General Motors Reportedly Resisting NHTSA Push To Recall Full-Size Trucks
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Despite General Motors going so far as to recall cars from 1997 and to even recall previous recalls, the company is resisting recalling full-size trucks and SUVs from 1999 to 2003 for reported brake failure, writes the New York Times.
Approximately 1.8-million trucks could be affected. The vehicles in question suffer from brake lines that could corrode and lead to brake failure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received over 1,000 complaints related to the issue and began looking into it in 2010.
General Motors for its part says the issue is related to routine maintenance, telling the Times that “Brake line wear on vehicles is a maintenance issue that affects the auto industry, not just General Motors.”
Furthermore, General Motors said that “the vehicles have dual brake lines, so ‘the affected vehicle would be capable of stopping.'”
The New York Times reports that the full-size trucks and SUVs being investigated for possible recall are the 2002-2003 Cadillac Escalade, the 2002-2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 and 2500 models, the 2000-2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, the 1999-2003 Chevrolet Suburban, the 1999-2003 Chevrolet Silverado, the 1999-2003 GMC Sierra, the 2000-2003 GMC Yukon, and the 2000 GMC Yukon XL adding that “in a 2012 letter to G.M., a federal regulator asked for additional information covering the 2004-[2006] model years.”
Fixes for these vehicles brake lines are available through both the manufacturer and aftermarket, and General Motors spokesman Alan Adler told the Times that repair should cost approximately $500 including labor.
Given General Motors recent spree to recall cars with as few as one complaint, we can’t help feel that maybe General Motors is telling the truth when it claims rusted brake lines are part of a maintenance issue that affects the entire industry; however, the Times notes that Subaru voluntarily recalled over half-a-million cars for fear of brake line failure due to corrosion.
What do you think? Is General Motors right to chalk these brake line failures up to owner failure to perform regular maintenance, or should the company follow Subaru’s footsteps and take action, even if it’s not the manufacturer’s responsibility?
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/08/automobiles/gm-resists-recalling-trucks-over-brake-line-problem.html?_r=1
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I was driving to work one morning when mine failed under emergence braking situation. The nice lady in front of me didn’t mind me using her bumper for a brake, too bad anyway.
While replacing EVERY inch of brake line on the truck, I also had to replace all of the fuel lines for the same rust thru issue. Rocker panels, all rusted thru and thru. I was just dropping the gas tank to check the cross rails and sure enough, where the rail cradles the tank it is rusted all the way thru.
2003 Silverado extended cab 4×4 1500. The brake lines went at 120,000. I’m getting ready to cut the last 24″ of frame from the rear of the truck and replace it before it falls off.
Last GM I will ever own. I’ve had many in the past and never had a brake line failure from rust/corrosion.
I have a 2000 silverado with the same issues. Replaced all brake and fuel lines with stainless steel. Amazing how quality products last compared to inferior products. Lines are 5 yrs. old and look as good as the day i put them on.getting ready to fix my frame now crossmembers rusted through and frame rail almost rusted in half. I have had 1969 chevy trucks with way less rust than this 2000. This thing has no inner or outer rockers left ,no cab corners left and the bed sides and bed floor are gone. I own a 65 GTO and a72 Nova that still have original brake lines,and body panels.I restored both cars myself as this is what i do so i know what im talking about.Also owned a 2000 Monte Carlo with rust and transmission problems.I always service my own vehicles at or before recommended intervals and feel i shouldnt be having the issues im having. Just bought a new Impala, this is GM’s last chance with me.
I have a 2002 Chevy suburban 2500 that I bought brand new. I live in Fairfax Va and had to replace all brake lines due to rust. 3 years ago the rear diff cover rusted thru. All the air ride rods went and it is just a matter of time that the entire frame will be to dangerous for travel. This truck has 76,000 miles on it. After every snow I washed the undercarriage . Everything underneath is rusted so bad I can’t even service trans cause all pan bolts are rounded out. I have been a heavy fleet tech for UPS for 28 years and never seen this crap except on Chevrolet. All my friends who have the same issues with their suburbans have gotten ride of them.
Same scenario with my 2002 Suburban 2500! Only 72,000 miles, always garage kept and minimal snow exposure. Pristine in every way except the work Chevy did when they made it! Wasn’t putting $5,000 or more in it at that point. Inferior product loved that beast and it’s engine!
I have two colirado o5s low miles junk frames
My 03 silverado 2500hd , ive replaced all the brake lines, fuel lines, transmission lines. Going down a hill with a 20ft trailer lost my brakes on the truck, good thing my trailer had brakes! Ive replaced both crossmembers that hold up the gas tank, and the spare tire crossmember. Its as much GMs fault as the State were i live that puts brine on the road also. I have to pull the bed every year to clean and paint the frame as routine now.
The governor bailed the out once. And they still continue to make rust buckets and lousy trannies. I have a 07 Silverado just recently I had a front brake line rust out. Lost breaks luckily I was going slow took the truck to pep boys the put the the rust bucket on the life 3/4 way up the frame started to break in the mid section the technican had to work on it only 3/4 up on the lift they showed me the underground carriage frame is all rusted out very dangerous to drive. Trannie slips from first to second. Truck only has 129.00 miles. They need to recall these trucks like Toyota did . G.M DO THE RIGHT THINK HERE . BEFORE PEOPLE START GETTING KILLED DUE TO LOUSY DESIGNING OF YOUR TRUCK FRAMES. THANKS .SIGNED ANOTHER UNSATISFIED G.M CUSTOMER.