2003 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 534 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2003 reports, 21 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 18 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Wheels, hubDec 17, 2007
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
Campaign 07E106000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineMay 19, 2006
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherApr 22, 2005
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.
DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
Campaign 05V163000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulicFeb 4, 2004
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.
CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.
DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
Campaign 04V045000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureMar 7, 2003
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Campaign 03V094000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, door, hinge and attachmentsFeb 6, 2003
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 214, "SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH FOUR WELDS ON THE REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, ONE OR TWO OF THE WELDS MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATION.
AS A RESULT, THE DOOR STRENGTH MAY BE DEGRADED DURING A SIDE IMPACT VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS ON THE LEFT REAR DOOR UPPER HINGE. IF A WELD IS FOUND OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION, A BOLT WILL BE INSTALLED TO SECURE THE HINGE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 17, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
Campaign 03V037000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
112 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Mar 15, 2014
ABS, BRAKE SERVICE LIGHT COMES, DOOR LOCKS CYCLE REPEATEDLY, LOSES POWER AND WON'T START. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Mar 9, 2014
NOT SURE WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MY CAR BUT IT IS VERY SCARY WHEN IT HAPPENS. SHORTLY AFTER I START MY CAR AND IT IS WARMED UP, WHEN I AM DRIVING IT AND I PUT THE BRAKES ON TO SLOW DOWN ON A CORNER OR AT A INTERSECTION, MY CAR WILL SHUT OFF. I CAN'T STEER AND THE BRAKES ARE HARD TO PUSH. PLEASE HELP, DON'T WANT TO KILL MYSELF OR MY FAMILY. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 30, 2014
WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES AS I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPOT IN MY 2003 TAHOE I HEARD A POPPING NOISE AND WHEN I APPLIED MY BRAKES A SECOND TIME MY BREAK PEDAL WENT DOWN TO FLOOR. I WAS ABLE TO CRAWL HOME AS I WASN'T FAR. TOOK A LOOK UNDER CAR AND ALL MY BRAKE LINES ARE RUSTED AND ONE FOR SURE IS LEAKING. MY TAHOE IS AS I TYPE AT A SHOP WAITING ON PRICING FOR PARTS THAT CAN ONLY BE PURCHASED THRU CHEVROLET. I'M PRAYING THAT IT IS NOT TO EXPENSIVE BUT THE BALLPARK FIGURE I WAS GIVEN IS ABOUT $1000 TO REPLACE ALL FOUR LINES. DEBATING OF JUST HAVING THE ONE REPLACED AND HOPEFULLY GM WILL COME TO THEIR SENSES AND RECALL THESE PROBLEMATIC BRAKE LINES. THANK GOODNESS I WASN'T GOING ANY FASTER AS MY DAUGHTER WAS IN TAHOE WITH ME. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 28, 2014
I WAS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WAITING FOR IT TO CHANGE, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BRAKE WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN AND ALL KINDS OF LIGHTS IN THE TRUCK WERE FLASHING INDICATING TROUBLE. I MANAGED TO PULL TO THE CURVE, PUT IT ON PARK, AND NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FUEL COMING DOWN FROM UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK. I CALLED AAA, SINCE I AM A MEMBER, AND THEY TOWED THE TRUCK TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND NOTICED THAT BOTH THE BRAKE LINES AND THE FUEL LINES WERE CORRODED. I HAPPENED TO READ ONLINE ABOUT OTHER CHEVY OWNERS THAT WERE HAVING ISSUES WITH BRAKE AND FUEL LINE CORROSION ON THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR CHEVY TAHOE I OWN. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 15, 2014
