Chevy trucks have become synonymous with reliability and power to many Americans. It is the type of vehicle that is created to work, travel, and live. Nevertheless, over the past few years, there has been a major safety issue in thousands of Chevrolet Silverados that has undermined such a reputation.
The brake pressure loss that resulted in increased stopping ranges and unpredictable brakes was reported, and a large-scale recall was announced. This problem gave rise to a great number of drivers who felt unsafe at the wheel.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has verified that over 3.4 million vehicles were under a recall, including some of the Silverado models, between 2014 and 2018. Most of the owners complained of hard brake pedals, slow braking, and, in some rare instances, a lack of brake power. During investigations, the problem was linked to the vacuum pump system that decreased the hydraulic pressure in the brakes.
In case your Chevy truck has had all these problems, it is important to know your rights, and through Lemon My Vehicle, you can get your case to court.
The recall issue of the Chevrolet Silverado focuses on the malfunction of the vacuum pump, which is a highly important element that produces power-assisted braking. This pump will deteriorate or break down altogether over a long period, causing the brake pressure to reduce. The vehicle will take much longer to come to a halt in the absence of pressure, posing life-threatening conditions to the vehicle driver as well as to other road users.
NHTSA Campaign Number 19V645000 indicated that the recall involved the trucks of the 5.3L and 6.2L engines, which used the vacuum pump design. According to GM, the accumulation of debris in the pump may cause oil contamination, resulting in lower braking control and a harder feeling of the brake pedal than usual.
ConsumerReports.org, in its report, had quoted several cases in whereby drivers have just escaped crashes due to their brakes suddenly becoming ineffective. GM has now given dealerships repair guidelines, yet thousands of owners are still complaining of lingering symptoms following service.
The recall demonstrates the serious safety problem that not only influences the ability to stop the performance but also to lose faith in vehicles that many people rely on in their daily lives and professional work.
The recall affects a number of model years of Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500. Particularly, 2014-2018 trucks were the most impactful and associated GMC Sierra models that were produced within the influence of the same period.
As per the official records that were issued by NHTSA.gov, General Motors had recalled about 3,456,111 vehicles in America. This consisted of 2WD and 4WD vehicles. It was also recalled on some Chevy Suburbans, Tahoes, and GMC Yukons models that had the same braking parts.
Most of the owners initially discovered the problem when their cars were under low speeds, especially when parking their cars, towing, or when in a traffic jam. The brake pedal would be unnaturally stiff, and the truck would take so much more effort to brake. According to some drivers, the problem was resolved by temporarily turning off the engine, which was indicative of an irregular vacuum supply.
The dealerships were asked to recalibrate the electronic brake control module (EBCM) to optimize the work of the systems. Nevertheless, not all the complaints were eliminated, and further investigations and warranty claims occurred.
When your truck is in the affected range, it is important to ensure that you prevent a recall by using the NHTSA VIN Lookup Tool or by directly contacting your local dealer of Chevrolet dealer.
The problem with brake pressure is not only annoying to drivers, but it is a life-threatening problem on roads. Reduced pressure affects the handling and even the response time of safety and in cases of emergency. The drivers have told of how they feel like they are pushing a brick, the brake pedal does not give in, and the truck does not want to decelerate. The major effects of the defect on driving performance are listed below.
A significant increase in the stopping distance is among the most worrisome defect symptoms. The trucks that used to pull up in a few seconds now take a few more feet or even yards to come to a stop.
This is exaggerated on large cars such as the Silverado. The drivers who pull trailers or carry heavy loads are at an even greater risk, as the extra weight also increases the braking difficulty.
Some complaints made by NHTSA outline some close encounters at crossroads and car parks. Every foot counts in such a scenario, and the lower the brake efficiency, the more it becomes a life-threatening incident in a normal stop.
The cause of the recall is the vacuum pump system, which offers power assistance to the brake pedal. A failure of this pump means that it will not be able to provide enough vacuum pressure to sustain hydraulic braking. Consequently, the pedal becomes stiff, and the dragging force reduces significantly.
The problem becomes more severe with time as the oil and debris block the internal parts. However, sooner or later, the system may break down completely, and the driver would have to rely on manual braking, which is hazardous in the case of a full-sized pickup.
Reports show that hundreds of safety complaints and 113 crashes before GM recalled the car were related to vacuum pump failure. Although the car manufacturer has implemented a solution, most customers complain that the recalls fail to fix wear that develops over time and still leads to breakdowns despite the services.
The low pressure and hard brake pedals directly create a high risk of accidents. This is a problem that drivers have been caught up with, as they are not in a position to respond in time more especially when there is a sudden stop.
This is of great concern, especially to the drivers who have trailers or those who drive in steep inclines, in the case of the Silverado.
Other owners complained that the braking system was intermittent – good one day, slow the next. This form of inconsistency causes a lack of confidence in the driver as well as difficulty in estimating the braking distance. It is much more than an inconvenience and a safety hazard.
In case your Chevy Silverado is part of the brake pressure recall, it is essential to act fast and keep safe, and defend your rights. A recall of over 3.4 million trucks was issued by GM that includes the majority of 2014-2018 Silverado trucks because of a failure of the vacuum pump, which decreases the power of the brakes and extends the stopping distance. Here’s what you should do next.
Check your vehicle by visiting the NHTSA recall look-up or the Chevrolet recall page to verify whether your vehicle is subject to a recall. Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located somewhere on your registration or the lower part of your windshield. Not all Silverados in a model year are covered, so it is necessary to check your VIN.
In case your Chevy truck is recalled, call a certified dealer of Chevrolet dealer. Repairs are also free, and they usually involve the reprogramming of the electronic brake control module or the replacement of the vacuum pump. Demand that you provide documentation of your recall service as it has been performed- that is essential to your records and your resale value in the future.
After the work on the brakes, even after the recall, many drivers have reported that the problems did not disappear. On CarComplaints.com and on Consumer Reports Complaints, it is reported to have repeat stiffness in the brake pedal and slow stopping power.
In case of a relapse of these symptoms, report the problem again to your dealership to NHTSA.gov. There is also a chance that you can claim under the Lemon Law, in case several attempts to repair the defect do not resolve the problem.
Keep a duplicate of all repair bills, service, and correspondence with your dealership. In the case of persisting braking problems in your vehicle, this paper would prove very important in seeking compensation or buyback as provided in the state Lemon Laws.
When you have had several efforts of repairing your Silverado but the braking issue remains, then you might be able to receive legal compensation. A lemon law lawyer may evaluate your situation and choose whether you deserve a replacement, refunds, or money damages.
Bottom Line
Brake defects not only pose an inconvenience but are also dangerous. Check your recall, take action, and record all services. In case the braking problems in your truck are enduring, contact Lemon My Vehicle and get your free case assessment and have the right to a safe and reliable ride.
Lemon My Vehicle has a legal team that deals with recurring defects in the manufacturer and assists the truck owners to get the money they rightfully deserve at no cost at all. Get in touch with us today!
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