left my wife and two kids stranded, air conditioner quit functioning at 20,000 miles, transmission went out at 45,000 miles, o2 sensors went out after the transmission, altenator went out again for third time, this was supposed to be warranty work, but said that they could not warranty since it fixed under warranty the first and second time. as you can see we have a valid complaint. when we went to try and trade the car off the transmission went out a 2nd time and we could not trade the car, even though the dealership in oklahoma city had a buyer. they were afraid to buy a car with so many problems, so we are left with a car that does'nt run 90 % of the time and no way of getting rid of it. we can't even get the loan amount out of the auto. we really need some help figuring out what to do. your time is greatly appreciated. thank you. ken sutton. *ak
09/06/2000110/01/1997
 Brake failure @ 30mph unable to stop shuddering heard and brakes went to floor witnesses report hearing noises and seeing vehicle vibrate
08/17/1999112/01/1997
 Original gm battery (side post style) leaked acid onto steel brake line causing loss of braking system plus maximum corrossion of underside of truck..we were completely unaware of any problem until we tried to go to work in the truck and found no brakes,,had this happened on thhe highway at any great speed it would have been a major catastrophy..no one at the dealership or gm takes this serious plus we are out the cost of the repairs and the vehicle out of service..of
 When driving on dry pavent and the brakes are applied, it's like consumer is braking hard, and the the brakes will grab for a second and release and the vehicle will continue rolling. the dealer has been contacted. *ak
05/04/1999112/20/1996
 Was traveling 25-30 mph and because of heavy traffic had stopped suddenly. had applied brakes. had no brakes. could feel abs kicking in, but nothing happening. vehicle was not slowing down. turned vehicle & jumped curb & hit light pole. air bag deployed. vehcle finally stopped. *ak
06/18/1999
 While driving at night & applied the brakes. the abs brakes felt funny. they failed to stop vehicle. went over 40 foot embankment. the air bags failed to deploy when the front end nosed into dirt. driver hit head on windshield. was wearing seat belt. *ak
07/25/19983
 Master cylinder had failed 3 times within 1yr. the abs brakes failed to stop vehicle when applied. at dealership at least 8 times for problem. they fixed the brakes each time & they always failed. an ongoing problem. brakes are still not working appropriately.*ak
11/02/1997503/01/1997
 The brakes have failed to stop the vehicle at slow speed 30 mph or less when one tire was in water. i have had complete loss of brakes in wet conditions when a hard braking application caused the brake pedal to junp up and down. it would now appear that only the front brakes are working now as it takes a hard break pedal to stop the truck normally, and the front rotors seem to be warped because of excessive heat. when this information was given to the deler they said a rear brake adjustment was needed every oil change even though these brakes are self adjusting. i have other friends with suburbans with the same problems.
08/22/1997
 Ea95026, poor brake performance; when applying the brakes there is a clinking noise that comes from the system, like the motor is pulsating, it slows the vehicle down but will not stop. tihs happens more when the roads are wet. the problem was reported to dealership. dealer stated that this was a normal condition. owner still experiencing problem with abs. *ak *ml
03/05/199710/01/1996
 The child safety seats do not work with the seat belt system of the suburban. only the front passenger seat will securely hold the seat. i contacted nhtsa twice and gmc customer service 3 times and many other places. finally a gm engineer in the safety dept. called me took my complaint. he tried to put a seat in a suburban and said yes they do not work right. they wanted to take care of problem in house. i have heard nothing more from them. the vechile pulled to the right from day one had it aligned problem continues to this day. the left rear door hinge on drivers side busted off. the door did not open and shut proper. had problems with fuses blowing constantly. the brakes wore out at 26000 miles and every 10 to 15 since. the brakes after 10,000 miles wore through the rotors. the pedal will often go to the floor or the vechile will pull to the right worse than it already does. the egr valve also failed and had trouble getting it home. i have complained to the dealer many times they say they have never heard of any problems with the brakes on any other gm product. i talked to gm customer service and they said they didn't know why so many problems and they didn't care. they would not look into it. i am filling out another form with the continuation of safety problems.
