Where Brakes Complaints Happen

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Recent Brakes News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. A lawsuit says a failed vacuum pump in GM’s brake boosters can make the brake pedal extremely hard to push

    , leading to longer stopping distances and accidents.

    While investigating a rear-end collision involving the lead plaintiff ”GM told her she should read the manual to understand how the brakes worked.” Nothing says “we value our customers” like accusing them of not knowing how brakes work. GM promised to fix the plaintiff’s bumper in exchange for confidentiality. Obviously this didn’t go over well.

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says GM Owners Should be Worried About Vacuum Pump Problems Creating Stiff Break Pedals"
  2. It’s bad enough to have your truck recalled because the brake pedal might fall off.

    It gets worse when you find out there’s a good chance your truck wasn’t properly fixed … and the brake pedal still might fall off. When a 2015 Silverado that had previously been “repaired” as part of the recall was brought back in for service, it raised a big ole’ red flag.

    The automaker then learned the truck had been repaired under a February 2016 recall, something that caused the automaker to open a formal investigation. The GM investigator determined the truck had only been inspected and did not receive adhesive on the brake pivot pedal nut even though the recall procedures required it.

    GM is re-recalling 41,000 trucks to fix the problem. Maybe they’ll read the instructions this time.

    keep reading article "A Second Recall for GMC Brake Pedals Falling Off"
  3. GM says it needs to bleed the brake systems of 230,000 previously recalled cars.

    Some of the recalled vehicles have rear brake caliper pistons that have hydrogen gas trapped inside that could be released into the brake systems. ZF, the manufacturer of the brake pistons, didn't properly temper and chrome-coat the pistons, causing hydrogen gas to remain trapped in the bodies of the pistons.

    Excess gas –– we’ve all had it, no-one likes it, and the same holds true for your braking system. This problem may cause your brake pedal to feel “spongy” but it’s unclear if it affects stopping distances.

    keep reading article "Excess Gas Buildup in the Terrain's Brake Caliper Pistons"
  4. While you're probably still digesting that extra serving of holiday cookies, here's something else to chew on

    – GM says some 2017 Cadillac XT5 and GMC Acadia SUVs will have diminished braking ability because of hydraulic fluid leaks. Engineers found an oversized front caliper piston bore had allowed the piston seal to leak hydraulic brake fluid and it was determined the oversized bore can prevent the proper compression of the caliper piston seal.

    GM says a red "BRAKE" warning light will come on when this happens. So if you see that, stop driving as soon as possible – which in these SUVs could take quite a while. The bad caliper assemblies are on Acadias built between 04/19/2016 and 04/22/2016

    keep reading article "Acadia Hydraulic Brake Fluid Leaks"