The LA Times reported today that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has begun a preliminary investigation into brake failure in 6 million GMC and Chevrolet full-size pickup trucks. According to the Times, the agency has received 110 complaints of brake failure in 1999 through 2003 model Chevrolet and GMC C/K series pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles. The complaints all allege loss of effectives of the brakes due to corrosion.
The NHTSA is trying to figure out whether the corrosion is caused by the use of salt in icy and snowy Northern states, which may be damaging brake controls.
In 37 complaints received by the NHTSA, dealer inspection confirmed the brake line failure. In three complaints, the failure resulted in a collision. General Motors is cooperating with the government agency's investigation into sudden loss of brake power and a "longer-than-expected" stopping distance in the vehicles.
According to the Times, defect and compliance investigations led by the NHTSA have resulted in 524 recalls effective 23.5 million cars in the last three years.
Read the full article in the LA Times.
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