102 problems related to brake hoses, lines/piping, and fittings have been reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
On my way to work I was turning into gas station and my brakes failed I got stopped without hitting anything . Brake line broke on front left side had towed to auto repair shop. They replaced brake line and was told all other lines coroded and need replaced too expensive ibrought truck home.
I was drive on the interstate going about 70mph went to hit the brakes and it was like they were not there or just very weak so I limped the truck home when I got out of the truck there was brake fluid all over the driveway looked under the truck and seen that the brake line were rusted out.
Brakeline rusted out and complete brake line and hose had to be replaced. Failure would happen if not replaced.
Main hard line brake lines rusted through causing a leak in system resulting in brake failure while driving. Thankfully emergency brake worked to bring vehicle to a stop before accident or injury occurred. Thought chevy was built " solid as a rock" they should have went with stainless steel brake lines instead of the cheap steel brake lines they used. Cut cost somewhere else, don't play with the lives of good paying consumers. I am disappointed with the quality of this 2003 Silverado, instrument cluster starting to act up with only 67000 miles on truck thinking about trading for Ford or Toyota.
Had slowly come to a stop then pop and brake pedal went to the floor, leaving me with no brakes. Steel brake line has failed due to rust through.
While changing my oil I noticed excessive rust on the brake fluid lines running from the front of the truck to the electronic brake module under the truck (along to frame rail). I began to search for pre-bend replacements and found several reports of issues with Chevrolet vehicles having this problem. I want to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive but I am unable to find exact replacement brake fluid lines. It appears that people are replacing them with straight stock brake lines and getting the correct shape and length is difficult. These things appear to be hard to replace. I want to replace these to ensure the truck is safe to drive but even gm does not appear to provide a direct replacement.
Chevrolet Silverado lt 3500 4wd crew cab we were on the way to go on a road trip and had my trailer hooked up to the truck. When I got out on my driveway the brake pedal went all the way to the bottom and it was no brakes left. It was no warning before and it was no brakes at all on the truck. All the brake lines were rusty and left front was broken. We replaced all the lines on the truck before we could drive it again. Total cost $ 665 if this would have happened on the highway I probably had caused an accident. This time we were lucky.
Brake lines are completely rusted out and leaking. One was replaced last year. Frame has been rusty since truck was new. Vehicle has only 63000 miles. Most of them have been highway.
Applied brakes to slow down to make a turn onto another road, lost complete brake pressure to later find steel brake line along driver's side frame rail had burst and it was not that corroded. I would have hated to see what happens if this occurs at a higher speed or even worse while towing a trailer. Vehicle went from full brakes to an almost total loss. Even though brakes still function, it would be extremely dangerous to drive.
While inspecting fluid levels, I noticed the brake lines were severaly rusted. I continued to inspect the lines to the rear of the truck, they too were severaly rusted. While doing an online search I discovered many owners had the same issue. So now I had a decision to make, continue driving the truck until there was a failure or arrange for repairs, incurring an expense that could have been avoided if gm had installed better quality lines. Truck is now at a local gm dealer being repaired. Gm needs to step up and make things right !!!!.
Brake line failure due to excessive corrosion. Was able to apply emergency brake and come to a safe stop.
While slowing down just prior to coming to a complete stop, the brake pedal went to the floor and the warning light/signal came on. Upon inspection of the vehicle, brake fluid was seen below and to the front of the drivers side floorboard. When trying to move the vehicle at low speed (idle) to a safe location, I had absolutely no brakes. Chevy's claim that the "other half" of the brake system would function with increased stopping distances is not true in my case. The vehicle was not repairable on the side of the road and was towed to the local chevy dealership in corpus christi texas (allen samuels Chevrolet, 361-884-5234). Upon diagnosis, victor landa (service advisor) informed me that the brake line failed due to rust/corrosion. Furthermore, he stated that this a pretty common problem due to the salty environment (gulf coast of texas) and that he has a mechanic that is getting really good at making replacement lines. Upon inspection, [xxx] indicated that all the brake lines on my vehicle showed excessive corrosion and suggested replacing them all for safety along with the "control valve". All the lines were constructed by the mechanic at a cost of repair exceeding $1800. 00. The vehicle has only been on the beach less than 8 times total in its life and has been thoroughly washed after each visit. It appears, based on internet research and discussions with staff at allen samuels Chevrolet, that this is a common problem. So common that the NHTSA has opened an engineering analysis on the premature brake line failure. I hope that this issue is resolved by issuing a recall so that undue repair costs are not passed on to the consumer for "faulty" brake equipment. More importantly, I hope this is resolved prior to any consumers losing their life. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while braking to a stop, the brake pedal abnormally traveled to the floorboard. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer or a mechanic for inspection of the failure or for repairs. The contact stated that the brake lines were fractured. The failure and the current mileages were 20,000.
