General Motors Hit With Another Lawsuit Over Alleged Faulty Brake Vacuum Pump
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Earlier this year, General Motors had a class-action lawsuit filed against it over claims that the brake vacuum pump used in certain GM full-size trucks and SUVs is defective. The original plaintiff in that suit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, claims affected vehicles may experience a sudden loss of vacuum pressure, which can cause the brake pedal to become hard and reduce overall braking power.
Now another lawsuit has been filed against GM in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida for the exact same reason. The plaintiff in this latest filing echoes the complaints made in the Illinois case, saying affected vehicles have a defective brake vacuum pump that may stop working, causing the brake pedal to become hard and reducing braking performance,
The plaintiff also says engine oil may enter the vacuum line connected to the brake booster, requiring both the vacuum pump and the brake booster itself to be replaced. The person claims they were left on the hook for a $500 repair to replace the brake booster, but have not made the repair as the replacement parts are just as defective as the originals.
According to Car Complaints, GM issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to dealer service departments addressing the problem back in 2015 – suggesting the company has known about the issue for some time.
“A customer may comment on a hard brake pedal or that increased effort is needed to depress the brake pedal,” the TSB said. “While performing normal diagnostics, fluid may be found in the brake booster and/or the booster vacuum line.”
The plaintiff in the case says the TSBs GM has released regarding the matter also contain “false, misleading, or deceptive information about the potential for curing the defects,” as the same problems will return once the dealership performs the suggested repairs.
This latest class action proceeding alleges the problem affects the exact same models as the initial suit. These include the following vehicles:
- 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
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How about a brake pedal that emits a loud squealing sound.
We have a 16 Tahoe LTZ that has had this recalled repaired, but shortly before the recall, and ever since, the brake pedal emits a loud continuous squeal while being depressed during start. It almost sounds as if air is escaping. It only happens when the vehicle is first started, or while in park and idling.
Anyone else have a similar problem?
Hi I’m Rachel I bought my 2020 Equinox 9months ago & twice Vacum pump has gone out I got strand on highway wit no nearby pace to get help .first had problem fixed on 11-23-21 paid out of pocket ($980) now same thing when out on (12-31-21) so I’m kinda afraid to drive it on highway again (I20) is very busy with traffic .IDK if would want keep making payments($850) but then I’ll have a repossession on credit file so maybe GM would offer me another vehicle as an option. Need some suggestions from someone. Sincerely Rachel
Rachel I have a 2020 Equinox and I’m going through the same thing right now. I’m on the 3rd pump and it went out today. The dealership has no ideal whst to do!
Brenda, how often do you change your oil, and have you ever VIEWED/MEASURED the amount of remaining old oil? I have a hunch that most of these issues are related to *extremely* low oil levels which itself is due to the engines burning about a quart per 1000 miles … after about two months on an oil change that means a lot of moderate drivers are running on less than a quart and a half of remaining oil. Assuming this problem is “universal”. The oil burning itself MAY be related to faulty piston rings but that’s not something I can confirm but what is suggested in some searches. I also think the positioning of the MAIN vacuum pump is poorly engineered and the strain of that design failure is shared between the main vacuum pump and the brake booster vacuum pump … anyway … wondering if you notice your oil is constantly low on change? I’ve seen multiple allegations that ALL 2011 to current gmcs burn oil. If so gasket failure from dry gaskets would be a universal issue for owners leading to further damage in many places.
Sorry you got screwed too. Call / write your attorney general and congressional representatives—- state and federal. Warn and tell all other gmc owners the same. Spread the drama. Force their hand.
Guys I have just been told that now I need a new engine this is a,2020 I bought new and I have the oil changed regularly and they are saying the engine is full of oil and its all sludge. There is something seriously wrong I have to try to trade it off I have no choice
Yup probably failed piston rings or oil crossing over from failed vacuum pump but god knows what else it could be.
These vehicles are solid crap. Unbelievable GM hasn’t been dragged before congress because of this crap
Is there a link for class action. Lawsuit for brake vacuum pump for 2019 chevy equinox. I was traveling interstate. No warning my brakes went out. Brought to dealership and was insulted because I could afford to pay a tear down. Fee of 500.00 so the adjustors could investigate what caused the vacuum pump to seize. I was told I shouldn’t of bought car if I couldn’t afford to fix it in front of several people in the service area. Service advisor very rude at NuCar Chevy in New Castle, DE. I need help.
Is there a link for this class action lawsuit? I have a 2016 GMC Sierra SLE 5.3L built in FT Wayne. Even after bringing my truck in for the recall a year later the increased pedal effort has came back. I replaced the brakes already.
I have the same thing happening as Henry,with a 2019 Trail Boss LT.
Upon start up, first touch of the brakes and it’s squealing like a banshee. First started happening after 1 000 km. Been a chronic problem ever since.
Having the same issue w my 2015 gmc Sierra1500 4.3L took to dealership they performed the increase in vacuum pressure but did not solve the problem still have a hard pedal when bucking up or going at slow speeds sometimes pedal goes strait to the floor and I have to quickly press emergency brake for vehicle to stop
And why exactly do I want a new GMC or Chevrolet pickup for $55k-$60k???