UPON STARTING VEHICLE WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON A GENTLE DOWNWARD SLOPE, I STEPPED ON BRAKE PEDAL. BRAKE WENT TO FLOOR WITHOUT RESISTANCE, RED DASH ALERTS LIT UP. UPON INVESTIGATION, BRAKE FLUID WAS SEEN LEAKING OUT FROM A RUSTED BRAKE LINE LOCATED ALONG THE CAR FRAME IN THE VICINITY OF THE DRIVER DOOR AREA. NO SIGN OF OTHER DAMAGE WAS APPARENT AT THE TIME. DIGITAL PHOTOS OF THE LEAK AREA WERE OBTAINED. *TR
Service brakes, Nov 27, 2013, crash
BRAKES LINE BURST DUE TO EXCESS AMOUNT OF RUST UNDER VEHICLE. CALLED DEALER WHERE IT HAS BEEN SERVICED FOR LAST 8 YEARS. SERVICE MANAGER SAID HE WAS WELL AWARE OF PROBLEM AND THAT REPLACEMENT LINES...NOT REVISED ONE BUT OEM ONES WHICH WILL DO THE SAME AGAIN WE'RE BACK ORDERED DUE TO DEMAND. HE SAID A LOT OF CLIENTS WERE HAVING THEIR VEHICLES RESOLVED AND THAT REPLACEMENT PART COULD POSSIBLY BE MONTHS TO OBTAIN.. IDIOTS AND WHEN IS CHEVY GOING TO DO SOMETHING BEFORE MORE PEOPLE GET HURT OR WORSE? CLASSICTUBE.COM HAS A STAINLESS KIT FOR $450. REPLACES EVERY PART BRAKE FLUID RUNS THROUGH. WE'LL WORTH IT FOR PEACE OF MIND. HATE GM FOR DENYING CLAIM. HOPE A LOT OF THEM DRIVE SAME VEHICLES AND LEARNS ABOUT THE LIFE THREATENING ISSUE FIRST HAND OR HAS FAMILY AFFECTED... ANGRY FATHER, HUSBAND AND OWNER. *TR
Service brakes, Nov 4, 2013
BRAKES LINES RUSTED OUT. BRAKE FLUID EXPELLED. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 29, 2013
VEHICLE HAS LIVED IN THE GARAGE FOR THE LAST 5 YEARS ONLY DRIVING ABOUT 1200 MILES PER YEAR. TOOK IT OUT YESTERDAY TO GET IT INSPECTED AND THE BRAKES FAILED COMPLETELY AT THE STOP SIGN A FEW DOORS DOWN. THERE WAS NO STOPPING POWER AND I GOT IT STOPPED WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE BRAKE LINES LOOK AWFUL, COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE REST OF THE TRUCK LOOKS LIKE IT DID THE DAY I BOUGHT IT NEW, PERFECT. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS HAPPENED. THIS VEHICLE SAW HIGH MILEAGE THE FIRST 3-4 YEARS BUT HAS BEEN STORED INSIDE SINCE THAT. IT LOOKS NEW. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED AND COULD HAVE COST LIVES. THIS VEHICLE HAS NO STOPPING POWER WHAT SO EVER. I SEE NOW THAT THERE HAS BEEN AN ACTIVE INVESTIGATION ON THIS ISSUE BUT NO RECALL. ARE YOU KIDDING ME, TWO AND A HALF TON VEHICLES WITH NO BRAKES AUGHT TO CONCERN YOU. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 18, 2013
MY WIFE AN I WERE TRAVELING HOME FROM SHOPPING AS WE APPROACHED A TRAFFIC LIGHT I WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I SWERVED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND PUT THE VEHICLE IN A LOWER GEAR. PASSING THREE OTHER VEHICLES IN OUR LANE AND GOING THROUGH A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE VEHICLE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO A STOP. INSPECTION UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR SHOWED THE BRAKE LINE WAS RUSTED THROUGH. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME. THE INSPECTION THERE REVEALED THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED TO THE POINT YOU COULD COLLAPSE THEM WITH YOUR HAND. WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. THE CHEVY DEALER STATED HE HAD NEVER HEARD OF SUCH A PROBLEM AND SAID IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. *TR
Service brakes, Sep 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT AVOIDED A COLLISION BY DRIVING ON A GRASSY AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,945. ...UPDATED 11-12-13 *BF UPDATED 11/18/2013 *JS