After noticing a gas leak, I asked my father to drive my truck to the dealership for repair. When he put the truck into reverse he had no brakes and had to use the emergency brake before rolling into my mother's car behind him. Upon inspection by the dealership, all of my brake lines and gas lines were badly rusted and had to be replaced. Upon research I found this problem quite widespread and expensive, not to mention the critical safety issues involved. I do want to know that Chevrolet/gm is concerned about our safety and is addressing this problem.
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the rear brake lines failed two weeks prior to the front brake lines failing. The contact had to have the entire brake line system replaced due to rust. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 132,000.
Failure of the brakes due to rusted brake lines going to the abs unit. Upon inspection all brake lines were badly rusted and were replaced.
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that all of the brake lines were completely rusted. As a result, when applying the brakes to a complete stop, the brake pedal would abnormally travel to the floorboard and the vehicle would not stop. The contact had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was told that the brake lines were completely rusted. The contact stated that the failure occurred once prior to the most recent failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 135,000.
Backing out of driveway, brake pedal went to floor with no resistance or slowing the vehicle. No warning lights until brakes failed. 3 brake lines replaced due to being rusted out @~$1700. 11 months later second failure exiting a highway at 65 mph, again no warnings until brakes failed, ~$350 repair for additional brake line repairs. 10 months later, sudden traffic slow down at highway speeds, no warnings until after brake failure. ~$180 repair for yet another section of brake lines and very close accident. In all 3 cases this was complete brake failure with brake pedal going all the way to the floor with no resistance or ability to slow let alone stop the vehicle.
Brake lines rusted . Brake failure.
While being serviced, my mechanic observed significant rust on fuel lines, transmission and brake lines underneath my truck, as well as in the engine compartment. No recall has been issued. Lines are not leaking as of the date of this report.
I was in a driveway and was getting ready to leave, put my foot on brakes and put vehicle in reverse and the pedal went to the floor. All brake lines had to be replaced.
My wife had just dropped off our grandson and when she applied the brake to take the vehicle out of park,the brake line busted without warning. Upon examination all brake lines were rusted bad.
Without warning, I was approaching a stop light with cars in front of me. I applied my brake pedal and it went straight to the floor, and I rear ended the car in front of me. I later discovered that my brake line in the rear drivers side was completely corroded!!.
Tl- the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that when they pulled into a parking spot the vehicle lost its brakes. The contact stated that the high curve in the parking space stopped the vehicle. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer and the brakes lines were replaced because they had rusted through. The dealer also had to replace the brake pads, calibers and rotors. The contact stated that the vehicle was at the dealer for service two months prior to the failure and there was nothing wrong with the brake lines. The failure mileage and current mileages were 97,412. Rl.
Loss of brakes due to defective brake lines. Had a 5000 lb. Boat on. I was very lucky to avoid accident. Brake pedal went to floor without warning. No brakes whatsoever. Accidents and fatalities are foreseeable. Gm should do something about this!.
I was driving our 2003 chevy Silverado in a residential area at speeds of no more than 40 mph. I braked at a stop sign and noticed that the brakes went way down to the floor and yet the truck wasn't stopping. When I applied even more pressure (at this point I was up against the steering wheel and practically standing upright!) the "service brake system" warning light suddenly popped on with a ringing bell. I was less than two miles from home, so I continued my drive, downshifting to 1st as I approached a stop sign. At a red light, I shifted into park to avoid rolling into traffic. After returning home, I noticed a line of fluid drips on the driveway. I put a dish under the area that seemed to be leaking (under the driver's side door) and my husband later confirmed that it was brake fluid and that a line had ruptured. Two separate repair shops confirmed that five brake lines had rusted out and one had ruptured. We paid over $1000 to replace parts that would not have rusted out if they had been made with a rust-proof material rather than steel. If this brake line rupture had occurred one day earlier, the scenario could have been much uglier: I had been driving to the beach, at highway speeds, with my two young daughters as passengers. Our Silverado has about 74k miles on it and has been nothing but a headache with parts rusting out before their time. . . Updated 08-30-12.