I just paid $500 to have my pump replaced. I am damn lucky I did not get killed last night coming back from vacation as I was stuck in traffic for 2 hours in South Carolina When my pump failed. GM knew about this and did nothing but try to avoid fixing the problem at their expense. How can I join a class action lawsuit?
I have a 2015 Yukon Denali AWD. Got the letter from GM about the potential brake pedal issue. Took it to my dealer. I have had no complaints about any brake issues. They examined the system and found nothing. If any issues develop I certainly will contact my dealer (of 46 years) again, but I am planning to trade this vehicle in for a ’21 Yukon Denali when I am able.
Had my 2016 GMC Sierra into the dealership on Monday so they could perform the recall procedures, my issue was the hard brake pedal. The next day while backing out of a parking space of a local grocer My brake pedal went straight to the floor and I nearly backed into the vehicle behind me. Not cool at all GM, make it right, quit trying to put a bandaid on it.
I have a 2015 Cadillac ATS and at 45,600 miles the power brake booster pump went out. $600 to replace it. I thought that that car component lasted the life of the car or at least for 150,000 miles. Very disappointed Caddy owner. I have the defective part in a box in case GM would like to receive it for study,
This is ridiculous. My 2015 Silverado LTZ has been having this issue. I’ve had all my breaks replaced as it was a suspected issue, got new tires, and now seeing ussues with break booster and or vacuum. Now my wife is afraid to ride with me until its resolved. GMC, this is unsatisfactory. Slipping breaks at slow speed is just as much of a safety hazard as increased speeds. Parking lots are death traps with pedestrians whome have no idea you have to jam your foot on the breaks to come to a semi stop. Attempting to park on hills, stopping while pulling trailers and parallel parking is a liability with this issue.
This is ridiculous. My 2015 Silverado LTZ has been having this issue. I’ve had all my breaks replaced as it was a suspected issue, got new tires, and now seeing ussues with break booster and or vacuum. Now my wife is afraid to ride with me until its resolved. GMC, this is unsatisfactory. Slipping breaks at slow speed is just as much of a safety hazard as increased speeds. Parking lots are death traps with pedestrians whome have no idea you have to jam your foot on the breaks to come to a semi stop. Attempting to park on hills, stopping while pulling trailers and parallel parking is a liability with this issue.
We have a 2018 Equinox with 17,500 miles now going in for this service problem. Out of warranty (36 months)
We are now on our 3rd vacuum pump for a 2018 Chevy Equinox. Tell me that’s not a recall issue, but my model isn’t included!?! Lost brakes coming to a stop light yesterday morning. Hard brake pedal with no stopping power just as described. Very disappointed.
UPDATE: My cam shaft that drives the brake pump broke into pieces, the pieces were in the engine block which seized the pistons & made it jump time. A engine replacement & $3,000 later I am trading it in for a Buick Encore. The first thing we looked at was the engine & brake pump to make sure it wasn’t the same.
I have a 2018 Equinox could’ve been bad I was on the interstate when my vacuum pump went out. Of course two thousand miles over warranty so it’s not covered. It’s going to cost me 800.00 to fix. How do I join this law suit?
I would also like to know how to join.
I had the same problem and now my motor is blown because of the issue
Same thing happened to me. They said the vacuum pump disentigrated and sent metal in my motor. New motor is $9200 and I am just 841 miles out of warranty
@Cara Huntsman What year & model GM vehicle do you have?
buy a motor from scrap yard for 800
I found the Information on the Internet about the Class action lawsuits While searching for answers as to what had happened to my vehicle. I did this while waiting to be towed.
I have a 2017 Chevy Silverado. I’m having the same issue. I noticed it a couple months ago and it’s gradually gotten worse. I called GM to ask about it and they informed me of the recall on the vacuum pump. They also said the previous owner had it taken care of in 2019. I brought it to my local mechanic so he could inspect it. He asked if I knew about the recall. He suggested I take it to a Chevrolet dealer and have them look at it. I brought it in and was quoted a cost $850+ (parts and labor) to have the vacuum pump replaced.
I’m not sure what to do about it at this point. If the replacement parts are faulty also, what do we do?
I’m scared to drive my own vehicle.
I recently sold my 2017 Chevy Silverado. A month ago I had the brakes go out. If it’s any peace of mind it only happens at slow speeds. It just won’t come to a stop when you’re going very slow. I was in the parking lot of a credit union. My Chevrolet dealer replaced everything completely at no charge! Because there was a recall in September 2019. that recall is a matter of record! Find a Chevy dealer that will replace it at no charge. Yes there is a chance it could happen again! There are two class action lawsuits against GM for this concern. Please don’t fear it will happen on the highway or freeway it will not. I know that’s not the answer but someone will replace it for free! Good luck
Problem is vaccuum pump needs replaced gm needs to pay for this and reimburse anyone that has had it fixed in the meantime
Had same problem with my 2019 equinox. Luckily I avoided an accident. I have over 60,000 miles so it’s out of warranty. I would join this law suit!
I am having this exact same issue with my 2019 Equinox. How do you get on to this class action lawsuit. My car is still in the shop and they just told me today that now my vacuum pump has shattered and they were able to get some big pieces out but not everything. They say none of them in the Firestone has ever seen anything like it. I had no notice of brake issues until pulling into my parking lot at work this past Thursday.