NHTSA reportedly opens probe into 6.2M GM vehicles over corroded brake lines

Sax1031 · 04-05-2010, 11:54 PM

Quote:

It isn't a recall at the moment, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reportedly looking into more than six million General Motors pickups and SUVs over brake line corrosion concerns. According to The Detroit News, the models in question date from 1999 to 2003, and they have been noted in 110 complaints and three alleged crashes due to a loss of braking performance. In 37 of those cases, inspecting dealers have confirmed brake line failures.

GM is apparently cooperating with NHTSA's investigation, and while 110 reported issues is a tiny fraction of 6.2 million, if you have one of the vehicles in question don't be afraid to have it looked at.

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/05/n...over-corroded/

I wonder how this goes. It would not be good for GM if it turns into a recall though.

ron10 · 04-05-2010, 11:55 PM

glad it's not the camaro.

*DGthe3* · 04-06-2010, 12:18 AM

The smart move for GM would be to get out ahead of it, if they can. Seems like it should be relatively simple to fix though

FxsX24 · 04-06-2010, 10:04 AM

umm, steel brake lines get rusty, anyone can assume the responsibility when they drive in salt.

Brokinarrow · 04-06-2010, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FxsX24

umm, steel brake lines get rusty, anyone can assume the responsibility when they drive in salt.

so why would a company use brake lines knowing that they have a potential to rust?

sounds like a bad decision on someone's part. But seeing as not that many have actually failed, it could be that an anti-rust coating on the break lines was not applied or was faulty on these few exceptions.

Sax1031 · 04-06-2010, 02:26 PM

I think what you are seeing is how the Toyota fiasco embarrassed our NHSTA people. They are going to be very cautious now as they got caught with their pants down.

*Camaro_Corvette* · 04-06-2010, 02:32 PM

I don't understand, if a problem persists on more than a 100 vehicles, then I should expect the maker to fix it after I have used it for 10 years

No matter the conditions it was used in? Sounds stupid, but I'm sure somebody will set me straight.

Brokinarrow · 04-06-2010, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camaro_Corvette

I don't understand, if a problem persists on more than a 100 vehicles, then I should expect the maker to fix it after I have used it for 10 years

No matter the conditions it was used in? Sounds stupid, but I'm sure somebody will set me straight.

good point.

Super83Z · 04-06-2010, 02:48 PM

Maybe the NHTSA should just make GM warranty their vehicles until they hit the junkyard. Last year it was a recall on leaky valve cover gaskets on 12 year old cars. Just doesn't make sense.

*The_Blur* · 04-06-2010, 02:52 PM

Next, the NHTSA is going to issue a recall for 1966 Corvairs. They have rusty bodies that need to be replaced.

*Camaro_Corvette* · 04-06-2010, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super83Z

Maybe the NHTSA should just make GM warranty their vehicles until they hit the junkyard. Last year it was a recall on leaky valve cover gaskets on 12 year old cars. Just doesn't make sense.

Yeah, mine was on that list, and I had already replaced it 4 years ago.:bangdesk:

FxsX24 · 04-06-2010, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brokinarrow

so why would a company use brake lines knowing that they have a potential to rust?

sounds like a bad decision on someone's part.

we have used steel brake lines since the invent of hydraulic brakes, we will continue to use them untill a cheaper alternate has been found

derklug · 04-07-2010, 01:11 AM

I've been replacing rusty brake lines on all models and makes of vehicles for years, just thought it was a symptom of living in a state that used salt on it's roads. All this time I should have been submitting NHTSA incedent reports? Get real people , things break, stuff wears out, and things rust. NHTSA needs more mechanics, and fewer consumer advocates.

*DGthe3* · 04-07-2010, 01:17 AM

Even so, I would hope that the braking system would be designed to last more than 10 years.

04-06-2010, 12:18 AM	#3
DGthe3 Moderator.ca Drives: 05 Grand Am GT Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Niagara, Canada Posts: 25,366	The smart move for GM would be to get out ahead of it, if they can. Seems like it should be relatively simple to fix though __________________ Note, if I've gotten any facts wrong in the above, just ignore any points I made with them __________________ Originally Posted by FbodFather My sister's dentist's brother's cousin's housekeeper's dog-breeder's nephew sells coffee filters to the company that provides coffee to General Motors...... ........and HE WOULD KNOW!!!! __________________ Camaro Fest sub-forum

04-06-2010, 02:32 PM	#7
Camaro_Corvette 36.58625, -121.7568 Drives: Team 1LE Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Earth Posts: 23,710 View My Garage	I don't understand, if a problem persists on more than a 100 vehicles, then I should expect the maker to fix it after I have used it for 10 years No matter the conditions it was used in? Sounds stupid, but I'm sure somebody will set me straight. __________________ I am seriously never serious vv V vv Next order of business

04-06-2010, 02:48 PM	#9
Super83Z Drives: 1999 Z28 1983 Z28 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: City of Champions,MA Posts: 615 View My Garage	Maybe the NHTSA should just make GM warranty their vehicles until they hit the junkyard. Last year it was a recall on leaky valve cover gaskets on 12 year old cars. Just doesn't make sense. __________________ Current cars: 99 Z28 06 Silverado 14 Silverado

04-06-2010, 02:52 PM	#10
The_Blur Moderator Drives: 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 14,768	Next, the NHTSA is going to issue a recall for 1966 Corvairs. They have rusty bodies that need to be replaced. __________________ RDP Motorsport//GEN5DIY//Cultrag Performance//JPSS//Rodgets Chevrolet// Operation Demon//Buy at Invoice//RACECARWEAR RESPECT ALL CARS. LOVE YOUR OWN. warn 145:159 ban

04-07-2010, 01:11 AM	#13
derklug Drives: 12 Boss 302 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Grand Rapids, Mi Posts: 1,369	I've been replacing rusty brake lines on all models and makes of vehicles for years, just thought it was a symptom of living in a state that used salt on it's roads. All this time I should have been submitting NHTSA incedent reports? Get real people , things break, stuff wears out, and things rust. NHTSA needs more mechanics, and fewer consumer advocates. __________________ The biggest mistakes in life come when you know exactly what you are doing.

04-05-2010, 11:55 PM	#2
ron10 Drives: 2010 2SS IOM L99 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: LOUISVILLE,KY.. Posts: 7,545	glad it's not the camaro.

04-06-2010, 10:04 AM	#4
FxsX24 Drives: S10 283 V8,Jimmy 4wd 4dr bk/bk Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Verona NY Posts: 307	umm, steel brake lines get rusty, anyone can assume the responsibility when they drive in salt.

04-06-2010, 02:26 PM	#6
Sax1031 Drives: 2000 Mustang GT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Elgin,SC Posts: 2,707	I think what you are seeing is how the Toyota fiasco embarrassed our NHSTA people. They are going to be very cautious now as they got caught with their pants down.

04-07-2010, 01:17 AM	#14
DGthe3 Moderator.ca Drives: 05 Grand Am GT Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Niagara, Canada Posts: 25,366	Even so, I would hope that the braking system would be designed to last more than 10 years. __________________ Note, if I've gotten any facts wrong in the above, just ignore any points I made with them __________________ Originally Posted by FbodFather My sister's dentist's brother's cousin's housekeeper's dog-breeder's nephew sells coffee filters to the company that provides coffee to General Motors...... ........and HE WOULD KNOW!!!! __________________ Camaro Fest sub-forum

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