Service brakes, Aug 19, 2013
IN NOV. 2011, WITH 79,800 MILES, WHILE IN MY DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKE PEDAL COLLAPSED TO THE FLOOR. TWO FRONT BRAKE LINES BURST WITH NO WARNING. THERE WAS ALMOST NO REAR BRAKING POWER AT ALL. I HAD TO PUSH THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, BEFORE THE REAR BRAKES ENGAGED AND BARELY STOPPED THE TAHOE IN MY DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH. MY 03 TAHOE AND MY DAD'S 06 TAHOE HAVE THE WEAKEST BRAKES, OF ANY VEHICLE WE'VE EVER OWNED. LOVE THE TAHOE-HATE THE BRAKES. I HAD THE LINES REPLACE AND HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT CALIPERS AS WELL. THE AFTERMARKET CALIPERS HELPED THE WEAK BRAKING PROBLEM A LITTLE, BUT THERE IS STILL A DESIGN FLAW SOMEWHERE. NOW IN AUG. 2013, WITH 90,200 MILES, TWO MORE BRAKE LINES BURST WITH NO WARNING, WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, AGAIN WITH ALMOST NO REAR BRAKE POWER TO STOP. I BARELY MISSED CRASHING THE TRUCK. IT'S IN THE REPAIR SHOP NOW AND THE TAHOE NEEDS SEVERAL LINES REPLACED, 2 THAT BURST AND OTHERS THAT ARE EXTREMELY RUSTED, OBVIOUSLY ABOUT TO BURST. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO LOOK AT, NOT ONLY THE RUSTING BRAKE LINES, BUT ALSO INTO THE WEAK BREAKING SYSTEM ON THESE TRUCKS, INCLUDING WHY THE REAR BRAKES ARE SO WEAK. SEEMS THAT ABOUT 90-95% OF THE BRAKING POWER IS THE FRONT BRAKES. THIS PROBLEM IS DISCUSSED ALL OVER THE INTERNET. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM ON THE TAHOE, FROM 2000-2006, AND THIS ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM SHOULD EXAMINED AND EVEN RECALLED, IT'S WEAK, DANGEROUS AND UNRELIABLE. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 17, 2013
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE THE BRAKES BECAME SOFT, BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I TRIED TO STOP THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR WITH NO STOPPING POWER. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND COME TO A STOP WITHOUT COLLISION OR INJURY. BRAKE FLUID WAS DRIPPING ALL OVER. TAKING VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, BUT APPEARS THAT BRAKE LINE HAS RUSTED THROUGH AND WILL NEED REPLACEMENT. FOUND INFORMATION ON-LINE THAT BRAKE LINE RUST THROUGH IS UNDER INVESTIGATION ON THESE VEHICLES AS IT IS OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 4, 2013
I STARTED THE VEHICLE ON 2/27/13 TO GO TO AN AFTERNOON WEDDING. BRAKE LIGHT WARNING AND SOUND ALARM WENT OFF - NO BRAKES. BRAKE FLUID HAD LEAKED ALL OVER DRIVEWAY. THANK GOODNESS THE BRAKES HAD NOT FAILED ON THE PREVIOUS DAY WHEN MY WIFE HAD GONE TO A LUNCHEON. VEHICLE WAS TOWED ON MONDAY (7/29/13) TO CHEVY DEALERSHIP. INSPECTION REVEALED THAT ALL BRAKE LINES PLUS RUSTED FRONT ROTORS AND BACK PLATES NEEDED REPLACEMENT. CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED AT A COST OF OVER $3500.00. RUSTED REAR ROTORS WERE REPLACED A FEW YEARS AGO. AS A LONG TIME CHEVY OWNER, I NEVER, EVER HAD A PROBLEM, SUCH AS THIS, WITH BRAKE LINES AND COMPONENTS. THIS IS A LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE, FOR ITS AGE, AND NEVER DRIVEN IN THE SNOW OR ON SALTY ROADWAYS. I AM VERY SKEPTICAL OF PURCHASING ANOTHER GM PRODUCT IF THEY INSIST ON USING INFERIOR PARTS. *TR
Service brakes, Aug 1, 2013
BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO A RUPTURE IN THE BRAKE LINES CAUSED BY RUST. THE FAILURE WAS IN THE LEFT FRONT STEEL BRAKE LINE. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 29, 2013
