Conventional Parking Brake problems of the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado

The parking brake friction linings wore to an extent where the parking brake was ineffective immobilizing the parked vehicle. When the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement occurs, which could result in a crash or rolling over a pedestrian.

My 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1/2 ton ext cab pickup's parking brake is apparently worn out and will not hold vehicle at all. I have ask the local gm dealer to adjust the parking brake but they told me they are not adjustable (which now I found out was not true) but must be replaced. They told me the rear brakes and parking brakes need replacing much more often than the front brakes. My rear disc brake pads are still in good shape and do not need replacing but the parking brake has not been holding for over a year now. I have found there is an investigation on this exact problem NHTSA action number ea04011. I am interested in knowing the outcome and if somehow I can get repair/correction assistance from gm on this matter. Thanks.

Premature wear of parking brake caused brake shoe to wear. Dealer has repaired vehicle. Consumer stated that the parking brake design allows shoe to drop down and contact the parking brake drum while vehicle was moving. This wears out shoe and drum.

Emergency brake was not holding when engaged. Vehicle was taken to dealer, and informed dealer that emergency brake was wearing out. Consumer would like to know how could it be when it was never used. Gm informed consumer that this was a design problem and if the brake was replaced, the same thing would occur.