33 problems related to brake hoses, lines/piping, and fittings have been reported for the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Tl- the contact 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle was put on a lift and it was noticed that the brake line was corroded, causing the leak. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake lines needed to be replaced. The contact called the ed bozarth Chevrolet dealer (877-721-4901, located at 3731 sw topeka blvd, topeka, KS 66609) and was told that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000. Fe.
I had a major brake failure the other day while driving. I had no brakes, but I was able to stop with the emergency brake. I had the truck towed to the mechanic and they reported that the brake failure was due to rusted brake lines.
While thankfully driving at a low speed, my brakes completely failed with no warning. . Peddle went to the floor, I was able to stop by shifting the trans down to 2nd then 1st. Mechanic said knew exactly what the problem was when I explained what happened after I stopped, pumped the brakes and brake fluid flowed from under the truck generally under where the driver sits. Mechanic explained that the brake line broke and is very common, and that it just started showing up a few years ago when these "c" body trucks aged. I spoke to another mechanic at a chevy dealership near my home and he said the same thing that it's very common and that gm now sells a kit for a compete brake-line system replacement because it has become so common. A few days before I had been driving at high speeds through the mountains on I-81 with a carload full of people, had this happened at that time it could have been catastrophic. Reviewing consumer complaints on your site I see this is a reoccurring compliant and I can't believe there has not been a recall on this, as there is no more important safety system on a automobile than brakes. . . . Chevy had a recall on my 98' Buick for a valve cover gasket leaking that didn't come close to this potential danger.
I was slowing for a stop sign while leaving a parking lot when the steel rear brake line spontaneously split and dumped all line pressure. The brake pedal went straight to the floor, and I rolled right into traffic before I was able to pump the pedal enough times to stop the vehicle against a curb. Had I neared the stop sign 2 seconds earlier or later, I would have either been t-boned by a box truck, or t-boned a small sedan. I emphasize that the brake lines showed no warning signs beyond the typical surface rust that can be found on any vehicle that has been driven for more than a few winters in the "rust belt". However, those vehicles do not have brake lines spontaneously fail at the rate that these gm trucks do. This truck's primary purpose is towing a camping trailer for vacations with my young family, so this could have ended very differently. I urge you to take gm to task and force them to fix their mistake of cheaping out on brake line materials!.
Brake lines failed twice due to rust and corrosion because chevy used a inferior steel product on all trucks from 1998 to 2005. The dealer repaired my 2002 avalanche for $600. 00 to replace all the brake lines. However they will not repair my 2001 Suburban which has the same problems. Gm needs to re-call any vehicle or at least make a repair kit and installation at a reduced rate because this vehicle is unsafe to drive. This is not due to owner error of washing the frame during winter or winter maintenance. There is new lines that are coated to resist corosion and were used to repair my avalanche. My 2001 Suburban brake lines failed in motion while in traffic applying the brake petal to stop.
I was traveling around 40mph on a local road on my way from dropping the kids off at school. I tried to slow down to turn onto my street, and the Suburban brakes did not respond at all. Thankfully, there was nobody ahead of me, and I slowed the truck gradually. I then idled back home, without any functionality in my brakes. Upon inspection, we discovered the brake lines had ruptured. All maintenance is and had been up to date.
Brake lines severely corroded and blew out. Severe corrosion under truck too.
Brake line ruptured causing loss of braking ability resulting in car passing through red light.
The abs activate without reason when I slow to a stop. The problem began infrequently and I attributed it to possible slippery surface conditions. Over the past year the problem has gotten much worse and happens frequently now. Research indicates that this is a known problem and the subject of a recall for "snow" states - like DC and maryland which are just across the potomac river from where I live and use my Suburban. This is the second serious brake issue with this vehicle. All three brake lines have been replaced over an approximate 18 month period two years ago as a result of sudden brake failure caused by corroded brake lines. This is also a well known problem (though not one I was aware of when my brakes failed and were repaired). My research indicates that many owners have suffered from these problems. The NHTSA should further investigate these problems and expand/initiate recalls for these problems.
Driving down a hill on my street the brakes gave way. I pushed the pedal to the floor and the vehicle did not stop. I was able to pull over and stop the vehicle. Upon inspection, the service station indicated the rear brake lines failed due to rusting. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the two rear brake lines were replaced as well as a frozen caliper. Updated 08/27/14.
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban. While driving approximately 60 mph, the brakes failed. The failure occurred multiple times. A local mechanic stated that the brake lines were rusted. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
I pulled into a parking lot and proceeded to park my Suburban. I hit the brake pedal and the brekes did not work. They pulsate and gave out completely. No service lights or warning light came on previous to the incident. When the brakes didn't work I tried to pump them to get them to work but nothing worked and my Suburban smashed into a bush and over the curb. I just had my brake lines replaces which was quoted $1700 at my local Chevrolet dealership. I am no looking into the issues with the abs system.
While driving brake line ruptured due to excessive rust , vehicle towed all brake line rusted and replaced especially at secure points.
While driving in traffic loss of braking due to ruptured brake line. Upon inspection all line had severe corrosion resulting in replacement of all brake lines.
The brakes failed and the pedal last all pressure and went to the floor. Was successful in stopping the vehicle from 35 mph without incident. Upon inspection, the rear driver's side brake line was severely corroded and failed. Further inspection showed that other brake line are in the similar condition.
Lost total brakes. Service shop noted severe brake line rusting. Repaired ruptured brake line. Truck will be undergoing total brake line replacement due to rusting.