02/02/199701/24/1997
 The consumer has been experiencing problems with brakes. during rain it's hard to apply brakes. the manufacturer has yet to be contacted. complies with investigation number ea95026. *ak
04/04/1997
 The manufacturer has been experiencing problems with anti-lock brakes. when applying the anti-lock brakes vehicle skids. the manufacturer has been contacted. *ak
03/24/19982
 When the brakes are applied the vehicle pulls to the right. owner has had the passenger's side brake rotors , and the master cylinder replaced twice. the dealer and the manufacturer have been notified. *ak
08/08/1997
 Abs brake problems; on dry road condtions when hitting the brake pedal the front left brake pulls the vehicle to the left. when the road is wet or vehicle being towed behind, the front left brake will lock up. the truck has been back to dealer 5 times for this problem since aug 0f 97. dealer is unable to correct the problem. *ak
12/01/199707/11/1997
 Vehicle pulled to the left when applying brakes , went to dealer, replaced brake master cylinder. after this repair, defect was still occurring which resulted in an accident, causing the consumer to rearened a another vehicle at approx 40-45 mph. ,brakes completley faile. ,no abs warning light. driver's and passenger's side air bags did not deploy. *ak
12/01/1997207/11/1997
 Abs brakes failed, vehicle lost control, resulting in a crash/injuries. dealer also replaced master cylinder. *ak
11/13/1997106/01/1997
 Abs brake problems; on dry road conditions, applying the brakes in a normal manner, and the pedal went to the floor. driver used emergency brake to stop vehicle. continued home using the emergency brakes. the abs control unit was leaking and was replaced on 11/17/97, along with the master cylinder. *ak *slc
 When applying the brakes the abs kicks in for the first few seconds and the truck wont stop. *ak
04/22/19974
 While driving applied abs brakes, started pulling right when heated; pulls left when cold; passenger's side brakes wearing faster than driver's:took to dealer; cannot find problem; did change pads/calipers & had passenger wheels rotated. *ak
05/14/19971
 While driving vehicle, running rpms high, went to accelerate & heard loud boom; applied brakes to stop at stop sign & heard another loud boom. took to dealer & had it tested & brakes went completely out; had no braking power. *ak
02/09/1997111/29/1996
 Antilock brakes work intermittently.
11/29/1996
 When braking vehicle pulls to the side. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
08/25/1998307/01/1997
 Brake problems, rotors have been machined several times, brakes shudder when stopping, and the speed sensor replaced. *tt
1
 Design of the brake system does not stop efficiently, rear brakes are not making enough contract with the rear drums to aid in stopping, resulting brake fading and damage to rotors (warping). mjs
03/01/1998312/21/1997
 Brakes experienced failure on three occasions. *yc
 Battery ruptured, causing acid to leak down on the brake line, resulting in braking system failure. dealer has been contacted. *ak
1203/13/1997
 Brakes fail continually causing loss to stopping distance control, pulsation and pedal to the floor, unable to rectify.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
12/27/2001
 When applying pressure to the brake pedal pedal will unexpectedly fall to floorboard, and brake system will fail to stop vehicle. brake pads and shoes/ rotors, and lines have been replaced, which has failed to effectively remedy the problem. dealership has not examined vehicle for this problem. please provide any additional information / documentation.*ak
07/17/2000308/01/1997
 The front brakes of the suburban has been replaced for the second time with raybestos (lifetime wear) brake shoes. my transmission started shifting very hard, as if someone had rearended the truck at a slow speed. i took it to aamco transmission's for repears. aamco rebuilt the transmission, but did'nt fix the problem. after $2200.00 and the fifth attemt to fix the problem i took it to a gmc dealer and they actually fixed the problem the first time for $308.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
10/26/20032005/24/1999
 I have owned the sub for about 5 years now. first off i really enjoy driving it. i need to say my vehicle is modified and not stock. 9 inch lift 38in super swampers, and a couple of engine upgrades. i can verify however even before i installed the lift and tires i had a couple of problems. #1 always had uneven wear in the front brakes, 1 caliper (front) would always burn up the brakes faster. i made sure i used gm pads from the dealer. i also made sure the calipers were moving freely and guide bolts lubed with gm supplied grease. #2 poor braking performance even with vehicle unloaded, i guess i figured this one out by myself. not to be rude but why would gm equip a vehicle with a automatic transmission that is rated at approx 7,300lbs with a tiny braking system. in my opinion small pads+small rotors=long stopping distance. #3 detonation, going up small inclines 1/4-1/2 engine throttle. this has always happened. even though this may not be gm's problem i just wanted to get my 2 cents in. i understand all gasoline is not created equal, i have to use 92-93 octane with a fuel additive to get rid of the noise. is this not a fuction of the knock sensor? i maybe wrong but shouldn't the knock sensor back off igntion timing via the ecu when detonation is present. #4 door hinges loud/noisy breaking.
