A class-action lawsuit has been filed against General Motors alleging the brake booster used in its full-size trucks and SUVs is defective.
The plaintiff claims the brake booster found in certain GM full-size trucks and SUVs may experience a sudden loss of vacuum pressure, causing the brake pedal to become hard and reducing braking power. The person first discovered the issue when backing out of their driveway in their 2015 model year Chevrolet Tahoe, saying the brakes felt hard and failed to slow down the vehicle, causing them to back into another vehicle that was also parked in their driveway.
Technicians at a GM dealer inspected the braking system on the plaintiff’s vehicle and eventually found the brake pressures were off. They informed the owner and installed a replacement part for $400, but the plaintiff does not think the part will fix the braking problems long term.
GM has issued a number of technical service bulletins that appear to suggest it knew about an issue with the brake booster used on 2015 model-year and later full-size trucks and SUVs. In February of 2015, it sent out a technical service bulletin addressing customers who complained about hard brake pedals in their trucks or SUVs, telling dealers that fluid in the brake booster/and or vacuum line may be the source of the problem.
GM also issued a recall for 3.4 million trucks and SUVs due to braking problems back in September. The recall notice indicated the engine-driven vacuum pump in affected vehicles may lose power over time, resulting in reduced vacuum pressure and thus reduced braking performance.
A recall was also issued in Canada last year for the exact same issue. The recall was for 2015 to 2017 model-year GM full-size trucks and SUVs and alleged a faulty brake pump may cause the brake pedal to become hard, leading to significantly reduced braking performance. A total of 300,655 vehicles were included in the Canadian recall.
This new class-action lawsuit alleges the following vehicles are affected by the braking issue:
- 2015 to present Cadillac Escalade
- 2014 to present Chevrolet Silverado
- 2015 to present Chevrolet Suburban
- 2015 to present Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2014 to present GMC Sierra
- 2015 to present GMC Yukon/Yukon XL
We will continue to provide updates on this class action lawsuit, along with any other developments related to the faulty brake booster.
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Source: Car Complaints
Comments
Are Chevy Colorados included in this class action suit? My brake booster has failed and been replaced 3 times in the last year, most recently a few weeks ago, and I swear it feels like it’s starting to fail again.
Has anyone looked into the Malibu’s? I have a 2015 Malibu LT and just started experiencing the same problem, car was fine till I started leaving a parking lot and my break pedal went straight to the floor and my check engine light turned on. Took it to my mechanic right away and they ran diagnostics and checked my breaks (my rotors, pads, calipers, break lines and break line were all fine) and was told it was my vacuum booster/line aswell and will need some parts replaced!
So no one has yet to figure this out for the malibu??
For my case no, my mechanic tried to replaced the bad parts for my brake booster (a line, cap and sensor) which were provided by GM, and after everything was installed they went to start up my car and apparently it didn’t run properly so they had to take all the new parts off and put the old parts back on. My mechanic called GM who apparently were 0 help and provided 0 information why the new parts won’t work. I’m at the point on just patiently waiting for a recall since it’s just becoming tedious at this point.
Good afternoon Chevy Family. The Power Brake Booster has just failed for the 3rd time on my 2013 Malibu, once in 2015, again in 2019 and now in June 2022. This is absolutely ridiculous and a major safety hazard that Chevy should be completely responsible for and embarrassed for the insufficient parts/workmanship. My family was in the vehicle each time during the brake failure and an accident had to be avoided each time. This was a traumatic experience. Chevy needs to do something immediately for the affected vehicle owners to ensure a safe vehicle! To be continued…
Abs system kicks in for no reason in slow stops. Also a metal cracking noise
My 2018 GMC Terrain is experiencing the same problem. I called the dealership (Davidson’s) in Watertown NY and they can not even get it in to be looked at until next Monday and will not give me a loaner. I told them what was happening and they told me to have it towed to them, but again will not give me a loaner vehicle. I took it to a friend’s garage to have them scan it and it came up with brake booster sensor and ECM which I believe he said was engine control module. I called the dealership on May 27th about the engine issue and was told that they were booking engine repairs out until July. My lease is up in September and I want this vehicle gone now. It has been been a good vehicle, my Equinox was much better.
Having exact same issue on my 2019 equinox!!
Exact same issue with the brakes on my 2020 Equinox.
Exact same probelm 2018 Chevy Equinox. Warranty won’t cover because they say it was caused by my lack of maintenence, even though a had 4 oil changes in one year. Dealership seems to assist in the denial, based on the fact that they sold me the shady Platnium warranty from MPP. They have no formal way of processing or denying claims either. Just denied over the phone, nothing provided in writing and no appeals process.
I am having the same problem i have had to get 2 vacum pumps, on my car. It is very expensive.
My 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500.had my brake vacuum pump go out while towing my small camper.almost caused me to back end a vehicle.got it fixed at meineke.because Chevy said I could not get in for a month.they will not honor parts and labor.even tho there is a recall.they know they have a problem.any class action suits out there.
there is a TSB covering it Special Coverage Adjustment
N182202780 Brake Assist Decreased Due to Vacuum Loss
Vehicle owners or lessees who paid for repairs referenced in this Special Coverage (“Customers”) are
eligible for reimbursement of their reasonable and customary expenses in accordance with the
procedures specified below. The big trick is finding an honest dealership mine is at one now and all the reviewsare bad