I had just accelerated from a traffic light and two cars pulled out in front of me. They were forced to stop immediately due to a vehicle in front of them making a left turn. This forced me to make an emergency stop. I jammed on the brakes, the antilock system activated, the tires started to squeal and the brake pedal went to the floorboard. Fortunately, the turning car was able to make his turn and the two cars that pull out in front of me were able to get moving and out of the way as I slowly came to a stop. I took the vehicle to the dealer and they checked the brakes out. The brake line ruptured due to rust. They had to replace all the brake line due to extreme rust. They were rustier than rusty, they were trash. Upon inspection of the brake lines I noticed that only the brakes lines were extremely rusty. Rest of underside was not to rusty at all. As a retired quality supervisor with over 30 years experience in the metal stamping industry I am fully convinced that something is definitly not right here. The brake system is a safety related item the lines should not rust out as these lines did. I believe the wrong material was used for these lines or a step in the rust prevention process was not performed that led to this premature rusting. Brake lines should not rust out like these lines did.
I was driving along and without warning when I went to apply my brakes the pedal went to the floor. Luckily I was just going to slow down for an exit and nobody was directly in-front of me. This could have been a more serious incident under other circumstances. When I got the vehicle home I investigated and found the brake lines were all rusted and one of them had burst a hole. This has the potential to be a very serious problem for someone that might be in a different driving scenario than I was. Please look heavily into this problem. Thank you.
Rear brake lines rusted and broke.
While making a sudden stop, a hydraulic line serving the front brakes ruptured causing complete loss of front brakes. This is the third hydraulic brake line failure on this vehicle. The first two lines to fail were on the rear axle. All of the remaining hydraulic brake lines are heavily rusted and pitted, they all are at risk of failure at any time. This problem is widespread on this year and model vehicle. It poses a serious risk to the drivers and to the persons and property of others. Every one of the owners should be notified that their vehicle may require replacement brake lines. Whose responsibility it shall be is up to NHTSA, but the need for information is great. This is a heavy weight vehicle for ordinary consumer use. Most such users are unprepared for a brake failure of this kind. Interestingly, gm does not offer replacement parts. Precision formed lines are available on the aftermarket. The local chevy dealer uses non-corroding copper-nickel replacement line, and fabricates the lines locally. The same brake line metallurgy was used in high end european cars (Volvo and Porsche) beginning in the 1980s.
While driving on the highway at 55mph I was near my exit and activated the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I was fortunate to have the room to change lanes and pass my exit and downshifted to slow and eventually stop. I had tried to apply the parking brake and the cable snapped on the spot. After getting the car to a mechanic I was told that every brake line was corroded and most were failing. The mechanic also said it isn't recommended to replace just the leaking lines because once the pressure is restored, the remaining lines would then likely fail. The vehicle is currently in the shop and I am waiting for what I am sure will be a sizable repair bill.
Brake pedal went to floor. Was able to stop with emerg brake. Dealer says all brake lines are rusted out and must be replaced $2000.
Brake warning indicator light illuminated. Noticed fluid low. Checked and found leak in brake line due to corroded/rusted line.
Pulling up to a stop sign I attempted to brake, but the brake pedal dropped to the floor and only offered a minuscule amount of stopping power, I limped 1. 5 miles home using downshifting. Brake lines are completely rusted out and apparently burst, brake fluid container under hood was completely empty. I cant even think what would have happened if I had been on the highway and they failed.
Brakes failed while driving. Repair was brake lines rusted. Cost to replace brake system was $2500.
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. While driving approximately 20 mph, the brake pedal was engaged and the vehicle failed to reduce speed. The vehicle uncontrollably crashed into a building. There was no personal injury; however there were exterior damages to the building. The vehicle sustained minor damage. A police report was not filed of the incident. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the four brake lines and gear shifter cable were replaced. Also, the abs would need to be replaced. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic: antilock). The failure recurred after the repair. The abs had been replaced a total of seven times. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
Brake line to left front wheel ruptured and brake pedal went to floor. After inspecting brake lines it is obvious that every metal brake line is rusted from end to end and it appears that other metal brake lines are seeping fluid as well.
Failed brakes due to brake fluid lead in corroded brake lines.
Main brake line leak, located on top of chassis leading to rear brakes, leaked at clip point under passenger door where road salt residue can sit and corrode line. Line was also heavily rusted in other areas of line on top of chassis. Entire line needed to be replaced!.
Huge safety issue !!!!!! 1. Vehicle maine state inspection 2. Two rear and side brake lines are severely rusted and will not pass state inspection 3. Must replace brake lines; side line replacement requires removal of 30 gallon gas tank! have not yet repaired.
2001 Chevrolet Suburban brake failure due to corrosion on left rear brake line. I verified the corrosion by climbing under the truck to see what happened. This failure is not due to an accident with the truck nor has the brake line been crushed due to running over a large obstruction. The brake line is located above the vehicle frame rail. No accident occurred due to this failure as it happened while exiting my driveway. I managed to stop the truck using my emergency brake. I understand there is a current investigation concerning this problem on chevy and gm trucks and suvs. I went to my local Chevrolet dealers service department but was informed that as there is no recall the expense would not be covered by gm.
Main brake line leak in 2001 Chevrolet Suburban. The line rotted out and leaked so bad that it could not be driven. Had to replace entire line.
The contact owns a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban 2500. While driving approximately 50 mph, the contact attempted to slow down on an off ramp but the brakes did not respond. The contact used the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where who stated that the rear brake line located over the axle had rust on it. The vehicle was repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 108,000.