 Vehicle will intermittently pull to the right and also at intervals to the left, cause unknown. dealer is in the process of replacing the brake calipers, but found no remedy for the problem. please give any further details. *ak
04/22/19974
 While driving applied abs brakes, started pulling right when heated; pulls left when cold; passenger's side brakes wearing faster than driver's:took to dealer; cannot find problem; did change pads/calipers & had passenger wheels rotated. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - PADS
01/09/2000468012
 While driving the serpentine belt tensioner broke from its mounting and resulted in loss of power steering and other components including charging of the battery. the alternator also shorted out. the manufacturer and the dealer were notified. *ak the consumer was told that the warranty not longer covered the belt. the brakes shuttered while braking from 60 mph. the dealer replaced the front brake pads and resurfaced the rotors. *nlm
06/01/2003680001
 The consumer routinely inspected the brakes in 11/02 and found no problems. on 06/03, while driving the consumer noticed the vehicle was pulling to the right. upon inspection of brakes, the consumer discovered the left and right outside brake pads had a chunk missing. *ak the front outside pads on the passenger side separated from the metal shoe due to rivet hole wear, and had fallen apart in the consumers hands and the pads were not worn out. *scc *jb
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
03/24/19982
 When the brakes are applied the vehicle pulls to the right. owner has had the passenger's side brake rotors , and the master cylinder replaced twice. the dealer and the manufacturer have been notified. *ak
04/22/19974
 While driving applied abs brakes, started pulling right when heated; pulls left when cold; passenger's side brakes wearing faster than driver's:took to dealer; cannot find problem; did change pads/calipers & had passenger wheels rotated. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM
05/12/1998110/01/1996
 The shaft in the power steering pump busted in two as my husband was driving into a curve @ 60 mph. he was able to keep from crashing. but if i would have been driving it i wouldn't of been able to steer it. my husband walked in the house white as a ghost. the dealer wanted me to drive it in 10 miles on a curving road with no power steering. i tried to drive it impossible for me to do. the brakes wore out and were replaced a second time (front) @ 36000 miles. the rotors were replaced, had been 10,000 miles since last brake job. the rear brakes needed readjustment again at 43200 miles the pedal kept going to the floor and was soft. 11/98 began having more electrical problems with the rear fan blower would not turn off and will run the battery dead constantly. 1/99 both front and rear u-joints were bad, had replaced the car was wandering even worse than it used to they could not find cause. the front differential was leaking and front brakes need replacing again. 2/16/99 the transmission went out in the vechile at 53174 miles. i drove the car 3 miles into town the rpms started going up to 4000rpms wasn't shifting i stopped and parked i tried to back up it started whinning and clunking and wouldn't move. three miles earlier i backed out of my garage with no hint of trouble 3 miles later i am stranded with two babys. my husband contacted gm they refused any assistance. i continued contacting gm through other avenues i called roy roberts one of the vp explained i had some safety concerns with the suburban. i was told he would return my phone call, no return call ever received. i finally found a factory rep. that is looking into the problem but i don't hold out much hope that gm will respond to our concerns. every time i have talked to a gm rep. they tell me no one else has these problems, but according to your records lots of people have had similiar problems. i have all records and receipts and would love to go into more detail with you.
04/03/199805/16/1997
 Rear self adjuster inoperable from factory, causing premature brake wear and component failure.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
08/27/200125300206/01/1997
 Dt: the contact state there is an nhtsa recall, campaign 05v379000 regarding the service brakes, hydraulic: antilock. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the model year. the vehicle was repaired by a local repair shop.*ak the brake line was leaking due to rust. updated 02/07/06. *jb
12/27/2001
 When applying pressure to the brake pedal pedal will unexpectedly fall to floorboard, and brake system will fail to stop vehicle. brake pads and shoes/ rotors, and lines have been replaced, which has failed to effectively remedy the problem. dealership has not examined vehicle for this problem. please provide any additional information / documentation.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
07/25/19983
 Master cylinder had failed 3 times within 1yr. the abs brakes failed to stop vehicle when applied. at dealership at least 8 times for problem. they fixed the brakes each time & they always failed. an ongoing problem. brakes are still not working appropriately.*ak
03/24/19982
 When the brakes are applied the vehicle pulls to the right. owner has had the passenger's side brake rotors , and the master cylinder replaced twice. the dealer and the manufacturer have been notified. *ak
12/01/199707/11/1997
 Vehicle pulled to the left when applying brakes , went to dealer, replaced brake master cylinder. after this repair, defect was still occurring which resulted in an accident, causing the consumer to rearened a another vehicle at approx 40-45 mph. ,brakes completley faile. ,no abs warning light. driver's and passenger's side air bags did not deploy. *ak
12/01/1997207/11/1997
 Abs brakes failed, vehicle lost control, resulting in a crash/injuries. dealer also replaced master cylinder. *ak
11/13/1997106/01/1997
 Abs brake problems; on dry road conditions, applying the brakes in a normal manner, and the pedal went to the floor. driver used emergency brake to stop vehicle. continued home using the emergency brakes. the abs control unit was leaking and was replaced on 11/17/97, along with the master cylinder. *ak *slc