I HAD DRIVEN TO A DOCTORS OFFICE AND PARKED IN THE LOT. I CAME OUT, STARTED THE TRUCK AND WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER. THE BRAKE LINE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE RUSTED THROUGH AND FAILED. I HAD THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE LINE REPLACED. ON JUNE 24TH 2013, I HAD ANOTHER BRAKE LINE FAILURE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I WAS GOING 40 MILES PER HOUR, CAME TO A TRAFFIC LIGHT THAT TURNED YELLOW, APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I WENT THROUGH THE LIGHT AND MANAGED TO STOP USING THE LOWER TRANSMISSION GEARS AND FINALLY THE PARKING BRAKE. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. I HAD THE LINE REPAIRED AT A LOCAL GARAGE. THE LINE RUSTED THROUGH NEAR THE ABS UNIT. THE TRUCK HAD JUST OVER FIFTY THOUSAND MILES AT THIS TIME. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 18, 2013
WHILE TRAVELING ON A 4 LANE US HIGHWAY, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS REQUIRED A RAPID DECELERATION FROM 55MPH TO APPROXIMATELY 10MPH. THE VEHICLE SLOWED NORMALLY, BUT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED MUCH FURTHER THAN USUAL. WITH THE ASSUMPTION THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WAS DUE TO THE ABS ACTIVATION, THE TRIP WAS CONTINUED. APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES LATER A DOWNHILL SLOPING EXIT WAS TAKEN AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE PEDAL WENT FULL TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR, A RED 'BRAKES' LIGHT ON THE ANNUNCIATOR PANEL ILLUMINATED, THE DRIVER MESSAGE CENTER READ 'SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM' AND AN AUDIBLE CHIME SOUNDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SLOWING RAPIDLY ENOUGH FOR THE SPACE REMAINING SO THE PARKING / EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE OFF-RAMP, BUT FORTUNATELY, THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO CONTINUE PAST THE STOP POINT INTO AN ADJOINING ROAD WITHOUT CAUSING AN UNSAFE SITUATION FOR OTHER DRIVERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE OWNER'S RESIDENCE, UPON INSPECTION A STEEL BRAKE LINE WAS FOUND TO BE RUSTED THROUGH APPROXIMATELY 12 INCHES FORWARD OF THE ABS VALVE BODY. COINCIDENTALLY, THREE OTHER LINES IN THE SAME AREA WERE IN SIMILAR CONDITIONS AND WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Service brakes, Jul 16, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED IN AN ATTEMPT TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN IT FELT SPONGY AND STOCKED TO THE FLOOR BOARD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO AVOID A NEAR CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION.THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED IN THE BRAKE LINES WHICH WERE CORRODED WITH HOLES THAT CAUSED THE BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE STEEL BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,349. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,500.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Jul 5, 2013
BRAKE LINE FAILURE ON 2003 TAHOE NEAR THE SPARE TIRE. COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE LINE PRESSURE. VEHICLE ONLY HAS ~ 84,000 MILES. VEHICLE OPERATED IN OHIO AND MASSACHUSETTS. REFERENCE EXISTING NHTSA ACTION NUMBER (EA11001) ON CHEVROLET VEHICLES. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 23, 2013
JUST HOOKED UP MY BOAT AND TRAILER AND PROCEEDED TO HEAD OUT MY LANE, WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR AND A MESSAGE CAME ON DASH TO SERVICE BRAKES. I GOT MY WIFE TO PRESS ON BRAKES WHILE I LOOKED UNDER VEHICLE, BRAKE FLUID WAS POURING DOWN ON GROUND. WHEN I SAW THE STEEL LINE WAS RUSTED AND BURST I WONDERED IF THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM SO I LOOKED FOR A NOTICE OR RECALL. I FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS INVESTIGATED SEVERAL TIME BUT NO NOTICE OR RECALL SENT OUT IF THIS HAD HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. I HAVE HAD OTHER GM VEHICLES THAT HAD SEVERE RUST PROBLEMS. MY AVALANCHE WAS RECALLED AFTER I HAD PUT ALL NEW ROTORS AND BRAKE PARTS ON FROM RUST. AFTER READING OF SEVERAL OTHER FAILURES I CANT BELIEVE GM DIDN'T EVEN SEND NOTICES OUT. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 20, 2013
