GM Fights Critics Demanding Recall Over Brake Lines

GM has recalled nearly 29 million vehicles this year, but the company is refusing to recall another 6 million pickup trucks that have brake line issues. 

That is because GM claims the problem with the brake lines is normal wear-and-tear on vehicles that are at least 10 years old, and that the problem only exists in States that use road salt in the winter.

“Brake line wear on vehicles is a maintenance issue that affects the auto industry, not just General Motors,” said GM in a statement. “The trucks in question are long out of factory warranty and owners’ manuals urge customers to have their brake lines inspected the same way brake pads need replacement for wear. In fact, more than 20 states require brake line inspections at one- or two-year intervals or when stopped for a violation.”

SEE ALSO: GM Recalls Another 8.4 Million Vehicles

The vehicles in question are the 1993 to 2003 Chevy Silverado, Sierra and Suburban along with the 2000 to 2003 Taho and Yukon. So far, 26 collisions have been reported as a result of this issue, and 10 additional accidents have occurred when drivers had to steer off the road to avoid a collision.

Clarence Ditlow, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety told CNN Money that he has no doubt that this should be a recall. “This is not like other maintenance items like brake pads,” he said. “You don’t go into a garage when you get your oil changed and say ‘Check my brake lines.'” Despite this, Ditlow did say that NHTSA can decide not to order a recall because of the age of the vehicles.

[Source: CNN Money]

Discuss this story at our GM Forum