Mid August 2012 approximately 5 pm average temperature was 76 degrees and roads were dry. While driving on interstate 83 southbound near harrisburg PA at approximately 5pm I attempted to brake while exiting the highway. When applying the brakes the (brake) pedal traveled all the way to the floor. I immediately lost safe braking distance. I attempted to pump the brakes to utilize what brake power I had left while down shifting to use the engine to assist is slowing the vehicle down. I was able to come to a complete stop in approximately 2/10 of a mile. I then had the vehicle towed. Upon inspection, I found one of the brake lines had ruptured thus releasing brake fluid and causing brake loss. After further inspection I found all of the brake lines have significant corrosion. A temporary repair was made to the ruptured line however it has been recommended by a local chevy dealer that all the lines be replaced. I was told (by the service manager) the cause of the excessive corrosion is from the treatments used on highways for winter driving. He also told me he is replacing brake lines on at least 3 trucks a month. I spoke to other garages in the central pennsylvania area. Those garages confirmed they are seeing an increase in general motors vehicle brake line repairs.
Mid August 2012 approximately 5 pm average temperature was 76 degrees and roads were dry. While driving on interstate 83 southbound near harrisburg PA at approximately 55mph I attempted to brake while exiting the highway. When applying the brakes the (brake) pedal traveled all the way to the floor. I immediately lost safe braking distance. I attempted to pump the brakes to utilize what brake power I had left while down shifting to use the engine to assist is slowing the vehicle down. While using the shoulder of the road, I was able to come to a complete stop in approximately 2/10 of a mile. I then had the vehicle towed. Upon inspection, I found one of the brake lines had ruptured thus releasing brake fluid and causing brake loss. After further inspection I found all of the brake lines have significant corrosion. A temporary repair was made to the ruptured line however it has been recommended by a local chevy dealer that all the lines be replaced. I was told (by the service manager) the cause of the excessive corrosion is from the treatments used on highways for winter driving. He also told me he is replacing brake lines on at least 3 trucks a month. I spoke to other garages in the central pennsylvania area. Those garages confirmed they are seeing an increase in general motors vehicle brake line repairs.
I was in a parked position. I pushed the brake pedal down to put the truck in drive. The brake pedal went to the floor and a alarm bell came on. Message on dash said have brake system looked at. I put the parking brake on and got out of the truck. I looked under the truck and saw brake fluid running on the ground. Had truck towed to repair shop. Mechanic said brake lines are rusted out and all of them need to be replaced. I know six other people that had the same problem with their gm. Trucks for 2003 year. I think their needs to be a safety recall on those years trucks!.
Front brake line rusted through. Hard to understand how a vehicle manufacturer can produce a vehicle with stainless exhaust that lasts as long as the truck but still assemble vehicle with steel brake lines that rust through causing brake failure. There are better materials to make brake lines from and Chevrolet should be forced to use them.
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving approximately 7 mph at a state inspection station, the contact drove over a skid pad for the inspection of the brakes and the brake pedal dropped to the floorboard. The contact stated that he applied the emergency brake, but experienced difficulties stopping the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic. The mechanic stated that brake fluid was leaking because the brake line had fractured due to corrosion. Also, the contact stated that the emergency brake¿s rear dust shield was corroded and had disintegrated prior to the brake failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 7/26/12 the consumer was advised to consider replacing the rear brake backing plate/dust shield. Updated 07/30/12.
Came up to a stop sign tried to stop and rear brake line burst open. Could not stop at stop sign and went through intersection lucky no one coming. Used hand brake to stop truck. There was no warning brake pedal just went to the floor. Had line repaired for $252. 84 and repair shop said other lines were real rusty and did not know how long they will last but not long.
Hooked up a trailer and headed out the driveway. Went to brake at driveway/road intersection, pedal went almost to the floor. I pumped the brake furiously till pedal was all the way down. There was no braking. I switched to 4 wheel drive, steered to the curb and shut off the key. Had it towed to repair shop where it was discovered all brake lines were heavily rusted and one had rusted through and fluid had bled out. All lines had to be replaced. Cost was $985. 80.
I had one front brake line fail found at time of repairs the other was starting to leak had to replace both lines.
I was coming home from the store, when I saw traffic lights turning red, I slowly applied the brake pedal, it felt so soft and it went all the way down to the floor, I try once more and it went all the way to the floor again, so then I turn my steering wheel to the right (emergency line) and applied e-brakes and I stopped just before the cross road. When I looked under it was leaking in between the pump and the tank. It was a front brake line the get so rust it that burst. Last year when my brother in law and I was changing brake fluid in the whole system the rear brake line burst. Now I have brake lines made of nickel and copper mix, those will last for ever.