REAR BRAKE LINE BURST... FLUID LEAKING AND NO BRAKES!!! THIS IS DANGEROUS... LUCKY I WAS GOING SLOW WHEN THIS LINE BURST... BRAKE LINES COMPLETELY RUSTED.. THIS TRUCK IS ONLY 10 YEARS OLD, BRAKE LINES ARE RUSTED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED... GM NEEDS TO USE BETTER STEEL... *TR
Service brakes, Jun 16, 2013
I STARTED MY 2003 TAHOE UP TO DRIVE TO YORK AND WHEN I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. WE TOOK IT DOWN THE ROAD BY USING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO OUR LOCAL SHOP. THEY SAID ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Service brakes, Jun 6, 2013
I OWN A 2003 CHEVY TAHOE. I FIRST BEGIN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE ABS SYSTEM IN 2010. THE BRAKES WOULD FLUTTER BEFORE COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. WHILE TRAVELING OUT OF STATE THE BRAKES COMPLETELY FAILED AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA WITH PASSENGERS IN MY CAR. THE PARKING EMERGENCY BRAKE WOULD NOT WORK SO I HAD TO CAREFULLY DRIFT INTO A PARKING SPOT USING THE CURB AS A BRACE. I ENDED UP HAVING TO REPLACE ALL THE BRAKES LINES WHICH WERE COMPLETELY CORRODED. I WAS JUST TOLD BY MY MECHANIC TODAY THAT THE PADS, ROTORS, BACKING PLATE, PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM, ETC. IS ALL CORRODED AND HAS TO BE REPLACED COSTING ME WELL OVER $1000.00 DOLLARS. I LIKE MY VEHICLE AND OTHER THAN THE ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES IT RUNS FINE. BUT FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE LUXURY VEHICLE TO HAVE THIS TYPE OF SAFETY ISSUE IS COMPLETELY UNSATISFACTORY TO THE CUSTOMER. TO MANY MANUFACTURERS ARE CUTTING COST AT THE EXPENSE OF CUSTOMER SAFETY AND VEHICLE RELIABILITY. THIS MATTER HAS TO BE ADDRESSED QUICKLY AND A RECALL AND/OR HELP WITH COST IS GREATLY NEEDED. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Mar 12, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE BACKED UP AND APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL, IT WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.
Service brakes, Jan 17, 2013
REAR BRAKE LINE RUSTED THROUGH AND LOST BRAKES. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR LOSING 95% OF BRAKING ABILITY. I WASN'T IN THE CAR, WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN. IF THIS HAD BEEN AT A HIGHER SPEED OR GOING DOWN A HILL I SHUTTER AT WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED. MECHANIC REPLACED 90% OF THE BRAKE LINES AS HE SAID THEY WERE IN BAD SHAPE. THOUSAND DOLLAR JOB. MY WIFE'S HIGHLANDER (OTHER VEHICLE) HAS 175K ON IT, SAME YEAR AND WE DON'T HAVE THIS PROBLEM, I WILL DOUBLE CHECK THEM THOUGH. I ASKED THE MECHANIC IF HE SEES A LOT OF TOYOTA'S IN HERE FOR BRAKE LINES, NOPE. THEY USE BETTER STUFF WITH A SPECIAL COATING. MOSTLY CHEVY, DODGE, FORD COME THROUGH. YOU WOULD THINK THESE MANUFACTURERS WOULD KNOW BETTER WITH SOME STATES BEING IN THE "SALT" BELT. *TR
Service brakes, Dec 19, 2012
MY WIFE WENT TO START THE VEHICLE BY PLACING FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. AT START-UP THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND SHE REALIZED SHE HAD NO BRAKING POWER. I CRAWLED UNDER THE VEHICLE TO NOTICE A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM VERY CORRODED BRAKE LINES. LUCKILY, WE WERE TWO BLOCKS FROM A REPAIR SHOP. ONCE AT THE REPAIR SHOP THEY ADVISED THAT NOT ONLY WERE THE FRONT BRAKE LINES LEAKING BUT ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED REPLACED IMMEDIATELY. THIS REPAIR COST ME OVER $815.00 ON A 9 YEAR OLD VEHICLE. I'VE NEVER HAD BRAKE LINES GO BAD ON ANY VEHICLE I'VE OWNED. *TR