2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 467 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 25 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 24 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
Representative owner complaints: hydraulic
23 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 24, 2023
The contact's spouse owns a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and remained extended to the floorboard. The contact engaged the parking brake to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked. Additionally, the contact stated that while parked, the brake pedal was depressed, and brake fluid was squirting onto the ground from underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 190,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle immediately while the brake pedal was being depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V045000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 31, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while inspecting the coils under the hood, he noticed that the master cylinder brake lines were leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the master cylinder brake lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 183,500. The VIN was unavailable.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 14, 2014
2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE BRAKES. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HIS DAUGHTER HAD DIFFICULTY STOPPING THE VEHICLE. WHEN SHE ARRIVED HOME, HE DECIDED TO TEST DRIVE THE VEHICLE, AND SOON DISCOVERED THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND HE COULD BARELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAD TO ADD NEARLY 16 OUNCES OF BRAKE FLUID. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HIS MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND ONE LINE WAS LEAKING BADLY. THE REPAIR COST, THE CONSUMER $1,346.62.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Aug 11, 2014
I HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES HARD TO AVOID A PERSON THAT RAN A STOP SIGN. I DROVE OFF, DOWN A HILL AND UPON REACHING THE STOP SIGN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL, I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I HAD VERY LIMITED BRAKING AND STOPPED 3/4 OF THE WAY INTO THE INTERSECTION. THANK GOODNESS THERE WASN'T ANY CROSS TRAFFIC. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT ONE OF THE METAL LINES HAD RUPTURED AND THAT ALL THE LINES WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. DEALER WANTS $2,800.00 TO REPLACE THESE BIO-DEGRADABLE BRAKE LINES. ONE WOULD WONDER WHY THE MUFFLER IS STILL ORIGINAL AND IN GOOD SHAPE, BUT THE BRAKE LINES CORRODED TO THE POINT OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. DEALER IS NOT WILLING TO ASSIST IN THE COST DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE INVESTIGATION THAT IS ON-GOING NEEDS TO INCLUDE MORE MODEL YEARS THAN WHAT IS BEING INVESTIGATED. IT MAY THEN SHED LIGHT ON HOW WIDE SPREAD THIS PROBLEM REALLY IS. I AM UNDER THE UNDERSTANDING THAT METAL BRAKE LINES SHOULD LAST A LOT LONGER THEN A MUFFLER. GM IS TAKING THE STANCE THAT THE PROBLEM ONLY OCCURS IN "SALT STATES". IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN, DON'T THEY SELL THESE VEHICLES IN "SALT STATES?" THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL, BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. THIS IS SERIOUS. UPDATED 09/24/14. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 10, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD DEPRESS TO THE FLOOR WHENEVER THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AND IT WOULD TAKE REPEATED HEAVY PRESSURE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 25, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH OUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEEDS, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WOULD ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE WOULD EXPERIENCE AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE ROTORS AND BRAKES, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF DIAGNOSING THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, May 13, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE CONTACT NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE TWO BOTTOM BRAKE LINES WERE WORN AND HAD SPLIT SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000. UPDATED 06/17/11*LJ UPDATED 2/03/2012 *LN *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel system, Gasoline, Wheels, May 9, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH SHE HEARD A CLICKING NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE AND FUEL GAUGE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. MOMENTS LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED. UPON RESTART THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY TWENTY TIMES WITHIN A TWO WEEK PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT PLANNED ON TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 04V045000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE), 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 07E106000 (WHEELS: CAP/COVER/HUB, WHICH HE BELIEVED COULD HAVE POSSIBLY CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY OF THE RECALLS AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 14, 2009
MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ARE ACTIVATING AT LOW SPEEDS WHEN THERE IS NO APPARENT REASON FOR THEM TO BE DOING SO. *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jun 6, 2009
2004 CHEVY TAHOE POWER STEERING FAILURE AND SIMULTANEOUS LOSS OF POWER BRAKES! IT COULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER IF I HAD BEEN GOING FAST OR IN HEAVY TRAFFIC! *TR
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 6, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VALVE O-RING SEAL FRACTURED. THE STEERING WAS SLIGHTLY AFFECTED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. THE VEHICLE BECAME MORE DIFFICULT TO STOP AND TOOK LONGER TO DECELERATE THAN PRIOR TO THE SEAL FRACTURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 88,000. UPDATED 4/21/08 *CN UPDATED 04/21/08 *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Jul 12, 2007
AT 36,000 MILES SPEEDOMETER FAILED AND READ WRONG SPEED AND THEN LOCKED AT 140 MPH. T 40,000 MILES THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL SPEED SENSOR FAILED AND THE BRAKING WAS REDUCED. *AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Mar 6, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE POWER STEERING SHAFT AND THE BRAKES WERENOT OPERATING NORMALLY. THE BRAKE CALIPERS, ROTORS, PADS AND BRAKE LINES WERE REPAIRED, DUE TO THE PASSENGER FRONT BRAKE SMOKING WITH A LIFT FLAME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE THE FAILURES SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 26,000.*AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 19, 2006
SO MANY... WHERE DO I START? 1) AT 9,000 MI. INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS REPLACED DUE TO A POPPING FEELING IN THE STEERING, AT 16,000 MI. IT IS DOING THE SAME THING AGAIN. 2) AT 9000 MILES THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS REPLACED DUE TO A FAULTY TACH MOTOR MAKING A BUZZING/RATTLING SOUND, STARTED MAKING NOISE AGAIN AT 13,000 MILES TOOK TO DEALER AND SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. 3) HEADLIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF ON TURNS HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES SINCE IT HAD 9000 MI. 1ST 2 TIMES REPLACED A PLUG ON ALTERNATOR AND SAID IT WAS FIXED, WAS NOT THEN SAID THE FOUND A BAD CONNECTOR STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS CONTACTED GM AND THEY WERE NO HELP. 4) EXHAUST HAS BEEN POPPING SINCE NEW AND SOMETIMES AFTER COOL DOWN SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING EXPLODED 5) ENGINE MAKES A NOISE WHEN WARMED UP TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AT 12000 MILES AND THEY CLEANED OIL PUMP PICKUP TUBE AND SAID THE OIL PRESSURE WAS NOT CORRECT. THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM TOOK BACK IN AT 15000 AND THEY STATED NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE NOISE WAS NORMAL. 6) THE BRAKES PULSATED WHEN NEW TOOK BACK AT 59 MI. I WAS TOLD TO DRIVE IT AND IT WOULD GET BETTER. STARTED AGAIN AT 9000 MI. AND THEY TURNED THE ROTORS. BRAKES STARTED MAKING A CRACKING NOISE IN THE FRONT TOOK IN 3 TIMES FOUND NO PROBLEM YET WHEN I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP THE LAST TIME AT 15,000 MI THE NOISE WENT AWAY ONLY TO COME BACK A WEEK LATER. 7) WHEN IDLING THE VEHICLE VIBRATES BAD!!!! DASH WILL RATTLE AND YOU CAN FEEL IT IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL WHEN THE A/C WAS ON YET IT'S WORSE WHEN THE A/C IS OFF. NOW THAT A/C IS MAKING A TERRIBLE NOISE FROM INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND INSIDE THE CLIMATE CONTROL BOX AREA. 8) ENGINE HAS A MISS AT IDLE. *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE MADE A RUBBING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DETERMINED ALL FOUR ROTORS WERE SO WORN THEY COULD NOT BE TURNED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD 40,000 MILES ON IT.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical system, Equipment, Aug 3, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATED THE BATTERY FAILED. THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED AN AIR CONDITIONING MODULE. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING THE WHEEL LOST BRAKING CAPABILITY, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. DEALERSHIP VERIFIED THIS WA SHAPPENING, BUT DID NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 12, 2004, crash
35 40 MPH CRASH INTO STOPPED VEHICLE, HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, THEY LOCKED UP SKIDDED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. VEHICLES HAS 3000 MILES (NEW). SAT ON DEALER LOT FOR A YEAR. BOUGHT LESS THAN MONTH. DRIVING FOR 35 YEARS, NO ACCIDENTS *JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Sep 8, 2004
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS STUDS BROKE FROM THE BRAKE DRUM AND WHEEL CAME OFF. *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle speed control, Aug 31, 2004
WHEN BRAKING/ACCLERATING THERE WOULD BE VIBRATION IN THE PEDAL LINKAGES. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Apr 17, 2004
LOSS OF MOST STEERING AND SERVICE BRAKES SIMULTANEOUSLY. STEERING FLUID LOSS DUE TO IMPROPERLY INSTALLED STEERING FLUID HOSE CLAMP. AN ASSEMLY CLIP WAS LEFT ON THE HOSE CLAMP AT THE FACTORY WHICH PREVENTED HOSE CLAMP FROM TIGHTENING. THE SIMULTANEOUS LOSS OF MOST STEERING AND BRAKING WOULD HAVE CAUSED SERIOS ACCIDENT IF EVENT HAD OCCURED ON MOUNTAINOUS ROAD OR IF VEHICLE WAS OPERATED BY PERSON WITH LESS STRENGTH. NO WARNING LIGHT OR INDICATION ON DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER APPEARED. SHOULD NOT THESE TWO CRITICAL SYSTEMS FUNCTION INDEPENDANTLY? *AK
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Feb 12, 2004
VEHICLE (2004 CHEVROLET Z71 4X4) PULLS CONSISTENTLY TO THE RIGHT UPON FIRM BRAKE APPLICATION (SUCH AS FROM A 65 MPH COASTING CONDITION). AT THE SAME TIME, THE VEHICLE'S REAR END SWINGS OUT TO THE LEFT MAKING FOR A VERY UNSTABLE SITUATION. WHEN YOU LET OFF OF THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE DARTS TO THE LEFT DUE, I ASSUME, TO THE LEFT-INPUT ON THE STEERING WHEEL THAT YOU'VE HAD TO SUSTAIN TO KEEP THE TRUCK IN ITS LANE. I DROVE SEVERAL LOANERS FROM THE SELLING DEALER THAT, TO MY SURPRISE, ALL DID THE EXACT SAME THING. SEVERAL DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT MANAGEMENT INDIVIDUALS CONFIRMED THAT THEIR Z71 WERE ALSO AFFLICTED. THE BRAKE TECHNICIAN AT THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT HE FOUND MY VEHICLE "DANGEROUS" AND THAT HE WOULD NOT PUT HIS FAMILY IN IT. DEALERSHIP SERVICE PERSONNEL STATED THAT THEY HAD CONTACTED CHEVROLET TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND WERE TOLD THAT CHEVROLET WAS AWARE OF THE CONDITION, AS THEY HAD ATTEMPTED TO CURE IT IN A VEHICLE THEY HAD AT THE DETROIT-AREA MANUFACTURING FACILITY, BUT WERE UNABLE. THEREFORE, SINCE ALL OF THESE VEHICLES PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN BRAKING, IT MUST BE "NORMAL." NO FIX TO BE HAD. I STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH THE CONCLUSION THAT IT IS NORMAL, AND HAVE DRIVEN IN EXCESS OF SEVERAL THOUSAND VEHICLES AS MY BASIS FOR DISAGREEMENT. I AM AT A LOSS TO EXPLAIN WHY THIS CONDITION HAS NOT CAUGHT THE ATTENTION OF NHTSA, AND IS NOT THE SOURCE OF MASSIVE COMPLAINT BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC. ANYONE ELSE WHO EXPERIENCES THIS CONDITION, PLEASE CHIME IN AND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD.